The Coming of the Storm

Greetings Readers

Bad Ass

Or so I do from time to time think of myself upon Mother Earth.

Yet, I know from a different point of view I was stupid. Your view depending on how you see the world from your eyes, as well as read.

As living as a true American I have that freedom to view myself how I want to others as well as have a voice (an opinion).

Yet, let me be truthful to myself I seriously fucked myself on my ride home.

I did not leave to go home until about 8:15 last night. As I waited for the parking garage door to open fully I saw the gleaming wet pavement from the sodium arc streetlights and knew that either rain or snow awaited me.

Neither really. It was that pellet like sized hail that was falling in the late evening night. I soon quickly found out that the wind was blowing from the West and North and steadily.

When I did turn to bike North I immediately felt the pellet like snow hit my face and it hurt. Also, on my exposed legs I felt the stinging of the pellet like snow hit my thighs. It did not hurt, but I would soon feel the pain of the pellet like snow hitting my thighs.

I rode about 100 yards when the intensity of the falling snow picked up dramatically. I knew at that moment I had to alter my course and head for the Light Rail Station.

From earlier this morning when listening to Fox News 31 I heard that the storm that was forecasted to come to Denver was going to start in the evening. No, definite time was given, but I thought that that storm would be well after 8 PM. Alas, I was wrong.

I made it to the Light Rail Station and waited in areas that were dry (in a manner of speaking) from the current snow falling. I was not cold, but I could feel the cold. Meaning, I was not miserable – yet.

Matter of fact, I was in good spirits. I was taking Light Rail and I was relatively dry, for the moment. I was so feeling the moment I decided to take a picture at the Light Rail Station and was hoping to use the light sources at the Light Rail station to show how heavy the pellet like snow was falling. I think I was able to capture that moment.

Soon, the Light Rail Train came and I boarded and warmed up a bit. Again, I was not cold, but knew that I needed to get warmed up from being outside for about 15 minutes.

While sitting I decided that I needed another picture of me out in this weather. Although where was I going to take that picture at. Then, it occurred to me – that new water Fountain that is located right off the Arapahoe Light Rail Station. I knew that the fountain would be on as well as the lights that are located in the fountain.

I reached the fountain around 8:30, I estimate, and the place was empty. Good. I tried to find a nice picture-taking place and soon located a spot where I could place the camera on auto timer and then pose.

I took several pictures; most without the flash since I knew from previous experiences that the flash at the distance I was going to pose at was not going to help. I was worried about blur, which I did have on more than half of the pictures I took, but I was able to actually get a few pictures I liked. They probably could have been better, but I am more than okay with the results I got. All in all, at least all the pictures did not come out blurry.

I really liked when I was able to get the orange and red lights captured in the picture. The purple, green and blue did not have the “effect” that caught my eye. By the way Readers, the falling pellet like snow was falling harder, but also changing over to snowflakes, which meant that the air was getting colder. Good, but not good.

So, I spent several minutes at the fountain taking timer pictures and soon the time came to ride home. There was no thought of heading to the nearest enclosed RTD bus stop. Actually, I was not sure that the bus on that route was even running anymore. So, instead of taking the chance with the thumb up my ass I knew I had to suck it up and ride home (all downhill.) Well, the snow and pellet like snow was falling in a mix. I was wet from all the picture posing and my exposed legs were wet and cold.

So, me riding west into the night was tough. I had to hold up my right had to block the snow from hitting my eyeballs. I had my Red Iridium lens on my Oakley’s, which meant I could not wear them at night since that lens blocks out light. I had not gone about 50 yards when I felt each of those pellet like snow hit every part of my expose thigh. It really hurt, but I think that was to the cold actually making my expose part of the thigh cold. Reflecting on the moment, I think my thighs were actually tingling from being so cold.

Here is where I had a choice. Ride fast and feel the stinging of the pellet like snow hit my thighs. As well as feel the wind cooling my body down. What did (or did not) help was that my ride was basically all downhill. I could get home without really pedaling, but that is not what I wanted. As long as I felt that I was moving my legs I felt I was able to keep a bit warmer longer while pedaling.

The other choice was to ride slowly. The softer the pellet like snow would hit my exposed thighs and the less I would feel the cold air when riding. The negative part about this choice is that I would be longer out in the night as well getting colder and wetter.

What did not help Readers – as I was riding through Greenwood Village I stuck to the streets, as opposed to the sidewalk. Hardly any traffic and I did not know the lay of the sidewalks in the dark. I would rather ride in the streets and street gutters where I know the terrain as opposed to the sidewalk since I hardly ever ride on sidewalks.

Well, Readers that was a mistake. Big fucking mistake. Apparently, it was a bit warmer in the DTC area, which meant that there was snowflakes, pellet like snow and rain falling all at the same time. Needless to say when I rode into the street gutter I rode into a gutter full of water – cold water. That cold water soaked my shoes instantly as well as get splashed on my legs and the back of my back from the rear tire. Not to mention the front tire that splashed up water into my face and chest. In a manner of feet I was soaking wet. Fuck me. I knew better, but I just did not think of expecting that until it was too late.

The last mile was tough Readers. The closer you know that you are home the further it seems away when you are miserable or in my case, cold, soaking wet, thighs tingling and wondering if I am going to damage some skin from the cold weather and cold elements.

And that Readers, was my ride home from a picture perfect Dawn morning. I have also included a few pictures from this morning, which I took the time to snap a few shots of me in all my glory.

On a serious note, I have decided to take off my Pink Bracelet (supporting the Komen Foundation.) Wearing that Pink Rubber bracelet was to support the Komen foundation, but more importantly to show the world the few women in my life who were diagnosed with breast cancer and survived affected me indirectly. As well as the ones that did not and for that reason also is why I especially wore that pink rubber bracelet.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

An October Monday with Lily

Greetings Readers

I had to leave the humble abode early this morning due to end of month "stuff."

According to the news weatherperson, not meteorologist, Crystal Eggers (Fox news channel 31-Denver), she had said the is coldest morning by far yet this fall. I do not know, but that did not keep me from only wearing biking shorts.

Today, I wanted to wear biking shorts;no long biking pants.

I woke up early and onery today and was going to show it - whether it be biking or at work today.

Since I was leaving for work pretty early I decided to catch Light Rail so I could get to work early and get the "party started." Oh, and it really was not that cold. Cold, but not cold cold as Crystal predicted. Perhaps she was hungover and her veins were still constricted from the night before - hah hah - I do not know, but I am just saying that it was not that cold.

I had to take Lily this morning due to what happened to Andrea yesterday - that was fucked up and I have yet to post the post, but will do so tomorrow; if not too busy.

Lily was ready and I was ready.

And that my faithful Readers was the ride this morning. I decided to get some pictures of myself in the early morning on the last Monday in October 2009.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre

Greetings Readers

I am not going to say that I got my wish. But. Desire. Oh yes! Or perhaps it was the words of my blog. Am I that powerful of a writer? A blogger? Nope. Only in my world.

Well, was it on Monday that I wrote about Coors Amphitheatre and what I thought about the venue?

As I was listening to FOX news this morning I hear a blurb that caught my ears. The TV was on for background noise when I hear "Coors Amphitheatre." I stopped and ran into the living room to see what was being said.

I can not say word for word, but basically Coors Amphitheatre is no longer. I was shocked. Then, I hear that Coors is pulling their name in favor of focusing soley on sport events. Nothing more was given besides that.

I am happy. Old School. Old School Baby!

Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre. The way it shall be from now til the end of my time.

I guess I should actually talk about the venue. Yes, I have seen many concerts there and it is a place to see a concert. Not anywhere close to the grandeur of the Red Rocks Venue, but I do like the idea of a venue right near where I live. Yes, mainly because of distance. I also like getting the "lawn" seating and just sitting and enjoying a concert while sitting on the "green." I could care less about the spectacle and sound, per se, since I am way in the back of the venue.

I will tell you what I like. I like sitting on the lawn enjoying hopefully a nice evening, with a beer/Jack Daniels in my hand and having someone to enjoy the concert with. I also like to watch other people in back. I like seeing a parent/parents with their younger child(ren) and perhaps seeing a concert for a first time and the pure joy of seeing a concert with their mom/dad.

Yes, I was moved once by a Dad that brought his daughter to an Iron Maiden concert years ago. The Dad was probably my age, a typical looking dad and his young daughter (7-10 years old I assumed) dancing and talking to Dad while they were on the "green." I remember thinking to myself, wow - taking his daughter to an Iron maiden Concert. Definitely Old School, but definite not a stuck up Dad. This was the music that he and I probably listened to while in High School.

And yes readers, I will keep my eye out and take a NEW picture of me in front of the new, old sign of Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre when I see the signage displayed in the area that I took the picture earlier this week.

By the way, I want to think it was the voice of me (my blog) that made the change back to Fiddler's Green this week. Oh yes, I am that powerful of a writer. I have that kind of power. yes, I am smiling like a dictator probably would.

Anyway, I better get off my soapbox, before I get myself high on a pedestal.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Caught Without My Pants

Greetings Readers

Yep, I have no excuse(s) (as with the Ignorant Biker - he/she would have any excuse ready for you) nor will I blame anyone for being caught out in the snow this evening in this particular state of dress.

I knew the news weather "Fore"-cast that was going to be for today. Rain/Snow was expected to be for today, but I was under the impression that the rain/snow was not going to be until after 6 or until later this evening. I was not expecting the snow to start at 3:00 PM where I work. Sure enough that was the case. I even listen to the news this morning and that Crystal on FOX news said snow would be falling later this evening. Yeah, I know, I know - I should have packed my long bike pants and wore a jacket to be safe, but I just did not want to. Period.

I was fucked.. er past tense - I am fucked. I gambled, which meant that I am stuck without a jacket and long bike pants. I did take a picture to capture how I got caught in the snow storm that started this afternoon.

I went to the "Sunday Ritual" picture taking place to take a picture since I have had not taken a "Ritual Sunday" picture for about a month now.

Actually, the weather was not too bad and the evening was actually warmer than it was this morning. Oh yes readers, I was pretty cold this morning while going to work this morning. Yet, this evening I was okay. There was a slight "bite of cold" in the gusty wind blowing, but very very doable. The snow flakes kept hitting my eyeballs which was a bit annoying so I had to ride with one hand up blocking the snow from hitting my eyeballs. No big deal - I will adapt and not make a whole post to feel sorry about me.

Not this guy. Hah Hah - okay, every now and then I will write to feel I need sympathy, but by no means am I looking for sympathy. Like is not fair and not everything is handed to everyone on a silver platter. Nor do I need your sympathy in general. =) Unless you are a cute Blonde with eyes to turn on any guy, such as myself.

I did get quite a few looks and comments and even one vehicle (pictured in the back of this picture) turn around and ask if I was OK. Yeah right, perhaps she saw my "tight well muscled developed thighs" and this was an excuse to ask me anything to me. Or of me. [Well, the picture did not capture the thighs nicely - the thighs actually look bland =( perhaps it was the cold, me not showing off the thighs and I do not even remember if I was flexing for the picture.]

Oh yes readers, I am laughing as much as you are. Nope. I am sure that it was not my "tight well developed thighs", but I will be Damn if that the passenger was fucking oh so Cute. She is right up Mr. Charley's alley on what he likes. Nope, I did nothing, except to respond "No, I am OK" and smiled. I then ran to my bike to get the picture you see on today's post before the timer expired. Oh yes, she was real cute. Even more so when I smiled back. Damn - I was thinking about the picture shot and did not even think about making small talk to her. Shaking my head in disbelief. I could have had a date with this unknown woman. Who knows.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Melissa Mollet - Light Rail Station

Greetings Readers

I know, I know - The "Nautica Incident", my post of that blogger being "Sideswiped", my first biking accessories and the Ironman Hawaii 2008 all have yet to be addressed by me. I am going to try and make a real effort tonight.

And the new topic for today - Melissa Mollet - from FOX news local here in Denver. I got up pretty early since I went to bed semi-early. I saw that there was an issue with the Light Rail on the route that I take when I do take Light Rail. But - that's not the point - I saw Melissa Mollet. I have a "TV crush" on her since she is one of the better looking (not to mention - more intelligence) than the women news reporters on local TV.

I recognzied (know) the particular Light Rail station she was at and right there in my living room I decided to go see her in real person. Not meaning to actually to meet her, but just to see her with my own eyes. I got dressed as soon as possible and got biking. And did I ever dress fast =).

While biking on the way to the Light Rail station I saw a traffic accident and I did take some pictures. Just in case one of the drivers decides to make it a "Hit and Run" and I needed to be a witness. Though - for a price! I'm nice, but not that nice! I can be bought for the right price and the right offer. Wink wink. Hey, you never know readers, my photograph(s) could be easily deleted from my digital camera and my memory could go blank unless I get paid. "Nothing going on but the rent" a phrase I heard on a movie, I think.

I did not dally too long at the scene of the accident, since I was on a mission to go see Melissa Mollet. As I was nearing the RTD Light Rail Station I could see that the TV antenna (from the mobile van) was still extended into the sky so I knew that she was there. I biked even faster knowing that time was against me in this case. As I exited the parking garage onto the loading area I saw Melissa in the distance and the TV camera at the other end of the loading area. I biked along the track sort of out of the way, but still making myself being seen on camera. After I biked past the range of the camera I turned around and then took out the camera and snapped a couple of pictures of Melissa Mollet. Granted, she is bundled up, but I could still see what I see what I like about her.

No, I am not a "stalker" but today I made it a mission to go see her in real life. She is apparently married. And I am not "taken" with her, but she is better looking than the rest of the local news caster. And a whole lot smarter/better than that Angie Austin (Channel 2 news). If you want to laugh just see Angie in action. This blonde does fit the stereotype blonde - fucking dumb - matter of fact dumber than dumb.

Side Note: Years ago - Angie was interviewing Reggie and it was a question and answer interview. Then, Reggie has said something to the effect "I like Opie Gone Bad." Angie did not miss a beat (That sentence did a fly by). Angie leans forward and in a sort of whispering voice and something to the effect "I too like when Opie goes bad" or something very similar to that. Point being - Angie did not have a fucking clue that "Opie Gone Bad" was a music group. I think, Angie thought perhaps Opie Gone Bad was a reference to the Andy Griffith Show and Ron Howard as Opie, being bad. Anyway, after Angie said that the look from Reggie was priceless. Since this was on the morning news Reggie did not correct her, but just let it go, but his look was just so priceless. I shook my head and further cemented the fact that Angie is dumb.

Another Side Note: In my opinion - Angie's whole fucking body blocks the blue screen that shows all the temperatures and days showing the temps. She goes from one side of the screen to the other side and by then the screen has changed to another graphic. But during the whole time she is being shown in front of the blue screen she takes up 1/3 of the screen. Meanwhile, we never get to the see the entire screen graphics since she/someone changes to the next screen - sunset, sunrise, highs, lows, city temps, state temps, etc. This could be a whole subject in itself. Though, I do not watch Channel 2 news anymore since Dan Daru left (with his wife Wendy) to Channel 31 FOX news and Angie taking up the 1/3 of the weather screen and her mundane comments and fake laugh.

Pictured on today's post - is Melissa Mollet with me taking the picture. Isn't she just adorable? Hah hah. I guess I can cross that off my list "of things to do before I die"

By the readers - this is my opinion and by no means I am saying that this is what is being shown to the word. I know what I see and this is how I am interrepting what I see and hear. You can watch for yourself, if you are in Colorado, and make your own judgement.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Back into Morning News Routine

Greetings Readers

Well, well, well, I actually did not have time to start a post for today. Time got away and time is about to get away for me this evening. If I have a moment I try to get a subject in, but I really have things to do.

Granted, that is not an excuse, but at least I am making an effort to make an entry.

It is currently snowing and the snow flakes are fluffly and the wind is blowing from North to South and gosh darn - I am cold. Yet, I am warmer than I have been from the cold last week, excluding this weekend when we actually got into the 50's. Pretty amazing for that crazy Colorado weather. Now, we are back into the 20's and 30's for the rest of the week. And yes I will gladly take that over the single digits.

By the way, pictured (Peggy B) is a fill in anchor/reporter that I saw on Fox News this morning. This photo is too much, but what I saw on the television this morning does not do her justice. I guess you could say that she made my heart go thump de thump. I am not sure what drew me immediately. Perhaps her face, the eyes, her demeanor. I just do not know. Anyway, today was the first time in 2 and a half months that I actually got to watch FOX news in the morning. I will tell you what readers - I did not miss a fucking thing. Still dumb joking around. Jokes about the bald headed guy who does traffic. Plain unjustified laughing with the women newscasters. And the usual "let me tell the whole world" about what my life since the last newscast.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Rockies vs. Soxs

Greetings Readers

Well, I was doing the thing I wanted to do for the 200th post last night, but I did not get done. It is taking a lot longer than I anticipated.

Rockies this. Rockies that. Rockies whatever. Rockies. How many fucking times do I have to hear this?! Granted, I am behind the Rockies, but when the national, international news gets pushed back to 10 or 15 minutes later in the broadcast... well that's a problem. We have California on fire and hardly a blurb on TV. A quick minute or so and then back to the Rockies this. Rockies that. Give me a fucking break.

I had to stop watching local news and the newspaper. Rockies this. Rockies that,

By the way, did you know that there are purple colored dumpsters just for showing support for the Rockies. So Fucking what. Did you know that the dumpsteres are downtown? those supposed Rockies Dumpsters. So fucking what. Hey did you know that those Rockies dumpsters will make a personal appearance at the victory parade should there be one? Again, who fucking cares? Oh, did you know that the dumpster look like any other dumpsters, except they are purple? Again, So what the fuck. And, I hate to say this readers, on Monday I actually watched this transpire on FOX news in the morning. The dumpsters are freshly painted purple, but dented and there is no Colorado Rockies Logo. So, If I painted a Dumpster orange does that mean I support Oranges? Get the fuck out of here. Again, the Purple Dumpster news was "bigger" news than the Fires in California when I saw the news days ago. Fucked Up.

Urgh. Yes, I am tired of hearing this and that. Everyone and their grandmother knows everything about the Colorado Rockies and they even have to say to me "do you want to hear these questions that someone asked a few of the Colorado Rockies Baseball Players- If the Rockies win and there is a movie who would you play your part in the movie?" Again, who in the fuck cares. How does this help me like the Colorado Rockies More? How is this relevent?

Yep, I have thrown the "Fuck" word around quite a few times in this post, but that is about how much I feel about hearing Rockies this. Rockies that. Say is it nice weather that must mean good luck for the Rockies. Again, I do not see the correlation to weather and good luck for the Rockies. Perhaps the news people need to look in their studio and take a look at the weather and see where the cold/hot fronts and jet streams are and they will see the cause of the good weather in Colorado. Yet, I can hear the rebuttal - Well, God is making the weather good for the Rockies and this is not just a natural event. Get the Fuck out of here with that fucked up logic!

Well, I better get going before I start going off more and more. Rockies this and Rockies that.

By the way readers, there is already the "special" plaque with some dirt from Coors Field in the coin attached to the plaque I saw in the paper the other day. Get the Fuck out of here.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

New Bike Seat & Tail Lights

Greetings Readers

The night as started coming earlier and earlier and yes I had to go to the bike store and buy a couple of taillights. I can at least thank the biking gods that the lights were on sale.

I just did not want to spend the money that I had to in order to put some taillights on my bikes. I know what you are probably thinking. He has ten bikes and he still has to buy some taillights. Well yes. It is sort of that "one sock lost in the dryer". Somehow, between the time that I take off the taillight in Spring and the time now, Fall, the tail lights mysteriously disappear. Most of them are not the Cat eye brand so I could care less about losing them. But the Cat eye's that I do own I watch out for them carefully. Matter of fact the lights go right next to my Tour de France water bottles.

I digress. So I bought some tail lights and I will install them tonight when I get home. Wait! I never told you readers that about a month or two months ago I saw a seat, bike seat, that was in the bargain bin. Anyway, at that time it was about 60 dollars. The seat was apparently long forgotten on some high shelf and was found back then when they decided to clear and check inventory. So, the bike seat itself was about two years old and they want half price of the same brand of seat they were trying to compare to. I almost bit, but I did not. So, I browsed the bargain bin once more tonight and behold the same seat I saw one or two months ago was on sale for $ 25.00. Wait! The bargain bin said "make an offer, no reasonable offer refused."

I said would you take $ 20.00 for the seat? Guess what I got a brand new seat for $ 20.00 and the seat is Selle San Marco. My favorite brand of seat.

Woo Hoo.

A question readers. I was watching FOX news local in Denver and my ever so favorite Heidi (yes being sarcastic) was reporting the news on Arapahoe Basin and what new thing was installed this year. Anyway, the she was reading away and then she said something to the effect. Arapahoe Basin was sure not to upset the balance of the Ecosystem. Now, here is where I got a bit confused. She pronounced ecosystem like "Echo-system" and not like "EEcoe-system". Is this something like "potatoe" and "potato" and "tomatoe" and "tomato"? I just do not know. I thought about writing about this since I love "to call" on FOX's news I hear before work. I might have to pull out my trusty 6 inch dictionary.

Update 09/29/07: I found a picture of the tail lights that I bought this day.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Wimbledon 2007 - Day 3

Greetings Readers

I got settled down last night and watched the Henman vs Moya continuation match and I was ready to see what transpired. I had listened to the match on radio Wimbledon so I know who won and was able to put some of the announcing I heard to what was I saw last night on my tape.

I am not going to say the match was "awesome" but the feeling was phenomenal. I would have loved to be there on Henman's Hill. I do not want sound like everyone else, but I do have to say that seeing the people on Henman's Hill and all the "Brits" cheering for a "Fallen Athlete" brought me to attention. I would even say there was a feeling of being proud for Henman. Here was Tim. Tim in the past years has fallen from the top of the game, but not forgotten. There are the commentators, such as that Mary C., who would say something "nice" in the current match and then say something "mean" like Henman needs to get off the court. Or I heard last night that people actually called on "Henman" to retire since he could not play well anymore.

Now readers, I hate those "comments" the commentators, the same people, who are so bias and one sided in the commentating. I just had to write this since this still bothers me when Mary C's fucking mouth opens. I digress...

I wanted Henman to win. I know of Henman in the past, but I do not follow him.

Yet, this match captured my attention since Tim is a Brit, it is Wimbledon, Murray is out, and England needs "a hero" to do good at Wimbledon. He played good, but not well. Moya was the same. A lot of serve and volley. And a lot of at net action. In one case of at net action the ball did not hit the ground until after four hits from each player. Boom-boom-boom-boom then point won.

The action picked up in the fifth set at 9/9. Henman and Moya both wanted the win so badly, but contained their emotions. The only emotion from Henman was the shaking of his fist ever so slightly. A silent subdue fist shake, but a very, very unsaid "Come on!" (as Mr Hewitt would yell)

In the end - Henman won and the fans in centre court and Henman's Hill stood and cheered for their "gentleman". Congrats. Thank you for getting Wimbledon off to the first "good" match of the week. Granted, it took two days to complete, but well worth the drama.

This morning, I heard that my girl has once again won and has advanced onto the next round! Boo-yah. Wimbledon is currently in rain delay and I am not sure if it has been lifted. I think that the delay happened about 2 hours ago.

Today's picture on my blog is me. Yep - me. My blog from yesterday made the special highlighted blog section of the blog page. Pretty cool to see me and my blog on the webpage being singled out. Woo Hoo

I visited three different bike station on the Ride to Work day. Granted, I bike to work everyday, but this is the first time that I actually registered for the event. I even got to stop at some of the bike stations for the first time. Nothing really special - but got a couple of free bagels, ice teas, tool kit, reflectors, a 1 day pass at a gym, button and little other misc things. So, instead of my usual 6.04 mile trip I went 12 miles this morning.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The McDonald's Incident - almost

Greetings Readers

I guess I will start with the picture that has made my day "right" again. I see that http://www.myfoxcolorado/ on the Blogs tab I have had another photo selected for the community pages. I am not sure if there are not enough pictures for them to chose from. Our I am just that darn beautiful. I know, I know, get the fuck out of here. Hah hah. Well, I got to get the laughs from myself if I am not going to get them from someone/anyone else.

Just Be
DJ Tiesto

Now, onto the story that sort of got me almost bent out of shape this morning. I decided that I was hungry this morning. Well, let me say that I was craving a McMuffin of some sort. I knew not what I wanted. And I would not have a clue until I actually got to the counter.

So, I got to the McDonald's Lonetree at 9800 South Yosemite; Lonetree, CO 80124. When I walked in I could smell the hash browns. That was what got my attention first and the McMuffin no longer seemed appealing. Yet, I thought to myself that a Combo meal would be just fine. I walk up to the counter and asked

"So, tell me what is the most popular combo that people choose?"

I said this very nicely. Well, I must of got the "immigrant" who does not understand what I just said or was not going to answer my question. She looks at me mumbles something and points to the menu and says...

"The meals are up there" or something to that effect.

"I know where the menu is, but what is the popular McMuffin that people chose?"

Well, she just looks at me and gives me the "I can wait" attitude. Well readers, you can figure out where this is going. I looked at her a few seconds back and I knew that this was going to be like talking to a "mutt" dog. I then said

"I will have the Sausage Egg Muffin. Number 2."

She says to me

"2?"

"Yes. Number 2"

"You want 2?"

"I will have number 2" and I hold up two digits of my fingers, like the universal "peace sign."

"You want two number two's?"

Check this readers. Sure I was mad, but not mad in the sense that she did not understand. Two can play this fucked up exchanged. I pull out the other ear phone from my right ear and got up in her face and said slowly

"I want combo meal number 2. period"

She opened her mouth to most likely say that I wanted two orders. But it must of been the look in my eyes and she shut that fucking partly open mouth of hers and rung my order up. Oh you bet I checked the display on the register and sure as shit that immigrant knew who owned this conversation.

I have to state this readers and I am sure that my faithful readers know that there was going to be a "throw down" if she charged me for two. A "throw down" by meaning that I was going to raise the roof in Lonetree. I have no problem making a spectacle when I am right. Granted, there were only two other customers in McDonald's but I would do the "throw down" just to get myself worked up. And honestly, I "feed off" the energy of showing that this fucking customer "is right"

Well, I gave her my cash and then she proceeded to give me my change. So she had her hand cupped with the coins and then the bills in between her fingers. I was still a bit worked up that I had to repeat myself several times. Yep you heard me right readers I actually let this immigrant get away with me repeating myself more than two times. As soon as she dumped the coins in my hand I immediately took my left away and then held out my right hand as far to her left that it did not look to obvious what I was doing. I made sure that she had to work to give me my money back to me. Uh-uh. You do not "played dumb" with this customer. Needless to say she gave me a quick look and I could see that she wanted, so wanted, to say something. By then there was this small smile on my face and knew she better not try her luck any further than she did. So she had to move her right hand to her left and I did not make any attempt to move my hand any further closer to her hand.

I did not get the last word though. Of all the McMuffins pre-made I got the one that was black, burnt on the very edge of the muffin. I took about two seconds to decide whether to take this up with the Manager or LIG. Needless to say, I smiled big and lightly laughed at myself while shaking my head with the attitude of unbelievable. The Sausage McMuffin was not bad, but I only ate about half the McMuffin and demolished the Hash Browns.

LaMont would say that was Karma. I would not say that.

Readers, in case I do not blog this weekend you better wish/call that mother and say "Happy Mother's Day"

until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

What is up with the Damn M&M's ?!

Greetings Readers

I do not eat the Blue M&M’s. Period.

I do not have to tell you the reason why I do not consume the Blue M&M’s. I do not have to give an explanation to anyone. Nor do I “owe” you readers an explanation. I have my reasons. I can tell you - go fuck yourself. I can tell you it is none of your god-damn business. I can and have the right to ask you why do you care. I can tell you there are more portentous items than why I do not eat the Blue M&M’s.

I do not care if the M&M’s are plain, peanuts, peanut butter, or dark chocolate. I just do not eat the Blue M&M’s. I am not saying that I have not eaten a Blue M&M in X amount of days. Sure it happens that I might grab a handful of M&M’s and eat them all without segregating the M&M’s by color. But very, very rarely does that happen.

Yes readers, I divide my M&M’s by color before I eat them. And! I am not the only person on planet Earth that does this segregation. Matter of fact, the person who instigated this blog – LaMont does the separation process that I just mentioned. I am not sure if he does this subconsciously, but I was witness to this incident.

I do have a reason why I do this particular ritual, but I do not owe anyone a reason why. I will admit to you readers though this would not be an uncommon element in my existence. I am very, very analytical about most factors in my life. There has to be an unfluctuating order in my life and any “chaos” that I can elude - I will do. Hah hah. Readers, there are others who would declare “Damn that is one fucked up guy to do that!” You readers are entitled to your opinion and I would think not one thought about what you think. Believe me, there are many things other people do that are more fucked up than what I do. Hah hah.

You bet readers. How many of you readers put your pen in your mouth at work? Well, consider this. I bet none of you put your pen in a place that no one would use it by chance. Perhaps leave the pen laying on your desk/table, or put in the pen holder when not using the pen, or someone borrows your pen for a moment when you are not present. Who knows what/where that pen might be picked up by someone. Could that person put a portion of your pen in their mouth? Or chew on the pen cap. Perhaps the person who borrows that pen washed their hands in the restroom, but did not use a paper towel to open the restroom door thus acquiring other germs? Or maybe that person wiped their nose with some part of their hand / fingers. You just do not know or do not know to care.

I am thinking about all those things, but I bet most of you readers are not. So – who is more fucked up? Will I sleep better for watching myself about those things I mentioned? You bet. Will you readers sleep better not even thinking about that? You bet. No one is right or wrong in their view. We all have heard that phrase “what you don’t know can’t hurt you.” Well, what I know that you don’t know may hurt you. Think about that the next time you use your pen.

Getting back to the M&M’s. In my opinion – yes, there is a slight taste/texture to each of the M&M’s colors. I could care less about what the chemical make up of each color is. For example, I think I heard that a color red dye had a hazardous substance to that particular number back in the day. There may or may not a reason, but I organize my colors into each of their own color piles. No, I do not have a particular color that I must start with or end eating with. Just as long as I eat all the same color before moving onto the next pile of color.

Again readers, I do not condone the people who eat M&M’s what I would call - recklessly. These are most likely the same people who do not think about other things I do not take for granted. How filthy money is. How dirty restrooms are. What could be / is on the salt & pepper shakers at the restaurants. Who sneezes/coughs without covering their mouth. Or they sneeze in their hands and then grab a door handle. Yuck, yuck and yuck!

These are things that I think of constantly. Do I let that ruin/lead my life? No. I do take whatever steps to avoid those things. Yet, there is the extreme. There are people that have to wash their hands 20 to 50 times in one day. Or people that have to check the door locks 10 times or more just to be sure that they locked the door. There are others that have to use a new bar of soap each time they wash their hands. You could say OCD. Would I? I would not say it was not OCD, but I also would not say it is OCD. I definitely do not consider myself an OCD.

Do not concern yourself about why I separate my M&M’s into their own solid color of piles. And do not worry why I do not eat the Blue M&M’s. I have my reasons and they are none of your fucking business.

You can take that a face value. You can take that personally. You can laugh at me. You can think whatever you want about me. Does not matter. I sleep like a baby who goes to sleep content.

You readers can ponder, wonder how this came all about. Who knows. I can tell you readers I was fortunate to be raised in a lifestyle wealthier than most of you readers did when growing up. I did get what I always wanted… well I would have to say that I almost did get everything I wanted. I was not spoiled, but did have the benefit of having a preference about things, in general. Was I born with a silver spoon? Perhaps. Do I currently eat with silver ware? Oh yes! Only the best in that department.

If I did not like a certain food when growing up, I had the choice not to eat that food. There was always something else to be eaten or could be made for me to eat. Or I just did not eat at all.

I remember this tidbit from my youth – approximately 1st to 3rd grade for me. I loathed green olives, but I loved the red thing that I could slurp out of the green olive. So, my parents bought me jar of olives and let me only eat the red portion of the olive. I did not have to eat the green olive itself. That was a choice. Not stuck up. To a child that is choice and not a “problem”. Also back in the day there was no one saying “there is a whole village in Africa that is going hungry and you just threw away a week’s worth of food that could feed an entire village on the Serengeti.

Presently, I do imply that saying. Famine is everywhere and I hate wasting food. Now, I really do know that there is a starving village out there in Africa.

The Blue M&M’s that I do not eat, I often give away. If not, then yes I will throw away the Blue M&M’s. Those Blue M&M’s are my leftovers. Those Blue M&M’s are my “rejects”. Those Blue M&M’s are not good enough for me to eat.

Do not bite the hand that feeds you or offers you a gift. Yes, a gift in my view, but in your eyes you may see that as “my leftovers.” I do give the Blue M&M’s to the fortunate / unfortunate people and if you decide to throw them away – so be it. Not my concern. I could care less. At least I was thinking about other people than just me. I every now and then do show some non-selfish qualities about myself.

As I stated in my opening line and will use as my ending line - “I do not eat the Blue M&M’s. Period.”

Changing topics, if you readers can not guess from the blog pic that graces this blog, well I have made the community news blog front page. I guess my "Soldier Statue" blog from this blog was something worthy of front page news. As my favorite Simpson would say again - Woo Hoo!

And the Season Finale of the Amazing Race - All Stars. A very tough choice to pick a winner from the three that are left. I think that almost all of us faithful viewers do not care for any of the teams that are left to win the million dollars. My co-worker chose the "Beauty Queens" and I chose "Charla & Mirna" I agree with my co-worker that the Beauty Queens have an 80 % chance to win tonight. Yet, something inside of me is rooting for Charla. Charla has so many things and because of her size I see her as the underdog. As with most "underdogs" I want them to finish first, to win. I could care less about Mirna.

Until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Making the Community Page

Greetings Readers

Nothing to blog today. I checked www.myfoxcolorado.com and saw that I made the community page with one of my cycling pictures. Do not worry readers - I do not regularly post. If I post there I lose my rights to the post. So, I have to be careful on what I want to post there.

until the next time

Daryl Charley

The Fallen Athlete

A mis-mash of Information

Greetings People

What a beautiful morning to be living. Some days I wake up to tackle the world and there is nothing in the world that is going to stop or topple me from my pedistal.

I had grilled, BBQ, more chicken last night. Pretty nice dinner once more. No "other" fragrance was smelled.

I had stopped at the 7-11 this morning to get my Litre of Coke and who do I see staring at me from the magazine rack? A fat little child in a red shirt, blue gloves and hat and would say "You just got F'd in the A"? Come on readers. Yep - Cartman! To see him on the front of the magazine this morning was just the icing on top of the cake. I was smiling ear to ear and now I am going to have to buy the magazine later tonight. I also saw the words 10 years. Has it been that long? I mean Cartman came into my life about two or three years ago and since that time I can not let him go. His voice even got into my head when I left 7-11. It was his infamous song that starts out "Kyle mom's is a..." well, I could not get that jingle out of my head this morning and even now while I blogging I can heard him singing the version from the Southpark Movie.

So, as you can see readers, I have a smile and in a good mood for whatever reason. The sun was shining in and out of the clouds this morning. Apparently there is storm moving in and the sun will disappear for a day or so. Rain is forecast for tomorrow and I guess that means that I will be staying in the house. No big deal. The abode needs to be cleaned up and I have nothing else really to do.

I did not mention this yesterday, but guess who I saw on Channel 4 news yesterday morning? She was from Fox News 31. Did the weather. Starts with a "S". Okay - Stacey Donaldson. I was sort of surprised to see her. I guess she got a good offer from Channel 4 to switch to them. Unless she was "tired" of Fox news.

Speaking of which. I was watching Fox news this morning and there was this story about a Hummer that was "torched" by an someone who left the initials ELF in the Cherry Creek area. Now, Steve, the anchor on Fox news says that the initials stand for Earth Liberation Front (or something another to that effect) and then he talk a bit more then wraps up the story about the Police are investigating the fire and have not made any connection (or something to that effect) to the ELF. So readers, how bias is Steve indicating on his own, that the Earth Liberation Front is responsible for the fire when the Police do not know, according to Steve's reporting, that the Police do not know if "ELF" did the torching or not. That is assuming in Steve's part and could be slanderous. For all we know readers "ELF" could be an "Edward Lynn Frank" and could be pissed off at the Hummer (or the owner) for whatever reason and decided to torch the Hummer. Whatever happen to telling the news straight and not "bending" the news.

I guess with that I am going to bid a fond adeiu

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Dogs "stolen"

Greetings People

I was thinking about the dogs that were "stolen" back in January from a family that were showing/using the dogs (Border Collies) in the National Western Stock Show here in Denver, Colorado. Anyway, there was a big hoopla and the dogs were "stolen" from a hotel along with their truck. I am not sure how I thought, remembered, about this, but does not matter. Last night, I did the research on this old news from www.rockymountainnews.com I found three articles regarding the subject. The first was the initial story about the dogs "stolen". Then, the other two articles were the day after the "stolen" dogs were recovered along with the truck somewhere else (basically the same story)

When I first heard this story back in January I was kind of irked at FOX31 TV and the newspaper for not reporting the true facts of the story nor doing the true reporting of a reporter should do.

Readers, we are entitled to the full story of the news and not just the good or bad side of the story. So, let us take the writer of the article that wrote the article I read - Hector G. Hector did an article and the story was pretty okay. I am not going to reiterate, quote, what he wrote so I will not give you readers a bias view. However, that is not going to matter since you will read this blog first before reading the article first, if at all. If you do, please go to the link for rocky mountain news and then in the search field type in "dogs stolen" and then you should get choices to choose from.

The news (Channel 31) and Rocky Mountain News reported that the dogs were "Stolen" along with truck that warming up in the cold morning of January outside the Ramada Plaza where Jim and Patti Chant were staying in town for the National Western Stock Show, per Hector Gutierrez article.

First of all, we readers are entitled to the truth of this story. Jim & Patti Chant's truck was stolen, along with the dogs in the back(bed) of the truck. Nothing I read was indicated that if the dog's kennels were covered with a tarp or if the kennels were in full view. I do not know. The article reported that the Chant's were warming up their truck outside their hotel room.

Readers, this is where I am going to jump from point to point since I have no clear line of thinking of how to incorporate my thoughts smoothly.

I lied readers - here is quote that starts off my thoughts - "They treasured the collies like children" in Hector's article. If this is the case. Why did they leave the "children" in the cold with the truck's exhaust fuming into the back of the truck? Do we readers leave our children, if we have children, in the car while it is warming up? No! First, in this day of age, leaving children in the car will get you in trouble with the law. Two, it is just wrong to leave children in the car. Yes, carbon monoxide will be inhaled. I know not of how much or how deadly - regarding Carbon monoxide poisoning is happening, but yes it is happening and not healthy at all. Was the wind blowing that morning? If not, then the exhaust was going directly into the back of the truck. If the wind was blowing-which way? How long was the truck warming up before the truck was stolen? I do not know. I am not going to check the almanac of the weather that day, but I imagine that the truck was warming up for five minutes plus. Does this matter? Again, I am not sure, but I am pointing out this thought for you readers. The Hotel - did the four dogs stay in the hotel room with the Chant's? If so, was that okay or against the Hotel policy regarding pets in the room. I do not know since I have not stayed at a Ramada Hotel that I can remember. If the dogs were not in the hotel room with them - then where were the dogs? Did the Chant's leave them in the truck? I am betting the night was very, very cold since the Chant's were warming up the truck. If the dogs did stay in the back of the truck was there a tarp covering the two kennels? I understand that the Chant's are from Wyoming. It is common sense not to leave a vehicle running unattended in any city. Or a "big" city. The Chant's may live in a town or not a town at all, but I am sure they know, sure as shit, when going to any "city" they must take extra care since "big" city is definitely different from living in a town or not. In closing, going back to the quote that started this paragraph "they treasured the collies like children" If the dogs were in the Hotel room, should they have loaded the four dogs last since that is something all parents would do? Why did they load them first? Because that was convenient for them? I do not know.

You see readers - it comes down to the truck was stolen and not the dogs. Do not make a bigger, sad story of someones neglect. Yes - neglect! So, when I heard/read this story on the news back in January my thoughts were not feeling for this couple's loss of the dogs. It was how the dogs were "stolen" from them. I kind of feel good about writing this out and perhaps I may send a copy of this blog to Hector Gutierrez unless you readers do it first. hah hah.

Oh, sorry readers I forgot about the outcome of the news - the "stolen" dogs were recovered along with the truck.

until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Three Fridays in a Row for Snow, Bro

Greetings People

I guess you readers can see I can rhyme, or might say I am on my way on to becoming a poet.

Well, On this particular lunch break I am going to share something some of you readers might of heard on the news regarding the Denver Broncos.

Long story short, A Denver Bronco was shot to death outside a club on New Year's Eve night.

Going with that. Yesterday morning on Channel 13 Good Morning Fox news. I hear breaking news in the morning.

6:10 A.M

"Good Morning Colorado, Breaking news.
Police have located the possible vehicle that was used in the shooting..." blah, blah, blah,

6:20 A.M

"We have breaking news.
The vehicle has the license plate the police are looking for..." blah, blah, blah

6:25 A.M.

"We have breaking news.
The vehicle's roof is white while the body appears to be painted black..." blah, blah, blah

6:30 A.M

"We have breaking news.
The vehicle appears to be spray painted black..." blah, blah, blah

6:35 A.M.

"We take you to breaking news.
The vehicle appears to have been spray painted horribly..." blah, blah, blah

6:40 A.M.

"We have breaking news.
....A back load tow truck has arrived..." blah, blah, blah.

6:45

"We have breaking news.
The tow truck is in the process of loading the vehicle..." blah, blah, blah

Readers, do you see the trend that I heard yesterday morning? Fox Morning News was beating this story to the ground yesterday morning. I mean yes it is good that the news that was reported to the public, but do not give a play by play and say that it is breaking news. "Breaking News" is something that related to something related and associated with something important.

Example, The finding of the body of one of the missing climbers on/near Mt Hood. Yes, that is breaking news.

By the way, I do not know the exact times, but it was between every commerical break. Breaking news, breaking news.

Breaking news is not a play by play of the same event every time a new thing starts.

The other thing that was not fair, was yes the vehicle is registered to a known gang member who is in jail, however he did this and that, and was responsible for this and that. The guy is in jail and there was no way for him to be the driver or passenger in his vehicle. Remember readers, in the U.S. we are innoceny until proven guilty. Right away readers, this guy is in jail and in no way he was there at the scene of the shooting. Leave him alone until he is becomes a person of interest or arrested for whatever they decide to charge him with. I am not on his side, he may have a connection from jail where he may have some sort of connection, but that has yet to be proven.

On the flip side, the news said, that Broncos is not a gang member. How do they know that? He could be a gang member in shadow. We do not know. For all we know he could be funding the gang since he was earning some money. I am not saying that, but that is a possibility to ponder.

In closing, since my lunch break is almost up. FOX news had the nerve to say that they were responsible for getting the info to the public and helping to locate the vehicle. What sort of claim is that?! Granted, I can not remember what was said, because I really was not listening until I heard made me re-think what I just heard. I was like "she did not just say that did she?"

As the Title implies, more snow this Friday. And more forecast for this evening.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete