Wise138

Question: Sex = Riding scale

2009-03-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

So if doing a fast group ride or being competitive in a race = hot love making with positions you rarely do or has a touch of freakishness that rarely occurs

A normal ride = sex

Riding the trainer = masturbating (gets the job done not as good as the real thing)

riding the trainer with a cycling video = masturbating to a porno

What is spin class?

I know..deep.

stimulus debate starts at 2:00

2009-01-29T08:16:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

DZNUTS

2008-12-12T08:29:00.000-08:00

2 years

2008-11-29T21:04:00.000-08:00

Ago today I gained a new meaning of "life"

2008-11-25T09:23:00.001-08:00

What a pimp!

2008-11-14T09:54:00.000-08:00

I hope I got game like this dude when I'm 90!

90 Year-Old Giant Tortoise Mates
Ninety years old and considered one of the world's rarest organisms, the giant tortoise from the Galapagos Islands known as "Lonesome George" stunned conservationists when he mated with two females earlier this summer. To the dismay of scientists studying the eggs however, 80 percent of the eggs appear to be duds.

Originating from Pinta Island, once home to thousands of saddleback tortoises, George (Geochelone nigra abingdoni) is the last of his kind to be found and was taken into captivity in 1971. The females were from a different subspecies of giant tortoise on a neighbouring island.

But Ecuadorean scientists in charge of the tortoise re-population plan on Pinta are not about to give up. In spite of his lack of libido for the last decades and various attempts at artificial insemination and "tabloid-like rumours the 90-kilogram creature preferred other males," George is in his reproductive prime, and his keepers hope that the remaining eggs could still yield offspring.

Help a grad student out

2008-11-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

As some of you know I am a full time graduate student with a focus on Marketing. I am currently conducting a market research project for a solar installation firm in L.A. Your assistance in sharing your beliefs and opinions about solar energy and solar panels would be of great help! I have set up an online survey that should take about 10 minutes of your time.

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228EWFXTYWD

Thank you for your time and assistance and remember to keep the rubber side down!

Why I race CX...

2008-11-07T18:44:00.000-08:00

Yeah cause it's cool like this...

From the Onion...kinda puts it all into place

2008-11-06T19:16:00.000-08:00

Black Man Given Nation's Worst Job

WASHINGTON—African-American man Barack Obama, 47, was given the least-desirable job in the entire country Tuesday when he was elected president of the United States of America. In his new high-stress, low-reward position, Obama will be charged with such tasks as completely overhauling the nation's broken-down economy, repairing the crumbling infrastructure, and generally having to please more than 300 million Americans and cater to their every whim on a daily basis. As part of his duties, the black man will have to spend four to eight years cleaning up the messes other people left behind. The job comes with such intense scrutiny and so certain a guarantee of failure that only one other person even bothered applying for it. Said scholar and activist Mark L. Denton, "It just goes to show you that, in this country, a black man still can't catch a break."

Mr. Greenspan...

2008-10-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

The Daily Show says most of it.

But to your model...you based it on that boards would act in the best interest of shareholders....then why did you ignore the evidence of board rooms giving out golden parachutes to executives that tank the firm and diminish shareholder value? Doesn't that go against your core belief? Shouldn't that have been regulated?

This makes me happy

2008-10-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

You go Mike!

Why Some Women Hate Sarah Palin

2008-10-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

So I read this to my wife...teh sad part its true...so it's pretty funny if you think about it...I knew this crap in HS/ College. This is taken from Time.

By BELINDA LUSCOMBE Fri Oct 3, 5:55 AM ET

Some polls are suggesting that after gaining an initial bump, McCain's campaign is being hobbled by Sarah Palin's vice-presidential candidacy. The voters who are deserting her fastest, some of whom are even calling on her to withdraw, are mostly women.
ADVERTISEMENT

Ah, women, the consistently, tragically underestimated constituency. What the Democrats learned during the primaries and the Republicans might now be finding out the hard way, I learned at my very academic, well-regarded all-girls high school: that is never to discount the ability of women to open a robust, committed, well-thought-out vat of hatred for another girl.

Women are weapons-grade haters. Hillary Clinton knows it. Palin knows it too. When women get their hate on, they don't just dislike, or find disfavor with, or sort of not really appreciate. They loathe - deeply, richly, sustainingly. I do not say this to disparage my gender; women also love in more or less the same way.

When men disagree, the steps to resolution are reasonably clear and unsophisticated. Acts of physical violence are visited upon one another's person or property, and the whole thing blows over. Women? Nu-unh. We savor the discord. We draw it out. We share our contempt with our friends, like a useful stock tip, or really good salsa. And then we all go hate together: a mutually encouraging group activity for when the book group gets quiet.

The hatred women have for Sarah Palin, and others had for Hillary before her, is not necessarily about politics. Anybody can run the numbers on how many people Palin's pro-life, pro-gun, socially conservative policies will seduce and how many they will alienate. Rather, the test that the McCain campaign failed to put her through was the Abbotsleigh Ladies College test. (Named after my high school. Go, green and gold!). It's a simple three-point pass-fail exam: Will the other girls like her?

Here's why Palin doesn't make the grade:

1. She's too pretty. This is very bad news. At school, pretty girls tend to be liked only by other pretty girls. The rest of us, whose looks hover somewhere around underwhelming, resent them and whisper archly of their "unearned attention." So, if everyone calls your candidate "hot," you're in a whole mess of trouble. If the Pakistani head-of-state more or less hits on her, well, yes, she'll get a sympathy vote, but we're in Dukakis-in-the-tank territory. It's an admiration vaporizer. (Of course a candidate can't be too ugly, or it will scare the men, who are clearly shallow as a gender.)

2. She's too confident. This also bodes ill. Women have self-esteem issues. But they also have other-women's-esteem issues. As almost any woman - from the head of the Budgerigar Breeders association to Queen Elizabeth - can attest, it's almost impossible to get confidence right. Too timid and you're a pushover. Too self-aggrandizing and you're a bad word unless it's about a dog, or Project Runway's Kenley. Or Michelle, my best friend until 9th grade, after she won that debating prize and got cocky.

3. She could embarrass us. History is not on Palin's side. Every time a woman gets a plum job, be she Hewlett-Packard's ex-boss, Carly Fiorina, or CBS's Katie Couric, there's always that whispery fear that people will think she got the job just because she's a woman. So if things don't go well - and a couple of YouTube clips have suggested that they're certainly not going well for Palin - women are the first to turn on her for making it harder for the rest of us to louse up at work.

The fact of the matter is once a female decides it's over with another female, it's like an end-stage marriage. No matter how seemingly benign, every attribute becomes an affront: the hair, the voice, the husband, the moose-shooting, the glasses, the big family, the making rape victims pay for their own rape test kits.

I know, I know. With all this extra baggage a female candidate has to bear, the chances of finding a woman whom other women won't hate seem skinnier than last year's jeans. But don't despair, if all else fails, we could just do what we always do and just vote in some guy. It's worked so well for us in the past.

Cycling about to get really fast

2008-09-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

See if anyone will bite.
It occurred to me while busting my fat butt up Redwood road, but I think professional cycling is about to get even faster, without doping.
2 factors for this:
1. Youth training with power. U-23 riders now have access to power training and tools. A much more efficient and informative way to train in aggregate.
2. Bike technology will only get lighter and stiffer. The 30 BB is one case in point. As manufactures adopt technology that allows for greater options in design we will see bike weights drop yet be stiffer than current bike. At some points UCI will have to adopt the current technology.

Give it 5 -7 years and we will see some really faster Tour times without doping.

Mighty Metallica!

2008-09-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

Yeah its cool. Its been a very pleasant surprise. Its like all the good stuff rolled into one with a touch of Load. But you can go through each song and pretty much place it in such classics as Kill'm All or Ride the Lighting, Master of puppets etc. The cover art even gives you a clue that they want old school, as the logo is from Killm all.

The riffs are big again, a lot of arrangement and movement in each song with classic Hetfield lyrics. Bottom line I knew I'd dig it after "the day that never comes" final riffs, made me want to f*cking destroy something...ah the mightly Metallica I know and love.

Oh top songs, Suicide and Redemption, Unforgiven 3 and All nightmare long. Like any Metallica tune...you'll want to destory something and pound your chest screaming at the top of your lungs showing your brood of your awsesome kill.

I agree with Keith. 9/11 tm

2008-09-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

SOUL!

2008-09-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

To all my brothers and sisters that have fallen and have gotten or are getting back up...you got SOUL!

Ghost...

2008-08-24T09:43:00.001-07:00

Texas...really this isn't a good image

2008-08-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

That's right even if you are mentally ill and didn't even take part of the crime...you still get to visit death row...

Texas to execute mentally ill man in controversial case
Aug 21 05:43 AM US/Eastern

Texas To Execute Mentally Ill Man Who Was Accomplice In Murder

Texas is scheduled Thursday to execute a mentally ill man for conspiracy to murder in a case that death penalty opponents say illustrates why the practice is deeply flawed.

Jeffery Lee Wood, 35, "has never taken a human life by his own hands," and "was outside the building in a car at the time of the murder," his attorneys said in a statement.

Wood's partner in crime, Daniel Reneau, was executed in 2002 for killing a store manager during a robbery.

"At Reneau's trial, the prosecution had argued that Reneau was the person chiefly responsible for the crime and that Wood's role was secondary," the Death Penalty Information Center said.

"Wood was involved in the robbery in this case because of his longstanding mental illness that allowed him to be easily manipulated by the principal actor, Daniel Reneau," his lawyers argued.

Texas is the top executioner in the United States, having conducted 413 executions over the last 30 years, out of a national total of 1,119 for that period.

It is also one of the few US states that permit capital punishment in a case involving conspiracy to murder, not murder itself.

Seven people were executed for conspiracy after 1976, when the death penalty was re-authorized in the United States, but Wood will be the first to die since 1996.

"Executing someone who didn't kill violates the most basic principles of justice," David Fathi, US program director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.

In right-leaning Texas, support for the death penalty and the state's tough "law-and-order" approach remains high, with advocates arguing the punishment is just, deters crime and provides comfort to victims' families.

Ambiguity surrounding mental illness also makes Wood's case controversial.

Wood's lawyers asked the governor of Texas to delay Wood's execution by one month, after he had been in solitary confinement on Death Row for ten years, 23 hours a day, to evaluate his mental health.

In 1986, the Supreme Court effectively banned executing anyone too mentally ill to understand what was to happen to them and why. But it did not establish criteria for evaluating mental competency.

"If a person is only mentally ill and not incompetent, the decisions are less clear and are up to individual judgments by the governor or the jury," Richard Dieter, director of the Death Penalty Information center, told AFP.

In March 2008, Richard Taylor, condemned to death for murdering a prison guard 27 years earlier when he was gravely afflicted with schizophrenia, saw his death penalty commuted to life in prison in the southern state of Tennessee.

But Kelsey Patterson was executed in Texas in May 2004 despite having been diagnosed with paranoia and schizophrenia prior to his criminal act.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently authorized the state penal system to administer, by force if necessary, psychotropic medicine to two convicts on Death Row, to render them mentally competent and subject to execution.

"It is awkward and quite strange to see states force inmates to take medication so they can be killed, but this is the hateful nature of our capital punishment system," Rick Halperin of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty told AFP.

"It has very little to do with logic, and certainly nothing to do with compassion."

The case of Raymond Riles, on death row since April 2, 1976 -- more than 32 years -- is emblematic of the ambiguity surrounding mentally ill inmates.

His execution was delayed three times, and after 1986 the Texas Department of Criminal Justice never set a new date for it. But he is still on Death Row.

He gets it!

2008-08-12T00:55:00.000-07:00

The WSJ writer gets it...the Jets screwed up.
Is Brett a Bad Bet for the Jets?
By ALLEN BARRA
August 12, 2008; Page D7

Arriving in New York last Friday, Brett Favre sounded as if he had taken a page from Bull Durham's Nuke LaLoosh. "I'm here for one reason," he told reporters. "I'm here to help the Jets win."

It would have been refreshing if at least one of the worshipful media folk at the press conference had replied, "Well, actually, Brett, you're here because after months of vacillating on your retirement and putting the Packers through hell -- and forcing them into using a valuable draft pick on an extra quarterback because they didn't know whether you'd be playing for them this season -- you tried to bully them into either making you the starter or trading you to a team of your choice. Like a prima donna, you put your own desires ahead of the welfare of the organization to which you professed loyalty. Now you've been dumped on one of the NFL's most desperate franchises because no one else wanted you."
[Brett Farve]
Associated Press
Brett Favre

Instead, we're getting gush from a New York media that really ought to know better. Here's the Daily News's Mike Lupica on August 8: "The Jets became a viable franchise [by signing Favre], made you finally notice and talk about them and care about them." As if talking and caring translates into winning football games. And here's CBS's Phil Simms, former New York Giants quarterback and Super Bowl winner: "This is bigger than when Joe Montana left the Forty-Niners to go to Kansas City in 1993."

It would be if Brett Favre were as good as Joe Montana. Mr. Montana won four Super Bowls and was arguably the greatest quarterback in football history; Mr. Favre has won just one Super Bowl and is probably the most overrated, or at the very least overhyped, quarterback in the modern NFL.

Let's strip the Brett-to-the-Jets deal of the illusions the media has wrapped it in. What we have is a 4-12 team that has signed a 38-year-old quarterback who, though he made something of a comeback last season, hasn't otherwise finished in the top five of the league's passers since 2001. (In 2006 he was ranked 25th; in 2005, 31st.).

From 2005 to 2007, Mr. Favre has thrown 66 touchdown passes and 62 interceptions. If any other NFL quarterback had put up those numbers, his job would be on the line; instead, the New York Jets have chosen to delay the inevitable process of breaking in a new young quarterback -- and in fact have released Chad Pennington, who, according to Kerry Byrne of the Web site Cold Hard Football Facts, is "maybe the most underrated quarterback in the NFL."

Brett Favre is one of the most exciting pro quarterbacks ever -- "gun slinger" is the description most often associated with his go-for-broke style of passing. For the most part, the style has been successful: He has guided the Packers to the postseason 11 times in 16 seasons, and he is the NFL's all-time leader in passing attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns. There is no argument that he is a future Hall of Famer.

But there is also considerable evidence that he is nowhere near, as his admirers claim, the greatest passer ever to play the game or that he even ranks in the top 25. Mr. Favre's trademark has always been productivity over quality. He's been remarkably durable with the daring to throw the ball more than any other passer, but he hasn't always thrown it better. He has never, for instance, led the NFL in the league's passer-rating system, which measures effectiveness with various statistics. (In comparison, Joe Montana led the league twice; Mr. Montana's successor at San Francisco, Steve Young, was first six times, and Peyton Manning three times.)

Mr. Favre has probably been excused by fans for not winning a passer-rating title because its formula is so complex most fans don't understand it. However, in the single most important passing stat, yards per attempt (YPA), he has also never led the league and finished as high as second only once (in 1995 with a 7.7 average). Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger currently leads the league in active players at over 8.1 yards per throw.

It's true that Mr. Favre holds the all-time record for TD passes (442), but what isn't as well known is that he also holds the record for most interceptions (288). Perhaps the best way of understanding Mr. Favre's effectiveness is to compare him to baseball pitcher Nolan Ryan, who holds the all-time record for strikeouts but also for walks. Everyone concedes that Mr. Ryan was a legitimate Hall of Famer, but with a lifetime winning percentage of .526, no one argues that he was the best ever or even among his own contemporaries.

Nor, it must be admitted, has Mr. Favre been a particularly good big game performer. His career postseason is a mediocre 12-10, including an embarrassing 23-20 loss to the underdog New York Giants in the NFC conference championship this past January. On his own home field Mr. Favre was outdueled by the previously unheralded Eli Manning. In fact, as a postseason passer Mr. Favre has never approached the record of the Packers' Bart Starr, who won five NFL championships from 1961 to 1967.

Football historian T.J. Troup feels that Mr. Favre's place among the all-time greats is difficult to assess: "In the modern NFL, the rules favor passing over defense, so statistics alone can't tell the story. Put it this way: Favre has won three MVP awards, but except maybe in 1995, he has never really been the best and not as good as many passers from 'the dead ball era,' like Otto Graham, Johnny Unitas, Bart Starr and Roger Staubach were in theirs."

However good Mr. Favre was, though, is beside the point to the 2008 New York Jets, who may have bet their future on a Hail Mary pass.

Credit...where credit is due

2008-08-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

I have to give props to her. This is good. I might even vote for her cause she's like totally hot.

Paris Hilton Responds to McCain Adfunny videosFunnyOrDie.com

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

4 my hommies in lycra

2008-08-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

Keeps it real...every pimp needs a horn section...and my hommies in lycra need their horn section

Tired of You!

2008-07-18T15:20:00.001-07:00

Dick

2008-07-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

Stay retired. It was fitting your last pass was an INT. You were the most over rated QB in history. You gave the other team the ball by throwing 288 times by fumbling 64 times for a grand total of 352 times. That means you gave the other team's offense 352 times to score. Now the fans will hate Aaron Rodgers. A good QB from Chico that just needs the chance to play. A QB you could have taught and trained to be good at his job, heck even give him some playing time. But no, you are Bret Farve...the dumb ass that hasn't realized he's lost zip on his throw. . I hope Rodgers kicks your ass....dick. I hope you spend a lot of time looking up from your back.

The Green Bay Packers want to do the right thing in response to Brett Favre's latest round of flip-flopping on his future in football.

And as far as the team is concerned, that might mean showing No. 4 the door — although working out a trade might be more palatable to the Packers than granting Favre the release he has requested.

Favre asked the Packers to release him so he can return to the NFL with another team after apparently being told his latest retirement reversal wasn't welcome news in Green Bay. The team said it would do "what's right" in response to Favre's request, which was first reported by ESPN on Friday.

"Brett earned and exercised the right to retire on his terms," the team's statement said.

"We wanted him to return and welcomed him back on more than one occasion. Brett's press conference and subsequent conversations in the following weeks illustrated his commitment to retirement. The finality of his decision to retire was accepted by the organization. At that point, the Green Bay Packers made the commitment to move forward with our football team."

The 38-year-old Favre retired March 6 after a 17-year career, openly sobbing as he contemplated a future without football. But almost immediately, he began dropping hints that he was having second thoughts.

The most recent and intense round came Friday, when ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that sources close to Favre and the team told him agent James "Bus" Cook asked the Packers for Favre's release in a letter because the Packers were not receptive to the idea of Favre wanting to play again.

The Packers' front office has spent the past several offseasons dealing with weeks and months worth of speculation about the three-time MVP's future plans. But this time, they're apparently not biting.

The Packers' statement said Favre, who was placed on the reserve/retired list, has the right to petition NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to be reinstated — a request the league would grant automatically. After that, Favre would return to the team's active roster.

But the statement did not specify what the Packers would do after that, beyond doing "what's right and in the best interest of the team."

If the team has committed to moving forward without Favre, their options once he was reinstated would include trading him to another team or releasing him so he would be free to sign with the team of his choice.

The Packers have made it clear they're committed to going with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a first-round pick in 2005 who has been sitting behind Favre for his first three seasons in the NFL.

Releasing Favre presents the possibility that he will sign with NFC North rivals Minnesota or Chicago, where he would be an upgrade over the incumbent QBs.

If the Packers traded him, there would be teams outside the division such as Baltimore or Tampa Bay, and perhaps Washington, that would be interested. There also has been speculation he could go to Miami for disgruntled defensive end Jason Taylor, the 2006 defensive player of the year.

Either way, it would be an ugly end to what has been one of the most celebrated partnerships in recent NFL history.

"As with all Packers greats, Brett's legacy will always be celebrated by our fans and the organization, regardless of any change in his personal intentions," the statement said. "Brett and Deanna will always be a part of the Packers family."

Even if that family is looking awfully dysfunctional these days.

Those Wacky SFer's.

2008-07-07T22:40:00.000-07:00

This is some funny sh*t

I'll sign for it!

2 and 3....I don't have time for this

2008-06-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

Dear people at Blizzard, aka the greatest game designers ever....
First you bring me the greatest news. StarCraft 2. The squeal that needed to be made years ago. The greatest game you ever made. I was and am so excited and happy. Enough that my wife has given me two weeks to play the game without any guilt or crap. She knows my addiction and love for this great franchise.

But today you did something that just did me over. You are going to release Diablo 3!
This is both awesome and really heart breaking... Blizzard...I have grown up since I last enjoyed the thrills you brought. I don't have time for 2 new games! I purposely did not join World of Warcraft because of my life now... I simply don't have the time. Now you do this??!! You put me in a pickle...I just don't know if I can do it again...I mean two awesome games...crap...

You are not seeing Double...It's another Puggle!

2008-06-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

Meet Bella. Here to put the punk (behind) in place.

Stop and Stare

2008-06-12T15:41:00.000-07:00

Every once and a while a song comes a long that fits your life in that moment in time. The lyrics match every emotion, every experience, every thought. A scary moment to some extent. The song, your soul are in sync. Everyday forth you'll look back at that particular time and that song will always run through your head. Years past, with some maturity you'll hear the song and know just how it inspired you or made you explore a situation with deeper emotion or deeper thought. The song forces you too look at your life and inspires the direction you want to go or it just recaps what you are going through. Anyhow it inspires you to Stop and Stare...

Gonna go see this

2008-06-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

Floyd is suppose to be in it.....it's dope

Yeah Peak Oil!

2008-05-28T21:39:00.000-07:00

This shit is about to get really expensive....cool chart at the bottom

Oil Exporters Are Unable
To Keep Up With Demand
Domestic Needs,
Sluggish Investment
Crimp Shipments
By NEIL KING JR. and SPENCER SWARTZ
May 29, 2008; Page A8

The world's top oil producers are proving unable to put more barrels on thirsty world markets despite sky-high prices, a shift that defies traditional market logic and looks set to continue.

Fresh data from the U.S. Department of Energy show the amount of petroleum products shipped by the world's top oil exporters fell 2.5% last year, despite a 57% increase in prices, a trend that appears to be holding true this year as well.

There are several reasons behind the net-export decline. Soaring profits from high-price crude have fueled a boom in oil demand in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East, leaving less oil for export. At the same time, aging fields and sluggish investments have caused exports to drop significantly in Mexico, Norway and, most recently, Russia. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries also cut production early last year and didn't move to boost supplies again until last fall.

In all, according to the Energy Department figures, net exports by the world's top 15 suppliers, which account for 45% of all production, fell by nearly a million barrels to 38.7 million barrels a day last year. The drop would have been steeper if not for heightened output in less-developed countries such as Angola and Libya, whose economies have yet to become big energy consumers.

For all the attention paid to China's increasing energy thirst, rising energy demand in the Middle East may pose the greater challenge. Last year, the region's six largest petroleum exporters -- Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar -- curbed their output by 544,000 barrels a day. At the same time, their domestic demand increased by 318,000 barrels a day, leading to a loss in net exports of 862,000 barrels a day, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Demand in the Middle East is a major factor right now, said Adam Robinson, an oil analyst at Lehman Brothers in New York. Mr. Robinson predicts the region will constitute more than 40% of increased demand next year.

Saudi Arabia in particular has become a major energy consumer as the country pushes to put its oil riches to greater use. The kingdom is in the middle of a major investment campaign to become a world player in petrochemicals, aluminum and fertilizers, all of which will require huge amounts of oil and natural gas.

Since 2004, Saudi oil consumption has increased nearly 23%, to 2.3 million barrels a day last year. Jeffrey Brown, a Dallas-based petroleum geologist who studies net export numbers, said that at its current growth rate, Saudi Arabia could be consuming 4.6 million barrels a day by 2020.

That would cut significantly into Saudi exports even as the world looks to its largest oil supplier to help manage rising demand. Saudi Arabia has nearly a quarter of the world's proven reserves and supplies around 12% of the 86 million barrels a day that the world now consumes.

One reason Middle Eastern nations are using more oil is a shortage of natural gas, said Bill Farren-Price, director of energy at Medley Global Advisors. This is particularly troublesome during the summer, when governments scramble to keep the lights on and air conditioners cranking.

Some producers, such as the U.A.E., are easing back at times on the crucial industry practice of injecting natural gas into crude oil fields, which is done to boost reservoir pressure and increase crude recovery rates. Halting the injections ends up undercutting oil production, further reducing exports.

As top exporters hit trouble, historically marginal players such as Brazil and Kazakhstan are likely to play a greater role. Three of the four non-OPEC players among the top 15 oil exporters -- Russia, Norway and Mexico -- are reporting declines in production this year. Kazakhstan is showing slight net export gains.

No big exporter is struggling more than Mexico, where net exports dropped 15% in 2007. Mexican officials announced Monday that output from the country's once-mighty offshore Cantarell field had plunged by a third in less than a year.

Analysts said there are reasons for optimism. Russia's government is scrambling to alter the tax rates that many say have put a lid on new oil development. Mr. Robinson said 65 new ultra-deepwater drilling rigs are expected to arrive over the next three years, following a five-year stretch in which the industry gained only 10 such rigs.

Those additional rigs will help companies tap some of the most promising, but now inaccessible, waters off Brazil, Australia, West Africa and in the Gulf of Mexico.

"The sense in the market is that peak oil is here and that things will only get worse," says Mr. Robinson. "But the verdict is still out on that."

We can all get behind this!

2008-04-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

4 day work week! 16 reasons why!

The math, as I see it, goes as thus (I welcome a discussion of these numbers, by the way...):

133,000,000 workers X 80% who drive alone = 106,400,000 single driver commuter cars each day.

106,400,000 X 32 miles round trip = 3,404,800,000 miles driven to work each day

3,404,800,000 / 21 mpg (average fuel efficiency) = 162,133,333 gallons of gasoline each day

Each barrel of crude oil produces, on average, 19.5 gallons of gas. (It is important to note that other products like kerosene and asphalt are produced from that same barrel.)

162,133,333 / 19.5 = 8,314,530 barrels of oil each day.

What this shows is Reason #1; the impact a 4 day work week could have on crude oil imports. Iâ€™m talking about perhaps a 40% reduction in the amount of oil we need Monday through Friday simply by rearranging our work week. No wonder this idea was utilized in the 70â€™s.

But the clear fact that a 4 day work week would save such a precious non-renewable resource is just the first of 16 reasons why I think itâ€™s time to revive the idea of reducing the numbers of days we work each week.

Reason #2 The 4 Day Work Week would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants.

As you pull out of your driveway on your way to work your automobile has already begun to emit Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides, Hydrocarbons, Ozone, particulates, Lead and Chlorofluorcarbons. Some of these compounds are responsible for the greenhouse effect that is warming our planet and throwing our global climate system into increasing instability. Others of them contribute to air pollution that causes everything from dramatically rising rates of childhood asthma to cancers, heart disease and respiratory illnesses. Sometimes I drive to work too, so donâ€™t think the whole thing is your fault. But itâ€™s true that weâ€™re playing fast and loose with our ecosystem and poisoning ourselves with our autos. 60 â€“ 70% of urban air pollution is caused by cars. Taking 20% of them off the roads during the most heavily traveled time of the day would obviously reduce the overall amount of pollutants produced by our autos. And this is key, if a worker transitions to a 4 Day Work Week and then spends all day off driving around when he or she would have be at work, then the savings in terms of fuel and pollution will be lost. This is not a plan to provide everyone with more time to drive around but a plan to bring people back into their homes and their local communities. Itâ€™s an effort to give them more time with family, more time to exercise, more time to write the great American novel or learn to keep bees, or get another degree, or start a garden.

Reason #3 The 4 Day Work Week would reduce workers exposure to pollutants.

A recent study by the California EPA says â€œ50% of a personâ€™s daily exposure to ultra fine particles (the particles linked to cardiovascular disease and respiratory illnesses) can occur during a commute.â€ A report by the Clean Air Task Force in 2007 found diesel particle levels were between 4 to 8 times higher in commute vehicles than in the surrounding air. It makes sense when you think about it. The pollution coming from the tailpipe of a vehicle is mostly likely to affect you while youâ€™re sitting directly behind it, especially if youâ€™re stuck in slow moving traffic where the concentrations of such particles can build up.

Reason #4 The 4 Day Work Week would mean less traffic congestion.

Rush hour exists because everyone needs to get to work at about the same time. Anyone whoâ€™s lived in a city of size can tell you that early in the morning and late in the afternoon the roads fill up. The average 16 mile commutes takes 26 minutes each way. Thatâ€™s 52 minutes a day traveling at roughly 35 miles per hour. Imagine if 1/5 of the cars suddenly disappeared? If the work week was staggered so that 1/5 of all workers took a different day off, the U.S. commuter would see a 20% reduction in rush hour congestion without building a single new road. Which leads nicely to the next reasonâ€¦

Reason #5 The 4 Day Work Week would reduce money spent on new road construction and existing road maintenance.

With 1/5 few cars making the commute each day, fewer new road projects would be necessary and existing roads would last longer with less maintenance. This is not to say that we shouldnâ€™t take advantage of this cost savings to invest in alternative transportation systems. In fact itâ€™s the opposite. This could be a gift to the tax payer who would receive new and better options for travel without any rise in taxes.

Reason #6 The 4 Day Work Week would result in a reduction in personal expenses.

From www.ridetowork.org,

â€œ2002 annual household private vehicle expense is $7,371. This is divided into $3,665 for vehicle purchases, $1,235 for gas and oil and $2,471 for insurance and misc.â€
If workers used their cars 20% less often to drive to work, they would see a reduction in the frequency of oil changes, tune ups and the purchase of new tires just to name a few savings. The above numbers also reflect the price of gasoline in 2002. We all know it has increase since then and will continue to increase now that global oil production has peaked. Remember those 162,133,333 gallons of gas weâ€™re going to save?

162,133,333 X $2.75 per gallon = $445,866,665.00

This would save US workers a lot of money! And because our cars would be driven less frequently, they wouldnâ€™t need to be replaced as often. Thatâ€™s not to say that would shouldnâ€™t try to replace inefficient older cars with more efficient new ones, but this could give the auto manufactures time to wake up to the global peak in oil production and make changes in the types of vehicles they offer. It could also give communities time to respond with planning strategies that favor other types of transportation including walking, biking and mass transit.

Reason #7 The 4 Day Work Week would mean fewer auto accidents each year.

I donâ€™t have statistics on the number of automobile related deaths and injuries that occur specifically during rush hour but almost every radio station on the dial offers a regular update of car crashes throughout each morning and evening commute. It seems safe to assume that fewer cars on the road during those periods of time would result in fewer accidents and the injuries that result from them.

Reason #8 The 4 Day Work Week would mean less time spent in VSC or Voluntary Solitary Confinement

Now some people tell me the time they spend alone in their car is relaxing. Personally I think if thatâ€™s true then what those people are really enjoying is time alone on uncongested roads. Rush hour on a busy street is not relaxing. Personal time away from other people can be a positive experience. But we donâ€™t have to spend our time alone in a metal box burning nonrenewable resources that heat the planet. If less time was spent commuting each week, people would have more time for themselves to enjoy, even if they wanted to enjoy that time alone. It seems to me that as a nation we are experiencing an epidemic of disconnect. Ever see those people early in the morning on their way to work at 6:30am talking on their cell phones? Just who are they talking to? Maybe some of them are already working (before even arriving at work) but I bet many of them are talking to other friends and family who are, quite possibly, out in traffic too. How many of you have ever made a cell phone call because you were bored or lonely in your car? I have friends who will call me and announce thatâ€™s what theyâ€™re doing, calling me to get some company. The car is an insulator that keeps us from interacting and as naturally social creatures this isnâ€™t a good practice. Less time spent in cars can mean more time spent with other human beings living life.

Reason #9 The 4 Day Work Week would mean a reduction in absenteeism

A recent survey found that 43% of respondents admitted to playing hooky last year. That is they stayed home from work even though they werenâ€™t sick. Another day scheduled during the week to address the needs and wants of workers would give people more time to complete all sorts of activities. It could keep them from taking their own day off. It could also give people a day to schedule appointments like medical, dental, tax, attorney or other. A Four Day Work Week would mean fewer random interruptions when workers must leave the office to take care of these matters. Even the occasional summer day spent hiking with a child sounds like a good national exercise to me.

Reason #10 The 4 Day Work Week would increase productivity

Yes I said "increase productivity."

In 1930 famed cereal maker W.K. Kellog had this to say about his decision to decrease his companies work week from 40 to 30 hours.

The efficiency and morale of our employees is so increased, the accident and insurance rates are so improved, and the unit cost of production is so lowered that we can afford to pay as much for six hours as we formerly paid for eight.

Peak oil and climate change could make for turbulent business waters ahead. This country needs more business leaders willing to navigate these waters not by burdening their workforce with limitations or restrictions but with a willingness to try new strategies. Ideas such as this one should be strongly considered by corporate America or maybe itâ€™s time for the Federal government to revisit this issue through law. New ways of working really could benefit both businesses and employees. Itâ€™s important in the time ahead not to simply saddle the workers of America with the rising costs of energy and ecological destruction.

There are lots options concerning the number of hours a 4 Day Work Week could contain. Employees could work 10 hours a day and keep a 40 hour work week. Or they could simply eliminate an entire day and drop down to a 32 hour work week. In between is the idea of working 4 days a week, 9 hours a day. But regardless of how many hours people work, the important part to remember is that most tasks are going to get accomplished each week just as they did before. A recent survey by salary.com of over 10,000 American workers revealed that on average, we waste more than 2 hours each day surfing the web or making phone calls to friends. Might these distractions be activities that workers must be willing to trade for an entire extra day off to spend surfing on the Internet? I say that tongue in cheek as there are better ways to spend your new day off but the point is that the inbox is never empty and that important tasks could probably be completed in a shorter work week if time spent at work was all about work. A shorter work week would sharpen this focus and make the workplace more productive.

Reason #11 The 4 Day Work Week would give us more time for family

60% of Americans say they do not have enough time for family. To be sure we could change that statement to read, make time for family, because time is after all what you make it. Itâ€™s important to note that we work more hours than any other nation on the planet. But why? Why do we work? I think this question is at the heart of support for a shorter work week. We work so we can support our families right? But is more money and the always increasing amount of stuff that money buys really supporting our families? We have to pay bills but would your son rather have you at home or have a new flat screen television? 7 out of 10 teenage pregnancies are conceived at the home of the young girl between the hours of 3pm and 5pm. It is my view that what might be in my daughterâ€™s best interest isnâ€™t me working 50 hours a week so I can buy her a sweet sixteen car. It might be spending more time at home with my daughter talking to her about her future. A shorter work week would give this nation an opportunity to spend more time at home with our families.

Reason #12 The 4 Day Work Week would decrease labor costs

Long work hours increase the worker turnover rate which leads to more money spent on acquiring and training new employees. Employees who have almost as many days to spend on their own as days they spend working will be much happier and more loyal. These are employees who will work harder and stay longer at any given company.

Reason #13 The 4 Day Work Week would decrease operational costs

Depending on just how a company chooses to structure its 4 Day Work Week, any number of operational costs could be reduced. The energy savings from the climate control of unoccupied buildings could be enormous. Fewer security or maintenance issues could result from having a smaller number of people in the office each day. A shorter work week could mean more infrequent cleanings and less information technology service calls.

Reason #14 The 4 Day Work Week would mean a reduction in the cost of childcare

If a two parent household were to switch to a 4 Day Work Week then their childcare costs could be reduced by 40%. Childcare ranges in cost depending on the type care and the specific location in which a worker lives. Estimates range from $3,000 to $15,000 annually per child. A family spending $5,000 who could reduce the number of days their child is in care from 5 days to 3 could save $2,000 a year. This also means more of the childâ€™s time spent with parents which fosters stronger families. It is important to note here that childcare that exceeds the normal 8 hour work day is more expensive. If both parents switched to 10 hour work days their childcare costs might not decrease.

Reason #15 The 4 Day Work Week would provide time for a transition into the informal economy

There are a lot of reasons why consumer culture is bad for us. It focuses not on people and their relationships to one another but instead on things, on stuff, on cheap plastic crap from Mal-Wart. Itâ€™s worth pointing out that not only is our habit of consuming mass quantities of junk toxifying our lives and our environment with all sorts of chemicals and pollution, itâ€™s also using up a number of nonrenewable resources at an alarming rate. It seems reasonable to assume that we canâ€™t continue on this ride of infinite growth for a whole lot longer. The coming era will be one of a decline in the availability of all sorts of resources we take for granted right now. Learning how to reshape and relocalize our lives will be an immense effort for both communities and the individuals living in them. Having an extra day each week to begin this process could prove invaluable. Need time to learn how to cook or garden? Have you always wanted to start a new cottage industry business from home? Maybe youâ€™d like to be more activity in volunteer efforts in your community to address peak oil and climate change. This extra day could be our ticket as a nation to scaling back on our consumption while we reconnect to local life.

Reason #16 The 4 Day Work Week feels great!

I write this proposal not as an academic making a theoretical suggestion but as a participant in the new 4 Day Work Week movement. At the beginning of 2007 I renegotiated my contract with my employer and started staying home on Fridays. I now have more than a two day speed bump on the highway of American employment. I get to enjoy almost as many days at home each week as I spend working at my job. And it feels wonderful. Since making the change I have even taken a new job and was still able to continue with my shorter work week. 25% of U.S. companies already have some sort of policy towards alternative work schedules.

Telecommuting, cell phones and the Internet are just some of the other tools that can offer more flexibility to the outdated idea that we should all be at the office from 8 to 5 on Monday through Friday. I can tell you from experience that this feels great. I am able to spend time on projects that are important to me. I get to see my young daughter more. Lately itâ€™s been a Friday bike ride together. And I have a chance to share my ideas with more time to write proposals like this one.

Changes require action. Our nation is at a point where we need change. Not politicians talking about change but an actual change in the way we live our lives. The 4 Day Work Week could be a catalyst for a change from a nation that lives to work into a nation that works to live. Come join me wonâ€™t you?

I know what I'd do

2008-04-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

Proud Parent

2008-04-12T19:49:00.000-07:00

Of a custom system six!
She's so pretty. Dad and new frame are doing well.

Tough Ass Ghetto Puppets

2008-04-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

New Sport

2008-03-13T13:17:00.001-07:00

I'm off to train. Gotta lot of work to do.

The new amazon tribal people....Americans

2008-03-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

Wife and I saw this last night...no it's not a third world country, its home, sad and insulting to any American

Nutshell

2008-02-16T21:16:00.000-08:00

Give it a minute to get started then sit back and enjoy the greatest unplugged performance in the history of MTV unplugged.

New Tunes

2008-02-11T20:24:00.000-08:00

I added some new tunes to my play list. I have to say what I am most proud of is the billy Idol selection. I mean no White Wedding. Put in some Kinks and a Van Halen tune. SRV's best instrumental ever.

enjoy

what 20 fat ass lbs will do to yoru riding

2008-02-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

So the red line is what I did for my base training ride at my best peak condition ever. 148lbs, mid cx season. Took me an average time of 2:15 to do all the red. From downtown Hayward to Sunol then around Happy Vally road cause it was pretty. Not bad I must say. Would take a nap afterwards but only because I was unemployed at the time and who doesn't like a good nap.

The place mark where it says "where my fat ass stops" is my current turn around point for a 2 hr ride that requires a nap and I'm shelled for the rest of the day....ugh I hate being out of shape

I got screwed

2008-01-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

Went riding on Monday. Time was tight but I knew I could get two hrs in. It's an awesome day, a break from the rain. Mother nature as settled her mood for the moment. I have my orange tint shads on. The sky is a bit more blue and seems to stretch beyond my imagination, the grass is a bit more green, with the sign that it could be spring. The Hills which the Livermore Valley stretches from, like a cat awaking from a nap, are covered with snow, white like an angels wings. Ah yes the moments why man becomes one with the bicycle. Why bicycle riding is a drug one never wants to find sobriety. As I turn around, this natural high allows me to pursue the simple goal of pushing my limits on the journey back to my humble casa. Yes, joy in its purest form.

I stop at the empty intersection of Foothill and Bernal. No cars just me and the wind. I decide to go.
Then from below, a sound, "pssssssssssss" as I pedal in circular, followed with a wretched noise of clunk, clack, clunk. Is my trusted stead cracking under me? Did I really put on that much weight since the battle of the SUV?
What the hell?! What is ruining my moment of pure joy, my moment of tranquility? Making my heart fill with a fearful sorrow that my stead could be in pain?

Ah this piece of crap! Now really, what I'm impressed with, the angle. How the f#ck does that happen? Look how deep it went. (The silver line.)

Poor Mr Tuffy

The Rim got it a bit. But it didn't go through.

But what I'm truly pissed at...this was a new tire. Only two rides, including this one. SH$T!

Ain't nobody playing this cool sh#t on their blogs

2008-01-28T23:08:00.000-08:00

Little Bo Diddley for you so called "open minded people".

Itoo am a Geek

2008-01-24T21:08:00.000-08:00

That's right I'm an Iphone geek. I got one. It's pretty F*%king cool.

We all need a little Huey

2008-01-19T20:37:00.001-08:00

Mid Night Rant

2007-12-31T00:12:00.001-08:00

I can't sleep so I decided to do one of them mid night ranting on this here blog.

Good bye to my current employer. This Friday I leave and am happy to go. It was like high school to some extent and certain people in my group need to realize they either dislike their job and/ or have no life what so ever. My current group mix is better than my previous. But it was too late when the change happened and my trust was already broken for stupid, lame and immature reasons.

I'm happy to being going back to school so I can at least take a step forward in my career path. The last 4 years I've been going either in circles or backwards. Once I'm done I'll have the leverage to hopefully move on to what my wife and I feel has been a series of potholes on our path of life. Also to both prove certain people wrong and to have other people shove it up their a*s

? about the SF Zoo issue

2007-12-28T00:40:00.000-08:00

By all means what happened, regardless of the truth whether it was the Tiger or the guys being stupid, the whole situation is just tragic from top to bottom, left to right.

But I do have to ask this question: What are 3 signal dudes, ages 17-23, doing at the zoo on Xmas at 500pm????
Single dudes don't go to the zoo together...it's something dudes just don't do. Married men, family men, dudes with a girl of interest,dudes stuck doing family trips to the zoo, they go to the zoo not 3 single guys.

Really isn't that the strangest thing about this whole sad situation?

Me, Movies and a bag of frozen peas

2007-12-08T12:44:00.000-08:00

Back on Tuesday I had my second post accident operation. She did some serious pulling and really got in there. Dude...I woke up in pain. Kinda like the people on Dr. 90210

What was predicted to be 45 mins went 2:30 hrs. My scar tissue is still too weak to work with. So as she said it was a challenge. I've got 4 strains going across my eye connecting to a bigger one that goes up the side of my head. The good news is the pain keeps me in check. I have to say it already looks A LOT better than before. I have to just be cool. If this doesn't work then it's 2 years before I can do something else :( We have to give my tissue more time to heal.

So what have I been doing? Well, I've caught up on some movies.

Making a attempt to get into "THE HILLS"......Heidi is such a fake and her boyfriend is a dumbass. So I'm sure Lauren will end up on top from the whole fight thing. But really it shouldn't be shocking...it's the same shit that happened when I was 20. Is anyone really surprised? Sad part is they thing they are big time because of this...

While I'm doing all this...20 mins out of the hour I get to cuddle with this:

Cause we are dudes....that's why.

2007-11-30T14:12:00.000-08:00

Women just don't understand.

Let's Go

2007-11-21T13:45:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to.

Too Sweet

2007-11-08T13:18:00.001-08:00

Dog Wars: The Puppy Menace

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Link to Pics

2007-10-15T08:37:00.001-07:00

sageeurope.shutterfly.com

Enjoy

Nice is Nice!

2007-09-27T03:25:00.000-07:00

Yo,
Sorry for the late check in. Having a good time. We are now in Nice. It rocks! Weather is perfect. Weve spent a couple of days at the beach actually getting tans!
On Sunday we went to the rugby match. The french fans are awesome! We were next to a band and a bunch of fans that are very passionate! Lets say I know now the national anthem by heart!

Tomorrow off to Munich; We miss the puppy and the cat.

Having issues uploading pics. We will post when we get back.
Enjoying the fun and sun!

JS

Wicked Pace

2007-09-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
Sorry for the delay. This trip has been moving. Due to BA we missed our train to Bordeaux. So we had to spend 7 extra hrs on a train and we got little sleep. Due to the rugby world cup, there where no hotels in Paris. Once we made it to Bordeaux, my famly went to town on spreading the love and showing us around. We ve had some really good vin (wine). On Sat we had a huge family lunch, in a small town where my grandpa is from. We ate at a family owned place which serves all of its food from their farm. Ive gotten to see alot of my familys history which has been awesome. Bordeaux, we highly recommend. The weather, a touch cooler than Norcal, but is not as dry and feels warmer, especially at night.

We are now in Paris. We ditched our shoe box apartment. The lady forgot to mention we could not flush tolitet paper. Best western down the street, here we come. We walked the Champs to the tower. We were told to try the bus boat, which we have enjoyed very much.

Some thoughts:
France has open the welcome mat for the rugby world cup.
the TVG rocks
parenthood is universal.
The french are demanding consumers so a lot of their products are better.
Nutella in France is better than the US and Canada.
Canada is up tight about both English and French.
They speak more english than before.
French Rugby is not a fluke. For every two soccer fields there is 1 rugby field. They are gonna be around for a bit.

Next post will be pics
Thanks for reading

LARPD Trios The BATTLE FOR LAST PLACE

2007-09-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right a race report from El President....I think Satan is
rockin some long johns this day.

Little disclaimer (For aunt Nancy)...I wrote a novella here...which I
think I earned the right to...so please grab a cafe or a tea, some
cookies (Crumpets are acceptable for the commonwealth folk)...dim the
lights a bit and enjoy my creative presentation of this race report. If
you are at work, take 15. I also lack any cool data, for answers of
such inquiries as to why, please read below.

Little to no consistent training, no form...(except for my butt
drastically failing the European form test and the doorway test..Ullrich
got nothing on me) being shelled after little, slow rides on bike
trials...I get this crazy idea that'll go do a Cross Race....to battle
for last place in the C's. That's right bottom of the bottom...it's
gonna be all mine baby. Everyone else there is racing to get form...I'm
racing to make the point I have no form.

Now please understand when competing for last place, one still needs to
train. DNF is not the same. No training only increases your probability
of DNF which defeats the purpose. You have to make some attempt to at
least be able to last in the require competition time. You don't place
when you DNF...you are clumped together. There is no 1st DNF and so
forth. So in order to battle it out at the back you need to finish,
meaning you need to have just enough training to finish...but not enough
to where you place well...call it the anti - thesis of the razor's edge.
Such training requires precision, dedication and balance between being a
sloth and an active person.

Training models and equipment to assist when committing to last of the
last: Pack on 20lbs of fat. Make sure work is so burdensome that you
spend at least every day of one full month, with a minimal of 13hrs each
day, in the office, insuring required weight gain, complete lack of
physical fitness and any free time you might have taken by loved ones.
(not that loved ones are in the way) Only start to consistently train at
most 1 month before targeted race. In my case I had about 25 days of
consistent riding and only 3 jogs in that same period. Prior to this
period I might get a week here or a week there. Nothing over 9 days of
consistent training (of any form of physical activity) and nothing over
1hr and half. I was also limited to what I could do because of healing,
surgery and trial of crazy jogger.
One will need a wattage meter...as a daily reminder of how much you
suck. Only ride the Cross bike outside a total of 4 times. The 4th being
the day before to "practice your dismounts". This will insure you
totally forget that it's normal to slide a bit in corners and to
navigate the best line to take. Ditch focusing on HR and trying to hit
"zones". Just focus on working on your pedal stroke and resting. That
way you have no clue and no structure to be in top racing form. Ditch
all group rides, causal or speed, climbing anything over 1000 ft and
consistent back to back 2.5 hr endurance training rides on the weekend.
Throw in a public company end of quarter close, some beers, more then
one's fair share of pastries and pizza. Additionally an LT test a week
before just to have documentation that you have no form and our grossly
out of shape. Some serious puppy park duty the week of (thus making it
very difficult to bike commute, your only form of training)....then one
should be a strong competitor for the hard fought title of last place.
Many men battle but there can only be one last place.

To help with the day of, there are techniques one can adopt in this
galactic fight. 1st, forget HR/ Powermeter CPU. This will make a
targeted, structured warm up utterly useless. Arrive about 45 mins
later then your planned time. Cut your overall pre-spin/ warm up to
30mins. Again, you need to open up just a bit...all to avoid the
dreaded DNF. Don't pre-ride the course, such knowledge will only give
you a disadvantage as you might plan your race and know what's a head of
you. Again, increasing your probability at not succeeding and holding
down the final spot. Make sure they do the call up while you are doing
your pre-race "relief". Such announcements are never clearer while in a
port-a-potty. The "relief" location and no knowledge of where the start
line is, will also assist you, by putting you at the back of the start
bunch. This will increase the difficulty to "pass" people and will give
one a hedge on last place.

As for my race. I did all the mention above with 110% dedication and
effort. Never so proud of my training and warm up. So I was primmed to
hold the Lanterne Rouge yet hold off the Voitur Balai.

I don't have Mark's cool maps (I know I totally suck) but lets just say
there is the back side of the rodeo park in which it was a bunch of zig
zagging / maze, the front side of the rodeo park with a sand section,
stadium stairs then back over to the zig-zag section. There are
dismounts located in each section.

The start whistle goes off and I make sure the single speeders get
ahead of me and shove me to the back. (While my internal monologue does
an evilish laugh to rival Dr. Evil...suckers I'm gonna finish behind
you..) Speeding through the back side...well above LT...my first issue
comes up..damnit I'm dismounting and remounting like butter...not to
worry....I'm sure I'll slip out on a corner and have no rhythm (hey I'm
white, it's more probable that this shall occur) in the zig-zag section.
And sure enough...I'm screwing up big time. Can't find the correct line,
riding the brakes too much, people are shoving me aside...beautiful.

To help in matters I'm getting a bit dizzy in the section...so many
turns...it's like a maze while crossed eyed...but I slog my way out and
over to the front of the park. 2nd dismount...like butter again...more
twist and turns, back to the finish area...an uphill dismount...butter
again...crap I'm starting to catch up to people...We work our way over
the sand pit. Thank god I'm in the C's these guys think they are Belgium
or something and try to ride the sand section. I yell at them to spin
faster....nobody listens...and sure enough they stall, I crash on my bum
shoulder...and it was awesome...it didn't hurt at all...thank god for
sand. I get up and run out the section, power through a mud section and
work my way over to the stadium stairs. Now my stupid strength as a
runner takes over and before you know it I catch the group in front of
me. I still have a strangle hold on last place but my grip might be
getting loose.

We drop back down into the zig-zag section and damnit I hit the
dismounts like butter again...worse...I'm starting to feel better. Hit a
straight way up the RPM's and pass 5 guys. (Why do I take such risk you
ask, cause I'm trying to blow up in a true flame of glory). Ah crap not
good I've lost my grip on last place. But I think to myself...I can't
have any endurance...these guys should catch me on the next lap. Move
over to the front and I run into your classic indie single speeder who
will be damned if I pass him. Beautiful...this guy will poop me out and
I'm sure I'll burn out and drop back into last place. (another internal
sinister laugh).

We hit the sand section, this time I get wise and I dismount before the
section and run through it...thus creating a larger gap between me and
my fellow rear enders. But it was worth it as I'm sure it'll burn me out
as this is the most sprinting I've done in 10 months.

Up the stairs again and indie single speeder is working me. We hit the
zig-zag section duking it out, I'm throwing poor efforts at this guy
just to push each other so I can pop my top and fade to the back. Get to
the straight away and I hit the gas. (Ah this should kill me) Dropping
him and a few others. It's okay though I'm sure he'll catch up and I'm
hitting the wall here... but he doesn't. I'm left with only working to
catch the guys in front of me. With the hopes of pulling off a crack of
Landis proportions. I'm sure I can do it and get last place back.

Around to the front section and the last lap bell goes off. Awesome, I
will now try to "push it" to make sure my blow up is spectacular and
thus achieved. Blizt through the sand section...okay now I'm tired...I
can feel it coming..up the stairs my legs feel like cement blocks...yes
lactic acid seeps through out my body, I'm just about there. I'm
crossed eyed. Over to the zig zag section...and the last thing I need to
happen, happens in true J Van Der Sage style.

I dismount and remountlike butter again...worse...I start getting faster then the previous two laps. Ah crap. I catch the 3 guys in front of me and drop the two behind
me. I then drop those I pursued. . DAMN! My stupid endurance is failing
me again! I roll across the line in *13th out of 21*. I can't even
loose right...stupid "just focus on my pedal stroke and ride a good
rhythm" plan.

Looking back I obviously trained too much. Next time I'll scale back a
couple of days. I'll also up my junk food and take off 5 minutes on my
warm up time. Additionally I'll make sure to eat fast food loaded in
saturated fat the night before.

Also when I get back from Europe I'm sure I'll have a lack of form... so
maybe a week after and I can pull off what only one man can earn...last
place.

Thanks for reading and all the support to get here
J Van Der Sage (my CX alter ego)

Lord of the Rings?

2007-09-14T10:21:00.000-07:00

So Dubai tower is the world's largest tower. To me it looks like the castle of Dark Lord Sauron from Lord of the Rings

Merde

2007-09-09T21:13:00.000-07:00

Now they have a lot of work to do

Well yeah

2007-09-05T11:31:00.001-07:00

I know it's simple....and you'd loose weight too!

WRC

2007-09-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

Our section...I know I'm a bastard....
Turns out the Stade was once a velodrome...tres kwel.

Caveman

2007-08-27T12:12:00.000-07:00

They call him the Caveman...I call this one sweet hit.

Nice!

2007-08-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

So this is where the wife and I will be staying in Nice....

View Larger Map

Depression vs Inflation

2007-08-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry gonna get geeky here.
Look at the 1930s vs. the 1970s.
For the decade of the 1930s, the total real returns were:

* Stocks (S&P 500): +21.9%
* Cash: +29.3%
* Bonds: +94.9%

For the inflationary decade of the 1970s, the total real returns were:

* Stocks (S&P 500): -14.0%
* Cash: -10.5%
* Bonds: -17.5%

GENIUS

2007-07-30T20:27:00.000-07:00

Greatest Coach in all of sports has left us. As a Bay Area Kid he was the standard and will always be the standard.
SFGATE

Star War Geek

2007-07-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

Myspace

2007-06-20T23:16:00.000-07:00

So I'm on the social BSwork. But I have to say I wish I wasn't to some extent. It's
great to be in touch with old friends. I'm happy for some, not for others. But what makes me angry is that I'm not with them in life. Granted I have a lot of great things, but my career has been very lack luster and is going no where. It seems to be road block after road block. 1 step forward, 2 back.
When I left for school I had a vision and a plan. Sadly the fruit my efforts bore where lost to the storm of the past four years. Nothing much as changed since I've been back. I'm still being held back when I know I'm better than those I see on myspace.

2007-04-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

The Phoenix Starts To Rise

2007-04-12T21:40:00.000-07:00

The first step in the journey has been taken......

It feels like

2007-04-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

Whatsoever Ive feared has come to life
Whatsoever Ive fought off became my life
Just when everyday seemed to greet me with a smile
Sunspots have faded
And now Im doing time
Cause I fell on black days

Whomsoever Ive cured Ive sickened now
Whomsoever Ive cradled Ive put you down
Im a search light soul they say
But I cant see it in the night
Im only faking when I get it right
Cause I fell on black days
How would I know
That this could be my fate

So what you wanted to see good has made you blind
And what you wanted to be yours has made it mine
So dont you lock up something that you wanted to see fly
Hands are for shaking
No, knot tying
No, knot tying

I sure dont mind a change
But I fell on black days
How would I know
That this could be my fate

by:cornell

Good One

2007-04-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

Okay I'm tring not to put too many political rants on here. But this is a good one.

Spining

2007-03-31T21:01:00.000-07:00

That's right folks. I've started going back to spining classes. It's humbling, tough but at the same time rewarding. After class I feel the closest to normal in too long. But it sucks cause I'm out of shape and it is tough to sit there get yelled at by a person that you know you could drop with out much effort....

On a totally awesome note. Super wife completed the Cinderella Classic®<. I'm totally proud of her and can't wait to do a century with her.

Need me one of these

2007-02-27T15:34:00.001-08:00

The Teenager in me is P.O.'d

2007-02-12T06:28:00.000-08:00

So while in Sacto with the new puppy and wife this week. We had an awesome time!
However our hotel was litered with cheerleaders for State Comp.

Just my luck. I finally get stuck with a hotel full of these:

And I have the best wingman:

Why couldn't these two great set ups happen back when I was in HS? WTF.

New Hell Raiser

2007-02-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

I give you....Mini...name to be changed any ideas? He's a dude.

Cracked out Kitty and the new addition have not met yet....should be fun when it happens

New Toys!

2007-02-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

Lookie Lookie..I get to order this! Since I can't suffer on the road for a bit...I thougth I'd just suffer more at home. Ah yeah sweet pain from the dark art of cycling....

Should go well with this when I get back on the road....

2nd place can be kwel

2007-02-04T21:33:00.000-08:00

Super Heroes don't lie

2007-01-25T22:40:00.000-08:00

Me

You are The Flash

The Flash		85%
Spider-Man		80%
Green Lantern		75%
Catwoman		75%
Iron Man		75%
Superman		70%
Hulk		70%
Batman		65%
Robin		57%
Supergirl		57%
Wonder Woman		42%

Fast, athletic and flirtatious.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test

The wife

You are Green Lantern

Green Lantern		85%
Superman		85%
Spider-Man		70%
Wonder Woman		67%
Robin		67%
Supergirl		57%
The Flash		50%
Iron Man		50%
Hulk		40%
Batman		30%
Catwoman		20%

Hot-headed. You have strong
will power and a good imagination.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test

The Traitor Races Again

2007-01-24T17:36:00.000-08:00

Yeah this guy....

He's the reason Floyd gets all the crap. Traitor. I hope his kissing the deck issues are continue.

Oh and that he starts to read his mail..especially the ones from the WADA and their concerns that his blood keeps changing from race to race...

Land Of Confusion - Genesis vs. Disturbed Discussion

2007-01-18T21:27:00.000-08:00

So a modern metal band called Disturbed covered a classic Genesis tune. What's eerie to me is how each video version of the song, and the song itself, fit into the context of the time in place when it was performed. If you have the time watch both and hit up on the comments.

Ugh

2007-01-18T21:06:00.000-08:00

Back at it. Which is a totally awesome thing but man...it's rough getting back in the swing of things...

Stupid program still there, the cob webs are dense this time. Trying to remeber what I got paid to fake it's harder then it looks.

New Kit!

2007-01-11T22:19:00.000-08:00

Here is the team's new kit. I dig it.

Will they be treated correctly?

2007-01-11T08:04:00.000-08:00

Okay my boy Zito is now part of the O& B. I'd leave too for that kind of cash.

But really it just doesn't seem right. The O&B management know what they are getting but do the fans know? I mean a team that hasn't won the World Series in 50 yrs, they never had a great pitcher. They think this guy is good?! So it'll hurt to watch the O&B fans react to Zito...with their heads stuck up their butts for the other Barry. They won't know what to do.

In other news Becks is coming!

Where I have been

2007-01-10T22:28:00.000-08:00

So back on 11/28 while commuting into work, like I love to do, I got hit by an SUV. Unfortunatly the SUV got a couple of good shots in. So sent to Stanford. 6 hrs in surgery, 100 stiches around the eye, broken forearm, seperated shoulder and a broken tooth. Luckly and by means a wake up call, my vision is okay. Through this my wife has been a rock. I'm a blessed man. I'll be back on the road in hopefully 12 months. Thanks to all my friends and family for the support and love.

But lets get to the cool stuff. I've got X-ray and CT pics.

Forearm:

Shoulder

And a sweet side head shot

East Bay CX

2006-11-26T22:26:00.000-08:00

Ah VP...you know you are doing a VP race for three reasons. 1. No prize list or minimal one if any. 2. Odd locations. 3 Super hard / shitty course. But V Bob does put them on and this race is 10 mins from my house. Thankful experience took over. I pumped up those clinchers to 60 baby. When most guys were pulling off do to sore backs cause the course kicked their booties...I kep rollen. For the first time my back didn't kill me after this race...

Tis the Season Baby

2006-11-19T09:21:00.000-08:00

Arguably the best of the seasonal brews is out. Celebration! It's just sooo tasty! Every year you read the TRADES...every year she's # 1 followed by the rest. Certain brews no matter how old, no matter how much the industry has changed, what the flavor of the month is...they just stay awesome and classic. Cheers to achieving the most important thing to brewing...Consistency!

Stress

2006-11-18T22:08:00.000-08:00

So like I've said. Work's been way more stress than usual. When I get stress I tend to go for sweets which is bad. I was doing really good until today...I was forced to take a cold shower. Road into work and the showers were cold....so I cracked.

My dinner:

What I should have had:

Oh well the Celebration was mighty tasty :)

A Quicky!

2006-11-15T21:39:00.000-08:00

Work been crazy

No racing for 3 weeks..trainer here I come.

On the birght side A's are moving to Freakmont. My hometown. My boyhood team in my boyhood town.

I did some racing at former nuke reactor park. Good fun. 6th and 9th.

Wife's new thing

2006-11-04T22:33:00.000-08:00

The Wife started a little side thing. She's super talented at this so check out the link on the side. Dude's she can help you get some with a gift package that'll make your woman just melt. Ladies...she totally does cute stuff for gifts, weddings, bridal shower, baby shower etc.

Freak

2006-11-04T00:52:00.000-08:00

The Freak needs to come out here...in his prime. Just to show all how it's done.

Giro?

2006-11-04T00:34:00.000-08:00

Okay...littleman DC got massive talent but two things hold him back. His obession with the Giro and his inablity to TT, note the massive 5.45 mins lost in a TT at the GIRO! It is good to see him work on his weakness I have to say for all the over hype of Lance, on both sides, I always dug the fact he worked on his weakness, climbing, to help him get to the top.

Could vacation here...

2006-11-02T21:36:00.000-08:00

Okay so if you are a single man, just graduated from college, got a job...take a little vacation HERE ------>

A C.O.N..Spricy

2006-11-01T22:15:00.001-08:00

Did Mel help wack
HER husband?

Some progress...

2006-10-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

Okay I had a shitty race but better than before. The Lemmy look is really coming in. Thnkx L-dawg...fellow Motorhead.

Grote Prijs Pro Cycling Neerpelt

2006-10-22T08:11:00.000-07:00


Cyclocross - Elite Men - Neerpelt, Belgium, October 8, 2006 Ah yes...A little CX for you...

Me vs The World: Battlefield IONE

2006-10-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

Yeah I raced twice this weekend. I got like 3rd in the C's and 11th in the B's. I got muddy too...it was awesome. One of my fav races. For the geeks I've attached my HR stuff. I wish I had power stuff for the super geeks...

Shortly followed by:

Why did I do this? Because:

Nice Day...I did a Shitty race

2006-10-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

Ugh it hurt...I screwed up the flat section. Wasted too much energy. Although it was very sweet to rock it through the velodrome. I will be back OH yes I will be back.

Weddings

2006-09-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

Okay I'm a married dude. Love my wife and all that marriage is about. It fuckin rocks.

Going to a wedding today and really...I have to say "getting married" suck big dnky balls. Too much stress for too awesome of a day.

I was thinking maybe we should change it up...like a tailgate BEFORE the wedding. That'd be rockin. Cheer the bride and groom as they come in, the family members. Like father of the bride you rock! You know the staff never gets cheered on.

Cheer the groomsmen and the bridesmaids. It can be more americana .

Kilmister

2006-09-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

Yeah so like 5 years ago I saw the loudest band (accoriding to GBOWR) in a small venue in Chico CA. Maybe..like 350 people in this venue, tops. I was literally 15 ft from the speakers. Lemmy was...well Lemmy. I even got to shake his hand. I saw them for 10 bucks. Top 3 show ever in my life.

I also knew my girl would be my wife on that day...she stood by the speakers...
it was a FUCKING awesome show!

So in tribute, this Cross year, at least 1 race,...I'm doin the Lemmy facial for Cross. (Sorry no warts)

Metalhead 4 life and born to raise hell!

I've made a choice

2006-08-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

EPL. I have a team that I will cheer for. I am now a Gunner.

DA FLOYD!

2006-07-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

That's right Floyd, the man, now possible one day the myth, and now a a super freakin hero. He dropped the field now way Lance ever did or could. He had no choice. Reminds me a bit of teh Badger but not such a major asshole. Yeah look at the pic he's dropping some serious major guns. As Mic Rodgers is quoted " we were going up the hill at 40 km" Holy fucking shit!
Aparently Floyd was in the big ring! Damn....Homeboy goes from 11th to 3rd...from 8:08 to 30 secs. Damn...This though should be no surprise. In 04 stage 17, he road everyone but Lance, Ullrich and Klodin off his wheel....This was a sweet day. Thanks Floyd, no I'm going to buy the this year's tour. The 12 hour edition.

This made me sick to my tummy

2006-06-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

No really...watch this Frontline called the Dark Side. This man screwed us.

SSuper Gay

2006-06-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

Can you beleive there are some people that want to keep this. I mean at least update the color pallet. What gets me is if you don't update you'll loose potential new members...and money...and lack of interest.

Says it all

2006-06-14T14:58:00.000-07:00

Stupido

2006-06-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

As my grandmother would say. What I don't get was this guy is like a living God in Pittsburg. And he does this? After everyone had said just keep it low key. Do it in 10 years when you are retired.