Wacky

Man o man are people screwed up. check out this nut job's "artistic voice". Why can't television just have a TRUE view of how America is really doing. Just a thought.

Double wammy

The uphill trudge to work was met with headwinds of 20 and gusting to 30. Nothing to hide behind just kept head down as much as possible. The cooler temps were the only good thing this morning. At least I wasn't drenched in sweat arriving at the goolaug. What a screwy place this is. Makes me wonder if I really made the right decision. It was the only option at the time so we will see how this works out for at least a year. Our home is progressing and hopefully we will meet the Dec. 15th projected closing date. Keep your fingers crossed.

Revolution

We need to get that mf out of office... Just listen to Keith Olbermann. He's got it right you right winged fools!

Can you do better?

I don't think it could be said any better....
"Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that damage morale, and undermine the military are saboteurs and should be arrested, exiled or hanged!"
President Abraham Lincoln

Here here!!

Existence

At Tulane.... No longer. the guys there have pulled my email account so I no longer exist at Tulane University. I feel a little empty over this because my great grandmother always wanted me to go there. Although I didn't go to school there, being employed there can almost replace that. I guess if I was an alum or donated a ton of money I could have kept an account there. Time to accept Texas as home... Naaa! Southern Louisiana is the place for me. Coon ass through and through!

Scary things

My memory! Finally got to my old computer and can log in. I believe we are all in line for the dreaded CRS disease, it's just how close to the front are you? I must be getting there rapidly. Rode to work this morning and got to the office and picked up my towel and clothes to go downstairs to take a shower and forgot my pants on my desk. Had to put all my cycling stuff back on and truckit up stairs then back down. Glad I left them here yesterday or I could have been pantless today. Not a good thing with the way people are around here in TX. Back in New Orleans I probably would gotten away with it. I might need a small note pad to carry around with me. What day is it? At least I can remember that down at the right corner of the screen. Happy Halloween everyone.

Policia

Never there when you need one but always there to hassle you. Traffic had no problems going around me yesterday morning until the cop got behind me. I thought at first this guy must have some brake problems. Turns out he was just hitting the button on his intercom to get me to move. Hey dumb ass there is a curb right next to me and if I move any further over to the right my pedal will hit it and I will surely end up on the ground and under your tires. He finally came on his loud speaker and told me to turn in the parking lot so he wouldn't hit me. No one else had that problem. Where do these guys learn how to drive. Of course... he was probably late for the hot doughnuts down the street.

Double letter states

They have to be the worst drivers. It hasn't failed here. Everytime I have a close call with some ignorant motorist their license plate is from Mississippi (the worst), Tennessee or Pennsylvania. I haven't had problems with Hawaii but not sure how that would go. Is it something with the double letters? The level of education? or down right stupidity. I think the later because I don't like traveling through any of these states in the first place. It has to do with the drivers. All the drivers ed flunkies have congregated to these states. It's got to be the repetitive letters.

aan

Another day and another blog about not much. Got in close to 60 miles this weekend and my legs are sore. Not used to the rolling hills I have been pounding. I really haven't rode the hills out west yet but plan to do so someday. Got my sights set on the Wurstride. It will be nice to suck down some brews and feast on some brats at the end of a long ride.

Traffic

Too much early morning or for that matter anytime traffic. Not used to all the vehicles. I guess I was spoiled with the levee in New Orleans. Speaking of NO, I was back there briefly to retrieve some equipment. Man was the food ever good! You take things for granted when you are somewhere for a while. But going back, I went to Mandina's on Canal. Got the seafood platter with grilled fish and shrimp. I totally recommend getting the fish and shrimp grilled instead of fried. I ate dinner and lunch the next day on the same tab and was full after each. It was wonderful. That amount of food here would have cost me an arm and a leg and wouldn't have even come close to the flavor. Still looking for the good food.

I know what it means...

A few weeks ago we had to say good bye to New Orleans and have been missing it since and will continue. The day we drove out C couldn't even speak she was so broken up. I had tears flowing down my cheeks. It really didn't hit me why I felt so bad, but now I know.

The people. There are far too many stories to talk about in a simple blog, but to all you guys on the levee, my neighbors, the local dj, my coworkers, the bus drivers, the supper club, the artists, the musicians, the professionals, the blue collars, the unemployed, etc. Just to pass by any of you there and you get a smile and "how ya doin'?" Next thing you may be having a beer with them at a local bar or even in their home. Tasting some food off their table or offering some off yours. I miss sitting on the porch and conversing with whomever walks by, tossing a few back. The ease with how the city went about. Most don't get it and it isn't the most efficient way of going about business, but that's the way it is.

To all you suburbanites, You Suck! This life sucks and it will take you down rapidly. I just hope our house will be done soon so we can move closer to the city. Maybe we will see Austin in a different light then. But now, I see the green city isn't so green. Most democratic Texan city is very conservative, what's up with that? Music scene? I miss the tuba guys on the corner practicing into the night, give me some Funky Liza. Where is Chris Rose?

I know what it means...

Last levee ride

Well it looks as if I have done my last levee ride as a New Orleanian. We have a contract on our house and have to vacate this Friday. Lots of crap going on with the move as we have had inspectors a plenty come through yesterday, appraisers today and more inspectors tomorrow. I am spending my days looking for housing in Austin. Looks like we have a place far from town. Not the New Orleans commute that I am so used to. Suburbia life is going to suck! We have a home being built, but due to all the rain TX construction has been delayed. I sure hope Austin will have safe roads for riding. Due to the population increase there I have found quite a few vehicular accidents involving cyclists. Could be a stressful commute down the road. I will definitely look forward to another day up on the levee, but until then got to find somewhere to ride.

Erin gone no rain

Well Erin passed us up without a drop and it is still damn hot. Got out to the levee, late as usual, and had someone pass me as I was warming up. I should say loosing up the legs as it was all ready in the mid 80's and I was sweating profusely. I jumped on his wheel and went for the ride. He was down on his tt bars so I sat in. After a few miles he let me take the pull and I asked if he was done or heading out further. He said he was going to the end, so I pulled until I met the group, just past the parish line and jumped in with them for the return. For the days of summer here it was unusually windy and we had a cross head wind on the return. It was a nice workout but sometimes a little of "what the @#$% are you doing".
At work now and starting to pack things up for the move to Texass. At least they are having a wet summer. I better not say too much or we will get crushed by Dean. Speaking of not saying too much, why is this snippet from Cheney just making headlines. What a hypocrite. 1/20/09 isn't close enough, get rid of 'em now!

Storm's a brewin'

We are looking at Tropical Disturbance 34 in the Gulf and Tropical Storm Dean out in the Atlantic. I wish 34 would turn due north and drop some rain on us. Man is it hot. The AC just won't shut off and it is 84 in the house. As for Dean, he can stay out in the Atlantic and head north for some of those hobnobbers up on the eastern seaboard.
Finished a short ride today in a full soaking of sweat. Seems to be a pretty repetitive experience these dog days of summer. Met up with Elyse at the zoo, she has been out of commission for the last month. So we rode out slowly to Florida chatting about photography and bike racing. I decided to turn with the group and head home, problem about having to go to work. I was pleasantly surprised to find the pace civilized. Good since I have no form right now. I found out from Randy that Tulane made the top 25 of US News for recovering schools. They actually headed the list. At least they made some list.

Sweatering

It has been so hot lately I feel as if I am wearing a wool sweater on my rides. Had a nice dinner at The Pelican Club downtown saturday night which lead to a late sunday morning ride. Kind of dehydrated due to the many cocktails consumed whilst eating a delicious meal. Richard sure knows how to cook but not to good about showing up for rides. This morning wasn't any different than the last 2 weeks of sweltering heat. 20 miles and completely soaked to the bone. If we don't get some rain soon I am going to have to water the roof for some relief. Anyone out there wishing to buy a house in NO? We are selling and heading to Austin with new job positions. Got to sell, but the market really sucks right now. Insurance, taxes, economy, crime,... just depressing. Somebody help!

Tinted windows suck

My fitness level is pathetic right now. I practically melted this morning on the levee. Tried to stay with a 4 man break that was just smoking and only lasted 5 minutes. Almost heaved my mango juice. Met up with Richard and we soft pedaled it in. As we were going through the Zoo parking lot a small SUV decided to back up right into us. Or course they had tinted windows so dark that you couldn't even see the driver. No eye contact is a bad thing. We yelled and they continued to back up as we swerved to miss. I have a feeling they were busy adjusting the radio and not paying attention to the surroundings. Hey your behind the wheel of a 3500lbs weapon. PAY ATTENTION!

Heat and Age...

just don't mix. I was as usual late for the levee ride this morning, but caught up to Joe on the way out. Joe is about 500 years old and he looked it today. We had a slight head wind going out and I had him sit on my wheel. He kept dropping off so I kept dialing it down. We made it to Florida St and saw Donald with two girls and I really thought we should have turned around there, much better scenery, but Joe wanted to meet the larger group. We finally saw them just past Williams and we turned before they arrived, but Joe didn't have the speed when they passed and he couldn't catch on the tail end. I kept looking back and decided to pace him home. Clayton was on the tail end of the group and if you are used to riding with him you always keep your distance. One he doesn't ride often and when he does he is always at his limit and only mm's from the one in front of him. Jerky moves in the paceline makes for a nervous ride. So anyway I kept Joe with me as I could hear the squeak of his chain. Everytime I lost that sound I would slow down so he could catch up, because it was damn hot. I am talking Africa hot!!! Once we passed the playground I had a look at ole Joe and he is leaning to the right barely on his seat. "You all right?" "Age is not on my side." was the response. So we soft pedalled it home. I left him at the park hoping he is still alive. I am sure he made it home, but I bet he is one tired old dude.

Remember the Hokies

Below is an excellent article that explains the Hokie community and how special it is to all students, faculty, staff, alumni and local residents. Ut Prosim.

by Will Stewart, TechSideline.com

General Manager and Managing Editor

Apr 18, 2007

I am in the business of writing, of articulating my thoughts, of putting into words what others may only sense as a blur of feelings. I have never backed down from the challenge, be it capturing the emotion of a landmark victory, the pain of an agonizing defeat, the triumph and heartbreak that are part and parcel of athletics, even the horror of 9/11 over five years ago. It is my calling, my passion, my God-given talent. But I fear this ... this is too much. I am not speaking lightly when I say that I cannot comprehend the loss suffered by the families, friends, and loved ones of this tragedy. I have tried to imagine what it must be like to suddenly lose someone close to you in this way. But I can't. I have a wife and three children, and when I try to put myself in that place, that terrible place where so many people have been thrown with no recourse, I can't. It has only been two days since it happened, but it feels like forever. I am exhausted from being exposed to the brunt of it, from the message boards to the constant news coverage, to the conversations of family and friends, to the scenes on the Virginia Tech campus. Others have said they can't sleep. Not I. When I have fallen into bed past midnight the last two nights, sleep has come easily. It's getting up the next morning that has been difficult. We never thought this would be us. We have watched these kinds of tragedies from afar, but this one has hit us where we live. The media have descended from around the world, poking, prodding, and worst of all, trying to place blame. An immense amount of pressure has been brought to bear on the Virginia Tech community, first by Cho Seung-Hui himself and then by the crush of international attention. While some of the coverage has been compassionate, much of it has not been, and some of it has bordered on cruel and sensationalistic. None of this surprises me, but being at the center of it still stings, and it changes your perceptions forever. As I searched for meaning in what happened, I finally found it. I found it in the incredible poise, control, and togetherness shown by the Virginia Tech family. The true character of a person, group, or institution shows itself under pressure, and what the Virginia Tech community has shown us is grace, cohesion, intelligence, and compassion. I have always thought that there was something different about Hokies, and the last few days have proven it. We always talk about the passion that Hokies have for Virginia Tech, about the special connection they feel to the university, and this tragedy has shown that talk doesn't ring hollow. If it wasn't true, if there wasn't a special bond between members of the Virginia Tech community, then they would have flown apart in the face of this adversity. They did not. They drew together and showed the world a united front. Those interviewed by the media refused, for the most part, to be drawn into the baiting questions that sought to place blame on university president Charles Steger and the Virginia Tech Police Department. The very students who were in danger Monday let the world know where they stand when they applauded Dr. Steger at Tuesday's convocation service. The vultures were circling, hoping to pick the bones, but the people at Virginia Tech refused. They showed what it means to be Hokies. They drew together. The students in particular have exceeded my expectations. We tend to think of them just as kids. Loud, shallow, self-centered, focused on the trivial, often spoiled. Adorned with body piercings, tattoos, and too much facial hair. What we have seen instead, in the countless interviews of students on news channels up and down the dial, are bright, articulate, respectful individuals that any university would be flattered to call its own. Well-groomed, well-spoken, wearing dress clothes, ties, even suits, patiently answering questions, keeping their composure in the face of more than most of us will ever experience. I am on the one part humbled -- they are better people than I was at their age -- and on the other part proud. Well done, students of Virginia Tech. You are representative of the type of people Virginia Tech is admitting and producing -- you, not Cho Seung-Hui -- and I am proud of both you and my university. From the beautiful and gifted Reema Samaha to the cheerful, intelligent and talented Ryan Clark, Cho's victims were pictures of inspiration. These were not vapid, self-centered individuals. It is sad that their lives were cut short, but perhaps the way they conducted those lives will inspire others. They make me wish I could go through college again, to be more like them. By the nature of what I do for a living, my window into the Virginia Tech world is athletics. Among the fans, athletics is about passion. It is about pride in victory and anguish in defeat. These emotions are always strong, always out of proportion to the importance of the games themselves, but I have always felt that with Virginia Tech fans, there was something beyond the typical fan relationship with their sports teams. Now that I have seen that passion and togetherness extend beyond the playing fields and the stadiums and coliseums and into the glare of this awful spotlight, I know it to be true. Being a Hokie is not a mercenary relationship. It is not a business proposition. It is not an exchange of goods and services for money. It is a shared bond, a love that comes from somewhere we don't understand and can't explain to others. We do not take from this university; it gives to us. Perhaps when we first arrive on its campus, we have our own selfish interests in mind, but by the time we leave, we are transformed. We are Hokies. It is sad and tragic that this happened to us. Because we love this university, we are devastated by what happened here. But if it was necessary for us to suffer in order for others to benefit, it is a burden we will bear, because our motto -- Ut Prosim, That I May Serve -- tells us that's what we must do. If our tragedy brings you together, if our loss makes you safer and makes you value what is important in life, if our suffering is not in vain, then we are prepared to shoulder this load ... so you don't have to. That has always been the mission of this university, and we are honored to carry it out. Do not let the deaths of these 32 victims be in vain. Look into your hearts and see what it teaches you, and how you may be better because of what we have gone through. And know that when the bodies are in the earth, when the media has left, when others have moved on and life resumes its course, that for us, there is only one emotion left: Love. Love for this university, love for the people who died on April 16th, 2007, and love for those who are left behind. Remember this, and what happened here will not have been for naught. William Neal Stewart Virginia Tech, BSEE 1987

Ridin' again

Finally got my fat ass back on the bike. The weather has been nice the last week and didn't have an excuse not to ride. It was good to catch up with the group and see everyone is in much better shape than I. Since there are no races that I see myself participating in, I'll go at my own pace. Beer is a good thing and I don't plan on giving it up. So easy rides will get me to my goal of losing a few pounds and enjoying those endorphans.
Been busy with work, catching the passing fronts out off the Atchafalaya River with our tripod. Looking at sediment movement along and off the shelf. Pretty cool stuff. We hope to be able to come up with some kind of plan for coastal regeneration, but everyone here knows there just ain't enough sediment coming down the rivers to promote it. Thanks ACOE! Love dem dams and doze levees. I guess NO would have been gone a long time ago if we didn't have levees or would it? Another question for another porch drinking day.

slacker

The slack Jack is writing again but not really riding yet. Gained a few pounds that the only way I can loose them is to run. Not too fond of running but the weight dose eventually come off. Just trying to get into a normal routine again. Had a couple of trips to UNC, weather got crazy cold, and just generally got lazy. Trying something different to get motivated again. I was actually going to ride this morning but the roads were wet. Boy I have alot of excuses. Just do it, right?! If anyone is reading hope you are doing well and have some more motivation than I do. Happy Holidays.