Greetings Readers
Today, I woke up refreshed rejuvenated and ready to Rock and Roll. And after a night of something something with someone new, young, fit, well... its all good. Though that was not the reason why for this mood.
Something about the morning was great. The morning was partly overcast and looked cold which meant I would have to wear a jacket or put something under my bike jersey - which I do not want to do.
I opted out and decided to take a chance. And it worked out for the better. I got on the bike and decided to listen to Dire Straits this morning - Brothers in Arm. I do not know what it was but maybe the combination of my mood, the music, the bike ride and the morning I was in Heaven. I smiled at everyone I crossed while going to work this morning. And lo and behold Readers they smiled back. Yeah I know that is what happens, but I rarely do do that so it is a surprise from time to time for me.
Anyway, there is one convenience store that I visit weekly for the past 8 years going to work. I have gotten to know the employees whom work there and they have come to know me. Well, this morning I did my usual routine and then got to the cashier counter. I was still listening to Dire Straits and then I saw that the employee was talking to me. I pulled out my earphones and she said "hey there stranger." I looked at her and I couldn't place her face. "You don't remember me do you? You used to flirt with me alot. I am alot older now" I took my Oakleys off and took a look at her. I still could not place the face. I smiled "Well I am alot older as well" she responds "But you still look the same" I am still looking and trying to rack my memory "If your working tomorrow morning I will see if I remember you"
As I was leaving the parking lot I think I remember now. Yes Readers, I am almost positive where I know her now. I just got to remember her name by tomorrow morning. And yes I remember, if this is the same person, that I flirted with her when I saw her and was so close to asking her out that, but she transferred to another location.
Could this be fate? Who knows. Things have going great and alot is happening. If she is there tomorrow and if the same person I am thinking of - yes I am going to ask if she would like to go out for a drink / dinner and catch up. Granted, I knew her for a while, but I really did not know her so I am not sure if that sounds ok to ask. Sorry, I did not look at her hands - for all I know she could be married. And yes she is older than me by a little bit, I think. Of course, she could be involved or just not interested in me. But regardless I will ask tomorrow one way or the other.
Now onto other things - well not really, but music. I really forgot how much I did not listen to my ipods when I was in this recent relationship that ended. Earlier this year the ex moved closer down to where I live and work and soon thereafter she was driving me to and from work. It was nice of course. But now, being back on the bike since 7-19-14 full time I am getting to use the Ipods once more and get to bike to what I want to hear or randomize the songs. You Readers know that I love variety of music genres and not restricted to one or two music genres. The ex was limited to two genres - classical and techo (the techno that she listened to is not really techno thou). As we speak I am listening to James Brown is Dead by LA Style, but all morning I have been listen to a variety - 10,000 maniacs, Queensryche, Prince, U2. Oh by the way Readers, I downloaded the new U2 album while I was in Albuquerque - and I do like it, but there is but and I can save that for later), the Doors, W.A.S.P, the soundtrack to The Good, The Bad & the Ugly, Tiesto and Johnny Cash. I am sure there is a bit more, but what I am saying is that I am in the music zone and I am loving it. Every minute of it.
I am not quite ready for the announcement I was talking about blog post before. Nothing big in my opinion and nothing new, in a manner of speaking, but I am stoked. Looking forward to this. Sorry, that is all I have to say about that.
oh LaMont - well LaMont has left the place where we worked together for the past 8 years. Kind of sad to see that, but he told me no LaMont stories on my blog. I do not think that I have any LaMont stories to tell... well I guess I do have one. Breaking Bad. Last year, last summer LaMont actually watched an episode of Breaking Bad since that was the final season and of course the talk was the talk on Breaking Bad. We faithful watchers who have been on board from the beginning were left with the biggest cliffhanger at the end of Season 5 Part 1. Hank is in Walter's Bathroom and sitting upon the Golden Throne and looks for something to read. He sees a book and opens up to the first page "To my other favorite W.W. it's an honour working with you. Fondly, G.B." And then Hank looks up with that look and then the screen goes black. Wow. Just thinking about that moment now gives me the chills and i can recollect the first time I saw that scene and every time I still see that scene - it is awesome. The beginning of the end. And just think Readers - We had to wait a whole year to find out what was going to happen. This is probably the second best cliff hanger for Breaking Bad in my book and I will share my most favorite season end episode that made me think.... well I will save that for tomorrow perhaps. Anyway, getting back to LaMont. I let him borrow my DVDs and LaMont crammed all 5 seasons in like 2 or 3 weeks. LaMont was addicted from the beginning and was not working out, not going out and even LaMont's wife was getting into the show as well. It was funny to see this since he always had something to say about me - You kept me up, your fault for me watching Breaking Bad, I aint getting any housework done.
On the last day of his work with me - LaMont thanked me again for Breaking Bad. And as a gift I gave him Season 3 as a parting gift and to remember me when he needs a fix for Breaking Bad. Oh Readers I had to buy seasons 1 through 4 again since the ex did not give them back to me - She wanted a gift back (though I did pay her 10 dollars for both shot glasses since the guy at the liquor store opened a gift set-I remembered this now, so technically these are mine since I gave her money for them since she did buy at the liquor store), some money and then to look around my humble place after we have broken up. That may be a story for the down the road as well, but since this is all related I thought to let you know that as well. I was Breaking Bad less for a while. Sorry Readers, that's all I can say on that topic of the ex with the Breaking Bad seasons she kept. I would think that is a sin to do that, but fuck if I know that is one or not. I would consider that the sin of stealing - thou shall not steal - if I remember correctly.
And LaMont - I want to thank you for your friendship for almost 7 years. Yes, I had a bad one year relationship I had with you. Two donkeys, Two type C personalities was the cause of that, in my opinion - as well as my character. Though I am glad that I/we made up. I hope the best for you my friend.
until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Athlete (still working on a new title)
Showing posts with label Tiesto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tiesto. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Tiesto at Club Beta
Greetings Readers
Well, well, well, I have to admit - I still fucking know how to dance the night away, hook up, and stay awake for 40 hours plus.
Flashback – Over a month ago I found out that one my favorite artist was coming to Denver. At that time I did not have a clue where that artist was going to be performing at until about three ago.
Tiesto was coming to Denver and was on this tour to promote his new release Kaleidoscope that was recently released in the past month. More specifically Club Beta is where Tiesto was going to be performing live in the beginning part of November.
I was ecstatic with this news. Basically, this was a no-brainer that I was not not going to go.
Yet, about a week ago I found out that tickets were limited and that tickets were $ 60.00 dollars. It is a lot of money, but with Tiesto coming to a Club and not to (“The Can,” the Fillmore, Paramount Theatre, or the Denver Coliseum) I knew that tickets could possibly sell out before the day of show.
Thinking that I changed my thinking. I thought about it is $ 60.00 – hard earned money these days. Also, the weather – I was not going to go if there was snow and/or rain that day. I started to think of reasons that I could use as an excuse not to go.
Monday morning – I went to my financial institution and withdrew some cold hard earned cash. I still was undecided at that point, but I wanted to at least have the money available should I change my mind.
Later that day I was talking about the concert and how I was unsure if I wanted to go. First - $ 60.00 and two – the concert is at a club.
Soon, the “Fred Flintstone” whistle went off and I was still at work an hour later than I should be. I was still unsure of whether or not I should go to Club Beta.
I left work, caught Light Rail, then stopped off the local liquor store to get a six pack of beer just in case.
I was committed not going to Tiesto about 80 percent. However, on the third beer I thought what the fuck. I can go downtown and at least try to see if tickets are still available for the show. Worst case scenario I am out Light rail fare both ways – basically under ten dollars. Justifiable cost considering the cost of the ticket itself. Before leaving my humble abode I drank another bottle as fast as I could – cheaper drinking now should I considering drinking at the Club where the price of one beer is going to the price of a six-pack I just bought.
I soon got to Union station and headed to part of downtown that I Googled Club Beta was located at.
I soon saw a lot of people, young people, at this stone building. I soon found out that this was Club Beta. I could hear the thump thump of the club music playing. That sound was pretty incredible to hear and I know that was not Tiesto, but Tiesto’s opening act; which was no concern to me.
I located security person and asked him
“Is this where Tiesto is playing?
“Yes” he replied.
“Sorry, I have not been here before, where do I go to inquire about tickets being still available?”
“Go up there.”
“Thanks” I replied.
Basically, no line at the entrance. Either most of the people were inside, or these people outside Club Beta were waiting for Tiesto to take the stage or worst - the concert was sold out.
I went up to the counter talked loudly to the girl behind the booth and asked are tickets still available. She nodded yes and said $ 70.00.
I did not hesitate on the ten-dollar increase due to day of show. I was there at Club Beta, tickets were available and I was being drawn to the music that was thumping from the entrance of Club Beta.
I got my ticket, got a wristband (over 21 yrs old) and then got stamped twice on the back of my right hand and soon I was walking into Club Beta.
Readers, I have not been to a Club (Night Club) in ages (you’ll sort of know later). The atmosphere, the people, the music and the ambiance all made me coming down to downtown Denver on Monday well worth this day in November.
I immediately looked for the restroom since the beers I drank at home were going through me. Thank goodness I drank before hand – I was intoxicated and also saving money since I did not have to spend much money on alcohol at the club.
After the restroom break I headed back to club level (1st Floor). Readers, there is a balcony (2nd story), but I wanted to be on street level; specifically the dance floor so I can experience Tiesto as close as I could.
Before finding a spot on the floor I headed to the bar. I ordered a Corona – and was immediately $ 5.00 lighter.
I then started to look for an area on the dance floor that I could claim as “mine.”
The opening act was just finishing up and I soon found myself a spot. Not far, but not near, but so acceptable for me to be in.
I would say there was a few minutes after the opening act finished went Tiesto starting playing his music.
Wow. Fucking wow. The music was loud, but when Tiesto started playing the music went even high. The thump thump got deeper. Matter of fact Readers, I could literally feel the sound wave through out my body. I actually wondered about the damage this decimal of sound was doing to my eardrums and to my internal organs.
Yes Readers, when you get my age you wonder about these types of things. Whereas, and I do remember when I was younger, I could care less about the decimals. Matter of fact, I think it was goal to see how deaf you would be the day after a concert. The good old days – not. As I mentioned the music was loud, I mean loud. What made the damaging decimals worst was that there were four huge speakers (that I could see) that were position in a square on each corner of the dance floor in a building that is really not that big; at all. I really started to think how much hearing loss am I going to suffer for the next couple of hours.
Then, I saw the first girl, young woman that caught my eye. Oh so my type – dirty blonde, slender, pink bra showing from her shirt. Jeans. All those thoughts of what I am doing to my hearing were immediately forgotten. She was so oh my type.
I soon began to notice other hot young woman. But then I started to notice the guys and then I started to notice the people on the dance floor. Everyone looked young. I know I can pass for late 20’s even though I am late 30’s so I know I did not look too out of place, but I sure noticed the age difference of me and the rest of the people on the dance floor.
I think it took me about two songs until I started to get into Tiesto’s music and starting dancing. I soon got swept into the music.
After midnight the music was still pumping and I was still dancing away. I was moving and dancing my way closer and closer to the front where Tiesto was. There was the usual bumping of elbows and bodies on the dance floor between me and other people. You tend to ignore since the dance floor is crowded with people and touching between other people is expected.
Well, at one point I felt a left breast against my left side of the back. Yes Readers, I know when a breast is pressed against my body. I thought nothing of it since there were so many people dancing. Then, I felt the right breast being pressed against the right side of my back. Again, nothing was thought of it – basically I thought that she was probably being pushed and accidentally pressed into my back. A third time, I felt the left breast being pressed into my back and then I felt her hips being pressed/grinded into my ass. At that point I knew that this was no accidental touching. Though, at this point I was hoping that it was woman doing the pressing. Readers, you never know these days. So, I turned around and there was a cute young woman smiling, looking and dancing at me. What a turn on.
I was working up a sweat from dancing and the heat as well as body heat.
Soon, 2 A.M. came around and that was the end of Tiesto. Well, I think, that there is a Colorado law that probably states that a club must shut down at 2 A.M. Tiesto did not want to quit, but we did and we dancers did not want him to quit either.
That November Monday night, in my ex-coworkers words, was “just so awesome”. I am glad that I made the decision to go to Tiesto. After all, I would have never thought any more of Tiesto than I do now. Seeing him in such an intimate setting was a treat. There was not the usual concert sound set-up. I think that is what made the difference. And I would not have met Katie… or should I say that Katie would have not met me.
I got to my humble abode around 6 A.M. and as I walked in the door I smelled something different. I did not smell/reek of cigarette smoke? Wow. That is how long that I have not been to a club since smoking was banned here in Colorado in establishments. Now my clothes and I only smelled of sweat and sex in the past six hours, which I soon only had a limited amount of time to get cleaned up and get to work. How in the fuck was I going to work at work being up all night? Back in my youth I know I could this, but now I am so much older and these types of nights are hard now. There was no thought of calling in a PTO day, but just make it through the day and then get home and go directly to bed.
Listening to Tiesto’s music on my Ipod now I have a better understanding of what I am hearing now is nowhere close to hearing Tiesto performing these same songs live.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Well, well, well, I have to admit - I still fucking know how to dance the night away, hook up, and stay awake for 40 hours plus.
Flashback – Over a month ago I found out that one my favorite artist was coming to Denver. At that time I did not have a clue where that artist was going to be performing at until about three ago.
Tiesto was coming to Denver and was on this tour to promote his new release Kaleidoscope that was recently released in the past month. More specifically Club Beta is where Tiesto was going to be performing live in the beginning part of November.
I was ecstatic with this news. Basically, this was a no-brainer that I was not not going to go.
Yet, about a week ago I found out that tickets were limited and that tickets were $ 60.00 dollars. It is a lot of money, but with Tiesto coming to a Club and not to (“The Can,” the Fillmore, Paramount Theatre, or the Denver Coliseum) I knew that tickets could possibly sell out before the day of show.
Thinking that I changed my thinking. I thought about it is $ 60.00 – hard earned money these days. Also, the weather – I was not going to go if there was snow and/or rain that day. I started to think of reasons that I could use as an excuse not to go.
Monday morning – I went to my financial institution and withdrew some cold hard earned cash. I still was undecided at that point, but I wanted to at least have the money available should I change my mind.
Later that day I was talking about the concert and how I was unsure if I wanted to go. First - $ 60.00 and two – the concert is at a club.
Soon, the “Fred Flintstone” whistle went off and I was still at work an hour later than I should be. I was still unsure of whether or not I should go to Club Beta.
I left work, caught Light Rail, then stopped off the local liquor store to get a six pack of beer just in case.
I was committed not going to Tiesto about 80 percent. However, on the third beer I thought what the fuck. I can go downtown and at least try to see if tickets are still available for the show. Worst case scenario I am out Light rail fare both ways – basically under ten dollars. Justifiable cost considering the cost of the ticket itself. Before leaving my humble abode I drank another bottle as fast as I could – cheaper drinking now should I considering drinking at the Club where the price of one beer is going to the price of a six-pack I just bought.
I soon got to Union station and headed to part of downtown that I Googled Club Beta was located at.
I soon saw a lot of people, young people, at this stone building. I soon found out that this was Club Beta. I could hear the thump thump of the club music playing. That sound was pretty incredible to hear and I know that was not Tiesto, but Tiesto’s opening act; which was no concern to me.I located security person and asked him
“Is this where Tiesto is playing?
“Yes” he replied.
“Sorry, I have not been here before, where do I go to inquire about tickets being still available?”
“Go up there.”
“Thanks” I replied.
Basically, no line at the entrance. Either most of the people were inside, or these people outside Club Beta were waiting for Tiesto to take the stage or worst - the concert was sold out.
I went up to the counter talked loudly to the girl behind the booth and asked are tickets still available. She nodded yes and said $ 70.00.
I did not hesitate on the ten-dollar increase due to day of show. I was there at Club Beta, tickets were available and I was being drawn to the music that was thumping from the entrance of Club Beta.
I got my ticket, got a wristband (over 21 yrs old) and then got stamped twice on the back of my right hand and soon I was walking into Club Beta.
Readers, I have not been to a Club (Night Club) in ages (you’ll sort of know later). The atmosphere, the people, the music and the ambiance all made me coming down to downtown Denver on Monday well worth this day in November.
I immediately looked for the restroom since the beers I drank at home were going through me. Thank goodness I drank before hand – I was intoxicated and also saving money since I did not have to spend much money on alcohol at the club.
After the restroom break I headed back to club level (1st Floor). Readers, there is a balcony (2nd story), but I wanted to be on street level; specifically the dance floor so I can experience Tiesto as close as I could.
Before finding a spot on the floor I headed to the bar. I ordered a Corona – and was immediately $ 5.00 lighter.
I then started to look for an area on the dance floor that I could claim as “mine.”
The opening act was just finishing up and I soon found myself a spot. Not far, but not near, but so acceptable for me to be in.
I would say there was a few minutes after the opening act finished went Tiesto starting playing his music.Wow. Fucking wow. The music was loud, but when Tiesto started playing the music went even high. The thump thump got deeper. Matter of fact Readers, I could literally feel the sound wave through out my body. I actually wondered about the damage this decimal of sound was doing to my eardrums and to my internal organs.
Yes Readers, when you get my age you wonder about these types of things. Whereas, and I do remember when I was younger, I could care less about the decimals. Matter of fact, I think it was goal to see how deaf you would be the day after a concert. The good old days – not. As I mentioned the music was loud, I mean loud. What made the damaging decimals worst was that there were four huge speakers (that I could see) that were position in a square on each corner of the dance floor in a building that is really not that big; at all. I really started to think how much hearing loss am I going to suffer for the next couple of hours.
Then, I saw the first girl, young woman that caught my eye. Oh so my type – dirty blonde, slender, pink bra showing from her shirt. Jeans. All those thoughts of what I am doing to my hearing were immediately forgotten. She was so oh my type.
I soon began to notice other hot young woman. But then I started to notice the guys and then I started to notice the people on the dance floor. Everyone looked young. I know I can pass for late 20’s even though I am late 30’s so I know I did not look too out of place, but I sure noticed the age difference of me and the rest of the people on the dance floor.I think it took me about two songs until I started to get into Tiesto’s music and starting dancing. I soon got swept into the music.
After midnight the music was still pumping and I was still dancing away. I was moving and dancing my way closer and closer to the front where Tiesto was. There was the usual bumping of elbows and bodies on the dance floor between me and other people. You tend to ignore since the dance floor is crowded with people and touching between other people is expected.
Well, at one point I felt a left breast against my left side of the back. Yes Readers, I know when a breast is pressed against my body. I thought nothing of it since there were so many people dancing. Then, I felt the right breast being pressed against the right side of my back. Again, nothing was thought of it – basically I thought that she was probably being pushed and accidentally pressed into my back. A third time, I felt the left breast being pressed into my back and then I felt her hips being pressed/grinded into my ass. At that point I knew that this was no accidental touching. Though, at this point I was hoping that it was woman doing the pressing. Readers, you never know these days. So, I turned around and there was a cute young woman smiling, looking and dancing at me. What a turn on.
I was working up a sweat from dancing and the heat as well as body heat.
Soon, 2 A.M. came around and that was the end of Tiesto. Well, I think, that there is a Colorado law that probably states that a club must shut down at 2 A.M. Tiesto did not want to quit, but we did and we dancers did not want him to quit either.
That November Monday night, in my ex-coworkers words, was “just so awesome”. I am glad that I made the decision to go to Tiesto. After all, I would have never thought any more of Tiesto than I do now. Seeing him in such an intimate setting was a treat. There was not the usual concert sound set-up. I think that is what made the difference. And I would not have met Katie… or should I say that Katie would have not met me.I got to my humble abode around 6 A.M. and as I walked in the door I smelled something different. I did not smell/reek of cigarette smoke? Wow. That is how long that I have not been to a club since smoking was banned here in Colorado in establishments. Now my clothes and I only smelled of sweat and sex in the past six hours, which I soon only had a limited amount of time to get cleaned up and get to work. How in the fuck was I going to work at work being up all night? Back in my youth I know I could this, but now I am so much older and these types of nights are hard now. There was no thought of calling in a PTO day, but just make it through the day and then get home and go directly to bed.
Listening to Tiesto’s music on my Ipod now I have a better understanding of what I am hearing now is nowhere close to hearing Tiesto performing these same songs live.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Sunday, October 11, 2009
A Woman From My Past
Greetings Readers
I would have to say that on Saturday, October 10 2009 that was the coldest day I have experienced riding out in the cold this Fall thus far.
I had to some errands and I really did not want to, but I had to since the bank closes early on Saturday and a sale ends on Saturday so I had to go and get what I wanted before Sunday. In addition, I was going to stop at a few other places on the way to here and there.
I was expecting to see a lot of snow on the ground, but alas very light falling snow in the morning and the air was cold enough to breathe in the cold into your lungs. No snow on the pavement, per se, but some snow accumulation in the shadows and the fallen leaves on the ground. Matter of fact, the pavement was probably warm so it melted the snow and turned into some patchy ice in the night.
I did go out on the balcony to test the air and temperature and decided that I was going to wear a light jacket, full finger gloves, and my Natalie Merchant stocking cap and then skin tight long biking pants. I brought along my ZZ Top Bandanna, but elected not to wear it since I would be going into several business that I might bring unnecessary attention to myself. Meaning, wearing a bandanna and a cap into a financial institution is something I want to avoid.
Anyway, the temperature was in the mid twenties, barely, but there was a noticeable wind blowing. My first stop was about 2 miles away and from that point on I would have stops between one to two miles apart. Enough time for me to warm up inside a business and then head out the door.
First stop – done, Second stop – done, although that portion of riding was the coldest. I could feel the wind chill and coldness biting into my legs. I could feel the cold air going down into my jacket without the bandanna around my neck. Third stop – done, but had a harder time protecting myself from the elements of the wind and wind chill. Little did I know that the wind chill temperature was at 14 degrees. I know when the temperature is about 10 degrees – I can feel the coldness and I can feel my skin tingling to the temperature. Mentally I am ok, but physically my body is reacting to the biting cold.
My last stop was at Best Buy and I decided to browse the store more than I wanted to. First of all, I literally had to warm up my body temperature core. I was minutely shaking uncontrollably and knew that I had to warm up my body before the 5 plus mile ride home. I browsed the music section, but that was one of the reasons why I was at Best buy. I had to buy the new Tiesto CD – Kaleidoscope that came out this past week.
After the music section I went to the DVD section. Boy Readers, it has been a long time since I bought a DVD and browsed the DVD’s. The Blue Ray DVD’s have definitely expanded. I remember about 2 aisle shelves of Blue Rays the last time I was Best Buy, but I saw about 10 shelves of Blue Rays on this visit. Unfortunately, the Blue Rays still have not come down in price for me to think of buying any Blue Rays.
After the DVD’s I headed to the computer and PS2 and PS3 games. I looked, but not really looked since the prices were high to me. About two weeks I bought Mercenaries 2 on PS3 (at a Used Game Stores) for about $ 8.00 and change; whereas a brand new copy was for $ 49.00 in Best Buy. And Readers I bought that game for $ 8.00 and it was so not worth it. I played that game for about 30 minutes or so and I have not played it since.
I would have to estimate that I spent about 30 minutes to 45 minutes in Best Buy and now knew that I had to get home. The sooner the better, since the temperature may be falling even more. Though, I had no clue. The only part that sucked was that between Best Buy and home was nothing. My route was through the suburban neighborhood and there was no commercial business (es) between Best Buy and home that I could “warm up” in.
However, just beyond the Best Buy was the Qdoba store that opened up about a month ago. I have been in that Qdoba’s once, but only once. The store design is all fucked up Readers. Anyway, I figure a Burrito and technically the last stop before the “long” ride home in the biting cold would keep me warm til I get home.
I walked in the new Qdoba store and walked all the way to the back to order my lunch.
I was looking at the menu and waiting for the lady in front of me to finish up ordering. Just warming up and trying to figure out at the last second what I was going to order.
Note: Readers, I am going to say this, but in no means am I racial profiling or race discrimination. In the four Qdoba’s I frequent “in my hood” the employees are mostly Latino, Mexican, or Hispanic.
While I waiting for the burrito lady to finish up I noticed out of the corner of my eye an employee, a Mexican woman I assumed, glancing at me while I was waiting for my turn. I paid no attention since I was just warming up and waiting.
The burrito lady finished up with the lady and then she asked what I want. Steak burrito – black.
Soon, I was handed off to the next person in line and lo and behold that Mexican woman who was glancing at me was my Qdoba girl. What the fuck?! Of course, I played it cool. I nodded and said hi. I gave no indication that I was happy or surprised to see my Qdoba girl. Yes Readers, I was surprised, but not happy. There was no happy smile and said “cheese and tomatoes.” I offered no small talk or any additional attention.
I made eye contact about two times with my Qdoba girl and then I was off to the cash register lady.
I finished up giving my money and then was leaving the counter when I heard “Thank you for coming in” from my Qdoba girl.
I did not acknowledge what my Qdoba girl said to me, but just kept on walking without looking back to the counter and soon I was out the door into the cold Saturday afternoon fall air.
Almost forgot as I was riding home I nearly forgot about the ZZ Top bandanna I had in my bag. I stopped, pulled that bandanna and wrapped it around my neck like a gunslinger and then rode off a bit warmer
After I got home it took about 2 hours for my body temperature to equalize. My skin in places would not warm up due to the extreme cold I experience that afternoon.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
I would have to say that on Saturday, October 10 2009 that was the coldest day I have experienced riding out in the cold this Fall thus far.
I had to some errands and I really did not want to, but I had to since the bank closes early on Saturday and a sale ends on Saturday so I had to go and get what I wanted before Sunday. In addition, I was going to stop at a few other places on the way to here and there.
I was expecting to see a lot of snow on the ground, but alas very light falling snow in the morning and the air was cold enough to breathe in the cold into your lungs. No snow on the pavement, per se, but some snow accumulation in the shadows and the fallen leaves on the ground. Matter of fact, the pavement was probably warm so it melted the snow and turned into some patchy ice in the night.
I did go out on the balcony to test the air and temperature and decided that I was going to wear a light jacket, full finger gloves, and my Natalie Merchant stocking cap and then skin tight long biking pants. I brought along my ZZ Top Bandanna, but elected not to wear it since I would be going into several business that I might bring unnecessary attention to myself. Meaning, wearing a bandanna and a cap into a financial institution is something I want to avoid.
Anyway, the temperature was in the mid twenties, barely, but there was a noticeable wind blowing. My first stop was about 2 miles away and from that point on I would have stops between one to two miles apart. Enough time for me to warm up inside a business and then head out the door.
First stop – done, Second stop – done, although that portion of riding was the coldest. I could feel the wind chill and coldness biting into my legs. I could feel the cold air going down into my jacket without the bandanna around my neck. Third stop – done, but had a harder time protecting myself from the elements of the wind and wind chill. Little did I know that the wind chill temperature was at 14 degrees. I know when the temperature is about 10 degrees – I can feel the coldness and I can feel my skin tingling to the temperature. Mentally I am ok, but physically my body is reacting to the biting cold.
My last stop was at Best Buy and I decided to browse the store more than I wanted to. First of all, I literally had to warm up my body temperature core. I was minutely shaking uncontrollably and knew that I had to warm up my body before the 5 plus mile ride home. I browsed the music section, but that was one of the reasons why I was at Best buy. I had to buy the new Tiesto CD – Kaleidoscope that came out this past week.
After the music section I went to the DVD section. Boy Readers, it has been a long time since I bought a DVD and browsed the DVD’s. The Blue Ray DVD’s have definitely expanded. I remember about 2 aisle shelves of Blue Rays the last time I was Best Buy, but I saw about 10 shelves of Blue Rays on this visit. Unfortunately, the Blue Rays still have not come down in price for me to think of buying any Blue Rays.
After the DVD’s I headed to the computer and PS2 and PS3 games. I looked, but not really looked since the prices were high to me. About two weeks I bought Mercenaries 2 on PS3 (at a Used Game Stores) for about $ 8.00 and change; whereas a brand new copy was for $ 49.00 in Best Buy. And Readers I bought that game for $ 8.00 and it was so not worth it. I played that game for about 30 minutes or so and I have not played it since.
I would have to estimate that I spent about 30 minutes to 45 minutes in Best Buy and now knew that I had to get home. The sooner the better, since the temperature may be falling even more. Though, I had no clue. The only part that sucked was that between Best Buy and home was nothing. My route was through the suburban neighborhood and there was no commercial business (es) between Best Buy and home that I could “warm up” in.
However, just beyond the Best Buy was the Qdoba store that opened up about a month ago. I have been in that Qdoba’s once, but only once. The store design is all fucked up Readers. Anyway, I figure a Burrito and technically the last stop before the “long” ride home in the biting cold would keep me warm til I get home.
I walked in the new Qdoba store and walked all the way to the back to order my lunch.
I was looking at the menu and waiting for the lady in front of me to finish up ordering. Just warming up and trying to figure out at the last second what I was going to order.
Note: Readers, I am going to say this, but in no means am I racial profiling or race discrimination. In the four Qdoba’s I frequent “in my hood” the employees are mostly Latino, Mexican, or Hispanic.
While I waiting for the burrito lady to finish up I noticed out of the corner of my eye an employee, a Mexican woman I assumed, glancing at me while I was waiting for my turn. I paid no attention since I was just warming up and waiting.
The burrito lady finished up with the lady and then she asked what I want. Steak burrito – black.
Soon, I was handed off to the next person in line and lo and behold that Mexican woman who was glancing at me was my Qdoba girl. What the fuck?! Of course, I played it cool. I nodded and said hi. I gave no indication that I was happy or surprised to see my Qdoba girl. Yes Readers, I was surprised, but not happy. There was no happy smile and said “cheese and tomatoes.” I offered no small talk or any additional attention.
I made eye contact about two times with my Qdoba girl and then I was off to the cash register lady.
I finished up giving my money and then was leaving the counter when I heard “Thank you for coming in” from my Qdoba girl.
I did not acknowledge what my Qdoba girl said to me, but just kept on walking without looking back to the counter and soon I was out the door into the cold Saturday afternoon fall air.
Almost forgot as I was riding home I nearly forgot about the ZZ Top bandanna I had in my bag. I stopped, pulled that bandanna and wrapped it around my neck like a gunslinger and then rode off a bit warmer
After I got home it took about 2 hours for my body temperature to equalize. My skin in places would not warm up due to the extreme cold I experience that afternoon.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Ride the Rockies - Day 5
Greetings Readers
Ride the Rockies - Day Five - Coming Soon
Update 06/18/09 @ 1:56 P.M. - Independence Pass - I really banged her all morning long. Damn, that is something few can say that they have done on a bike. Us Ride the Rockies riders started out from Leadville, Colorado and then we headed South and then West over Independence Pass and then our finish spot was Aspen, Colorado.
I will have to tell you that the biking gods were watching out for me today. I do not pray to the biking gods, but I do respect and giving acknowledgement in the biking gods from time to time.
This morning in Leadville the weather could not have been perfect. Fucking to perfect. No wind and the air was warm. How can this fucking be?! I was expecting the town to be cold. I was expecting the tent that I was in to be covered in icicles. I was expecting the wind to chill my ass to the bone. Not to mention that I was expecting my knee not to be any better from yesterday. Go fucking figure. Just that little showing of respect and hope to the biking gods made everything right in the world.
Taking a shit in the port a potty was a treat. Again, I was not cold. I actually went back into my tent at about 5:30 A.M. and then put some Tiesto - Nyana Disc 2 on and decided that when that disc ends that was when I was going to start biking (start my day).
I have to say that the air got a bit nippy since the wind started to blow in the from the South. Again Readers, I was worried about my knee and that I have fucking 18 miles of pure climbing up Independence Pass this morning. Also, I did not have the Colorado weather behind me so if you are a Coloradoan you know that the afternoon storms come in from the East and you never know what you can get - weather wise. You can get rain. You can get Hail. You can get Snow. Hell, you can get blizzard conditions that could close down a Mountain Pass. I did not want to get caught in any of those conditions so that is why that I got my ass in gear and got biking as soon as I can.
I am going to skip parts of the story since I do have a limited time access once more on this Internet.
Can you FUCKING say that I fucking rock!? Well, I know that, but perhaps you Readers really do not know that. I would have to say that the climb up from the East side of Independence Pass was pretty steep, but not as nearly as Monarch Pass. Yet, Monarch was only 9 miles to the top of the Pass whereas Independence Pass was about 18 miles with just a percent grade or two less than what we... er I did this morning. I found my grind and I basically keep that pedaling stroke going. Since Independence Pass was a major Mountain Pass for me (my Opinion Only) to ride up on a bike I only had one fucking goal. And that was not to fucking stop on the climb up to the summit. No fucking way. If I did stop on this particular Mountain climb I would not forgive myself. Never.
Fuck yeah! I did not stop once. I did take alot of picture on my climb up and amazingly enough those pictures that I see on the camera came out perfect. I can not wait to upload this pictures my faithful Readers next week or perhaps over the weekend. I thought that taking pictures would be very dangerous for me to do on the bike, especially Independence Pass, but needless to say I actually did that. I did scare myself a few times when the crosswinds caught my deep dish HED. rims, but other than that I did pretty darn well.
When I got to the top of Independence Pass I took a lot of pictures and then I had someone take a few pictures of me at the Independence Pass Mountain Pass Sign and then that was that. Again, the biking gods were looking out for me, or perhaps listening to my silent request last night. Partly Sunny... hell Mostly Sunny, a bit of a breeze, but no Snow! No Rain! No Hail! The song that I heard coming up those final 400 feet or so was John Denver - Rocky Mountain High. yes Readers, I know that was corny, but I will forever associate that song when I did summit Independence Pass on Andrea and her HED. rims.
I guess my time is up Readers, so with that I have to bit you farewell
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Ride the Rockies - Day Five - Coming Soon
Update 06/18/09 @ 1:56 P.M. - Independence Pass - I really banged her all morning long. Damn, that is something few can say that they have done on a bike. Us Ride the Rockies riders started out from Leadville, Colorado and then we headed South and then West over Independence Pass and then our finish spot was Aspen, Colorado.
I will have to tell you that the biking gods were watching out for me today. I do not pray to the biking gods, but I do respect and giving acknowledgement in the biking gods from time to time.
This morning in Leadville the weather could not have been perfect. Fucking to perfect. No wind and the air was warm. How can this fucking be?! I was expecting the town to be cold. I was expecting the tent that I was in to be covered in icicles. I was expecting the wind to chill my ass to the bone. Not to mention that I was expecting my knee not to be any better from yesterday. Go fucking figure. Just that little showing of respect and hope to the biking gods made everything right in the world.
Taking a shit in the port a potty was a treat. Again, I was not cold. I actually went back into my tent at about 5:30 A.M. and then put some Tiesto - Nyana Disc 2 on and decided that when that disc ends that was when I was going to start biking (start my day).
I have to say that the air got a bit nippy since the wind started to blow in the from the South. Again Readers, I was worried about my knee and that I have fucking 18 miles of pure climbing up Independence Pass this morning. Also, I did not have the Colorado weather behind me so if you are a Coloradoan you know that the afternoon storms come in from the East and you never know what you can get - weather wise. You can get rain. You can get Hail. You can get Snow. Hell, you can get blizzard conditions that could close down a Mountain Pass. I did not want to get caught in any of those conditions so that is why that I got my ass in gear and got biking as soon as I can.
I am going to skip parts of the story since I do have a limited time access once more on this Internet.
Can you FUCKING say that I fucking rock!? Well, I know that, but perhaps you Readers really do not know that. I would have to say that the climb up from the East side of Independence Pass was pretty steep, but not as nearly as Monarch Pass. Yet, Monarch was only 9 miles to the top of the Pass whereas Independence Pass was about 18 miles with just a percent grade or two less than what we... er I did this morning. I found my grind and I basically keep that pedaling stroke going. Since Independence Pass was a major Mountain Pass for me (my Opinion Only) to ride up on a bike I only had one fucking goal. And that was not to fucking stop on the climb up to the summit. No fucking way. If I did stop on this particular Mountain climb I would not forgive myself. Never.
Fuck yeah! I did not stop once. I did take alot of picture on my climb up and amazingly enough those pictures that I see on the camera came out perfect. I can not wait to upload this pictures my faithful Readers next week or perhaps over the weekend. I thought that taking pictures would be very dangerous for me to do on the bike, especially Independence Pass, but needless to say I actually did that. I did scare myself a few times when the crosswinds caught my deep dish HED. rims, but other than that I did pretty darn well.
When I got to the top of Independence Pass I took a lot of pictures and then I had someone take a few pictures of me at the Independence Pass Mountain Pass Sign and then that was that. Again, the biking gods were looking out for me, or perhaps listening to my silent request last night. Partly Sunny... hell Mostly Sunny, a bit of a breeze, but no Snow! No Rain! No Hail! The song that I heard coming up those final 400 feet or so was John Denver - Rocky Mountain High. yes Readers, I know that was corny, but I will forever associate that song when I did summit Independence Pass on Andrea and her HED. rims.
I guess my time is up Readers, so with that I have to bit you farewell
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Sunday, November 16, 2008
My "15 Wishes" are no Longer
Greetings Readers
Well, it almost took me two months to redeem my “15 wishes.” ( you can click to see the original Blog post on obtaining and thinking of the 15 wishes I granted myself. Also, I know I usually do not reference past blog posts, but I thought just in case you Readers need to read about me getting my first iTunes gift card to redeem http://redhooktyrant.blogspot.com/2008/09/15-wishes-roughly.html) 56 days for me to finally put a list together that I deemed worthy to be purchased.
I will not say that this is my number one list of all time. Not by a long shot. These are just my choices to choose from by many factors I weighed in by personal opinion.
There were a lot of factors that I took in consideration. Granted, half of the songs that I bought I have on cassette tape, but I do not have on CD. Most of this is not unusual, but what is unusual is that I do not have one single Pink Floyd CD in my collection. I do have every Pink Floyd album/CD on cassette tape, but I do not have any Pink Floyd on CD.
Very strange for me not to have in my CD collection, but I think the reasoning is that in the past most, if not all, Pink Floyd CD were never on sale, so I did not want to pay the full price. And the funny thing is that I love The Wall, A Delicate Sounder of Thunder and A Momentary Lapse of Reason, to name a few Pink Floyd CD’s I would just love to have in my CD collection.
Now, I gave some serious thought to buying a couple of Pink Floyd songs on iTunes, but the accountant came out in me. If I buy a song for a .99 cents and tax - what happens when I buy that Pink Floyd CD later down in the road in life? I guess I would be paying more than I should be paying since I would be buying the CD, plus any single songs I buy from iTunes.
Now, I do not know when I am going to buy A Momentary Lapse of Reason, but just the thought of buying a song now and then buying the CD later is not cost effective. I would be losing money on the deal. One could argue just buy the song now and then listen to my heart’s content, but I could not. I would love to have the song “Dogs of War,” but then again I have done this long without “Dogs of War” so far so what is more time? I do not know, but I am okay with waiting for me to purchase the CD.
So, with that reasoning I did not buy one single Pink Floyd song, even though listening to the 30-second clip brought back memories. Though I guess I will have to listen to my cassette tape. Ain’t no thang.
I chose songs that I have heard at one time. Or have thought about buying the music at one time. Or songs that are one of a kind, in a sense, to me.
Now, choosing this list did not take the entire 56 days. A week would go by before I even thought about my “15 wishes.” Other times I would think of something or something would remind of something and then I would quickly write down the song and or artist. Then, I would forget about what I wrote down until I remembered days later perhaps.
Now, there were two artists that I saw on iTunes that I looked over and over at. Tiesto and Natalie Merchant. I was very, very hesitant of buying any songs from these two artists since I basically have bought or would buy any CD’s that I do not have in my collection. And buying any single song would mean that I just “threw away” money.
Yet, I was able to find two songs that I did not have and most likely would not find on any CD in the future.
All right Readers, I think I have rambled enough.
If you clicked on the blog picture post first then you probably saw the list of “15 wishes.” Actually, I was only able to purchase “14 wishes” due to sales tax. Sales tax, fuck me once more.
Let me not broach that subject of sales tax, though I did use a zip code that I know has one of the lowest sales taxes that I know of the addresses that I have available.
Let me begin.
1. Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing – Chris Isaak. I think, the first time that I heard this song was in Stanley Kubrick’s last movie. I loved the song from the first time I heard it and I just never got around to buying the CD soundtrack (which I would assume that the song was on) or a CD from the Artist since it would be on an album of Chris Isaak. I just love hearing “Bay Did a Bad Bad thing” in that voice in the song.
2. All You Zombies – Hooters. I heard this song in my Uncle’s El Camino going down I-40 in New Mexico when I was younger. I just loved the opening music and the beat throughout the song. I do not care for the guitar riff in the song, but other than that this is a song that reminds of listening to while we were speeding down I-40 and this song playing full blast from the stereo speakers my uncle installed in his El Camino.
3. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley. I do not know the artist, but I hear this song every now and then on a TV show. I do not know if it was this song specifically or redone by another artist, but I chose this version, because of length and popularity on iTunes. I have to say I chose right. The haunting word of “Hallelujah” makes such an impression on me – simple but effective and in my opinion not religious-like.
4. God’s Gonna Cut You Down – Johnny Cash. Wow. I first heard this song was the On-Demand video on Comcast Cable. This was/is during my Johnny Cash phase and I wanted to hear more songs of Johnny Cash. Anyway, the back-story is that I absolutely love the video / song. The video is in Black and white and features many, many famous people in many different states. Chris Rock moving his head back and forth, Lindsay Lohan looking ordinary in a manner of speaking, ZZ top, Sheryl Crow, etc. It is the video that helps the song, but the song’s beat is fantastic, the lyrics being sung by Johnny Cash is so on and eerie since it was the last of Johnny’s music to be recorded before he past away.
5. Black Horse and the Cherry Tree – K.T. Tunstall. This is a live version via iTunes version. Anyway, I love this song and the beat once more. I chose this version since it is longer than the radio/original version. I really first paid attention to this song when it was used for the U.S. Open Tennis on USA Networks. From that point, I was hooked and have been looking forward to buying this CD/song, which I still need to do since this version of the song is an iTunes exclusive.
6. Mad World – Micheal Andrews and ????. I first heard this song in a commercial and that was for the first Gears of War game. I think, I remember the commercial of a marine in the dark and this song playing and then out of the darkness came a beast towering above and behind him. It was not the commercial that drew me to the song, but the melody of the song and the simplicity of the music and lyrics I heard. Then, it was this year, 2008, that I saw the movie “Donny Darko” for the first time and I heard this song in the movie and I was reminded of the piano playing and really making the song work.
7. Kind and Generous – Natalie Merchant. I saw this particular song was on a WDST CD, which might be like our radio station in Denver, Colorado KBCO. KBCO each year puts out exclusive songs by various artists that are recorded in the KBCO radio station studio (also known as Studio C). Often acoustic or a different variation of the song from the album version was played in Studio C. So, I listened to the 30-second clip and I heard that this was an exclusive song and I knew that I needed to have this song for my Natalie Merchant collection. I knew that I would never by that album with this song so that is why I bought this song.
8. Promiscuous – Nelly Furtado. I first heard this song on SNL (Saturday Night Live) and I could not believe Nelly Furtado was singing this with someone else. It was not the Nelly that I have heard in the past. Ever since that Saturday night on Saturday Night Live I have been wanting to buy this CD, but I have not gotten around to, yet. So, I bought this song, which is another iTunes exclusive, which means I am okay with this purchase too.
9. Long Hard Road – The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I have heard this song before, but not really listening to and being hooked to the “Long Hard Road” after hearing this song in the credits of “Texasville.” I know that I have had a long hard road and listening to the song relaxes me and also makes me think of Texas and my past in general. Perhaps there are more songs by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band that I my like, but I guess this is where the benefit of buying a single song actually comes in handy. And I have to admit when I am down at the Ranch in New Mexico I do hear this song every time I am in New Mexico.
10. Ready, Steady, Go – Oakenfold. Again, another song that was used for the U.S. Open Tennis. And it fucking fits. Yet, the past two years USA Networks did not use this while televising the U.S. Open. I also heard this song in the movie “Collateral” and just recently the “Bourne Identity.” I love the music and beat and it has not left my head. This was basically a no-brainer to purchase.
11. Black Betty – Ram Jam. I never knew the artist who sang this song. This song rocks – period! I bought the original version, but I did listen to some re-mixes and thought about buying a version of Black Betty, but thought to stick to the original since that is what I have heard of Black Betty. I think Black Betty really came to my attention from the movie “Blow.” Ever since I hope to hear this song on the radio.
12. Big Log – Robert Plant. This was a no-brainer for me to buy. “My love is in league with the freeway…” and “the coming of night time” I first heard this song probably in Junior high or perhaps high school, but since then this song means a lot to me. My love was the freeways of life and I did drive all over the central United States to the western side of the United States and I was in league with the freeway. There is more that this song means to me, but I think that is something I need to keep to myself, for now.
13. Lethal Industry – Tiesto. This song was sort of up in the air to purchase. I am sure that I would find this album and buy when I see, but the thought of not owning this version of the song that is 8 minutes long was too good to pass up. I have two short versions (about 3 minutes) and then I have like an almost 18 minute version of the song. So, having a version of the song between 3 and almost 18 minutes was too good to pass up. The song is good and there is a particular riff of the song that I could listen to over and over. All other parts of the song don’t matter.
14. Telling Stories – Tracy Chapman. I first heard this song on KBCO and it was probably due to Brett Saunders of KBCO that got me hooked to liking this song. Brett said to us listeners that he like/loved this new song from Tracy Chapman, when it first came out, and from that point on I was hooked. From the opening of the song to the lyrics it really caught my attention. This song to me was nothing like the Tracy Chapman I heard from before (example – “Fast cars” and “Give me one reason.”)
And there you have it Readers. My “15 wishes” were finally redeemed and decided and now it was time to share my first ever purchases from iTunes with you faithful Readers and general Readers alike. I would have to say that the list is pretty well rounded and I am proud to say that I am very, very happy with my choice of songs that I purchased. Songs I obviously wanted and not songs that I had to have because I needed to have. I actually took some thought and what may happen later down the “Long Hard Road” of life.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Well, it almost took me two months to redeem my “15 wishes.” ( you can click to see the original Blog post on obtaining and thinking of the 15 wishes I granted myself. Also, I know I usually do not reference past blog posts, but I thought just in case you Readers need to read about me getting my first iTunes gift card to redeem http://redhooktyrant.blogspot.com/2008/09/15-wishes-roughly.html) 56 days for me to finally put a list together that I deemed worthy to be purchased.
I will not say that this is my number one list of all time. Not by a long shot. These are just my choices to choose from by many factors I weighed in by personal opinion.
There were a lot of factors that I took in consideration. Granted, half of the songs that I bought I have on cassette tape, but I do not have on CD. Most of this is not unusual, but what is unusual is that I do not have one single Pink Floyd CD in my collection. I do have every Pink Floyd album/CD on cassette tape, but I do not have any Pink Floyd on CD.
Very strange for me not to have in my CD collection, but I think the reasoning is that in the past most, if not all, Pink Floyd CD were never on sale, so I did not want to pay the full price. And the funny thing is that I love The Wall, A Delicate Sounder of Thunder and A Momentary Lapse of Reason, to name a few Pink Floyd CD’s I would just love to have in my CD collection.
Now, I gave some serious thought to buying a couple of Pink Floyd songs on iTunes, but the accountant came out in me. If I buy a song for a .99 cents and tax - what happens when I buy that Pink Floyd CD later down in the road in life? I guess I would be paying more than I should be paying since I would be buying the CD, plus any single songs I buy from iTunes.
Now, I do not know when I am going to buy A Momentary Lapse of Reason, but just the thought of buying a song now and then buying the CD later is not cost effective. I would be losing money on the deal. One could argue just buy the song now and then listen to my heart’s content, but I could not. I would love to have the song “Dogs of War,” but then again I have done this long without “Dogs of War” so far so what is more time? I do not know, but I am okay with waiting for me to purchase the CD.
So, with that reasoning I did not buy one single Pink Floyd song, even though listening to the 30-second clip brought back memories. Though I guess I will have to listen to my cassette tape. Ain’t no thang.
I chose songs that I have heard at one time. Or have thought about buying the music at one time. Or songs that are one of a kind, in a sense, to me.
Now, choosing this list did not take the entire 56 days. A week would go by before I even thought about my “15 wishes.” Other times I would think of something or something would remind of something and then I would quickly write down the song and or artist. Then, I would forget about what I wrote down until I remembered days later perhaps.
Now, there were two artists that I saw on iTunes that I looked over and over at. Tiesto and Natalie Merchant. I was very, very hesitant of buying any songs from these two artists since I basically have bought or would buy any CD’s that I do not have in my collection. And buying any single song would mean that I just “threw away” money.
Yet, I was able to find two songs that I did not have and most likely would not find on any CD in the future.
All right Readers, I think I have rambled enough.
If you clicked on the blog picture post first then you probably saw the list of “15 wishes.” Actually, I was only able to purchase “14 wishes” due to sales tax. Sales tax, fuck me once more.
Let me not broach that subject of sales tax, though I did use a zip code that I know has one of the lowest sales taxes that I know of the addresses that I have available.
Let me begin.
1. Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing – Chris Isaak. I think, the first time that I heard this song was in Stanley Kubrick’s last movie. I loved the song from the first time I heard it and I just never got around to buying the CD soundtrack (which I would assume that the song was on) or a CD from the Artist since it would be on an album of Chris Isaak. I just love hearing “Bay Did a Bad Bad thing” in that voice in the song.
2. All You Zombies – Hooters. I heard this song in my Uncle’s El Camino going down I-40 in New Mexico when I was younger. I just loved the opening music and the beat throughout the song. I do not care for the guitar riff in the song, but other than that this is a song that reminds of listening to while we were speeding down I-40 and this song playing full blast from the stereo speakers my uncle installed in his El Camino.
3. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley. I do not know the artist, but I hear this song every now and then on a TV show. I do not know if it was this song specifically or redone by another artist, but I chose this version, because of length and popularity on iTunes. I have to say I chose right. The haunting word of “Hallelujah” makes such an impression on me – simple but effective and in my opinion not religious-like.
4. God’s Gonna Cut You Down – Johnny Cash. Wow. I first heard this song was the On-Demand video on Comcast Cable. This was/is during my Johnny Cash phase and I wanted to hear more songs of Johnny Cash. Anyway, the back-story is that I absolutely love the video / song. The video is in Black and white and features many, many famous people in many different states. Chris Rock moving his head back and forth, Lindsay Lohan looking ordinary in a manner of speaking, ZZ top, Sheryl Crow, etc. It is the video that helps the song, but the song’s beat is fantastic, the lyrics being sung by Johnny Cash is so on and eerie since it was the last of Johnny’s music to be recorded before he past away.
5. Black Horse and the Cherry Tree – K.T. Tunstall. This is a live version via iTunes version. Anyway, I love this song and the beat once more. I chose this version since it is longer than the radio/original version. I really first paid attention to this song when it was used for the U.S. Open Tennis on USA Networks. From that point, I was hooked and have been looking forward to buying this CD/song, which I still need to do since this version of the song is an iTunes exclusive.
6. Mad World – Micheal Andrews and ????. I first heard this song in a commercial and that was for the first Gears of War game. I think, I remember the commercial of a marine in the dark and this song playing and then out of the darkness came a beast towering above and behind him. It was not the commercial that drew me to the song, but the melody of the song and the simplicity of the music and lyrics I heard. Then, it was this year, 2008, that I saw the movie “Donny Darko” for the first time and I heard this song in the movie and I was reminded of the piano playing and really making the song work.
7. Kind and Generous – Natalie Merchant. I saw this particular song was on a WDST CD, which might be like our radio station in Denver, Colorado KBCO. KBCO each year puts out exclusive songs by various artists that are recorded in the KBCO radio station studio (also known as Studio C). Often acoustic or a different variation of the song from the album version was played in Studio C. So, I listened to the 30-second clip and I heard that this was an exclusive song and I knew that I needed to have this song for my Natalie Merchant collection. I knew that I would never by that album with this song so that is why I bought this song.
8. Promiscuous – Nelly Furtado. I first heard this song on SNL (Saturday Night Live) and I could not believe Nelly Furtado was singing this with someone else. It was not the Nelly that I have heard in the past. Ever since that Saturday night on Saturday Night Live I have been wanting to buy this CD, but I have not gotten around to, yet. So, I bought this song, which is another iTunes exclusive, which means I am okay with this purchase too.
9. Long Hard Road – The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I have heard this song before, but not really listening to and being hooked to the “Long Hard Road” after hearing this song in the credits of “Texasville.” I know that I have had a long hard road and listening to the song relaxes me and also makes me think of Texas and my past in general. Perhaps there are more songs by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band that I my like, but I guess this is where the benefit of buying a single song actually comes in handy. And I have to admit when I am down at the Ranch in New Mexico I do hear this song every time I am in New Mexico.
10. Ready, Steady, Go – Oakenfold. Again, another song that was used for the U.S. Open Tennis. And it fucking fits. Yet, the past two years USA Networks did not use this while televising the U.S. Open. I also heard this song in the movie “Collateral” and just recently the “Bourne Identity.” I love the music and beat and it has not left my head. This was basically a no-brainer to purchase.
11. Black Betty – Ram Jam. I never knew the artist who sang this song. This song rocks – period! I bought the original version, but I did listen to some re-mixes and thought about buying a version of Black Betty, but thought to stick to the original since that is what I have heard of Black Betty. I think Black Betty really came to my attention from the movie “Blow.” Ever since I hope to hear this song on the radio.
12. Big Log – Robert Plant. This was a no-brainer for me to buy. “My love is in league with the freeway…” and “the coming of night time” I first heard this song probably in Junior high or perhaps high school, but since then this song means a lot to me. My love was the freeways of life and I did drive all over the central United States to the western side of the United States and I was in league with the freeway. There is more that this song means to me, but I think that is something I need to keep to myself, for now.
13. Lethal Industry – Tiesto. This song was sort of up in the air to purchase. I am sure that I would find this album and buy when I see, but the thought of not owning this version of the song that is 8 minutes long was too good to pass up. I have two short versions (about 3 minutes) and then I have like an almost 18 minute version of the song. So, having a version of the song between 3 and almost 18 minutes was too good to pass up. The song is good and there is a particular riff of the song that I could listen to over and over. All other parts of the song don’t matter.
14. Telling Stories – Tracy Chapman. I first heard this song on KBCO and it was probably due to Brett Saunders of KBCO that got me hooked to liking this song. Brett said to us listeners that he like/loved this new song from Tracy Chapman, when it first came out, and from that point on I was hooked. From the opening of the song to the lyrics it really caught my attention. This song to me was nothing like the Tracy Chapman I heard from before (example – “Fast cars” and “Give me one reason.”)
And there you have it Readers. My “15 wishes” were finally redeemed and decided and now it was time to share my first ever purchases from iTunes with you faithful Readers and general Readers alike. I would have to say that the list is pretty well rounded and I am proud to say that I am very, very happy with my choice of songs that I purchased. Songs I obviously wanted and not songs that I had to have because I needed to have. I actually took some thought and what may happen later down the “Long Hard Road” of life.Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Monday, October 20, 2008
The Beginning of 24 Hours of Boulder
Greetings Readers
“Extreme ways are back again
Extreme places I did not know...”
Extreme Ways
I was just recently introduced to this song, which was re-mixed by my one of my most favorite music artist these days – Tiesto. I loved the music of the song and the beat and the way the singer was singing the song, but what I failed to do was to really listen (pay attention) to were the lyrics.
Wow.
Flash forward - When I was starting my second lap I decided that this was the song I was going to start listening to on my Ipod. When I actually listened to the first two sentences of the song I could not believe that fit the current situation I was in. That summed up the 24 Hours of Boulder, for me anyway.
Back to present - Julio drove me up to Boulder, since I asked and offered to buy him gas and a 12 pack of Corona about three weeks ago.
We arrived about 8:30 in the morning, with about 30 minutes to start time and 15 minutes to the mandatory meeting. I asked to him to wait just in case they would not take cash, or I could not sign up or whatever. We walked over to the registration tent and got into line. A sort of long line, but not that long.
Soon, I was filling out the very, very simple form and paying $ 120.00 bones for day of registration. And then the race director, Reid, asked for a team name from me.
I look towards to Julio “Julio. I need a team name.”
“I don’t know.” He responds.
“Hmmm. Okay.” I look at Reid “Red hook Tyrant”
I smile to myself and think yes that is perfect. The name of my blog site is redhooktyrant.blogspot.com, which means Team Red Hook Tyrant fits perfect as my Team name.
And that was that. I was registered for the 24 hours of Boulder.
Julio and I walked back to his vehicle and then I got dressed and prepped for the event. I asked Julio for a couple of pre-pictures of me before the event.
Oh Readers, while I was putting on my bib race number on my running shorts I was shaking or trembling in my fingers. Not from the cool morning, but nervousness. I was truly nervous and just thought to myself there is no turning back now – I have paid and registered, therefore I have to compete in the 24 hours of Boulder.
I look at Julio “Julio. I am shaking”
He looks at me “It’s all right. Once you get running you be okay.” I knew that, but I was trembling from pure nervousness.
I decided perhaps I better open a can of Coca-Cola and drink the entire can in one long drink. I did and I felt a bit better.
While I was getting prepared I got a goodie bag after registering and decided now was the time to look and see what was in the bag. I saw what every runner like me wants to see. A shirt. Oh yes Readers it’s all about the shirt. There were some pamphlets, some hammergel stuff and couple of other things.
“Julio. Thank you very much for the ride this morning. I really appreciate it.”
Then, I told Julio that this other bag I brought along contained his 12 pack. Julio smiled and said thank you. I, of course said, no thank you.
I took my backpack and headed over to the grassy area that held a lot of the runner’s tents. Yes - tents. Apparently, that was pretty smart thinking for some of the people that were running and thinking or knew to bring a tent for this event. All I had was my backpack – not even the sleeping bag I had at my humble abode. I decided to put my backpack nearby a tree that was nearby the runner’s tent / resting tent. I sort of wished that I had a tent since I then would have a place to call my area, but then again would I be needing the use of a tent? I do not know.
We walked over to the start line and then waited. Soon, the mandatory meeting started and Reid explains the course, what’s at the start line, what’s at the half way point, what’s going to be provided and are there any questions.
“Alright runners – two minutes to the start”
I was ready as I was ever going to be. I had my Southpark Jersey on, my U.S. Open Bandanna on, my running shorts and my Ipod in my hand. Note Readers, I wanted to hear everything before putting any earphones in my ears. I did not want to miss a word nor miss any directions on the course since I did not know the course. I had no fucking clue of the event route, except that it is an out and back route. No loop route this year.
I think this was due to night running on the dirt road that was going to be used. I think the road gets fairly busy at night, especially on a Saturday night and with me thinking Boulder, college kids, drinking, CU Boulder football game; there could be a good possibility of a drunk driver on the dirt road near the Boulder Reservoir.
I did mind, but I also did not mind since I did not want to run in the dark with a glow stick and the possibility of a drunk driver driving ahead or behind me and hitting me – A hit and run. I was glad to be running on the trails and would overlook the running on the out and back route, which in every runner’s mind is not the best thing – at all.
“Runners. Make sure you start running out towards the front gate on the road and then loop around to this area.”
I told Julio that was a weird way to start and he nodded in agreement.
Just prior to starting I could not help to think that today was the perfect day. A perfect day to run in the 24 hours of Boulder. It was pretty to see the hot air balloon rising in the morning prior to the start of the 24 Hours of boulder. After all, last year at this almost exact same time, I followed the weather forecast and saw that rain was predicted to start falling on Saturday and continue throughout the day until Sunday. A year ago, that was something that I did not want to do. I did not want to be miserable and wet for a 24-hour event. Rain in October can chill you to the bone and not to mention make the air so much colder.
So, a week prior to this year’s 24 hours of Boulder I watched and listened to the prediction of any fronts, the jet stream and any high / low pressures. I was really counting on the weather to make or break me on whether or not I would do this event. Actually, this was a done deal unless snow / sleet was forecast then I was going to say, “Fuck that.”
Needless to say, a high pressure was going to be stationary over Colorado and hold the jet stream from Colorado – whew. I was happy, but that also meant that I had to compete in the event. I did fucking used the weather (rain) excuse as an excuse not to compete in the event last year, so to use that excuse again was a “shit” thing to use again. In my view, I told everyone that if it did not rain I was going to run in the event. And when I say something like that I mean that. When I say something, most of the time; I will follow through – no bullshit.
The ten-second countdown starts
“Ten, nine, eight, seven, six…”
I synchronized both of my watches – the G–Shock and Ironman watches
“Five, four, three, two….”
And for that one second I thought to myself – this is it. I have something to prove to myself. I also had something to make up for. I had to make sure that I give a nod to the biking gods. I had to be sure that this was an event and not a race. I had to be focused. I have 24 hours until the end of my destiny, or in my mind immortality.
“…One…”
And for one second more I have subconsciously yearned for a challenge, an event, such as this to further test my athletic abilities.
“Go!”
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
“Extreme ways are back again
Extreme places I did not know...”
Extreme Ways
I was just recently introduced to this song, which was re-mixed by my one of my most favorite music artist these days – Tiesto. I loved the music of the song and the beat and the way the singer was singing the song, but what I failed to do was to really listen (pay attention) to were the lyrics.
Wow.
Flash forward - When I was starting my second lap I decided that this was the song I was going to start listening to on my Ipod. When I actually listened to the first two sentences of the song I could not believe that fit the current situation I was in. That summed up the 24 Hours of Boulder, for me anyway.
Back to present - Julio drove me up to Boulder, since I asked and offered to buy him gas and a 12 pack of Corona about three weeks ago.
We arrived about 8:30 in the morning, with about 30 minutes to start time and 15 minutes to the mandatory meeting. I asked to him to wait just in case they would not take cash, or I could not sign up or whatever. We walked over to the registration tent and got into line. A sort of long line, but not that long.
Soon, I was filling out the very, very simple form and paying $ 120.00 bones for day of registration. And then the race director, Reid, asked for a team name from me.
I look towards to Julio “Julio. I need a team name.”
“I don’t know.” He responds.
“Hmmm. Okay.” I look at Reid “Red hook Tyrant”
I smile to myself and think yes that is perfect. The name of my blog site is redhooktyrant.blogspot.com, which means Team Red Hook Tyrant fits perfect as my Team name.
And that was that. I was registered for the 24 hours of Boulder.
Julio and I walked back to his vehicle and then I got dressed and prepped for the event. I asked Julio for a couple of pre-pictures of me before the event.
Oh Readers, while I was putting on my bib race number on my running shorts I was shaking or trembling in my fingers. Not from the cool morning, but nervousness. I was truly nervous and just thought to myself there is no turning back now – I have paid and registered, therefore I have to compete in the 24 hours of Boulder.
I look at Julio “Julio. I am shaking”
He looks at me “It’s all right. Once you get running you be okay.” I knew that, but I was trembling from pure nervousness.
I decided perhaps I better open a can of Coca-Cola and drink the entire can in one long drink. I did and I felt a bit better.
While I was getting prepared I got a goodie bag after registering and decided now was the time to look and see what was in the bag. I saw what every runner like me wants to see. A shirt. Oh yes Readers it’s all about the shirt. There were some pamphlets, some hammergel stuff and couple of other things.
“Julio. Thank you very much for the ride this morning. I really appreciate it.”
Then, I told Julio that this other bag I brought along contained his 12 pack. Julio smiled and said thank you. I, of course said, no thank you.
I took my backpack and headed over to the grassy area that held a lot of the runner’s tents. Yes - tents. Apparently, that was pretty smart thinking for some of the people that were running and thinking or knew to bring a tent for this event. All I had was my backpack – not even the sleeping bag I had at my humble abode. I decided to put my backpack nearby a tree that was nearby the runner’s tent / resting tent. I sort of wished that I had a tent since I then would have a place to call my area, but then again would I be needing the use of a tent? I do not know.
We walked over to the start line and then waited. Soon, the mandatory meeting started and Reid explains the course, what’s at the start line, what’s at the half way point, what’s going to be provided and are there any questions.
“Alright runners – two minutes to the start”
I was ready as I was ever going to be. I had my Southpark Jersey on, my U.S. Open Bandanna on, my running shorts and my Ipod in my hand. Note Readers, I wanted to hear everything before putting any earphones in my ears. I did not want to miss a word nor miss any directions on the course since I did not know the course. I had no fucking clue of the event route, except that it is an out and back route. No loop route this year.
I think this was due to night running on the dirt road that was going to be used. I think the road gets fairly busy at night, especially on a Saturday night and with me thinking Boulder, college kids, drinking, CU Boulder football game; there could be a good possibility of a drunk driver on the dirt road near the Boulder Reservoir.
I did mind, but I also did not mind since I did not want to run in the dark with a glow stick and the possibility of a drunk driver driving ahead or behind me and hitting me – A hit and run. I was glad to be running on the trails and would overlook the running on the out and back route, which in every runner’s mind is not the best thing – at all.
“Runners. Make sure you start running out towards the front gate on the road and then loop around to this area.”
I told Julio that was a weird way to start and he nodded in agreement.
Just prior to starting I could not help to think that today was the perfect day. A perfect day to run in the 24 hours of Boulder. It was pretty to see the hot air balloon rising in the morning prior to the start of the 24 Hours of boulder. After all, last year at this almost exact same time, I followed the weather forecast and saw that rain was predicted to start falling on Saturday and continue throughout the day until Sunday. A year ago, that was something that I did not want to do. I did not want to be miserable and wet for a 24-hour event. Rain in October can chill you to the bone and not to mention make the air so much colder.So, a week prior to this year’s 24 hours of Boulder I watched and listened to the prediction of any fronts, the jet stream and any high / low pressures. I was really counting on the weather to make or break me on whether or not I would do this event. Actually, this was a done deal unless snow / sleet was forecast then I was going to say, “Fuck that.”
Needless to say, a high pressure was going to be stationary over Colorado and hold the jet stream from Colorado – whew. I was happy, but that also meant that I had to compete in the event. I did fucking used the weather (rain) excuse as an excuse not to compete in the event last year, so to use that excuse again was a “shit” thing to use again. In my view, I told everyone that if it did not rain I was going to run in the event. And when I say something like that I mean that. When I say something, most of the time; I will follow through – no bullshit.
The ten-second countdown starts
“Ten, nine, eight, seven, six…”
I synchronized both of my watches – the G–Shock and Ironman watches
“Five, four, three, two….”
And for that one second I thought to myself – this is it. I have something to prove to myself. I also had something to make up for. I had to make sure that I give a nod to the biking gods. I had to be sure that this was an event and not a race. I had to be focused. I have 24 hours until the end of my destiny, or in my mind immortality.
“…One…”
And for one second more I have subconsciously yearned for a challenge, an event, such as this to further test my athletic abilities.
“Go!”
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Monday, January 14, 2008
Bike Tires, Sunglasses & "Please"
Greetings Readers
The subject of Bike Tires – Continued
So, when I do get a new set of bike tires I would have to say that Murphy’s Law somehow strikes.
There I am biking wherever when suddenly a vehicle pulls out or a vehicle decides to cut me off and I immediately have to apply both sets of brakes. Hard. And when I mean hard I mean locking up my brakes and skidding on the pavement/concrete. How makes times have I said “Fuck” and wonder just how much bike tire residue I left on the road and how many miles I just lost from that hard skid. Oh, that feeling is just overwhelming. Knowing that I locked up my bike tires and had to skid on the road.
That scenario just burns me up.
The next issue with my new bike tires. Now, as I stated in the previous blog I do buy the more expensive bike tire. Only the best. However, I get “burned up” when I think about how much I paid for that 700 x 23 bike tire and I then compare that to buying a speed rated tire (Firestone or Michelin) for my Camero. I usually pay $ 100.00 to $ 150.00 for each tire. And as you know those vehicle tires are over 12 inches wide. As opposed to my bike tire, which in this case, is 23 cm wide. A big fucking difference and I get worked up thinking about how much I paid for a bike tire compared to my Camero tire. Urgh! Damn. That’s just wrong. And the bike tire is only a thin tire as oppose to a vehicle tire, which can last more than a year. A bike tire only last as long as you treat the tire right and depending on the miles you put on the tires. It is just wrong. Wrong! (Readers, you have to imagine me sounding like Cartman when he says the word “Wrong”).
Alright readers, I think I am finally done with talking about bike tires. Tubes will have to be a future subject since that would be a lengthy subject.
As you can see on today’s blog is my birthday present to myself. Yep – Oakley’s M Frame – Fire Iridium vented sweep Carbon black frame. I went 8 months without Oakley’s so I planned (saved) to get a new Oakley M Frame for my birthday. Also, I lost my cheap sunglasses, which I have had for over 5 years, this past Sunday.
I think this is the fifth set of Oakley’s in 10 years that I have purchased. All previous Oakley’s have been “lost” by me. And when I say “lost” that means I left my Oakley’s somewhere and by the time I realize I left them wherever my Oakley’s were gone. I left the Oakley’s, but really my Oakley’s were stolen. Or as Ben Kenobi would say “from a certain point of view”. My ignorance lead to my Oakley’s to be “stolen” by someone else. I do have to say that on all of the Oakley’s that were “stolen” my Oakley’s were pretty used and scratched up on the lens.
However, the people who “stole” my Oakley’s have the frame so all that person needs to do is buy a new lens, which is a bit cheaper than buying a whole new Oakley Sunglasses.
I guess this is something that I have come to terms with. I have to have the best and I will pay the cost. I do have various lenses – Blue Iridium, Red Iridium, Yellow lens, Clear lens, Brown lens (heater style), Black lens and an Orange lens. But obviously, if there is no Oakley M Frame then the rest of my Oakley lenses are useless.
The past 8 months I had to ride with my cheap sunglasses I had up until last Sunday. I have the sunlight coming in from the sides since the cheap sunglasses were not wrap around glasses. I also had the sun reflected back into my eyes when the sun was at a certain angle to be reflected from in the inside of my cheap sunglasses. Yet, I dealt with the inconvenience until I felt I needed a new Oakley M Frame.
In my personal opinion, any bike rider who does not own an Oakley sunglasses is not a true biker/cyclist. Yeah yeah, I know that I have not had any Oakley’s sunglasses for the past 8 months and technically I would fall under that “not a true cyclist”. A conundrum. But, I did wear my very, very old Oakley’s every once in a while. Old school baby! Perhaps I will post a picture on tomorrow’s blog.
Once again I am a name brand wh-re.
Readers, I want to state that I am not supporting Oakley’s nor giving them an endorsement. They have not even done at thing for me nor from word of mouth would they even think of sponsoring me for wearing their product.
Oakley’s are a great lens. I would say that I look good with the Oakley Sweep style on me. And with that let me close on that subject.
By the way readers, the girl that was helping me in the Oakley store (at Cherry Creek Mall) had very striking eyes. I was attracted to her eyes and eyelashes. I am not sure why I zeroed in on her eyes. She was petite, young, and had a nice looking body. Yet her eyes were striking. Should you ask me what color her eyes where I couldn't tell you reader what color they were. Go and try to figure that shit out.
Alright readers – time for another incident on RTD. I had to take RTD Sunday afternoon since I wanted to be dressed in street clothes as opposed to bike clothes.
It was about 7 PM Sunday night and I was on my way home from Cherry Creek Mall. Me and this woman were waiting together on the bus. Trying to warm up from the cold outside.
“What time is it?”
I thought to myself for a millisecond – Should I ask her for the magic word?
I replied “about 7:29”
She said nothing else.
Not for the entire ride. As I pulled the cable for my stop I calmly said to her.
“The next time that you ask a stranger for the time make sure that you use the words please and/or thank you. The next person may not be as nice as I was”
She gave me a look like how dare I talk to her like that. Yet, I did not expect this sort of thing from a white woman. She did not say sorry or anything else. I did not say anything else. I had the past two miles to think about what I wanted to say and how to say this to her without being aggressive.
I was semi-irked that she did not use the word “Please” and/or “thank you”. Common fucking courtesy. Yet, since I had my new Oakley sunglasses I was happy. And I made sure that she heard me say “thank you and have a nice evening” to the RTD bus driver. Let her fucking think about the bitch she was being.
Yes readers - I expect a “Please” and/or “Thank you” when the situation calls for those two words.
This morning I was waiting for the bus. I was lazy about biking to work this morning.
“Boy, the bus is running late.”
This was uttered by a woman sitting at the same bus stop I was at. I was not looking at her, but I could see from the corner of my eye that she had turned to me and say this. With my new Oakley’s on she could not tell where the fuck I was looking. Like the way it should be.
Also, she could see my earphones in my ear since she is looking at the side of my head. My white earphones are pretty striking against my hair and skin. I could hear her, but also I was listening to ClubTiesto on my Ipod. I choose to not to acknowledge her – which is my given right.
Then, that “magical” sentence popped out of her mouth.
“Do you know what time is it”
I would say it was not even a nanosecond this time. I was smiling on the inside, but I could not smile nor turn my head to look at her and acknowledge that question. No way! Sure I know what time it is, the G-Shock watch on my left wrist will answer that question. Just say the magic word – “please”.
Yes readers – She did not say the “magic word” and this time I was not cold, nor happy with pure delight. I am back to my old self. Until she said “Please” she could wonder all morning at that bus stop.
And this so funny to me since technically 12 hours ago I had the exact question posed to me.
I want the fucking courtesy I have earned through my life and you best better believe it I will either get it or not get it. If I do, then respect. If not, then you better take a long look at yourself and consider reviewing your manners.
Deja-vu - Dallas Cowboys lost again, like last year (in a manner of speaking). Not this time on a fumble. I blame Jessica Simpson. Basically, The Cowboys just did not "show up" this week. Yet, I got choked up hearing T.O. talk about it was not.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
The subject of Bike Tires – Continued
So, when I do get a new set of bike tires I would have to say that Murphy’s Law somehow strikes.
There I am biking wherever when suddenly a vehicle pulls out or a vehicle decides to cut me off and I immediately have to apply both sets of brakes. Hard. And when I mean hard I mean locking up my brakes and skidding on the pavement/concrete. How makes times have I said “Fuck” and wonder just how much bike tire residue I left on the road and how many miles I just lost from that hard skid. Oh, that feeling is just overwhelming. Knowing that I locked up my bike tires and had to skid on the road.
That scenario just burns me up.
The next issue with my new bike tires. Now, as I stated in the previous blog I do buy the more expensive bike tire. Only the best. However, I get “burned up” when I think about how much I paid for that 700 x 23 bike tire and I then compare that to buying a speed rated tire (Firestone or Michelin) for my Camero. I usually pay $ 100.00 to $ 150.00 for each tire. And as you know those vehicle tires are over 12 inches wide. As opposed to my bike tire, which in this case, is 23 cm wide. A big fucking difference and I get worked up thinking about how much I paid for a bike tire compared to my Camero tire. Urgh! Damn. That’s just wrong. And the bike tire is only a thin tire as oppose to a vehicle tire, which can last more than a year. A bike tire only last as long as you treat the tire right and depending on the miles you put on the tires. It is just wrong. Wrong! (Readers, you have to imagine me sounding like Cartman when he says the word “Wrong”).
Alright readers, I think I am finally done with talking about bike tires. Tubes will have to be a future subject since that would be a lengthy subject.
As you can see on today’s blog is my birthday present to myself. Yep – Oakley’s M Frame – Fire Iridium vented sweep Carbon black frame. I went 8 months without Oakley’s so I planned (saved) to get a new Oakley M Frame for my birthday. Also, I lost my cheap sunglasses, which I have had for over 5 years, this past Sunday.
I think this is the fifth set of Oakley’s in 10 years that I have purchased. All previous Oakley’s have been “lost” by me. And when I say “lost” that means I left my Oakley’s somewhere and by the time I realize I left them wherever my Oakley’s were gone. I left the Oakley’s, but really my Oakley’s were stolen. Or as Ben Kenobi would say “from a certain point of view”. My ignorance lead to my Oakley’s to be “stolen” by someone else. I do have to say that on all of the Oakley’s that were “stolen” my Oakley’s were pretty used and scratched up on the lens.
However, the people who “stole” my Oakley’s have the frame so all that person needs to do is buy a new lens, which is a bit cheaper than buying a whole new Oakley Sunglasses.
I guess this is something that I have come to terms with. I have to have the best and I will pay the cost. I do have various lenses – Blue Iridium, Red Iridium, Yellow lens, Clear lens, Brown lens (heater style), Black lens and an Orange lens. But obviously, if there is no Oakley M Frame then the rest of my Oakley lenses are useless.
The past 8 months I had to ride with my cheap sunglasses I had up until last Sunday. I have the sunlight coming in from the sides since the cheap sunglasses were not wrap around glasses. I also had the sun reflected back into my eyes when the sun was at a certain angle to be reflected from in the inside of my cheap sunglasses. Yet, I dealt with the inconvenience until I felt I needed a new Oakley M Frame.
In my personal opinion, any bike rider who does not own an Oakley sunglasses is not a true biker/cyclist. Yeah yeah, I know that I have not had any Oakley’s sunglasses for the past 8 months and technically I would fall under that “not a true cyclist”. A conundrum. But, I did wear my very, very old Oakley’s every once in a while. Old school baby! Perhaps I will post a picture on tomorrow’s blog.
Once again I am a name brand wh-re.
Readers, I want to state that I am not supporting Oakley’s nor giving them an endorsement. They have not even done at thing for me nor from word of mouth would they even think of sponsoring me for wearing their product.
Oakley’s are a great lens. I would say that I look good with the Oakley Sweep style on me. And with that let me close on that subject.
By the way readers, the girl that was helping me in the Oakley store (at Cherry Creek Mall) had very striking eyes. I was attracted to her eyes and eyelashes. I am not sure why I zeroed in on her eyes. She was petite, young, and had a nice looking body. Yet her eyes were striking. Should you ask me what color her eyes where I couldn't tell you reader what color they were. Go and try to figure that shit out.
Alright readers – time for another incident on RTD. I had to take RTD Sunday afternoon since I wanted to be dressed in street clothes as opposed to bike clothes.
It was about 7 PM Sunday night and I was on my way home from Cherry Creek Mall. Me and this woman were waiting together on the bus. Trying to warm up from the cold outside.
“What time is it?”
I thought to myself for a millisecond – Should I ask her for the magic word?
I replied “about 7:29”
She said nothing else.
Not for the entire ride. As I pulled the cable for my stop I calmly said to her.
“The next time that you ask a stranger for the time make sure that you use the words please and/or thank you. The next person may not be as nice as I was”
She gave me a look like how dare I talk to her like that. Yet, I did not expect this sort of thing from a white woman. She did not say sorry or anything else. I did not say anything else. I had the past two miles to think about what I wanted to say and how to say this to her without being aggressive.
I was semi-irked that she did not use the word “Please” and/or “thank you”. Common fucking courtesy. Yet, since I had my new Oakley sunglasses I was happy. And I made sure that she heard me say “thank you and have a nice evening” to the RTD bus driver. Let her fucking think about the bitch she was being.
Yes readers - I expect a “Please” and/or “Thank you” when the situation calls for those two words.
This morning I was waiting for the bus. I was lazy about biking to work this morning.
“Boy, the bus is running late.”
This was uttered by a woman sitting at the same bus stop I was at. I was not looking at her, but I could see from the corner of my eye that she had turned to me and say this. With my new Oakley’s on she could not tell where the fuck I was looking. Like the way it should be.
Also, she could see my earphones in my ear since she is looking at the side of my head. My white earphones are pretty striking against my hair and skin. I could hear her, but also I was listening to ClubTiesto on my Ipod. I choose to not to acknowledge her – which is my given right.
Then, that “magical” sentence popped out of her mouth.
“Do you know what time is it”
I would say it was not even a nanosecond this time. I was smiling on the inside, but I could not smile nor turn my head to look at her and acknowledge that question. No way! Sure I know what time it is, the G-Shock watch on my left wrist will answer that question. Just say the magic word – “please”.
Yes readers – She did not say the “magic word” and this time I was not cold, nor happy with pure delight. I am back to my old self. Until she said “Please” she could wonder all morning at that bus stop.
And this so funny to me since technically 12 hours ago I had the exact question posed to me.
I want the fucking courtesy I have earned through my life and you best better believe it I will either get it or not get it. If I do, then respect. If not, then you better take a long look at yourself and consider reviewing your manners.
Deja-vu - Dallas Cowboys lost again, like last year (in a manner of speaking). Not this time on a fumble. I blame Jessica Simpson. Basically, The Cowboys just did not "show up" this week. Yet, I got choked up hearing T.O. talk about it was not.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Completely In the Zone
Greetings Readers
"I'm calmer than you."
The line from The Big Lewbowski from Walter (John Goodman's character)
Wow. Is it not amazing how one can feel after accomplishing something that you worked for. In this case - just one day.
As I blogged a few days ago with the Blog title "Something's Rotten in Denmark" I was bent out of shape about something that was small, but yet I could not let this slide no matter how hard I tried. it was eating my conscious away.
I mean - what is a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich without the bread?! (I will not go into that again - please read the post - Something's Rotten in Denmark)
Anyway, I was fired up after that incident and I guess I was on a mission to out do everyone else that was involved in the food bringing/making festive period. Nothing was going to bought pre-made from the store from me.
I mentioned I did a test run on grilling ribs this past weekend.
Sure enough that was what I decided on - Grilled ribs. But then, I decided to go over and beyond. I also made tossed salad and potato(e) salad. Damn straight I made all items. Hell, I can multi-task and cook.
I had to go to three different stores on Tuesday night to get the beef ribs. I don't do pork ribs, but that does not mean I would eat pork ribs, if not made by me.
I got the grill fired up at about 4:30 AM in the morning on Wednesday. I had my infamous Natalie Merchant stocking cap and a long white T-shirt on while cooking yesterday morning.
While I got the grill going (I used charcoal in order to get the best, I think, taste of ribs) I started the stove for boiling eggs and potatoes. Then, while that was going I started on the green salad (red leaf). I was watching the grill while chopping green onions, shredding radishes and cutting mushrooms for the salad. I wanted to put more in, but I had to be careful since the food that I was making was not just for me. I definitely held back on the salad ingredients.
The grill was really going about 30 minutes later. I did not realize how much meat I had on the grill. There was a lot of meat and I was moving and re-moving ribs from one part of the grill to another part of the grill. I was stacking up ribs on the top level of the grill. Yet, 5:00 AM I was the cooking miester of the Centennial / Englewood area that morning.
By the time that the meat got to a certain point where they would not cause a flare up I was back into the kitchen and got to work on the potato salad. Again, I decided to hold back and kept the ingredients to a minimum. I added the basics - Mayo, pickles, onions, eggs, and a bit of mustard (Damn, really a bit since there was hardly any mustard in the bottle!). Then, the rest of the ingredients are a secret since I have "the bomb" recipe. yeah right. Note: Yes, all the potato salad was finished yesterday so I did not have to waste anything and feel guilty that a country in Africa went hungry since I threw away food.
I also finished up the green salad at the same time. There was a lot I did and I was running around the kitchen, but at least I was not out of control nor did I feel overwhelmed.
I hate to admit this, but I was "In the Zone"! I was happy. I was content. I was at peace. While I was cooking I had the Ipod going - a bit of dance music and Tiesto. Still no TV so I was not distracted by the news or anything else that might cause me to burn something or chop off a finger while looking at the TV.
The charcoal actually burned down quickly to ash so I had to add some more to finish the cooking. Darn, I was so close, but oh well. This was the first time that I had the entire grill full of ribs and judging the amount of charcoal to use was just shot in the dark.
As I said - I was in the zone, I was just cooking, which I like to do. Especially when I have a goal in mind.
All in all everything went well, except for not having any mustard left for the potato salad.
After reaching my destination for bringing the food I plugged in the crock pots in order to keep the ribs warm. There is a microwave, but I will not use a microwave to heat up my ribs that I bought.
After everyone had their fill almost everyone said it was good. Not to mention that it smelled good. I was "a hit" and not to mention that my "spread" was the talk of the town. People were wondering did I actually cook and make all this. This guy can cook and yes I am proud to say that I can cook.
I did not take one rib home nor was there any potato salad leftover. Only a few spoonful of salad was leftover so that was great!
When I got home last night I put everything on the counter, laid down on the couch and I was able to go to sleep right away. I was at peace and I did not let anything "get to me" yesterday or "get me down". I know I made up for what I blogged about the other day, but mind you that was not the reason why I made the meal like I did. I just wanted the attention and to be "the talk" of conversation. After I woke up about 2 AM I moved to my bed and then the next the you know it was 5:00 AM.
Yes, sometimes I need to hear "nice" things. Whether from someone I know or do not know.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
"I'm calmer than you."
The line from The Big Lewbowski from Walter (John Goodman's character)
Wow. Is it not amazing how one can feel after accomplishing something that you worked for. In this case - just one day.
As I blogged a few days ago with the Blog title "Something's Rotten in Denmark" I was bent out of shape about something that was small, but yet I could not let this slide no matter how hard I tried. it was eating my conscious away.
I mean - what is a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich without the bread?! (I will not go into that again - please read the post - Something's Rotten in Denmark)
Anyway, I was fired up after that incident and I guess I was on a mission to out do everyone else that was involved in the food bringing/making festive period. Nothing was going to bought pre-made from the store from me.
I mentioned I did a test run on grilling ribs this past weekend.
Sure enough that was what I decided on - Grilled ribs. But then, I decided to go over and beyond. I also made tossed salad and potato(e) salad. Damn straight I made all items. Hell, I can multi-task and cook.
I had to go to three different stores on Tuesday night to get the beef ribs. I don't do pork ribs, but that does not mean I would eat pork ribs, if not made by me.
I got the grill fired up at about 4:30 AM in the morning on Wednesday. I had my infamous Natalie Merchant stocking cap and a long white T-shirt on while cooking yesterday morning.
While I got the grill going (I used charcoal in order to get the best, I think, taste of ribs) I started the stove for boiling eggs and potatoes. Then, while that was going I started on the green salad (red leaf). I was watching the grill while chopping green onions, shredding radishes and cutting mushrooms for the salad. I wanted to put more in, but I had to be careful since the food that I was making was not just for me. I definitely held back on the salad ingredients.
The grill was really going about 30 minutes later. I did not realize how much meat I had on the grill. There was a lot of meat and I was moving and re-moving ribs from one part of the grill to another part of the grill. I was stacking up ribs on the top level of the grill. Yet, 5:00 AM I was the cooking miester of the Centennial / Englewood area that morning.
By the time that the meat got to a certain point where they would not cause a flare up I was back into the kitchen and got to work on the potato salad. Again, I decided to hold back and kept the ingredients to a minimum. I added the basics - Mayo, pickles, onions, eggs, and a bit of mustard (Damn, really a bit since there was hardly any mustard in the bottle!). Then, the rest of the ingredients are a secret since I have "the bomb" recipe. yeah right. Note: Yes, all the potato salad was finished yesterday so I did not have to waste anything and feel guilty that a country in Africa went hungry since I threw away food.
I also finished up the green salad at the same time. There was a lot I did and I was running around the kitchen, but at least I was not out of control nor did I feel overwhelmed.
I hate to admit this, but I was "In the Zone"! I was happy. I was content. I was at peace. While I was cooking I had the Ipod going - a bit of dance music and Tiesto. Still no TV so I was not distracted by the news or anything else that might cause me to burn something or chop off a finger while looking at the TV.
The charcoal actually burned down quickly to ash so I had to add some more to finish the cooking. Darn, I was so close, but oh well. This was the first time that I had the entire grill full of ribs and judging the amount of charcoal to use was just shot in the dark.
As I said - I was in the zone, I was just cooking, which I like to do. Especially when I have a goal in mind.
All in all everything went well, except for not having any mustard left for the potato salad.
After reaching my destination for bringing the food I plugged in the crock pots in order to keep the ribs warm. There is a microwave, but I will not use a microwave to heat up my ribs that I bought.
After everyone had their fill almost everyone said it was good. Not to mention that it smelled good. I was "a hit" and not to mention that my "spread" was the talk of the town. People were wondering did I actually cook and make all this. This guy can cook and yes I am proud to say that I can cook.
I did not take one rib home nor was there any potato salad leftover. Only a few spoonful of salad was leftover so that was great!
When I got home last night I put everything on the counter, laid down on the couch and I was able to go to sleep right away. I was at peace and I did not let anything "get to me" yesterday or "get me down". I know I made up for what I blogged about the other day, but mind you that was not the reason why I made the meal like I did. I just wanted the attention and to be "the talk" of conversation. After I woke up about 2 AM I moved to my bed and then the next the you know it was 5:00 AM.
Yes, sometimes I need to hear "nice" things. Whether from someone I know or do not know.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Pointing out the Obvious
Greetings Readers
Here I am with a picture of me on the Light Rail Train this morning. The temp was in the low 20's when I headed out the door. Not cold, per se, but I did not want to ride the bike today so I "hoofed it" to the bus stop and waited for the bus. Yes readers, there goes another 3 dollars for today.
I guess the day has been better. At least better than yesterday's start. Nothing has pissed me off, yet. I am like a ticking bomb just waiting to go off.
Sort of last night. There I was on the Light Rail Station. And you readers probably have heard a variation of this story told before. Then again, perhaps I did not tell you readers.
I was sitting on the train as well as another couple across the aisle from me. The lady, a woman perhaps in her 30's with her shoe on the opposite seat. Ooh. That just got the fire burning that was just went out when I left work.
One Light rail station stop, two stops, and still she still had her foot on the opposite seat. Readers, there are signs posted throughout the train (most are small) that state do not put (rest) your feet upon the seats.
Again readers, I do not discriminate on sex, race, or personality when I am on the Light Rail Train. I am an EOE. Everyone is fair game!
As I getting ready for my stop to get off, I prepared my words.
"Hey. Why don't you tell your partner to take her foot off the seat since there is a sign posted right next to her stating do not rest your feet on the seat. Don't be the stereotypical white trash." is what I said to the guy.
And I was out the door. I did not look back nor could I heard him and her since I had my earphones in and Tiesto playing in my ears. Cuss at me if you feel you need to. I am right and you are wrong. Otherwise, I will make it my business when I see something "out of place" on the light rail. Remember readers, I am sticking up for the "little people". Would you want to be the person who sits where ever she put her feet and only to discover later she had gum, throw up, or food to the bottom of her shoe and it got wiped off when she put her foot on the seat? Not me!
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Here I am with a picture of me on the Light Rail Train this morning. The temp was in the low 20's when I headed out the door. Not cold, per se, but I did not want to ride the bike today so I "hoofed it" to the bus stop and waited for the bus. Yes readers, there goes another 3 dollars for today.
I guess the day has been better. At least better than yesterday's start. Nothing has pissed me off, yet. I am like a ticking bomb just waiting to go off.
Sort of last night. There I was on the Light Rail Station. And you readers probably have heard a variation of this story told before. Then again, perhaps I did not tell you readers.
I was sitting on the train as well as another couple across the aisle from me. The lady, a woman perhaps in her 30's with her shoe on the opposite seat. Ooh. That just got the fire burning that was just went out when I left work.
One Light rail station stop, two stops, and still she still had her foot on the opposite seat. Readers, there are signs posted throughout the train (most are small) that state do not put (rest) your feet upon the seats.
Again readers, I do not discriminate on sex, race, or personality when I am on the Light Rail Train. I am an EOE. Everyone is fair game!
As I getting ready for my stop to get off, I prepared my words.
"Hey. Why don't you tell your partner to take her foot off the seat since there is a sign posted right next to her stating do not rest your feet on the seat. Don't be the stereotypical white trash." is what I said to the guy.
And I was out the door. I did not look back nor could I heard him and her since I had my earphones in and Tiesto playing in my ears. Cuss at me if you feel you need to. I am right and you are wrong. Otherwise, I will make it my business when I see something "out of place" on the light rail. Remember readers, I am sticking up for the "little people". Would you want to be the person who sits where ever she put her feet and only to discover later she had gum, throw up, or food to the bottom of her shoe and it got wiped off when she put her foot on the seat? Not me!
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Another Crisp, Cold Morning
Greetings Readers
I have to say that this morning was a repeat of what yesterday was except that this time I did not have any pinto beans cooking. And hot. Nope, the beans were as cold as the air outside. I guess I could care less, but I did want to make the effort to cook something to eat.
So, about 8:30 AM I finally got the urge to get dress and brave the cold to get the Sunday Morning paper. Yes, that ritual of mine that begins almost every Sunday Morning. The blinds and drapes were closed so I did not have a clue what the weather was outside. I know that the weather was suppose to be cold, but other than that I do not have a clue.
Without TV you tend to lose what is happening in the world. Well, it does not become a concern. Technically, I have wiped some of the daily rituals away. No more turning on the TV to watch the morning news. I am not planning what I am going to watch at night or even the whole week.
Without TV reception it has been nice. Though, I am missing some favorite programs that I would like to see. And yes, I am going to have Cable really soon.
I digressed as usual. Outside more snow had fallen through the night and the world was white. I could feel the cold through the drapes and not to mention in my humble abode.
The roads did not look that bad so I decided to use the road bike once more. Well, I should have used the Mountain Bike. The roads were okay - doable. However, the sidewalks were packed with snow and not to mention the splash back from the vehicles and snow trucks driving the snow onto the sidewalk from the streets. Since the air is very cold, the snow is powdery and has not had the chance to melt into ice or to have the snow to become hard packed. So, I was able to ride about 90 percent of the way to the newspaper machine, but got "hung up" on a small hill and then spun out my rear wheel. That was that. I had to walk the bike to the next intersection before I could even try to mount the bike once more. There was no way that I was going to be able to start riding on the hill, going up.
I made it to the newspaper machine got my paper and well the ride was easier going home since I was going down hill, but still had to balance my bike going down the hill.
And that was that.
The temperature has not changed much from the morning. Currently 24 degrees at 3:51 PM. The snow has stopped falling, the sun is out shining and the sun's rays feel good against my black biking attire-warming my skin. The sun has melted some of the snow, but the cars have done most of the melting. I am not sure how tomorrow morning is going to be for me.
I got the third Ipod working and have been loading the ipod up from Tiesto's Club Life Podcast's pod casts. By the way, the Ipod color is White and a black & white screen (which suits me fine since I do not load video onto any of my Ipods.)
I guess I better tell you readers that I had to purchase the current issue of P***boy this past week (sorry readers, I have to type this way so in case someone has a filter on they will not be stopped by that word). Stephen King has written a short story - "Mute" and the only I could read this story - legally - was to buy the magazine. In addition, I was hoping for a woman that I wanted to see naked, but it was a woman Kim Kardashin (however you spell the last name) that I have no clue who she is. I know that in the past few months E! has a new show about the Kardasian's, but I have no interest in it. Of course I saw her layout! She was just okay - kind of young, big breasted and completely shaved. Most of the time when I see a completely shaved woman I am totally turned on, but this time it was just alright. Granted, this was not a personal viewing, but you would think that I might get somewhat excited. Nothing. Oh, the rest of the pictures were okay, but some were just "fuzzy" appearing, even though professionally shot. I can not tell you readers why the picture spread did not look right to me.
I have no real preference of how it looks down there, in case any of you readers want to know. But I like just a bit of hair down there, but all in all it really does not matter to me. Little triangle, little strip, closely shaved very nice. A bush is good, and completely shaved also nice. I do not descriminate - at least I hope not. If there is sex involved - believe me the way it may look downstairs, hair/no hair, is not going to make me change my mind - At All!
You see readers, I have once more digressed from the topic at hand. Stephen King's short story was good. I did like the short story and yet you still do not know all the answers in the story. I did like the story telling and the way the story within was told. Not horror, but just a typical non-horror Stephen King story.
Alright readers, I have taken more of your time that perhaps that you wanted to spend reading my blog, but I hope that I have entertained once more.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
I have to say that this morning was a repeat of what yesterday was except that this time I did not have any pinto beans cooking. And hot. Nope, the beans were as cold as the air outside. I guess I could care less, but I did want to make the effort to cook something to eat.
So, about 8:30 AM I finally got the urge to get dress and brave the cold to get the Sunday Morning paper. Yes, that ritual of mine that begins almost every Sunday Morning. The blinds and drapes were closed so I did not have a clue what the weather was outside. I know that the weather was suppose to be cold, but other than that I do not have a clue.
Without TV you tend to lose what is happening in the world. Well, it does not become a concern. Technically, I have wiped some of the daily rituals away. No more turning on the TV to watch the morning news. I am not planning what I am going to watch at night or even the whole week.
Without TV reception it has been nice. Though, I am missing some favorite programs that I would like to see. And yes, I am going to have Cable really soon.
I digressed as usual. Outside more snow had fallen through the night and the world was white. I could feel the cold through the drapes and not to mention in my humble abode.
The roads did not look that bad so I decided to use the road bike once more. Well, I should have used the Mountain Bike. The roads were okay - doable. However, the sidewalks were packed with snow and not to mention the splash back from the vehicles and snow trucks driving the snow onto the sidewalk from the streets. Since the air is very cold, the snow is powdery and has not had the chance to melt into ice or to have the snow to become hard packed. So, I was able to ride about 90 percent of the way to the newspaper machine, but got "hung up" on a small hill and then spun out my rear wheel. That was that. I had to walk the bike to the next intersection before I could even try to mount the bike once more. There was no way that I was going to be able to start riding on the hill, going up.
I made it to the newspaper machine got my paper and well the ride was easier going home since I was going down hill, but still had to balance my bike going down the hill.
And that was that.
The temperature has not changed much from the morning. Currently 24 degrees at 3:51 PM. The snow has stopped falling, the sun is out shining and the sun's rays feel good against my black biking attire-warming my skin. The sun has melted some of the snow, but the cars have done most of the melting. I am not sure how tomorrow morning is going to be for me.
I got the third Ipod working and have been loading the ipod up from Tiesto's Club Life Podcast's pod casts. By the way, the Ipod color is White and a black & white screen (which suits me fine since I do not load video onto any of my Ipods.)
I guess I better tell you readers that I had to purchase the current issue of P***boy this past week (sorry readers, I have to type this way so in case someone has a filter on they will not be stopped by that word). Stephen King has written a short story - "Mute" and the only I could read this story - legally - was to buy the magazine. In addition, I was hoping for a woman that I wanted to see naked, but it was a woman Kim Kardashin (however you spell the last name) that I have no clue who she is. I know that in the past few months E! has a new show about the Kardasian's, but I have no interest in it. Of course I saw her layout! She was just okay - kind of young, big breasted and completely shaved. Most of the time when I see a completely shaved woman I am totally turned on, but this time it was just alright. Granted, this was not a personal viewing, but you would think that I might get somewhat excited. Nothing. Oh, the rest of the pictures were okay, but some were just "fuzzy" appearing, even though professionally shot. I can not tell you readers why the picture spread did not look right to me.
I have no real preference of how it looks down there, in case any of you readers want to know. But I like just a bit of hair down there, but all in all it really does not matter to me. Little triangle, little strip, closely shaved very nice. A bush is good, and completely shaved also nice. I do not descriminate - at least I hope not. If there is sex involved - believe me the way it may look downstairs, hair/no hair, is not going to make me change my mind - At All!
You see readers, I have once more digressed from the topic at hand. Stephen King's short story was good. I did like the short story and yet you still do not know all the answers in the story. I did like the story telling and the way the story within was told. Not horror, but just a typical non-horror Stephen King story.
Alright readers, I have taken more of your time that perhaps that you wanted to spend reading my blog, but I hope that I have entertained once more.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Friday, November 09, 2007
Another Bike Ride Morning
Greetings Readers
So, I got up early this morning since I had to check the Post Office Box that is 26 miles away. Yeah, the I have not made the time to go and check the mail. It was a nice morning seeing the coming of dawn on the Eastern Horizon (I know readers, as opposed to the western Horizon - hah hah). Yet, I was fucking cold this morning. I took one of my better bikes so I can ride like the wind. I was listening to Tiesto and just enjoying the cold wind chilling my cheeks. Readers, I mean the cheeks on my face! I only had the Lycra long pants, bike shorts on top, fingerless gloves, Natalie Merchant cap, and bandanna around my neck. When the sun finally peaked I could literally feel the sun's ray heating up my legs.
I guess I did not know how cold I was when I felt the sun's heat on my legs. My toes were tingly - I bet they were numb, though I still had the heavy white socks on.
That's about all I have to say for now, take care readers.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
So, I got up early this morning since I had to check the Post Office Box that is 26 miles away. Yeah, the I have not made the time to go and check the mail. It was a nice morning seeing the coming of dawn on the Eastern Horizon (I know readers, as opposed to the western Horizon - hah hah). Yet, I was fucking cold this morning. I took one of my better bikes so I can ride like the wind. I was listening to Tiesto and just enjoying the cold wind chilling my cheeks. Readers, I mean the cheeks on my face! I only had the Lycra long pants, bike shorts on top, fingerless gloves, Natalie Merchant cap, and bandanna around my neck. When the sun finally peaked I could literally feel the sun's ray heating up my legs.
I guess I did not know how cold I was when I felt the sun's heat on my legs. My toes were tingly - I bet they were numb, though I still had the heavy white socks on.
That's about all I have to say for now, take care readers.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Friday, October 26, 2007
October's Full Moon
Greetings Readers
I received my new Tiesto - In Search of Sunrise - Volume 6 - Ibiza last night from Amazon.com. I have only listened to Disc 1 and the music is what I wanted to hear from Tiesto. This follows, I think, to the early ISOS volumes and I think that's what I have expect from him. I did not care for Los Angeles Volume. ISOS - Los Angeles has good tracks, but in my mind not necessary representative of the other In Search of Sunrise (ISOS) Volumes.
Too bad about the Colorado Rockies, but dang did you see Holliday get picked off at first base last night? Damn! Not even close and that was a fuck up that the Rockies did not need that late in the game. Whew wee! I am glad for the Boston Red Sox, but of course I would like for Colorado to give it some excitement. Dang. I saw many, many strikeouts last night and that was pretty ugly, yet at the time I was pumping my fist in the air. Boo yah!
I left early for work so I did not get to see the news this morning. I wanted to see how the news was going to play out this morning about the beloved Rockies in the newsroom.
I guess it is time to show another one of my girls. This is Heidi that is pictured on today's blog. She is my first official road bike, after my Motobecane of course. I got her at a discount since the store was clearing the "old bikes" out. I put her on layaway and then picked her up with my tax refund that year. I think she is 7 years old and has about 50,000 miles. I have basically retired her. She gets all the old parts of the later girls that I might of upgraded. I quite proud of her and she is "old school" The paint is faded here and there from the sun, I still have the original crank, but boy oh boy the teeth are not even teeth anymore. The chain skips since there is no teeth to hold the chain tight. So, I have to be careful not to apply any quick, sudden pressure or else the chain will literally skip over the teeth. Yeah, I know that I should have changed/replaced the crank, but I am always upgrading the other bikes and Heidi is no longer priority. Upgrading my 10 bikes is very, very expensive so I have to choose where I want to spend the money. I still take Heidi in for her yearly free check up, and Heidi still gets riding time only in the winter and rainy months. Otherwise, I have her hanging up from the wall, looking oh so pretty.
Heidi is still the love of my life. She was the first bike I named and she is aptly named after Heidi Klum.
Update 10/27/07 - I was wrong about the Tiesto - In Search of Sunrise - Vol 5 - Los Angeles. I had to be sure last night and I did pick the wrong CD that I thought it was not very good. I am going to have to listen to the other CD's to verify which one I thought was so-so. Sorry readers for making the mistake.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
I received my new Tiesto - In Search of Sunrise - Volume 6 - Ibiza last night from Amazon.com. I have only listened to Disc 1 and the music is what I wanted to hear from Tiesto. This follows, I think, to the early ISOS volumes and I think that's what I have expect from him. I did not care for Los Angeles Volume. ISOS - Los Angeles has good tracks, but in my mind not necessary representative of the other In Search of Sunrise (ISOS) Volumes.
Too bad about the Colorado Rockies, but dang did you see Holliday get picked off at first base last night? Damn! Not even close and that was a fuck up that the Rockies did not need that late in the game. Whew wee! I am glad for the Boston Red Sox, but of course I would like for Colorado to give it some excitement. Dang. I saw many, many strikeouts last night and that was pretty ugly, yet at the time I was pumping my fist in the air. Boo yah!
I left early for work so I did not get to see the news this morning. I wanted to see how the news was going to play out this morning about the beloved Rockies in the newsroom.
I guess it is time to show another one of my girls. This is Heidi that is pictured on today's blog. She is my first official road bike, after my Motobecane of course. I got her at a discount since the store was clearing the "old bikes" out. I put her on layaway and then picked her up with my tax refund that year. I think she is 7 years old and has about 50,000 miles. I have basically retired her. She gets all the old parts of the later girls that I might of upgraded. I quite proud of her and she is "old school" The paint is faded here and there from the sun, I still have the original crank, but boy oh boy the teeth are not even teeth anymore. The chain skips since there is no teeth to hold the chain tight. So, I have to be careful not to apply any quick, sudden pressure or else the chain will literally skip over the teeth. Yeah, I know that I should have changed/replaced the crank, but I am always upgrading the other bikes and Heidi is no longer priority. Upgrading my 10 bikes is very, very expensive so I have to choose where I want to spend the money. I still take Heidi in for her yearly free check up, and Heidi still gets riding time only in the winter and rainy months. Otherwise, I have her hanging up from the wall, looking oh so pretty.
Heidi is still the love of my life. She was the first bike I named and she is aptly named after Heidi Klum.
Update 10/27/07 - I was wrong about the Tiesto - In Search of Sunrise - Vol 5 - Los Angeles. I had to be sure last night and I did pick the wrong CD that I thought it was not very good. I am going to have to listen to the other CD's to verify which one I thought was so-so. Sorry readers for making the mistake.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Thursday, October 11, 2007
The Start of the Championship Series
Greetings Readers
I guess I might as well start talking about it now since everyone and their dead grandmother's are talking about the event happening today.
The Colorado Rockies. And yes, I made two bets against my co-workers today. This time it will be for the series as oppose to a game a bet. My two bettie took the Colorado Rockies and I took the Arizona Diamondback. Now, that is the team that is going to win me a Liter of Coca-Cola and a shot bottle of Jaggermeister!
I do not know if any of you readers care or are really into Eddie Murphy. Denver has been the host of Eddie Murphy and his movie that is being filmed around Denver and just in past couple of days in Boulder. There was an open extra cast call about a month ago and now here we are. They have started filming and I swear every fucking TV and newspaper are doing the Eddie Murphy update and also running some sort of contest or just send them a photo(s) of the movie if you happen to get lucky. Eddie Murphy this and Eddie Murphy that. Thank goodness the Rockies are where they are to take some of the focus off Eddie Murphy. God forbid the news reports in depth about shootings, accidents, and other news worthy events. They do a quick update and then it is back to talking about Eddie Murphy and the film being shot in Denver.
Oh, I got a new TV. Well used, but to me it is new. I bought the TV through a classified ad and yes I am pretty happy. 24", but not the flat screen I was looking at 2 months ago.
And another thing. I received part of my Amazon order today and I got some new music to listen to. Woo Hoo! I have Madonna, and Tiesto - 4 Cd's total. Let me see... Tiesto - Love Comes Again (Maxi-Single), Tiesto - Break My Fall (Maxi-Single), Madonna - Ray of Light (Maxi-Single) & Madonna - Hung Up (Maxi-Single). I have two more Cd's on the way, but I am happy with what I have gotten, so far.
I know these are just quick updates, but I guess it is better than nothing.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
I guess I might as well start talking about it now since everyone and their dead grandmother's are talking about the event happening today.
The Colorado Rockies. And yes, I made two bets against my co-workers today. This time it will be for the series as oppose to a game a bet. My two bettie took the Colorado Rockies and I took the Arizona Diamondback. Now, that is the team that is going to win me a Liter of Coca-Cola and a shot bottle of Jaggermeister!
I do not know if any of you readers care or are really into Eddie Murphy. Denver has been the host of Eddie Murphy and his movie that is being filmed around Denver and just in past couple of days in Boulder. There was an open extra cast call about a month ago and now here we are. They have started filming and I swear every fucking TV and newspaper are doing the Eddie Murphy update and also running some sort of contest or just send them a photo(s) of the movie if you happen to get lucky. Eddie Murphy this and Eddie Murphy that. Thank goodness the Rockies are where they are to take some of the focus off Eddie Murphy. God forbid the news reports in depth about shootings, accidents, and other news worthy events. They do a quick update and then it is back to talking about Eddie Murphy and the film being shot in Denver.
Oh, I got a new TV. Well used, but to me it is new. I bought the TV through a classified ad and yes I am pretty happy. 24", but not the flat screen I was looking at 2 months ago.
And another thing. I received part of my Amazon order today and I got some new music to listen to. Woo Hoo! I have Madonna, and Tiesto - 4 Cd's total. Let me see... Tiesto - Love Comes Again (Maxi-Single), Tiesto - Break My Fall (Maxi-Single), Madonna - Ray of Light (Maxi-Single) & Madonna - Hung Up (Maxi-Single). I have two more Cd's on the way, but I am happy with what I have gotten, so far.
I know these are just quick updates, but I guess it is better than nothing.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Monday, October 01, 2007
Welcome to October, Mon Amie
Greetings Readers
I am not sure if the website on where I registered for Tiesto info and stuff got my birthday wrong, but in my email inbox I got a email wishing me a Happy Birthday. I like the personal message, but only a few months early. At least I get to post the picture on today's log.
I guess I sort of care now, but today is the big day in Denver. Today, is the playoffs, well a one day game playoff series, Both teams are 89-73. Go figure the Colorado Rockies would even have a chance for this sort of thing. It is nice to see the Rockies have a chance, but in my opinion is would be for the better to lose tonight. I would to see a blow out in the playoffs. Sorry readers, the Colorado Rockies is our Baseball team.
T minus thirteen days...
I am not sure if the website on where I registered for Tiesto info and stuff got my birthday wrong, but in my email inbox I got a email wishing me a Happy Birthday. I like the personal message, but only a few months early. At least I get to post the picture on today's log.
I guess I sort of care now, but today is the big day in Denver. Today, is the playoffs, well a one day game playoff series, Both teams are 89-73. Go figure the Colorado Rockies would even have a chance for this sort of thing. It is nice to see the Rockies have a chance, but in my opinion is would be for the better to lose tonight. I would to see a blow out in the playoffs. Sorry readers, the Colorado Rockies is our Baseball team.
T minus thirteen days...
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Outside My Window
Greetings Readers
The mornings are most definitely colder. I have only ridden with long pants for two days out of the past two weeks. I am not ready to relinquish my bike shorts. I still want to show off my taunt thighs and heart shaped calves. Oh yes. What was that phrase I heard - If you got it, flaunt it. You women know this pretty well, I think. Believe me I notice what you flaunt if you have it. Unless I strain myself trying to figure out if you have it, but are not flaunting it. Yes, yes I know that is not right, but sometime I can not help myself.
Gosh. I am already getting sidetracked. I have started to wear my long sleeve running jersey underneath my bike jerseys. I have not seen the "hot breath" from the cold air yet, but give Colorado another two weeks or so and pretty soon I will see that little wisp of hot air coming from my mouth. My bike gloves are okay. I am going to have to get my autumn and winter bikes ready and put all other bikes away for storage since spring and summer are almost over. Yes readers I am that analytical about my bikes and yes I even have choices on what bikes, plural, that I can ride and when. I do not believe in the one bike for a purposes mentality.
Yet, I am a one-woman guy. Go figure out that conundrum.
I worked out at the CAC last night, but I did a quick hour and three-quarter workout. I couldn't stay long last night so I sort of rushed myself through the workout.
Cycling news - Floyd Landis and his "innocence" will be determined within the next week. I had heard that we could learn the fate of him on Thursday, but someone had stated that there are 10 days for the committee to make a decision. And should Floyd not like that decision then he can file to the CAS (I think). What? I think he is guilty. I have my reasons, but I am not going to relate them to you readers until the case is officially over. Unless, I mentioned them in the past since the incident happened.
Tiesto - You readers may know that this is the only really person that I listen to while riding. He has the 6th edition of the In Search of Sunrise - Ibiza (ISOS 6) is coming out in a few days or so. You bet that I am going to get this CD. Of course, I will have to eliminate more songs from my Pink Ipod to accommodate the ones I will have to load up. I never even dreamed that 4GB would not be enough storage for me.
And getting to the title of the post. In the past week I have noticed that the tree is starting to turn yellow on one side and slowly spreading to the entire tree. Also, a dead leaf fell, blew right in front of me while on my balcony. The Fall season has made its presence known and I/we have to say goodbye to the summer of 2007.
Prison Break - I guess it was okay, but I went into the show for this new season being very skeptical about where the show is going and what is going to happen. So, I saw what I wanted to see and made that the issue of pointing out this and that. There may have been some good things, but I would have to re-watch the episode. I mean, come on, the guy breaking out of prison. He has not ate but managed to kick out the metal screen, drop a few feet, and sort of run. But, then the camera pans to Michael and Bellick and they both have this "surprised" and "Oh my gosh" look on their faces like this was something unexpected. Pul-lease. Then Michael fighting that one guy. The "punches" he acted were not even real. We viewers saw a Michael throwing the punch, but then as the connected hit would happen the camera changes view and then the next scene shows the other acting like he got hit. It was too obvious for me to notice. I will stop, but that was only the tip of what I noticed. I do not want to ruin the experience for you viewers. I will try and change my view next week and give the show a chance once more.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
The mornings are most definitely colder. I have only ridden with long pants for two days out of the past two weeks. I am not ready to relinquish my bike shorts. I still want to show off my taunt thighs and heart shaped calves. Oh yes. What was that phrase I heard - If you got it, flaunt it. You women know this pretty well, I think. Believe me I notice what you flaunt if you have it. Unless I strain myself trying to figure out if you have it, but are not flaunting it. Yes, yes I know that is not right, but sometime I can not help myself.
Gosh. I am already getting sidetracked. I have started to wear my long sleeve running jersey underneath my bike jerseys. I have not seen the "hot breath" from the cold air yet, but give Colorado another two weeks or so and pretty soon I will see that little wisp of hot air coming from my mouth. My bike gloves are okay. I am going to have to get my autumn and winter bikes ready and put all other bikes away for storage since spring and summer are almost over. Yes readers I am that analytical about my bikes and yes I even have choices on what bikes, plural, that I can ride and when. I do not believe in the one bike for a purposes mentality.
Yet, I am a one-woman guy. Go figure out that conundrum.
I worked out at the CAC last night, but I did a quick hour and three-quarter workout. I couldn't stay long last night so I sort of rushed myself through the workout.
Cycling news - Floyd Landis and his "innocence" will be determined within the next week. I had heard that we could learn the fate of him on Thursday, but someone had stated that there are 10 days for the committee to make a decision. And should Floyd not like that decision then he can file to the CAS (I think). What? I think he is guilty. I have my reasons, but I am not going to relate them to you readers until the case is officially over. Unless, I mentioned them in the past since the incident happened.
Tiesto - You readers may know that this is the only really person that I listen to while riding. He has the 6th edition of the In Search of Sunrise - Ibiza (ISOS 6) is coming out in a few days or so. You bet that I am going to get this CD. Of course, I will have to eliminate more songs from my Pink Ipod to accommodate the ones I will have to load up. I never even dreamed that 4GB would not be enough storage for me.
And getting to the title of the post. In the past week I have noticed that the tree is starting to turn yellow on one side and slowly spreading to the entire tree. Also, a dead leaf fell, blew right in front of me while on my balcony. The Fall season has made its presence known and I/we have to say goodbye to the summer of 2007.
Prison Break - I guess it was okay, but I went into the show for this new season being very skeptical about where the show is going and what is going to happen. So, I saw what I wanted to see and made that the issue of pointing out this and that. There may have been some good things, but I would have to re-watch the episode. I mean, come on, the guy breaking out of prison. He has not ate but managed to kick out the metal screen, drop a few feet, and sort of run. But, then the camera pans to Michael and Bellick and they both have this "surprised" and "Oh my gosh" look on their faces like this was something unexpected. Pul-lease. Then Michael fighting that one guy. The "punches" he acted were not even real. We viewers saw a Michael throwing the punch, but then as the connected hit would happen the camera changes view and then the next scene shows the other acting like he got hit. It was too obvious for me to notice. I will stop, but that was only the tip of what I noticed. I do not want to ruin the experience for you viewers. I will try and change my view next week and give the show a chance once more.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
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