Star Trek - Into Darkness

Greetings Readers

A long time.

A long time indeed. 

I was surfing the net on my break and saw this movie poster

I remember back in Junior High when the Enterprise went down.

"My God Bones - what I have done?"
                                             Captain Kirk

Now, I blogged back a while ago about the new Star Trek movie and was surprised.  Actually, I can not remember what I wrote so I may have to re-visit here in a bit.

However, Looking at the new commerical as well as the final movie trailer - it does not look good for the Starship Enterprise and her crew.  I saw this movie poster and this will have to be a must have when I get an opportunity to.  The commerical of the Enterprise is not pretty to look at - Special effects wise it is spectacular, but the effect seems to be same as it was in the 80's - sad to see her go down.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Dealing.... Just Dealing

Greetings Readers

Emotionally - this may have been a tough weekend for me, in a manner of speaking.

So innocent I was Thursday night.

Excited about going to the Batman Marathon in Lone Tree Colorado.  I had bought my movie ticket back on 06/25/12.

And the only reason why I bought the ticket was to see "The Dark Knight" with the Joker.  I was not really excited in seeing the third movie.  Bane.  I know nothing of him and I had already heard that the test screen audience had some issues with hearing Bane speak.

Anyway.

What I want to address is that I listened to the Dark Knight soundtrack as well as watched the movie and the first one since cable was showing the movies on TV this weekend.  I also pulled my DVD copy off the shelf

I stayed away from the news and the newspaper; though I did get some news from the internet.

Bottom Line - I knew nothing of what transpired Thursday night / Friday Morning until I got to work on Friday.  I had slept about 2 1/2 hours that morning and woke up to the sun shining through the windows.  What a beautiful sunrise to wake up to.  Tired, but nice.  I was excited that I did commit to seeing the BatMan marathon, the 25.00 bones I spent was well worth it.

I get to work on Friday Morning ... "Did you hear?"

No. I responded.  And now most of the world now knows.

I am very thankful that this did not happen at the theatre that I was at.  Of course, in my mind this would be no different from leaving your house every day and not knowing that a car accident may kill you later that day.  The odd are not in your favor in that scenario.

Lone tree theatre is not a big theatre nor really a big screen and is on the South Side of Denver.  No Imax and no special sound system - just digital.   And that is why I think that the theatre was not sold out.

I am okay, but I am thinking what if that night / morning...

What if.

I just don't know Readers.  I just do not know. 

In the last 11 days - my life has been down.  A friend passed away.  And perhaps...

I "closed down" this past weekend. 

I just wanted to blog about this since it is... there in my mind and I have no one that I can talk to about this experience second hand.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Devil's Got a Hold of Me

Greetings Readers

That the is the song lyric from the second official trailer for Season 4 - Breaking Bad.

It's got a beat, It's got a nice singer, but so 180 degrees from the piano dramatic playing in the first Breaking Bad teaser trailer.

And I have to admit that when you see these two sentences in the trailer while that song is playing - you can not help rockin to the beat and getting caught into the trailer that shows snipets of Season four scenes - as well as past season scenes.

"Walt is not in Danger.

He is the Danger."

as Walter White would say calmly with authority...

"yeah."

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Axl's Letter & concerning the Hall of Fame Induction

Greetings Readers

This was no surprise to me since I knew this was coming, due to me knowin' (so to speak) Axl's feelings towards his former band members. And if any of you are true "Guns N Roses" fanatics/followers you knew this was going to happen, but exactly how or what would happen be said is always the mystery of Axl..

Anyway... In case you Readers have not heard (or read) you can read Axl's letter...

To: The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Guns N' Roses Fans and Whom It May Concern,

When the nominations for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame were first announced I had mixed emotions but, in an effort to be positive, wanting to make the most of things for the fans and with their enthusiasm, I was honored, excited and hoped that somehow this would be a good thing. Of course I realized as things stood, if Guns N' Roses were to be inducted it'd be somewhat of a complicated or awkward situation.

Since then we've listened to fans, talked with members of the board of the Hall Of Fame, communicated with and read various public comments and jabs from former members of Guns N' Roses, had discussions with the president of the Hall Of Fame, read various press (some legit, some contrived) and read other artists' comments weighing in publicly on Guns and the Hall with their thoughts.

Under the circumstances I feel we've been polite, courteous, and open to an amicable solution in our efforts to work something out. Taking into consideration the history of Guns N' Roses, those who plan to attend along with those the Hall for reasons of their own, have chosen to include in "our" induction (that for the record are decisions I don't agree with, support or feel the Hall has any right to make), and how (albeit no easy task) those involved with the Hall have handled things... no offense meant to anyone but the Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony doesn't appear to be somewhere I'm actually wanted or respected.

For the record, I would not begrudge anyone from Guns their accomplishments or recognition for such. Neither I or anyone in my camp has made any requests or demands of the Hall Of Fame. It's their show not mine.

That said, I won't be attending The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction 2012 Ceremony and I respectfully decline my induction as a member of Guns N' Roses to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

I strongly request that I not be inducted in absentia and please know that no one is authorized nor may anyone be permitted to accept any induction for me or speak on my behalf. Neither former members, label representatives nor the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame should imply whether directly, indirectly or by omission that I am included in any purported induction of "Guns N' Roses".

This decision is personal. This letter is to help clarify things from my and my camp's perspective. Neither is meant to offend, attack or condemn. Though unfortunately I'm sure there will be those who take offense (God knows how long I'll have to contend with the fallout), I certainly don't intend to disappoint anyone, especially the fans, with this decision. Since the announcement of the nomination we've actively sought out a solution to what, with all things considered, appears to be a no win, at least for me, "damned if I do, damned if I don't" scenario all the way around.

In regard to a reunion of any kind of either the Appetite or Illusion lineups, I've publicly made myself more than clear. Nothing's changed.

The only reason, at this point, under the circumstances, in my opinion whether under the guise of "for the fans" or whatever justification of the moment, for anyone to continue to ask, suggest or demand a reunion are misguided attempts to distract from our efforts with our current lineup of myself, Dizzy Reed, Tommy Stinson, Frank Ferrer, Richard Fortus, Chris Pitman, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal and DJ Ashba.

Izzy came out with us a few times back in '06 and I invited him to join us at our LA Forum show last year. Steven was at our show at the Hard Rock, later in '06 in Las Vegas, where I invited him to our after-party and was rewarded with his subsequent interviews filled with reunion lies. Lesson learned. Duff joined us in 2010 and again in '11 along with his band, Loaded, opening in Seattle and Vancouver. For me, with the exception of Izzy or Duff joining us on stage if they were so inclined somewhere in the future for a song or two, that's enough.

There's a seemingly endless amount of revisionism and fantasies out there for the sake of self-promotion and business opportunities masking the actual realities. Until every single one of those generating from or originating with the earlier lineups has been brought out in the light, there isn't room to consider a conversation let alone a reunion.

Maybe if it were you it'd be different. Maybe you'd do it for this reason or that. Peace, whatever. I love our band now. We're there for each other when the going get's rough. We love our fans and work to give them every ounce of energy and heart we can.

So let sleeping dogs lie or lying dogs sleep or whatever. Time to move on. People get divorced. Life doesn't owe you your own personal happy ending especially at another's, or in this case several others', expense.

But hey if ya gotta then maybe we can get the "no show, grandstanding, publicity stunt, disrespectful, he doesn't care about the fans" crap out of the way as quickly as we can and let's move on. No one's taking the ball and going home. Don't get it twisted. For more than a decade and a half we've endured the double standards, the greed of this industry and the ever present seemingly limitless supply of wannabes and unscrupulous, irresponsible media types. Not to imply anything in this particular circumstance, but from my perspective in regard to both the Hall and a reunion, the ball's never been in our court.

In closing, regardless of this decision and as hard to believe or as ironic as it may seem, I'd like to sincerely thank the board for their nomination and their votes for Guns' induction. More importantly I'd like to thank the fans for being there over the years, making any success we've had possible and for enjoying and supporting Guns N' Roses music.

I wish the Hall a great show, congratulations to all the other artists being inducted and to our fans we look forward to seeing you on tour!!

Sincerely,

Axl Rose

P.S. RIP Armand, Long Live ABC III

Readers, I am actually the same way Axl is in a manner of speaking. I would not reunite for something like this - if particular circumstances were presented to me as it were to Axl to date. There is just too much "stuff" that has happened for a reunion of any kind.

I do not have any comments about the letter since I just read it so perhaps I may comment on it. Then again, maybe not.

Was the letter a rant? A fuck you? Just something to say? You can come to your own conclusion Readers.

Sometimes, the past is better left as a memory.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Return to the Road Bike

Greetings Readers

Today I am back on the bike after two days of running - granted I was suppose to run today also, but due to what needed to be done at work early this morning I had to bike in.

I have to admit I was looking forward to this morning. I got the bike ready last night.

The run home last night was 30 degrees colder from the previous night. I will admit it was nice. I was not working up a sweat, in a manner of speaking, and I actually felt comfortable running last night. I did have to change Oakley sunglass lens due to the filtration of light into my eyes. I had to use a less dark of a lens. I wanted my eyes to be hidden so that no one can see my eyes. I do have a clear and orange heighten lens, but I did not want to use those two lens.

I was a bit cold when I started running last night, but after the warm up I was okay. Oh, the smell of food last night was... in the words of my ex-co-worker "awesome" I smelled some good Chinese food (as opposed to awful, cheap or just bad Chinese food smell) aroma from a restaurant I passed on the way home. Then, I smelled good hamburgers and I think that was about it. There are only a few restaurants on the way home after that it is trails and the communities that I run (bike) through to and from work.

Back to this morning - the bike into work was not as easy as I thought it was going to be. The Achilles tendon was a hurtin when pedalling. And of course, I am sure that is due to the 24 miles that I have ran in the past two days.

Well.... Since I road in this morning I had to get the mileage of my run in on the running route I have carved out to and from work. I estimated 6 miles, but actually thought it was a bit longer. However, after I got to work I looked at the mileage and the mileage was 5.94 miles. Un-fucking-believable. I know where I can get the .06 mileage, but that means I will have to add a bit more to my run, which mind you is not in a straight line nor the shortest route home. I actually have to run around a dam as opposed to just climbing (running) up and down. I also have to stick to the path as opposed to crossing a park, a baseball diamond, a swatch of grass, etc. I mean I could, but then that would mean I would not know what the mileage adjustment would be and also would be shorter than the 5.94 miles I know for a fact.

For the record

Day 1

Home to work - 1:20.10
Work to home - 1:11.34

Day 2

Home to Work - 1:21.10
Work to Home - 1:12.57

In actuality, I only ran 23.76 miles in the past two days. I lost 3 pounds, could even be more, but I have been eating rice (Uncle Ben's) to replenish my Carbs I have been burning, in the past two days. I did switch to Chicken so that helped out on less fat in consumption.

Tomorrow, Friday, I had already designated my bike day so I will be riding to work tomorrow. I also have to run some errands after work (perhaps at lunch) so I need to be mobile. As much as I planned not to run this weekend I may have to run since I could not run today.

Which brings me to the Runnin' of the Green. Yes, it is that time of the year - and again I will not be running once more. I just started running again, my thighs are tender (sore) and I would feel that paying 40.00 dollars plus is not worth it for me. I know my legs would be still recovering and getting a good time is out of the question and furthermore I do not want to have an awful time officially recorded for a first running event of 2012 for this coming Sunday.

Also, the weekend is Daylight Saving Time. Which by the way Readers - I got to know a Colombian last year and apparently she does not have Daylight Savings Time in Columbia so she hates this. I just found out since I asked her how does it feel to lose an hour this weekend and she replied "What?" And that was when she said she did not know... well forgot since she is not used to DST change.

Anyway, we Colorado residents are going to have good weather for a bit - I saw the weather this morning and by Monday we may hit 68 degrees - not bad for the month known as the snowest for Colorado in history.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

First Run to Work for 2012

Greetings Readers

Today was the first day this year that I made myself run to work. I have been planning this for a few weeks now, but I got sick about two weeks with a cold. Well, I got sick, but not fully sick so I postponed til I got better.

It was amazing that I had to shut down my body, to rest and drink and eat properly. Meaning, taking in healthy food, but also having won ton soup from two different Chinese restaurants. That was not a problem for me. I know that won ton soups is tremendous on helping me fight a cold.

What I liked but did not like was spending money on Orange Juice and Grapefruit juice - That shit is expensive. Needless to say I did and thank goodness they were on sale otherwise I would be paying about one dollar more.

So, with the start of this week I feel about 90 to 95 percent well. That said I made it point to start my first run to work. Perhaps I was looking for an excuse, but I really could not come up with one.

Lo and behold the morning came around and there I was lying on the floor. It was going to be a nice day and the air was just right for drinking... oops just kidding. The air was just right for running.

The alarm clock came on as she does every morning. Yet, this time I knew what was planned and I was already starting to plan. Planning on finding some excuse not to run. It was not a cold morning really. It was sunny and there was no excuse not to run this morning to work.

Well, the number one excuse would be is that my run to work is going to be about 6 miles and when I get off work tonight I am going to have to run another six miles to get home. And with me not running for a bit now I never know how my legs will react to running this many miles after so long for not running at all. Sometimes, everything goes great; other times I over do my body limit's and walking and standing hurts due to over working my muscles in my thighs and calves.

Anyway, I got the kitchen timer also this morning and started the countdown for 15 minutes. Soon, an hour past by and I was no closer from getting out the door. But, I was no closer to getting on the bike either. That was a good thing. I did not even think about getting on public transportation either.

Soon, zero hour came and I knew there was point I had to get moving or else I would be getting to work late.

I got up and soon I was packing a small backpack with only my work clothes, getting my winter running gear on and getting ready to leave the humble abode.

The first mile was tough in a manner of speaking due to not running for a long time. Yet, I found my pace and mantra with the tunes from my Ipod. I found my running mode.

It was hidden, but not too deep for me to find. I just had to re-discover where it was. Soon, the miles clicked off and then I got near work.

And that was when I found... er smelled... what I love to smell in the morning even though I do not drink. Starbucks Coffee. The wind was blowing the aroma of Starbucks coffee where I was running and that was the most wonderful smell at that moment. Lucky me. I think I smelled the aroma from about 1/2 mile away. Wow. What did that was also the cause why my running slowed down. I was running into the wind as well as running uphill. My speed dropped drastically, but I was not worried about it. I knew I was running at the pace I was at for the reasons of the environment conditions.

Anyway, five hours later - I feel good and the legs are doing okay. I felt a tinge of my calves tightening a bit; perhaps wanting to cramp.

You may wondering, perhaps not, but I did this run since I am planning to start the P90X once more. I want to work off some stomach fat which I do have. But I want to start again. Nothing more or nothing less. Well, I want to start again since apparently there is now a P90X 2. And before I attempt to try that program I want to re-introduce myself to P90X since I know that program can, and will, kick my ass overall. Not funny, but funny since it does work.

Alright Readers, just thought to let you know, read, about my first run of the year as well as my first run to work. The time kinda sucks - 1:20:15.65 - for me from what I can remember, but can not remember. So, I am going to have to look for old calendars and see what times I did log for a run to work. I want to say I was, at my best, averaging 50 minutes - running to work. Remember, a run to work best - not an overall best time by no means.

I say I feel good, but the worst is yet to come when I wake up tomorrow morning. I will have delayed body shock to 12 miles of running in one day after months of not running a mile at all. I bet that I am going to be in some difficultly tomorrow.

Yet, what they say is true - No Pain, No Gain.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Star Wars - The Phantom Menace in 3-D

Greetings Readers

I really do not give a shit about 3-D movies. First and foremost – I am not interested in paying more money than the average non 3-D movie to see a movie in 3-D.

Granted, I did see Toy Story 1 and Toy Story 2 in 3-D and I will have to admit – it was amazing! I was impressed since this was my first 3-D movie in a couple of decades. No colored lens – the glasses were like real glasses – clear lens and plastic frames.

What I mean is that I grew up as child in the eighties when 3-D meant blue and red paper glasses and red/blue flimsy clear paper lens. If I remember correctly the movies that I remember seeing were Jaws 3-D, Friday the 13th Part 3 in 3-D, Treasure of the Four Crowns (or something close to that movie title), and… well, I know there is one more that I remember seeing. It was 3-D, but only for that time in history. Matter of fact – I have a couple of comics that are in 3-D also – meaning that you have to use those blue and red glasses.

Anyway, 3-D these days. There are a slew of them – I heard all, but a couple were good. Other films I heard, for example, Clash of the Titans 3-D, was simply awful 3-D. I would not know since I do not want to pay 15.00 dollars. Matter of fact, I have a problem paying 8.00 dollars or so for a regular movie. That is just me.

Hence, that is why I really do not post any more movie reviews on my blog on the ones that I go see in the movie theatres. So, I think I have been seeing about one movie a year. Then, about two years ago there was Tuesday super saver, but eventually that changed to $ 5.00 Sundays. Even with Sundays being cheap I have yet to go on a Sunday.

The main reason – Who in the fuck wants to see a re-make? Not me. For reals. I just don’t get it. Why make a remake? And believe me Readers there are a lot more than you think have been made. Oh, I better stick to the main topic. I may discuss/rant about this another time…

So, guess what – Star Wars I – The Phantom Menace has been re-done in 3-D and is scheduled for release next month. I am a Star Wars fan, but not of the prequels. Anyway, 3-D for that movie? I don’t know. Yes, George is going to clean up on revenue on this movie. Matter of fact, I can almost predict that movie theatres are going to up the price for this just because they can and the hard core people will pay to see.

Me? Most likely, but not sure. I will need to re-watch the movie to see what would be “3-D” worthy. Sure, the pod racing would be one scene that would be… in the words of my ex-co-worker - awesome in 3-D. I do not know about the light saber scenes – perhaps – but I cannot see it just wow-ing me over in 3-D.

Overall, if I go I am going to have to listen to Jar-Jar again, the lousy acting of Natalie Portman, the Gungan and Battle droids doing digital battle and other things which make the movie just too long to watch again. George, sorry Readers I am referring to George Lucas when using his first name, had a good idea but he overwhelms the audience with too much digital “stuff” in the movie.

The movie wasn’t all bad – I did like the light saber battle at the end where they are battling on the catwalks from a distance. And who doesn’t like “The Duel of the Fates."

P.S. I saw a trailer for Titanic coming soon in 3-D. Since I did not see Avatar in 3-D by James Cameron I may have to see this movie by James Cameron. Are 3-D movies made by the same company? I don't know. I know it will not be like Avatar since that was shot with 3-D cameras, but if the raves about Avatar's 3-D and perhaps the same company that did that 3-D may have did a good job doing Titanic in 3-D. Yes, I would see this in 3-D - yet I would have to hear "Jack!" and come to think about it this may be less worthy of being done in 3-D. Sure, some of the ship's angles and perhaps sinking, but other than that I can not see what else would be worthy of 3-D. hah hah.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Christmas

Greetings Readers

Just in case that I am not on or what - May the Holiday be what you want.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Rock in Roll Inductee - Beastie Boys

Greetings Readers

This was the second hopeful that I was hoping for to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

I know they were nominated before and did not make it, but I do not remember who their competition was for that year(s).

In any way whatsoever I am not insinuating that Beastie Boys were a shoo in with the other list of nominees, but in my opinion I knew their chances this time around was excellent.

Second day in a row that I have to admit something that I do not want to, but tis the truth.

I was not a Beastie Boys fan from the start.

I think that the first time that I heard them was "that" song. "... Fight for your Right to Party." I also remember seeing that music video around the clock on Mtv.

With the song title, again my opinion, it just was not. I am unsure how to say what I want to say. And then the video - Ok I guess, but the "Boys" looking at the camera and singing "... Fight..." That did not resonate with me for some reason.

Time passed and then one day I was a fan of Mike D, MCA and Ad-Rock. Oh yes Readers, by that time I knew their names and really did not refer to them as "Beastie Boys" Of course, it helps me, the listener, to hear them say their names in their songs from time to time. ha-hah.

Something about how they sing, their voices and their tunes finally caught my ears. Even though I still did not care for the Anthem of "...Fight for Your..." I was coming to like what they really have done.

Looking back from today they have matured as a band and also kept together after so long. Their music has evolved and they have ventured into new ground through the years.

I have not followed them closely as I should be, but I do follow up later to check out their album(s).

I know they have been political, or still could be, in the past - but that has not deterred me from not listening to them. Granted, I have not even paid attention so you see that was not even a concern in my head

Whether it be Intergalactic, Brass Monkey, So Whatcha Want, 5-Piece Chicken Dinner - I do like what they have published. Interesting.

The last two albums are still a mystery to me, but when I do get around to I am sure it will be well worth the wait.

Do they deserve the induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Of course. Their albums throughout the years have shown that musically. Yes, they have had their hits and misses, but no different from any other band. Again, in terms of music listeners they probably would make people shake their head, but as a whole the nomination and induction was warranted

Yes, it is rap. Yes, most people will say "Rap Crap." Other people will cite that's not rap since they are white, yet these same people say Eminim "Rocks. Beastie Boys have the rap going against them from the get go since that will isolate a lot of listeners to listening to them for that reason alone. Which brings me back to now - for being around this long and still about to pick up a Grammy in 2008 they are doing something right as well as keeping, and perhaps winning more fans.

A personal flashback - I remember back on the Ride the Rockies Bike Tour that I did years ago I was in Aspen lounging outside my tent near the high school. I had finished biking over Independence Pass and now was just chillin in Aspen. Sun was shining, but there was concern for bears since there were Bear sightings as well as some deaths due to bears around that time and area. As I was sitting in my chair with my Ipod playing I heard "The Move" come on and then the part of the song played that I liked "in Stereo" hah hah. So, whenever that song plays I am transported back to that memory in Aspen. Which also reminds me that was where I had a 27.00 dollar Margarita (perhaps for another time and only something that would be done in Aspen)...

With that concludes this post - Congrats to the Beastie Boys for their Induction.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Rock in Roll Inductee - Guns N Roses

Greetings Readers

The Final Rock in Rock Inductees were named. There was/is a list and you can go and find out yourself if you want to know all of the nominations - go Google.

However, there were only a few I cared about and only really I wanted to see two to make it into the Hall of Fame that I personally wanted to see. Granted, there were a couple more, but I had to think logically which ones that had a chance and ones that I almost knew were going to get in.

Guns 'n' Roses

I will have to admit that in the beginning I was not a Gun's n Roses fan. Not at all. I think it was that song Sweet Child o Mine. I was in Junior High, I think, when Guns in Roses came onto the scene. That Bandanna wrapped (Blue I remember) around Axl's head in such a way that only Axl can pull it off. Then, when MTV played music videos I remember seeing Sweet Child o Mine and seeing Axl do that move with his body. He sways his body from side to side in a big motion. Again, only Axl could pull that move off. Often imitated, but never could be done as Axl does.

I remember a couple of student, girls in school would dress up as Axel. Funny, but not funny. Funny were the Goths, but lets save that for another time. I remember the posters of the Guns and Roses being on the room walls of my friends. Needless to say I did not join onto the band wagon right then.

Then, it happened - I heard Paradise City. And then I saw the music video. Something about that song got my attention. the guitar riff, then the beat of the drums, then Axl starting to sing.

"Take me down to the Paradise City..."

What an intro as well as lyrics to being with I thought; as well still think as I write this today.

From that point on I have been a fan. Of course, I bought Chinese Democracy and it is not nothing like vintage Guns n Roses. Not at all. And Axl's voice is there, but not there.

In between Appetite for Destruction and Chinese Democracy I have gotten most of their albums - save for a collections and perhaps... what was it String Cheese Incident? Sorry Readers, I do not have time to check Google. Anyway, that album did not interest me or ???? I have forgotten.

Anyway, Guns n Roses. A band that was high and now loss. A rift between Axl and his former original members - minus one or two due to death. I even saw the VH1 special made on them. Wow. Yet, even though it was wow - it was not something unexpected nor would never expected. Guns was Guns. Yet, what was interesting is that either Axl showed up and gave concert goers a concert to remember for a lifetime or he showed up and did not perform at all. That was true. Even said that - Axl was known not for showing up on time and even started a riot in Canada (not literally started himself) for not showing up for a concert. People rioted.

Anyway, the last time I think I saw Guns n Roses play was when Axl showed up for an MTV show with new band members in Guns N Roses. It was weird and even seeing that guy "bucket head" supposedly to be Slash. I still can not figure that one out. Anyway, that was the last time and I was not impressed. I think Axl did that just to kind of stick it to his former band members. Though that is just a guess.

Mind you, I don't hate Guns N Roses now, but it will never be what it was in the beginning. Yes, I bought Chinese Democracy since it was the new album in such a long time. I have the album in my Ipod but the listening to the album is so rare.

I even found out two weeks ago that Guns N Roses is coming to Denver and they will be playing the 1st Bank center on 12/11/11. I kind of toyed with the idea of going, but not really. I do not know what to expect and I really do not know anything after Chinese Democracy nor have followed Axl's journey.

Anyway, so I saw on the list was Guns N Roses for the Rock in Roll Hall of Fame. Even without knowing who else was on the list I was 99% sure that Guns was going in. They paved the wave for... you know I am not sure, but I have this radio commercial saved on a cassette tape and this is what I remember and what I associate to the original Guns N Roses....

"They are the Most Notorious Rock band..."

Notorious, I think, sums up Guns N Roses.

Guns N Roses had hits as well as Bombs. Yet, something about the band makes them a place in history.

And I have been waiting and waiting for the final nominations to be made and they were on 12/07/11. Should I wonder if the remaining original band members will get together for the Hall of Fame concert? I don't know Readers. It may be best not to revisit this past Band.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

2011 Thankgiving Day

Greetings Readers

Happy Thanksgiving Readers. Hope the holiday is what you want it to be.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Sunday Morning Mishap

Greetings Readers

Okay

It has been a while since I have made breakfast… well going all out on breakfast. Granted, it is just me, but every now and then I will cook like I am cooking for a family of four.

I was missing some ingredients so I had to go to King Soopers to pick up some of the breakfast materials. I was getting this and that. Bread, Cheese, Coca-Cola, onion and then some breakfast sausage.

Soon, I was home. I was motivated, but not motivated. So, even then it took another 15 minutes for me to actually get started cooking.

I peeled and cut the potatoes, diced the onions grated some cheese prior to actually cooking.

After channel flipping for a bit I honestly have to say there was shit on TV Sunday morning. Nothing. I actually had to do On Demand. So, I picked some Curb Your Enthusiasm episodes to watch. Readers, that is another blog post, but this show was the very first time I saw this year. I have to admit that I was entertained and have to admit that some of the things Larry gets into are things that happen to me. Getting back to the story.

The pans were getting warmed up so I started cutting the sausage, cracking the egg shells so I can whip them up for scrambled eggs.

Fast forward – all done, except the toast. While the toast was toasting I put the final touches on my breakfast. The toasts pops up, I butter and then wait another 30 seconds.

I grabbed the buttered toast and then put some of my breakfast in the toast and took a big bite.

What the Fuck?

Fuck me. I picked up the wrong sausage. Un-fucking-believe-able.

I know I picked up the sausage I wanted from where I usually pick it up while shopping.

Somehow, I fucked up.

Fast forward to right now. If you were you and this just happen to you what would you do? I am pissed. BUT. I have no one to blame. It was my fault.

In addition, I opened and cooked about ¼ of the package. With that said – am I allowed to go back to the store and say I picked up the wrong package? Even though I did eat some? I do not want to eat the sausage since it is not the kind I eat.

It is not an issue, but it is an issue. I paid about 4 dollars and I simply can not throw this away. Again, it is my fault. I know I did not look at the package. I just picked up the package from the same place I always pick the sausage I eat. Anyway, I do shop there a lot so I really can not do what I want to do. I am going to have say nothing and just eat the rest – sucks to be me.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

"I am Invincible"

Greetings Readers

It was only a matter of time.

Yet I did not think that it would happen this quickly.

I was actually happy when I got off work. The sun was still shining; the day’s warmth was still in the air. I was riding Lily and was riding home.

I was approaching my turnoff and I was going pretty fast. Yet, I was on my mountain bike – I had the big, fat tires as opposed to any of my road bikes. This meant that I have more surface area contact with the road. More importantly, I have some knobby traction. Bottom line I can take that corner at that speed I was going at. There was some gravel as well as some water from the melting snow where I was turning, but did not give it a second thought.

I should have.

Man oh man I went down like a clown. Fuck me. One second I was making that turn. The next four seconds I was sliding across the road with Lily. I held onto the handlebars as well as stayed with the bike. There was a car vehicle coming, but since it was getting ready to stop it managed to stop before coming upon me.

I got up gingerly, but knew I did some damage to myself. Some road rash as well as bruise marks were going to come. Oh yeah, my ego got bruised also. I guess Mother Earth missed me - I kissed her long and hard.

Oh the blog title - That was from the James Bond Movie Goldeneye said by Boris. I thought I was invincible too. And somehow I thought of that line

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

"Send a HELLO"

Greetings Readers

This past Spring at the Post Office I saw the release poster for all stamps... well perhaps commemorative stamps being released and I saw one stamp that I had to have.

It was the Pixar stamps and two of the stamps that are featured on the sheet caught my eye immediately.

Up and Wall-E. Toy Story followed next. The other two I could care less about.

Anyway -

Send a Hello

Think of your delight when you find a letter, greeting card, or package waiting in your mailbox. It puts a shine on the rest of the day - even before you've opened it. Despite all the ways that we communicate with friends and family today, there still nothing personal as knowing that someone took time to choose a card... write a letter... wrap a package... and even choose a special stamp simply to "Send a Hello."

After all, "hello" may be a simple, everyday word, but it can mean so many things. We can "Send a Hello" as a cheerful greetings between friends, like Lightning and Mater in Cars. "Hello" can mean "I'm hear to help!" like Remy to Linguini in Ratatouille. It can be a tender message of welcome to a new little someone who fills our hearts with wonder, like Wall-E and his miraculous plant in Wall-E.

Sometimes "hello" can tell someone we admire that they're our hero, like Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story, or the simple word can express the love and affection we feel for one another - like Dug and Carl in Up. For more than 25 years, Disney-Pixar storytellers have given us characters who have shown us the wonder of friendship and family. Now they help you communicate that way you care each time you receive or "Send a Hello." Has the mail come yet?

And that Readers is what's printed on the back of the stamp sheet.

To me - Dug, Karl and Wall-E meant/mean something to me due to their character in the movie they were in. Perhaps I will discuss that in a future post. Nothing earth shattering mind you, but something to share.

I do not think that I have shared with you Readers that I do collect stamps - that I like. Anyway, I do and perhaps I need to post some of the stamps that I have collected since the mid 90's.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

What I do to save RTD/Lightrail fare

Greetings Readers

The things that I sometimes do to save a penny. So, the snow storm came in and this time there was a lot off snow and I could tell right from the front windows that riding any type of road bike was going to be almost impossible. That being said I had to get Lily for another ride.

I left Lily out on the deck since the weather has been nice for a bit.

I got outside and found out that the snow was was heavy and wet. As opposed to soft and fluffy. Meaning that made my ride just extra harder.

Even that said the RTD stop is right there. However, this morning I did not want to give up $ 2.25 for public transportation. Also, how long was the wait going to be for the next bus to come by – which comes every 30 minutes or so. Would I be catching right away or will I have to be waiting for bit for RTD to arrive. And with the weather I did not want to be just standing around in the cold and slightly windy morning. I would rather work up a sweat and get my blood flowing.

Getting out on the main thoroughfare in my residential area was tough. Even more so what that the street was not plowed. That meant I had to bike in the vehicle’s tire tracks that have been so far this morning.

With the fresh snowfall the sidewalks were not going to be plowed. So, basically I was fucked. And the morning commute was not going to make this ride any easier. And I was not going to cave in and pay for public transportation this morning. No way. No how. Pretty soon I came to a part of my bike route to work where I am able to follow a bike trail in most of the way to work. That was my biggest concern since I know that was not going to be easy. And going through the residential areas are even tougher since technically these residential area are sort of isolated area with only a few ins and outs of them.

The biggest thing for me was once I got onto the bike path I better not stop. Once I stopped riding I was not going to be able to start riding due to the snowfall. Needless to say I was forced to a stop twice and managed to get on my bike and pedal after a few tries. Just the type of snow as well as the depth of the snow that made the riding difficult.

Soon, I was off the bike path and once more back to residential riding. Whew. There was this lady shoveling her driveway and said something like “You’re brave.” To me. I smiled.

The last part of my journey to work was going to be another challenging issue. There are sidewalks, but this morning none of the sidewalks were plowed. So, that meant I will be riding in the streets. And where I work there is really only two ways (streets) to work so I can not use back streets or cut across fields/parking lots, etc. With that said traffic was going to be a problem. Luckily I know the stop light timing at the intersection where cars are going the same direction I was. That way I can sort assume when traffic will be coming from behind. Mind you, I trust myself riding in the street. However, it is snow and perhaps ice; therefore either I or the vehicles could slip and slide. What if I slip and fall when a vehicle is right behind me? What if a car brakes and starts to slide?

Finally, 1 hour and 10 minutes later I was at work. A tough and long commute, but the bottom line is that I saved 2 dollars and 25 cents. Er. Actually, I saved 4.50 since I rode home that evening.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

A week riding with Lily

Greetings Readers

I would have to say that the past week was tough all throughout.

This past week was the first time that I had take Lily out for the upcoming winter season. Snow was and did come this past week. Unfortunately, the forecast was calling for a lot of snow. If I remember correctly - 9 to 12 inches.

What that meant was that I needed to use the Mountain Bike. With it being this late in the year I could not take the chance that it was not not going to snow. And with that chance there was the possibility of the snow coming hard and heavy the way people were talking.

Since mid spring Lily has been outside on the deck. I know, I know no way to treat Lily that way. Since then there has been signs of rust here and there on her. "Whad ya gonna do?"

I spent some time on her getting ready for the week on Sunday. Scraping off the rust, putting lube and wax on the chain. Checking her tires as well as inflating them back to specs.

Prior to last week I have been on the "beater" bikes for roughly about a month now. The good bikes have basically been put away until a nice day or even could be til next year. A "beater" bike some of you Readers may be asking what the fuck is a beater bike. Basically, it is a bike that is going to be taking the elements that Mother Nature will be throwing at you during the seasons. Also, the bike is used for anything else that you may not want to do with your good bike.

For the past year I now have two beater bikes that I use in rotation. My faithful Readers would know which ones they are, but in case you are a relatively new Reader then let me tell you. The newest one is Deneise and then the older one is Tracey. One's a Fuji (white color) and the other is a Giant (gray color). Tracey is about to reach 10,000 miles and she is starting to show her age, use and how much I have ridden her all those miles without any major replacements. That was the reason why I acquired Deneise last year. I needed a new beater bike and it was the right time.

Anyway, I have to admit Monday Morning Lily kicked my ass. Fuck me. I would have to say that I forgot how much of a difference there is between a road bike and a mountain bike. A whole of weight, smaller crank and working up a sweat. What usually takes me about 20 / 25 minutes took me about 50 minutes to get to work. The bad things were it was cold and all uphill. Though going home was all downhill basically. Monday night I slept like a baby.

Then, Tuesday came and I had to do the same thing all over again, except this time the storm was coming. I was prepared. What I was wasn't prepared for was the rain. I assumed, which I know Readers should not have, that the snow would be falling when I left work. Little did I know and that was from not watching the news was that the snow was not to start until 9 that evening. When I got off work at about 6:30 or so it was raining. Steady rain. Oh yeah, it was cold steady rain. I was not even 1/2 mile from leaving work and I was soaked. Soaked. Gosh, it fucking sucked. If I have not said it before or if I have said it a thousand times - being soaked to the bone while riding in the rain is the worst thing I hate.

Wednesday - where's all the snow that was forecast. Fuck me. I actually rode Lily for two days when I could have been riding either of my road bikes. However, the thing is both Deneise and Tracey had front flat tires. I was lazy and just have not had the time to fix the flats. Matter of fact, I think Tracey has had a front flat for about two months and I have been using Deneise for the past month until I got a flat on Sunday.

Thursday - even better. Still was riding Lily, yet I have to admit I was getting use to riding her and not out of breath like I was on Monday.

Friday - I knew this was going to be last day that I was going to ride Lily. Period.

And that Readers was my week with Lily. Oh yes! I spent the time on Saturday Morning by fixing both Tracey and Deneise and I have to admit it did not take as long as I thought it would. That is the really the only reason why I did not fix the flats. I don't hate fixing flats it is just if I do not get the flat fixed/repaired the first time I tend to get aggravated due to the patch perhaps not staying affixed to the tube, not enough rubber cement, not dry enough, etc. And what really gets me is when I get the tube in the tire, back on the rim, pumped full of air, then seconds later I hear a leak which I know is from my poorly done repair. Oh yes, I may be a seasoned/pro bike rider, but I have my "moments: from time to time when fixing flat tires.

Come Monday Morning I am riding a road bike - LOL. For sho'!

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

10 Years Later

Greetings Readers

I remember watching the news in the morning, no different from any other morning, when the news changed from the "normal" news to "live" news and a shot of the World Trade Towers from a helicopter. There was black smoke pouring from one of the World Trade Towers.

I went into my brother's room, turned on the TV and then woke him up to tell him what was happening in New York.

Then I saw on TV the second jet coming into view of the camera and then disappear behind the building. A second or two later I saw the Tower explode out and the explosion of what had to be that jet crashing into the Tower.

I could not believe it.

I went to work eventually, and the few people I saw while biking to work I told them The World Trade Towers are gone.

Where I was working at the time they gave us the option to go home if we could feel that we could work in light of this tragic accident. I stayed the day, yet we were all quiet, most of the women were crying, had been crying, whatnot.

That evening was the moment it affected me on what just happened that morning.

Year after year. This day in history comes and goes. Along with that the moments of silences, the "we will never forget", tributes, tv shows, etc.

10 years later.

I get up early and was basically was going to avoid the live coverage of memorial coverage of the people that have names we know who died. This does not include the people who died, but we do not know who.

I turned the tv on and starting watching Mad Men on AMC since they are showing the show every Sunday Morning.

Well... I got curious. I scanned the guide and saw a show that was airing on several channels. Hmmm. I read the title - 102 Minutes That Changed America.

I changed to one of the channels, History, and what do you know I watched til the end. commercial free. This was a show not like any of those 9/11 documentaries, or some one's story that I have only glimpsed at since I do not watch those shows about 9/11.

No commentator, just raw footage, very low tones of music and lots of lots of video footage as well as radio, cell, phone,9-11 call footage from different parts of New York.

The moment in the show that stuck me was a camera was focused on couple of fire fighters looking up at the Towers and then you see all their eyes following in the same direction. You instantly know that they are following an object falling. Though you never know what the object is/was. As the object comes closer to Earth you see all their heads level out and then look away. I just remembered what I had forgotten. The people who fell/jumped from the World Trade Towers that day 10 years ago.

All those feelings I forgotten 10 years ago just came back.

I do not talk about this day nor do I want to discuss this day in history. I avoid watching the documentaries that show every time this part of the year.

Up until today, I have not blogged about this day in history.

This picture is the most haunting of that day for me. I first saw this picture in GQ and actually this was just luck when the picture was taken. Matter of fact, there is a sequence of pictures taken one after another of this person falling. As you can see Readers - this person is falling head first to Mother Earth. In reality the person is tumbling, but at this moment captured in time forever it shows a haunting falling person head first like Superman flying.

Video footage is tough to watch of that day. I have some VCR tapes of that day, but 10 years later I have not watched a single tape of that day. I think the most haunting footage for me is the footage of the first plane being heard over New York and below looking up to sky. Then you see the camera turn to the left and you see that plane fly into the World Trade Center. Oh my. My breath stops. It is amazing to me that the first plane hit was captured on video.

10 years later.

I just saw and heard for the first time that Condoleezza Rice spoke with the Russian President Vladimir Putin - I never knew of this until this morning on that morning.

You know Readers I do not think that I have ever shared this with anyone I know or don't know. Why know? Why not before? Why at all?

10 years later

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Happy Fourth of July

Greetings Readers

Just a quick post

Happy July 4th - Hope you are enjoying the Holiday

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Breaking Bad - Promo for Season 4

Greetings Readers

Wow.

That is an excellent promo, first poster, for next month's new season of Breaking Bad. Season 4.

I just love that warning sign next to Walter White's profile.

And of course I saw the next teaser trailer for the new season on AMC's website on Thursday of last week. Nothing revealed for Season 4 mind you, but I have to use this word again, I love, the piano's keys making the music on how the trailer starts and then Walter's voice starts talking over the cut scenes that are from last season. Soon, we hear other voices from the main characters of Breaking Bad. Meanwhile, all this time that piano is playing softly, melodic, giving me restlessness. Only because I have to wait just over a month to see the first episode of Season 4. The trailer is only a minute long, but beautifully spliced together.

Now, let me get back to the poster - Walter White - I am going to bet that most of the viewers are going to say that is Heisenberg in full presence. Meaning, that is not Walter White.

I have to say no. That is Walter White. I have seen the subtle transformation from Walter White from the first season and well into the third season. In my opinion, there is really no way that the character Walter White could have two separate identities with all the "stuff" going on in his life. I think he has a strong character, but as he is progressing into the business he is make that character more of whom we stereotype as who could be a drug dealer type.

Again, that is Walter White. Is he mad? No, that is just the look. And I am racking my mind - what other character(s) in the TV realm with spectacles can make that look "bad!" That is the "Don't Fuck with me" look. And that look works.

We Readers saw that in the season finale of Season three when Walt was about to be shot at the Laundry (Meth Super Lab) by Mike. I think that was probably the best scene of Season Three with Walt turning the tables. I am not rooting for the drug dealer, the bad guy, but I am rooting for Walter White - especially when Walter says...

"You might want to hold off."...

"...6353 Juan Tabo Apartment 6.

Yeah."


Oh, the way Walter speaks that line (starting with 6353...) and delivered that confident look that Walter gives Mike. That is the look and the stance we all perhaps felt or want to feel if in the same or similar situation.

As the first words flash in the teaser trailer.

"Once you break bad"

"You never go back"

There are alot of variables to Walter White at this point in the series and I do not think I could have done any different from what Walter has done to this point.

What I mean is - what would you have done on Episode 12 - Half Measures - Season 3 - when Jesse is walking to the Drug Dealers he is planning to shoot. You Readers who know the story up to this point - what would you have done? Needless to say - that scene fucking blew my mind when I first saw it. That was not Heisenberg - that is Walter White. You know what Readers, that scene is still powerful to me - I mean that scene caught me totally off guard and I never saw it coming. I expected the scene to be about Jesse and the Drug Dealers and what the outcome would be in the finals minutes of that episode.

And Fuck me - even after Walter White did what he did he then gets out of his vehicle and finishes "the job". again wow.

Calmly Walter looks and says to Jesse - "Run."

So, you see I know that this is perfect promo poster for the upcoming Season Four of Breaking Bad.

Even as I write this blog I am just anxious since we faithful Breaking Bad watchers now have a solid start date of Season Four - as well as a teaser trailer and two promo posters.

Which brings me to the other poster I have not talked about nor posted. Basically, it is the promo poster expanded. To Walter's right (or to the left of the warning signage) is Jesse's head. It is okay, but somehow it does not fit. I am sorry I do not know why, but for me it just does not work.

I am not saying the wider promo poster is bad (sorry for the "bad" reference), but just does not fit. Although, if you Readers and faithful watchers look closer - (and yes I know it is a promo poster) - does it look like Jesse's head is/may be shaved? Anyway, from the poster Jesse's left side of the head appears shaved. His hairline on the front of his is that high so you can not tell if his head is bald or not. Hmmmm?

And that is about all I guess I better write since this blog post is getting long.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Another friend from my Past

Greetings Readers

Another old friend from my past has surfaced into my life. And wouldn't you know it was during the same time I was working at TCI back in the 1990's.

I have not thought of her in about 5 to 10 years and I think it has been 15 years since I last talked to her.

So, how did this come about?

I was on Facebook on Saturday night and somehow her name just popped into my head. I did a name search and was hoping that I was going to be able to be able at least have a chance to find her among millions of people with that name.

Now, her name is common I think, but I had to be general so that was going to open the searching results even bigger than I wanted. Lo and behold, I got lucky and soon I was looking at a picture that would be a picture of the same woman I saw back in 1990's or so. I just had to imagine that person older and what she would look like in 2011. Not to mention that I do not remember where I have that old picture of her, her daughter and the family dog.

What also helped was that the person's picture I was looking at was the same State that I knew she was in when I last knew her. That helped alot. Minutes later I composed a short message on Facebook and clicked send (or whatever button that you click).

Fast forward to the morning, Sunday Morning that is, I see an email from her and it is confirmed it is her and she also remembered me.

We never met face to face, but we talked to each other almost every day that I worked at TCI and her where she did. We got to know each other as well as our family and our lives. Though at present I can not re-collect most of her life anymore. I guess that is the sign of being older. Hah hah. No Readers, mostly likely to not thinking of her in such a long time and losing the memories that I knew of due to new memories of people after her. Readers, there is only so much my mind can hold and remember.

There are times these days that I am walking from one room to another and in that time frame I get to that other room and I forgot what I was getting or going to do. The signs of getting older, I guess. Or perhaps I better hope so. =).

Fast forward a day's time - we exchanged information, phone numbers, email address as this blog site. I called her Sunday evening got voicemail left message and then she called back got voicemail and I got her message.

I have to admit it was the same voice, yes older, but the same voice I talked to day after day while I was at TCI back in the 1990's. As the "man with no name" said

"Well now...
....seems just like old times."

Her voice on my answering machine just made my day - hell, my week. Even my Month.

Anyway, I hope to catch up and at least see what's been going on. And I, of course, will tell her every time that I happen to see that movie "Trapped in Paradise" I remember her dog since her dog had only three legs. Funny how you associated something to someone.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete