Tyler Hamilton Retires - Oh well

Greetings Readers

It is news, but not news. After all, I knew that Tyler was already in "trouble" earlier this year when he was not part of a team anyone, due to what we did not know at that time.

Then again, Tyler Hamilton has been out of the limelight for some time now due to the events following the Olympics (Athens) if I remember correctly. Not the Olympics themselves, but he did have a positive test come up, but could not be backed up since the back up sample was tainted or something or the other. You Readers can probably Google and research to see what it was specifically. I am just going from my memory.

Anyway, he was able to keep his Olympic Gold and thereafter he tested positive in another event and was handed a two year suspension.

Tyler eventually came back, but no high profile team wanted him and Phonak was no longer in existence (or what it that red/black and white jersey team-the name slips my memory-CSC?)

Anyway, I did not follow his return to cycling or cared.

I have to say that I really did not care for Tyler Hamilton at this point. I think, it was duly to the point in A Tour de France years back when Lance fell down with another another rider on a Mountain climb due to a spectator's handbag (purse) getting caught on the handlesbars. Anyway, there was Tyler in the Breakaway group and got news and then waved/told everyone of the news and used his hand to indicate to the other riders in the breakaway group to slow up and wait.

Now, this is my opinion - whether right or wrong - and there is bias. If Jan did not hold up per Tyler's hand waving Jan would have won the tour. Yes, I do believe it was the right thing to hold up if a rider fell, but in this particular incident it still appears that the two riders had the "choice" to veer from the accident to be forever talked about. The spectator did not purposely get in the way or pushed the strap into the handlebars. The spectator was in the way, but again the two riders could have rode to the left 6 inches. And I have seen an interview between then and now that I am not the only person who believe Jan should have taken off and not waited - This commentator is a high profile commentator who I have mentioned in the past.

Anyway, that is my thoughts and personal views on that particular moment with Tyler Hamilton.

So, as with Jan "retiring" years back it is Tyler's turn to "retire" without really anyone caring the least bit.

P.S. this is one of the pictures that I can remember seeing of Tyler Hamilton's in his high point of his short biking career.

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

The Qdoba Girl - 3 years later

Greetings Readers

It was just like any ordinary visit to my local Qdoba’s to get my burrito from my post bike ride. Mainly, to get my carbs from the rice and to get some chips and salsa that I love from Qdoba’s

I see that guy that I have gotten to know working behind the counter. He sees me and smile and I too see him and smile back.

“How are you? Is that a Mexico bike jersey you have on?” He says smiling.

Of course this is a joke that has been on going for a while. He must love Mexico since he always wonders if I am going to ride for Mexico or if I was going to ride in the Tour de France of the Summer Olympics for Mexico. I have to respond to him that I am not. I am too old and I am not that good. Though even that is speculation whether or not that I am a good rider.

Anyway, we are both joking and talking and I have to admit I do look forward to the weekend visits seeing him and basically treating me more than a customer. He treats me like an amigo.

He says to me see you next time and then I am off to the next person on the line to help me on what I want in my burrito. You know Readers, the person who asks what you want – very hot, hot, mild or medium salsa. Then, whether you want cheese, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, etc.

I turn to the next person in line.

I was speechless. I could not fucking believe my eyes. There she was – the Qdoba girl from my past. A past that is about three years old now.

Readers, my smile that was on my face got bigger if that was possible and I say something to the effect “It’s you. How are you?!” And my eyes widen up with sudden excitement on seeing my Qdoba girl.

“Hi. How are you?” she responds.

I could not believe it Readers! This is/was the Qdoba girl that I have mentioned in my blog a few times in the past. I was so close to asking her out to a company Christmas party when she was suddenly gone from my life. She was adorable to me and yes I was smitten with her.

Well, the line was busy so I told her what I wanted but I/we were speed talking to each other since we knew we only had a very limited amount of time before she has to help the next person in line after me.

All of a sudden, the guy that I know interrupts our conversation. Whether it was jealousy on his behalf or something else, I immediately held up my hand to him in a stop hand gesture and then with my left hand I crossed my fore and middle finger and hold it front of me and the Qdoba girl and say to him. “Shhh. Me and her are like this.” And I smile at him and then at her and she smiles at me and then at him. And she says, “we are.”

He smiles and then goes away.

I do not know where that comment came from, but it came out since I did not want to be interrupted with our reunion after almost three years.

Flashback – During our speed talk conversation I asked her how long she has been working at this Qdoba’s store. She responds since November last year. Wow. November of last year and this was the first time that I saw her at this Qdoba’s location. Unfucking believable. I guess with her working presumably the hours that she worked at the other store I knew her at makes since. And with me seeing her this past weekend was pure fucking luck. Or perhaps fate.

Present - What is that saying? You find someone when you are not looking. Well, I have not been looking and I did find someone I am very attracted to.

I am so happy. Happy is not a word that even describes how I feel about seeing her. Now, I have to run into her again and hope for the best. Granted, a lot has happened in the three years since I last saw her, but I can only hope for the best.

She seemed happy to see me, but was that because I was a familiar face or perhaps the same way I feel about her? I do not know. Is she single? Probably not, but I can hope. Or at least give her the option to get to know me more.

Anyway, I cannot believe this. Qdoba girl after all these years. Fate?

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Baseball at the Olympics - A Rumble

Greetings Readers

I did not see the game, but the replay was on TV this morning on the China vs. United States in Men's baseball was something else. I was in awe of how the game went down. Why did it go down the way it did go down? Was there something that was not mentioned that these two teams acted this way? Since I saw the replay on local TV there was bias like China just did what they did and we, meaning the United States, had to react the way they did. Though, I first saw the replay on MSNBC and they told and showed what happened and did not lead the viewer to a bias conclusion, nor were there any off-hand jokes of what happened. I am curious though since literally it was a rumble. I would have liked to seen this game, but there are others I have seen.

Last night, I decided to go to the store. Since I was going to the store I had to take another bike and not my "Tricked out" bike. I was wearing my Popeye's bike jersey and lo and behold two people comments on my bike jersey as opposed to my "tricked out" bike. There was a lady that was in front of me, but before she got in front of me she saw me. I saw her look and smile, but did not think anymore of that. Though I did look at what any guy would look at from the view of the back of a woman. Well, I saw her veer off and then she turned around and she said "that's a very nice jersey."

"Thank you" I said and then a few seconds later.

"Is it because it shows off my rippling biceps" with a huge smile.

"Yeah, that's what it is" she responded.

That was good for a good laugh. And I was smiling all the way home. Basically, I felt good and I guess I needed a good laugh.

Now, that are the sorts of comments that I live for, crave for and desire for when I know I purchase any of my bike jerseys.

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

The Colorado Rockies are Still Here.

Greetings Readers

I was in the grocery store this morning and a couple of people asked me if it was too slick to ride out there. Meaning, were the roads slick. I said no. I do have racing tires on, but that is really nothing to worry about. Why? Well, most of the roads that I ride on are either asphalt or pavement. However, there are a few places on the road that are made out of concrete. Concrete and my racing tires are not a nice match. Often times, I slow down when I have to make a turn on concrete,

Oops, readers I am going off topic on what I wanted to write about. No, slipping on the roads is the least of my concerns. What is my concern that when it is raining the water that is all over the road more often than not hides holes in the roads.

Meaning, that any pools of water could be hiding a hole in the road. And a deep hole at that. Hidden holes are a concern since I have bent a couple of rims while riding the rain. Sometimes when the rain is washing/running down the street gutters of the street the water hides any lips that may or may not be there in between the sidewalk and road.

Well, I was happy that I got out this morning to ride. No waking up to rain like yesterday and raining for about 6 hours straight. Since the roads were semi-dry and there was no rain I decided to take out Andrea and the HED. rims. There were small patches of sky that were almost visible. Not clear sky, but almost.

I could not go to King Soopers since there is no “real” cashier until 8 AM or so. Otherwise, shoppers are forced to use the automated do it yourself check out. And as I have posted in the past I am not going to do my own check out. Fuck that. I decided to go to Safeway. I got to Safeway just a bit past 7 AM. The story is closed. What the fuck. Alright. I was a bit miffed, but that meant that I got to ride further and show off my bike and HED. rims. Albertson’s was the next and only store that I was going to go to this morning.

Thank goodness for Albertson’s. After my trying to find a grocery store excursion I decided do a few laps in the Greenwood Village DTC area – mainly around Fiddler’s Green. I did some slow riding and just enjoying being out on a bike without all the rain that had falling in the past 48 hours. Streets were clear, semi dry and the world had yet to wake up in my part of the city.

No traffic on Arapahoe Road and you can see that from the two pictures that I took – on shot towards the East and the other to the west. Oh yes readers, I was riding in the middle of the road as if I owned this piece of Arapahoe Road. No gutter riding this morning. Actually, I never ride the gutter on Arapahoe Road – too congested and too dangerous for me to consider riding in the gutter. This is something I know from experience and I am not going to tempt anyone. Arapahoe Road is mine early mornings on the weekends and it is sidewalk riding any other time along Arapahoe Road.

Since there was rain basically all day I had to take out Tracey (my rain/snow bike). This was the second day that I had to ride her. Why? Well, I am not going to take any other bike out into the rain. I want my other bikes to be rain free. I just have a bike designated for rain riding; therefore I am doing damage to one bike. Also, I have only one bike to clean up after riding in the rain.

Yesterday was the second day that I had to wear my long sleeve jersey and the first time that I had to wear my long legged bike pants since early this year. Friday was also the first time since last winter that I had to wear the Orange lens for M Frame Oakleys. Since there was no sun, there is no sense of wearing tinted lens. Though Saturday, I went back to the tinted lens since the sun and semi-clear skies came out for the first time since three days ago. The sun and semi-clear skies lasted for about 2 hours, but I took advantage of those two hours.

Well readers, I was put on the wait-list for Obama. I was disappointed, but then I forgot I was not doing this for myself, but my friend. At least I signed up for tickets for my friend and tried to get tickets so my friend had better odds for getting a ticket to Obama’s speech at Invesco when the DNC happens at the end of the month.

Now, time for Olympics. I was on the bus the other day and out of the blue was asked about the Olympics. Wow. That was the reason that I was taking the bus I was watching women’s Volleyball and was watching as long as I dared to, but knowing that I had to get to work as soon as possible. Pretty soon other passengers were joining in the conversation.

For the past week this type of behavior has not been uncommon. At work, at the stores and your friends are talking about the Olympics. Granted, most of my friends are talking about the events on TV, but I am talking about the events that I see on MSNBC, CNBC and USA networks. I only have watched an hour, if that, of channel 9 coverage of the Olympics.

Why? Well, channel 9 is bias. And this is speculation since I have not watched channel 9. I think they are only showing, gymnastics, swimming, basketball and beach volleyball and focusing on the United States only. Granted, I am for the United States, but we as a whole have to root for all and not be bias against all other countries besides the U.S. I think that it takes channel 9 to show an event that lasts 3 to 6 minutes about 30 minutes to an hour. You probably get some interview, then some segment of that athlete, then the sport announcer(s) opinion and then finally the event. Whereas the other channel have none of that bullshit stuff. Once an event gets done then it coverage of another event.

There are other events which I have mentioned. Sculls, Archery, Traps, Kayak, Badminton, Table Tennis, Tennis, 20k Speed walking, field hockey, soccer, boxing, women’s weight lifting, indoor cycling, visage (sorry readers on the spelling, but it is the event where it is a horse and rider and riding around in an arena), and so on. All these events are the Olympics and whether it is Cuba vs. Netherlands, China versus Korea. I have to say it is exciting to see.

Yet, it is also sad to see that there must be a loser. I have seen the crushing defeats that have brought a tear to my eye since they have tears for being eliminated from the Olympics. I have seen the underdog win. I have seen the highest rank player(s) win at the event that they are suppose to. That is the Olympics. The Olympics are not just about the United States competing

I have stayed away from the US Basketball, Michael Phelps, Mays & Walsh and women’s gymnastics.

In closing, as the post title states - I saw the Colorado Rockies for the first time in 3 days.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

A common subject - Complaining

Greetings Readers

I did something that took about an hour’s thinking and now what’s been done cannot be undone.

Flashback – In the past two years with blogging and many, many years before blogging I have told many stories involving my experiences with different fast food joints and some restaurants.

Stories. That’s what they are. Most of the time they are bad experiences. Bad meaning – bad service and not the food. The stories are born from my visits. I never go looking for a story at any visit to a place where they sell/serve prepared food.

I realize that I must not be a prick, but you readers must also understand that I am much more than just the next customer that you serve in the establishment that you are employed with. I understand that you were most likely trained how to work at the place you are employed at. You are trained to ask/act when the first customer comes into the establishment.

As an unwritten rule we customers are to listen to what the employee was trained to do when greeting customers the first time. I do not disagree with that unwritten rule.

Now, here is where you, the readers, may disagree. When I order something from the menu I have the option to add or delete or even change what I want on the order.

For example – If I want to order a number 5, but I want to substitute the fries for some other item on the menu, then I should been able to so without prejudice. If I order a Hamburger and I want it cooked medium well – then do it and do not tell me that, what is most likely printed on the menu that, eating meat not fully cook could lead to food poisoning. I know how to read the menu.

Using that same example if you ask me what I want on that Hamburger? I will reply, “I only want lettuce, pickles, and mustard (or spicy mustard as long as it is not Dijon). Do not ask me if I want cheese on that Hamburger when I said clearly “I only want…” Depending on how my service has been to this point I respond / not respond to your question about whether or not I want cheese on my Hamburger.

I could give you the silent stare. I could respond, “Did I ask for cheese?” And there are a few more examples, but I better not give you readers any more examples.

I do know that some of you restaurant and fast food employees are required to ask and perhaps up sale an order, but when I say only – that means only. Don’t ask for anything more when me, the customer, says only.

With that being said. I often only need a main meal and perhaps a side item. Most of the time I already have a drink. So when I order, for example, a hamburger and fries do not ask the question – do you want a combo? Or tell me that I will be saving some money if I order the combo. That may be the case, but if I wanted a combo meal then I would have ordered a combo meal. I can add numbers – fuck me, they call Stephen Hawkins Jr. Ha ha- kidding, but as that phrase goes it does not take a rocket scientist to do this sort of math.

When any employee at a fast food / restaurants asks me a question on what I want. Let me answer and do not interrupt me with another question before I even finish your first question.

Again, those are experiences, which are later turned into stories. Sure, I get pissed when I get deviated from my MO for ordering food. Yet, the only one that gets involved is the employee that is serving/waitressing me.

I am not looking for free food, gift certificates or a free dessert. I want to be treated just above the average customer. I have been told that I was an ass, a dick, a S.O.B. etc. for what I may telling any of my friends of some of my “bad” experiences. Yet, I believe in that “the customer is always right” rule. I do not take advantage of that rule, but sure as shit I will try and adhere to that rule.

Current Day – I was sort of inspired by that wrestler who would not accept the bronze medal. I did mention that it must have taken some big cojones to do that. Inspired? I know that I could not do something like that right now, but I wanted to do something that may be like that or a step in that direction in my opinion.

With a recent fast food / restaurant experience that I did share with you readers, I decided to go to the establishment’s website and send an email of what I told to you readers. Again, this was brought on by what that wrestler did last week. Prior to seeing that I never did tell anyone more than the server who served me at the establishment they worked at. There was no reason to tell anyone else. In my mind, I now have some larger cojones, but not even close to Abe’s cojones for dropping that Bronze medal.

So, last week I sent an email and copied and pasted what I told you readers prior to this post. I gave them my first name and personal email address and even gave them the store I had the experience at. Now I am just waiting for an email response, if any. Readers, this was the first time ever that I decided to send/write on an experience from a restaurant / fast food experience.

I am not looking for inconvenience sympathy, but I am expecting some sort of reply to my email. I am curious. Though ever since sending that email I can see many scenarios on the opposite end of the email I sent. Such as… “Yo Jim, check out this email from Colorado.” Or “hey I think we have letter of the month from Colorado.” Or “What does the person want?” I left nothing out nor omitted what I told you readers in the past post I did post.

So I clicked the send button and now nothing can be undone.

P.S. Readers – what I have just posted is nothing new that I have not posted before. I have explained / detailed from my point of view many times. I have admitted my mood at certain times. I have admitted I was wrong at times. I have admitted that I took the low road as oppose to the high road. Yet, I have never been one sided and indicated that it was the entire restaurant / fast food establishment’s fault.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Wrestling at the Olympics - oh well

Greetings Readers

Roman Grecko Wrestling - I hate to say this readers, but this event just did not do a thing for me. I did not get excited. I was bored. I did give one match up a viewing so I can say that I did watch one event. Anyway, I gave up and watched women's soccer.

I should not of given up watching since that was where it got interesting. I am not sure if I am cheering or booing, but the guy wrestler who won the bronze dropped his medal on the podium and walked away. Fucking wow! He has some balls to do that. Damn. I am not sure I could do that, but should I ever feel that way that is the way I would like to go out.

I am not supporting the wrestler, but I have to give kudos for him even doing something like that.

Onto the next subject

Alright, I have been eating out pretty regularly for the past two weeks. Oh yes, there is a reason, but nothing to share with you readers.

Anyway, I go into Chipotle’s for lunch. I probably arrived after the major rush of the noon lunch hour for most white and blue-collar workers. Which means that I was basically the last person in line.

I asked for a ground sirloin beef burrito. The employee looks at me saying nothing. I estimate about ten seconds later I repeat what I just said - I want a ground sirloin burrito with the word please at the end of my sentence this time. I immediately got crossed since I had to repeat myself. I think you readers may or may not know I hate repeating myself if I was clear the first time.

“Uh we do not have that here” is what I think the employee said to me. I look at the menu and shake my head. If the employee would of said that when I answered what I wanted to eat the first time, then there would not have been the start of a chip on my shoulder. “Oh that’s at the other place,” I said softly. The employee did not, would not, say that other place – Qdoba – but the employee and me connected. “OK – give me the steak burrito.” Readers – I know that this whole part of the story could have been avoided if I had looked at the menu on the far wall from the lunch line.

Then, I was out of that employee’s life and into another employee’s life doing the fixin’s of the burrito. “I want…” which I started to say and then the employee interrupted “What do you want in your burrito?”

What the Fuck !?!?!?

I did speak “I want….” before the employee asked the question the employee probably asks every customer that question. Though, this interruption further made the chip on my shoulder get bigger. In addition, this pissed me off since I was interrupted when I was giving what I wanted on my burrito.

I take a few seconds before saying anything. All this time I was basically looking the employee straight in the eye, without saying a word and a face that showed stone cold pissed off.

“I want tomatoes, cheese, and lettuce.” There was no “please” by me. Then, I am out of that employee’s life.

Now, the next employee. I immediately asked “I want chips and salsa – hot” Right after I said this sentence the employee asks what else I want. I stare at the employee. I am not to repeating myself since I made myself clear the first and only time. A couple seconds go by and then the employee reaches for the bag of chips that are prepared and sitting on a shelf on a wall behind the cashier. After that the employee goes and gets my hot salsa.
While that is being done I started taking out a 10-bone bill from my wallet.

About 10 seconds later the employee re-appears with my hot salsa and starts bagging my lunch. I then put out my right hand with the 10-bone bill and it is about 6 inches away from the cashier’s hands.

Readers, at this point I am pissed, since I basically had an “incident” with each employee on the lunch line. Fuck me. No fucking way. Fuck them. At least I know I watched them make my lunch so there is no way for anyone of them to have spit in my lunch.

The cashier asks “would you like a drink?”

Now. About 95 percent of the time the answer that I give is “no thank you.” Which means that perhaps 99 percent of you readers would answer the same way. But as I just outlined I was pissed off for the actions of each employee I encountered on the lunch line. I agree with all you readers that the right thing is to respond to the cashier was either a “no thank you” or “yes please.”

But I was pissed and the pissed off mood grew at every employee I visited on the way to the cashier. The cashier did nothing to get me in a pissed off mood. But! The cashier did add to it when the cashier asked “would you like a drink?”

The remaining 5 percent is what came into factor in this instance. I immediately replied “Did I ask for a drink?” A couple seconds later I added, “The answer to your question is the answer to my question.” The cashier looks at me, but no evil/stink eye. There was no - who the fuck is this customer - look. There was no reply to my question. The cashier simply pushed some keys on the register and then gave me my change.

This was not a victory, nor was I looking for a victory. I know what I wanted and that’s that. I clearly stated what I wanted and did so even before I was asked all the questions that were directed to me. Though, the last one was rude (in my opinion), but only because I had experienced the questions prior getting to the employee working the register.

I know there was a high road I could of taken, but due to all the questions that were asked for me I chose the other road.

I know that I am going to sound like a broken record, but at this point – this is where I decided to be like Tony. I am not happy until someone else is more miserable than I am.

The cashier did not deserve my question to their question, but this was the last employee before leaving Chipotle and I needed to get my pissed off mood on someone. I believe in I am not happy until someone is more miserable than I am when this sort of situation presents itself.

Wait. That was not the end of my experience. I was pissed off and to justify my response on how to get back at Chipotle I decided to take my change and not take my receipt. I grabbed the cash and did not grab the receipt. The cashier dropped the receipt and I made no move to pick up the receipt. A few seconds pass and the cashier picks up the receipt the cashier dropped to the counter and the receipt disappears behind the counter.

Child-ish?

Perhaps, but the cashier should of asked me if I wanted my receipt. Since the places I frequent often ask me if I want my receipt or not. I am under no obligation to take the receipt from the cashier. Is it written that I am responsible for a receipt (a piece of paper) that I paid for? No fucking way. I paid for my meal and that’s that. If I did not ask for receipt then I do not have to take the receipt.

Remember readers, this particular post is an every now and then thing and not something I do every time I go out and eat. If my experience did not piss me off by the time I got to the cashier then none of what I just wrote would have not of happened. I would of said yes or no and took my change and receipt without prejudice.

Yes, I was a prick. I do not apologize nor will I apologize for what I just described. Again, I have stated this before – I am the customer and the cardinal rule is “the customer is always right.” Or as in Burger King’s motto – Your way Right away.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Indoor Volleyball at the Olympics

Greetings Readers

When I got home last night, I was better, but still exhausted. Since I threw away all my food that I prepared in the past few days I know I needed to wash every dish and sanitize the entire kitchen. Why? Better safe than sorry. Meaning, I would hate for what happened, happen again. Shame on me once, but twice. I sprayed and wipe down everything in the kitchen with a multi-purpose spray. Meanwhile, I had the dishwasher going. When I finished the wiping down I let the surfaces dry. 15 minutes later I got the Pine-Sol and made the kitchen smell clean. Not to mention I disinfected the entire kitchen, including the kitchen floor.

I woke up to indoor volleyball – Cuba vs. China. Wow. Considering that Cuba demolished the United States the previous day or two ago I was stunned that China was demolishing Cuba. 25-18 and then 25-14. China was two sets up and the time was about 7:30 AM MST and I had to leave for work.

I kept hearing and seeing Wang YiMei. This particular Chinese player was playing the left side of the court and is a 6’3” foot player with a spectacular “kill” hit into the opponent’s court. I knew nothing of China’s volleyball team before what I started watch, but after 5 minutes or so I knew the team. There is the number one server in the world, according to the announcer – and she was fucking phenomenal on her serving. Ace after ace.

Flashback – I saw bits and pieces of the Cuba vs. United States match and witnessed the discrimination Cuba handed the United States Volleyball team. Not to mention when I got to work I heard that our United States Indoor Volleyball team got beat – and an ugly kind of beating.

Back to current – I was not rooting for China to beat Cuba for Cuba beating the United States the previous day, but I was cheering and yelling for China to beat Cuba since I saw that China had opened a can of Whoop-Ass on Cuba.

As I mentioned I was watching this match closely, but was running out of time before I was expected to be at work. I left when China was leading and about to close out the third set. Believe me readers I did not want to leave, but I had to.

I told my friends what I watched this morning.

Noon arrived and that was when I checked on the results.

Cuba won. I could not believe what I saw. China had the match in hand.

Was it my fault for leaving for work before the third set was finished? Was it my fault for not supporting the China Volleyball team 100 percent? With me leaving for work was it my fault for China not winning the match up?

I am not for China to win, but I was for China at the time since China was the team that was playing like the number one team in the world against Cuba. Cuba was losing, but I was not rooting for China for Cuba beating up on United States. I cheer for the player/team that is showing me what they brought, which is hopefully their “A” game.

I was stunned that China lost. Oh well, if Cuba was ranked higher then it was Cuba that deserved to win the match-up,

Changing subjects

Hooligan. By Webster’s definition – A Ruffian or hoodlum. Or should you look under Hoodlum – a thug or a rowdy, destructive child or adolescent. Or if you look under Ruffian – a tough lawless person; a brutal bully.

I was basically categorized a “Hooligan.” Meaning, I am a one of many cyclists that wears Lycra/Spandex and basically passes every bike rider on any bike path in the Denver Metro Area – because I can.

Should I be labelled a Hooligan for just sporting Lycra? Should my Hooligan status be further supported because my bike(s) has carbon fiber? Apparently, by those two points I am a Hooligan.

I wear Lycra because I can afford and wear Lycra. I do not wear Lycra for the sakes of wearing Lycra (well I do tend to think I look good in Lycra). I do not wear Lycra, because of that person with the initials L.A. No fucking way.

I have Carbon Fiber because I can afford Carbon Fiber. Not to mention it is desired among us serious cyclists.

Sure, I look down on other riders that do not have carbon fiber in their bike. I look down on riders that do not appear to be wearing expensive bike clothing. And I have posted many times the way I feel about those subject, especially clothing. Yet, by no means do I label or categorize any bike rider who does not have Carbon fiber or Lycra.

Applying a label is basically profiling. Matter of fact - is it discrimination. Which made me think - this person labeled a certain look of a rider a Hooligan for wearing Lycra and having Carbon Fiber. It leads me to think perhaps that there are deeper issues that we readers are not aware of. Perhaps racial discrimination? I do not know.

It is sad for any person to assume that every bike rider he/she encounters should be labeled a Hooligan for just sporting Lycra and having Carbon Fiber in his/her bike.

I have been called a mother fucker, fucker, asshole, son of a bitch, dipshit, shithead, dick, dickhead and so forth. There have been too many names for me to care that much.

Those bad words are just names. I am perfectly okay with name calling since that is what it is – just bad words being said. I am no saint myself – I have said those same words at one point before.

Yet, indirectly I was labeled a Hooligan. I was not offended at the time I read that, but later I became somewhat bothered by being categorized. I was a Hooligan by that person’s definition.

As of today I am not sure if Hooligan fits me though, by that person’s definition. By Webster’s definition I know that I am not a child (though act like one from time to time), or an adolescent. I am not a bully, and I am not a tough lawless person (though I act like a tough son of a bitch from time to time).

In closing, I may be labeled a Hooligan, but I now know the true definition of the word and know that technically this word could not be applied to me.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete,

No watching of the Olympics

Greetings Readers

I was unable to watch any Olympics, but I did have the stereo turned on so I could listen to the Olympics - baseball, kayak/canoe.

I felt sick yesterday and I laid down when I was at home, but could not get to sleep, etc. So, I just listened to the Olympics. I am not sure if it was something I ate or not, but I threw away all food I made in the past 24 hours. I hated to do that, but since I ate alot from everything I made since Sunday I did not want to take a chance that it was food related.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Rowing at the Olympics.

Greetings Readers

Boy, I am tired. I decided to stay up last night/this morning and watch some real time Olympics. Amazing. I decided to focus on the rowing the sculls is what I think they called the boats. I saw the single, doubles, 8 team rowers. Pretty impressive. Especially the start on how they have to get the boat moving as fast as possible. And then they have to continue for 2000 meters. That is a long way to the finish line readers.

At the end you can see the effort on their face and in their body language as such as the post's picture of the day.

I know that there is not much excitement watching rowers going from one end of the lake to the other. Yet, I love seeing the exertion, the give it all, and more important the desire to win. You can hear the oar's movement, you can see the deep breaths the rowers take. You see them pushing their legs forward to give the stroke more power. You see rhythem in each stroke. You see timing.

Yet, there was an incident with the Austrailans 8 men team that they ended up in another country's rowing lane, which in turn meant it was over for the Austrailans. Too bad.

When, you see the last 500 meters and it is all or nothing to advance for a medal opportunity.

By the way readers - the Rolling thunder finally made it's August appearance last night just after midnight. I was in trance with the rolling thunder after midnight. There were a couple close lightening strikes with the crackle and boom, but overall for about 30 minutes there was a steady rain and about every five minutes was the "Delicate Sound of Thunder."

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Badminton at the Olympics - wow

Greetings Readers

OK. It is official I am all over the Olympics, though I am not with the swimmer trying for 8 medals. I am for the ones I see on TV that perhaps need some support. I am for the player trying his/her best to beat their opponent. I am yelling for the underdog. I am cheering for all countries - not sticking to United States athletes.

If I did that then that's just wrong. I am not against the U.S., but it's shallow thinking, in my view, that we United States citizens should only root for U.S. Athletes. I have been watching all sorts of events in the past day. I am staying away from swimming and Basketball. Well, let's be truthful, I am staying away from Prime time TV since they, meaning NBC, will be focusing on certain athletes and a certain Basketball team and US playing.

I have been watching CNBC, MSNBC, USA and just a little coverage on NBC. I want to see a variety of events and I want to see other country athletes competing for a medal. As you can read a medal, not just gold. Yes, I want to see everyone compete for a medal and not just one person/team (US) going for gold.

I saw the Badminton match Juliane Schenk vs Maria Kristin Yulanti. Alright - the players were from Germany and Indonesia. Badminton. Who knew this was the match that was going to get me cheering early in the morning. It was a tight 3 setter and a marathon playing of badminton. I thought this was going to boring to watch. But, I saw each player playing, moving, swatting, jumping hitting and so forth. I was impressed. I was cheering each player, since I knew nothing of each player. Towards the end of the third set I was hoping for Germany's Schenk to win. Unfortunately, Schenk lost, but it goes to show you how something like Badminton could be making me cheer, yell, pump my fist and yell at the TV. 21-18, 13-21, 20-22.

Readers welcome to the Olympics, where any event could surprise you by perhaps by actually be entertaining and exciting.

I had to add a photo from last Sunday's excursion while I was in Downtown Denver, This is the famous statue at the foot of the Capitol building. This was a hard shot to take of since I wanted a close up picture. I wanted to have the statue and my bike in the same picture, but as close as I could without backing up and making the picture subjects look small. So, I took the picture literally a couple inches from the pavement and took the shot. I did not come out too bad, but I could have done better.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Beijing 2008 Olympics

Greetings Readers

08/08/08 at 8:08:08 the 2008 Olympics have started.

I would have to say that I am now excited. Before this week I was not really gun ho for the start of the Olympics. Perhaps that was to that I really do not have any events to be looking forward to.

What I am looking forward to is the Parade of Athletes into the Stadium. I am not looking for one particular Country. I just want to see the athletes and people walking into the stadium on opening day. (though I could do without the cameras and video recorders half the athletes have. Yet in the same position I probably would have a camera myself)

Now, I know I will never have a moment like that, but the closest I have been to that is my first Marathon and my only Triathlon the Ironman Arizona. I felt everyone was watching me. I was not nervous. Yet, I liked the feeling that everyone’s eyes were on us athletes.

The other athletes around me were not athletes to me, but my friends. I know that may seem strange, but we athletes were not competing each for attention, but we were all friends up until the actual start of the event.

Well, let me restate that - there was no parade in my events like the parade of athletes in the Olympics, but I still see the same oneness in those athletes walking in the stadium. Walking, talking, smiling, taking pictures. At my personal events I felt the same way I see those athletes walking in the stadium.

I think that I may have said this before, but I never knew my fellow athletes would be there for me when I fell while at the top of my career.

Though, since my Fall I have re-awakened my desire of being an athlete once more. And I am happy to say that I found my desire once more and I am striving to get back on top, but in no hurry. And with less cockiness, but I still have the desire to ride/run down the rider in front of me when I take the starting line at the back of the athletes.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Complete Coca-Cola Cans Series

Greetings Readers

I am not sure if any of my readers are avid Coca Cola drinkers and/or collectors, but with the Olympics just two days away I finished up the Can collecting about week or two ago - The Olympic Games Collector series of 5. These I think were only available in 12 packs of Cola Coca and vending machines.

With me being a Collector and a drinker of Coca-Cola I had a mission to get the set of cans. Each can sported the words of Coca-Cola printed in 4 locations - Thailand, Russia, Ethiopia, United States of America and a unique can made special for the run. I see that the plastic bottles were also having unique labels, but plastic collector bottles just did not appeal to me. So, I have ignored the plastic bottles.

The next picture is a picture of my Coca-Cola reward item from www.mycokerewards.com I got this item about three or four weeks ago. And this is the same bag that I was referring to regarding the Sticking it to the man post. I am not sure if you can see or not, but the bag holds two 1 Liter bottles but just barely. So far that is all I have used the bag for is storage of my Liter Coca Cola bottles from Jenny's Market down the street.

And I think by tomorrow I should have the 12 pack Coca Cola Bag Cooler, which I too obtained from my the redemption of Coca Cola points. And I most likely will switch bags out and use the bigger one at work..

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete