The Fireplace

Dave Zabriskie is one wierd dude!

Merry Christmas Baby - The Ramones (HQ Audio)

Merry Christmas!

WMD......

A biological attack has been orchestrated on the Johnson Family this week. Andrea got sick sunday night. Holly got sick monday night. Myles started throwing up at midnight and then I went down starting at 3 a.m. Our daycare lady called and said she was closing daycare because she was throwing up. Man, this sucks! I think the worst is over. Hopefully...........

Sunday Processing......

Andrea and I took the kids to the Hollydazzle parade last night and Had a good time. I had never been to it before. Andrea working downtown was an advantage as she knew the in's and out's of parking and getting to where we needed to go. Today, we went to target in the morningand Myles checked out his favorite toy's and slyly tried to work his way into getting some lego's. No dice, little man! gotta wait for santa! We had lunch at home and then took naps. I spun for 30 and burned 425. Andrea napped and started complaining about her stomach hurting. Myles didn't nap. I think he is giving those up finally. I am sad. I like it when he naps....... Made dinner and Andrea wouldn't eat. The kids did. Myles ate a ton. Andrea started throwing up and having general GI nastiness. I cleaned up after dinner and Gave Holly and Myles Baths and put them to bed. Andrea is sleeping in the basement where it is quiet and away from the chaos. I did the dishes and folded some laundry and now am watching the Vikings play quite well so far against the Bears. I am tired. Back to the grind tommorrow!

Annual Thankgiving Day Ride

It was good to see friends, I didn't get to see much this summer. Here is a picture of us by the ski hill in Elm Creek. It looks cold but wasn't that bad. Good to see you guys. Neil, I took the picture from your Blog! Thanks,

Erik

Perspective

I have alot to be thankful for!

Lance Armstrong at Web 2.0

Sunday Blog

I mounted the tv on a new wall mount in the Gym room so that it can be turned to the bike or the treadmill (For the wife, gotta keep her happy!) and stay off the ledge. A big thanks to my buddy Aaron for putting the new outlet in for me. That guy can fix just about anything! I did 30 minutes and burned 440 calories on the spin bike today. I am started on base work early this year. Gotta burn off those turkey calories preemptively (The only preemption I believe in :] ). Back to work tomorrow. The weekend goes too fast!

I Love These Words.....

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

President-Elect Barack Obama in Chicago

A Little Help Here

Help Neil out!

44

Barack Obama has just been elected the 44th President of the United States. I can't explain how happy I am.........

The Big Day!

I voted today. It was very busy. It is the first time I have run into folks I knew at the polls. I ran into 3 people I knew while waiting in line. This bodes well for our democratic process to see so many people turning out to vote!

Ashwin Madia Interviewed at Obama Rally

I ran into Ashwin in Champlin today at Target. He was very polite and seems like a really competent guy. He wanted to know my thoughts on what issues are important to folks in our area and really seemed motivated to do a good job.

CNN Rick Sanchez Catches McCain Spokesman Mike Goldfarb Lying

Compliments of Neil. Thanks bud! Keep up the fight! This is prime time for "power over" buddy! We can go back to power under after this thing is wrapped up on tuesday. Let's get the wacko's out of our leadership first!

Bachmann: A Clear Choice

She is creepy. Please don't send her back to washington so she can keep not "getting her words right".

McCain's YouTube Problem Just Became a Nightmare

This guy is out of touch. He just doesn't get it.

Tax Cut= Socialism?

So....... Let me get this straight. Giving a tax cut to working folks that make less then 250,000 dollars a year is socialism..... Okay. Sign me up. Where do I get my bolshevik outfit! McCain is so out of touch he wants the majority of Americans to pay more taxes so he can buy an 8th house. Well, I'm still paying for my first one John so you can pay a little extra and finance this war you're so gung ho about!

Hardball: Michelle Bachman Calls Liberals Un-American

Are you serious? You really want this lady representing us. This is sad.

Elwyn Tinklenberg Aims To Unseat Rep. Michele Bachmann

Not alot of people are talking about this race but I went to school with his Son and I know that Elwyn would be good for MN. Bachmann is nuts and should not represent Mn. She is an ridiculous.

Pork and Beans

Ilove weezer.

T-Mobile G1 Google Android phone expanded demo

Looks cool. I am with tmobile now but love the Iphone. this might be the solution.

McCain Volunteer Sends Out

Seriously, if you are this ill informed, don't vote. It is this type of thinking that has gotten us into this mess in the first place.

David Letterman-Chris Rock-Sept-22-2008

He is so funny!

Barack Obama on John McCain

Don't let McCain distract you. He doesn't know how to fix our problems and doesn't know how to even start to tackle it so he doesn't want to talk about it.

The Debates and Politics This Week

It was interesting watching them. I thought both candidates made points. I think McCain needed a nockout blow and didn't get one. People will be surprised by how well Obama did. It was interesting watching McCain deny the comments that Henry Kissinger just made about engaging Iran. McCain was looking to draw distinction but really only split hairs. Obama made the greater point that engagement has proven the more successful tactic when dealing with rogue nations. McCain really should pay attention to what his surrogates are saying instead of just denying that they said anything (Remember Phil Gramm). He is still adapting to the you tube world. We can google it John McCain and it only makes you look like a liar. I don't think he is paying attention.

Not to change topics but did anyone watch Letterman the other night? Apparently McCain blew off a spot on his show to head back to Washington to save us all from his voting record but really went on Katie Couric instead. Letterman went after him with venom. Don't piss Dave off. That is the last thing you want to do!

Armstrong v LeMond - Las Vegas Press Conference

About the most interesting thing about LA's press conference at Interbike was the exchanges between LA and Lemond. Lemond's persistence in playing the foil to other Big American Cyclists is kind of Bizarre. One wonders why Lemond doesn't use is place in American Cycling for something other than tearing down other riders. I know he is passionate about anti doping but there are other ways to go about it (JV anyone?).

Green Day - Longview

I remember where I was the first time I heard it.

Rancid- Red Hot Moon

You know yiou like'em!

Green Day 2,000 lightyears away

A little tune from Kerplunk!

Lance Armstrong returns to professional racing

He's Back............

Charles Gibson Interviews Sarah Palin

This is scary.

Newsflash on Erikspeaks Regarding Confirmation about Lance!

I recieved this email sent to all people on the Lance Armstrong Foundation Email List:

AUSTIN, Texas – September 9, 2008 – Today, Lance Armstrong, cancer survivor, founder and chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) and cycling champion, released the following statement regarding his return to professional sports:
“I am happy to announce that after talking with my children, my family and my closest friends, I have decided to return to professional cycling in order to raise awareness of the global cancer burden. This year alone, nearly eight million people will die of cancer worldwide. Millions more will suffer in isolation, victims not only of the disease but of social stigma. After the passage of Proposition 15 in Texas, a $3 billion investment in the fight against cancer which is helping to make this disease part of the national dialogue in America, it’s now time to address cancer on a global level.”
Mr. Armstrong will discuss his cycling program and an international LIVESTRONG strategy on September 24th in New York City at the Clinton Global Initiative.

This is great! I bet he could still win the tour. We shall see!

Armstrong Back?!?!

A story just posted on MSNBC.COM has Lance Armstrong returning to procycling next year and riding in Le Tour for Astana. Here is the link:

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/26609987/

My Ramblings on the Ron Paul Convention.

So I went to the Ron Paul convention on Tuesday with my Bud Bill. I had a great time. It was a forum for different ideas and It was cool to see that some Republicans are pissed off about the war in Iraq as well. Most felt that their party had been hijacked by the corporate evangelical elite. I tend to agree and while I don't agree with everything they had to say, I am stoked they have such a great grassroots movement going. There was substance there. They were free thinkers and didn't just give in to the spoon feeding we get from our politicians everyday. You get the feeling that this is how our founding fathers worked through issues. The convention in St. Paul on the other hand made me want to throw up in my shoes.........

Sarah Palin:

Can somebody hand this chick a constitution so she knows what the V.P. job entails. Are you frickin' kidding me!?!

Social Distortion - I Was Wrong

Thanks for visiting Bill!

Noonan and Murphy on Palin

What the Republicans really think about their vice presidential pick when the cameras are off (or so they think). Check the mic switch guys!

Billy Bragg on Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

So, I am sitting with Bill tonight in my living room. That's right the controversial Bill from the Blog commentary. All the way from Californication. We thought this would be good for the blog. Here's to the Stahura clan!

Garmin/Chipotle Tour de France Presentation

Cool Garmin/Chipotle Tour recap vid.

Erik Update

The Johnson Family's summer has been crazy. We have been out of state 3 times in the last 5 weeks. Twice for a family reunion and once for a funeral. Andrea and I have driving across the midwest with small children down to a science. I have been riding some. All I can say is that Elm Creek is a godsend! I can jump in there and ride for an hour and get home to help Andrea with the kids. Work has been crazy and it has been hard to not let it consume my thoughts and time. Andrea's sister is getting married next month and it promises to make September just as busy as the summer. I hope all of you are having a great summer. I have been reading the blogs and email and it sounds like a lot of riding and fun is happening. See you in the park or on a ride!
Erik

Chris Matthews Tears Up Kevin James on Hardball

Seriously, Watch this. Realize that you need to understand history to not repeat it. You will be hearing alot of crap from the right during this election. The vast majority of it is as intellectually uncurious as the current president as well as their current candidate for said office.

WGN Radio - Spike O'Dell talks with Christian Vande Velde

Cool Interview.

Houses: Pennsylvania

Either John McCain can't remember how many houses he has because he is going senile or he has so many that there is no way he can relate to America's middle class. Either way, It's not a good thing.....

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008)

God doesn't love the christians, or the muslims, or the jews, He loves humanity. You can see it in his Creations. Watch the video and you will see what I mean.

Christian Vandevelde Tour de France Interview on Versus

Can you believe how good he is doing! What a great tour this year!

Time for Some Campaignin'

Very Clever. Jib Jab Rocks.

T. Boone Pickens Explains His Plan

Where the Hell is Matt?

Cool Vid from YOu tube.
Erik

T. Boone Pickens and the Pickens Plan

I read something interesting on MSNBC.com this week about T. Boone Pickens, multimillionaire oilman from texas, that has a plan to get us off of oil by utilizing wind and solar power on a massive scale. He has a plan to utilize the wind corridor stretching from Canada to northern texas. and then shift that energy out to the nation from there. Fascinating stuff. He thinks that the natural gas that is now used for energy generation can then be shifted to transportation needs getting us off of oil to a great degree. I was skeptical (I know, shocker) but then I was watching NBC news today and the guy had bought TV time on National television to promote the plan. There is a website (actually, a whole slew of them). This guy is on the environmental movement bigtime. He realizes that oil is like crack and we're giving money to a dealer that doesn't like us very much. I guess time will tell but it is good to see that since our politicians can't put anything together like an organized plan to provide secure, reliable, energy infrastucture that is both clean and renewable, this old oil dude can.

My Tour Picks......

Yellow: Valverde. Green: Hushovd. Polka Dot: Soler (the guy who won it last year). White: Andy Schleck.

Mad Tv - Yes, I can Music Video

mad tv is some funny stuff.

Frank Schleck crashes - Tour de Suisse

this is insane.

Robert F. Kennedy challenges Gross Domestic Product

Please listen to this and realize see how timeless these words are and how long we have stared at the same problems and done nothing.

MadTV - Steve Jobs Parody - i-rack

this is funny.

Less Than Jake - The Rest of My Life - Live

Less then Jake,One of my favorite bands. Check them out.

Saturday Morning Ride

We had 13 from the New Trailhead this morning. Many new faces have been showing up. They have great enthusiasm and ride really strong. Quang and his crew came again today and they were all decked out in full CSC kit. If you are going to wear pro tour gear then they picked a great team! Jorge is riding very strong of late and continues to impress both with his riding and his Giro predictions! (yes, you were right.....) I and another rider crashed. Sorry about that guy. My rear and his front wheel got tangled up. No harm, no foul and we averaged over 19 miles per hour over 40 miles. I think many of the guys rode in Blaine as well. I went home and watched the kids so Andrea could get her hair done. Saturday rides have a new look this year, but the same great vibe!

Tour De Cure

I am riding in the Tour de Cure at the end of May. It is an opportunity to combine my love of Cycling with my focus in HealthCare. The ride is 45 miles through downtown minneapolis and St. Paul. It is not a long ride, but it is a good opportunity to raise money to find a cure for diabetes. If you would like to donate or are interested in doing the ride leave a comment and we can connect. The Tour de Cure also has a 6 and 25 mile ride, so you don't have to be Lance Armstrong to get involved. It looks to be a beautiful ride and all the money raised goes to fighting a disease that affects more people every day.
Thanks!

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BARACK

This is great!

My stimulus check

Yeah, So I get this cash. This is what i'm doing. I am doing exactly the opposite of what our idiot president and those dumbassess in congress want me to do and I am sticking that sucker in our family savings account. Hah! It makes alot of sense to buy some useless crap made in another country. I'd be stimulating an economy alright..... China's! This is the perfect example of what happens when you let an intellectually uncurious d student be president. How about a massive roads initiative that would strengthen the infrastructure for transporting goods and services across our country???? How about developing a nationwide train system like in Europe to stimulate travel.. since the airline industry is going in the tank under the weight of it's own mismanagement and fuel costs. No. that's goverment spending... Pork barrel projects.... Makes no sense. Except it has been done. FDRwith the New Deal anyone??? 1950's massive economic expansion anyone???? No lets cut a bunch of checks so people can over extend themselves further and buy a bunch of t.v.'s made by 12 year olds in Xian, China.

Liquigas Thumbs Nose at Cycling Team Association and Signs Ivan Basso!

Liquigas signed Ivan Basso today even though all of the pro tour teams had agreed that he would be banned from signing with a protour caliber team for 4 years after his suspension ended. They then dropped out of the pro cycling team association sighting that the group no longer reflected the reality of cycling or the needs of Team Liquigas. He will ride in 2009 on a cannondale in fluorescent green.

Barack Obama - Yes We Can music video

Can we rise above politics as usual and seek solutions? Can we realize that speaking of elitism while making tens of millions of dollars a year distracts us from the real issues? Can we recognize that talking of experience while sitting in an ivory tower is nothing but empty bravado? Can we understand that honesty and inclusiveness will ultimately be the only way to bring this country together? We, as a people, face major challenges. Pettiness and distortion serve only to distract us from solving the critical issues of our time. Choose wisely.

John McCain Kicks It

This is good too...

Boston Legal Rant

This one is really good.... Oh here I go again!

Monday Ride.... Bring on the nice weather!

I rode for an hour and 20 minutes tonight. A lap in the park and out twoard fletcher (to 81) and back with Jorge and another Loon (sorry I am bad with names). Felt really crappy on the north loop going counter clockwise. There was a nasty headwind and I felt it. Going with the wind you felt like superman though. Good to see all of the fellow Champlinites out riding around and getting excercise. I rode by a dad with his three kids in the park. They saw me coming from the top of the hill and they stood on the side of the trail. I couldn't figure out what they were doing. When I got to the top and passed them, they all cheered like they were watching the tour. I have to admit it was kinda funny. I don't know if their dad was a cyclist but he got it. Too funny!

More from hell...

Paris Roubaix.... Tommorrow.

Flanders Finish!

Stijn Devolder broke away today to win The Ronde! Hincapie finished 5th. Hopefully that shows he is in good form for Roubaix. Boonen did not look that strong. We shall see next week! I watched it on a peer to peer site. Streaming video from a french site and audio from an english site. It worked slick..... And it was free!

Tour of Flanders

The big time single day cobbled classics start this weekend. Flanders has to be my favorite of the bunch. Will Hincapie finally pull one out? Can Cancellara maintain his awesome form and win Flanders for the first time. Is Boonen up to speed to win a 3rd Ronde? Will Ballan Defend? All great questions......... My bet is that Leif Hoste will be in the break with someone and will pull it out. So He's my pick. My emotional Pick is George Hincapie. I would like to see him win one of the big one's. He just needs some luck and a little more cojones. The weather for sunday in Flanders is supposed to be rainy so this could turn out to be epic!

First Real Ride of the Year

I headed out west toward Fletcher this afternoon, not sure where I was going and Ran into Jorge. It was good to see my buddy. We decided to ride up to Coon Rapids to his place. After meeting his family and seeing the rest of his Tour of California pics (Man, they are awesome!), I rode to Blaine to My In-Laws for dinner. I think I logged about 25-30 miles. I felt great and it was so much fun to ride with a friend. Now if we just miss the snow tonight we will be golden!
Erik

My Immune System

This is the second weekend in a row, I am down for the count with a cold or the flu. I am going to try to get out for a decent ride tommorrow AM anyways. I can hardly wait for spring to finally get here as I think it is finally getting to me. Good luck to all of you folks on the metric century this am. I am jealous!
Erik

MILLAR'S TALE - Part 1

Good Stuff

MILLAR'S TALE - Part 2

Good stuff

Big Fella On a Bike

This is a cool article on StarTribune.com. This is the audio slide show. There is an article as well. Coming atcha with the positivity.
http://www.startribune.com/slideshows/16799551.html

Self Reflection

I just read my last blog and realized I have really become negative on here. Instead of commenting, I have started to criticize. I will work on being more positive!

The Tour invites....

As guessed by many, Slipsteam-Chipotle got in the tour. Astana was left out. Agritubel and Barloworld are the other continental teams included. Every Pro Tour excluding Astana got an invite. I wonder how Rabobank was able to get an invite with as much scandal as they had at last year's tour. It weakens the argument ASO is using to exclude Astana to include Rabobank. This goes to show how messed up the guys that are running cycling really are. It is not rocket science. Be consistent. Be fair and you have a stronger argument. The ASO is just as bad and incompetent as the UCI and WADA. Time to tear it all apart and start over!

Barack Obama: 'A More Perfect Union' (Full Speech)

Obama's speach on Race and this Country.

The UCI Sucks

We have heard on more than one occassion that the anti doping testing is to invasive. The UCI and the Belgian Cycling Federation decided to give all kinds of ammo to the anti testing folks by attempting to test Quick Step Rider Kevin Van Impe by showing up at the Crematorium while he was finalizing details for the handling of his recently deceased son's remains. They showed up and demanded to test him on the spot. This is completely ridiculous. No apology was issued just a statement that sensitivity should have be better used. What dumb@sses.

update

The spin bike is back, thanks to Stu at trailhead. The Orbea was dropped off and is getting tuned and maybe a new chain and cassette. It'll be back Monday. Sounds like everyone is already out riding. Looks like another year of catching up for old Erik!
Erik

Barack Obama: Judgement to Lead

the beatles - let it be

Let it be..... Indeed.

Jorge at the Tour of California 2008

Vaughters Schmoozing.

Pate ready to get in a break!

Gotta be the coolest guy on a bike for 50 miles.

Boonen in his first tour of California

The World Champ!

Jorge, Erikspeaks Correspondent, Fellow Loon, and Resident Champlin Peloton Fashionista traveled to California for the second year in a row to witness the biggest and most important stage race in the United States. He has a knack for getting close-ups of all the biggest riders. Here are a few of his shots. Thanks Jorge!

Cycling.tv

I watched Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne on Cycling.tv today on the free bandwidth. Really jumpy and low Res but fed the cycling appetite. The commentary is very good. Any of you out there subscribing to the premium channel? I am wondering whether it would be worth it or not.
Thanks,
Erik

Het Volk

Phillipe Gilert wins Het Volk for the second time in two years. The weather is bad and it sounded like a great way to kick off the Classics Season. Slipstream put in a good showing with an 11th place showing. I just might have to pick up this one on DVD. If you get time check out Slipstream Chipotle's new website. It is really good.

Ice Ice Baby

I am joining with skibby and bringing back the Vanilla.

Minnesota House Minority Leader Punishes Bipartisan Republicans

Marty Siefert, the house Minority Leader, and lead Republican in the Minnesota House of Representatives today stated he is retaliating against any and all Republicans that jumped ship and helped to override Tim Pawlenty's veto of the transportation bill veto. Here is an excerpt from the Star Tribune article:

"Seifert said dissenting members were aware of the possible consequences before the vote was taken, including the possibility of losing staff support and other resources. But he said he decided that removal from the caucus or other extreme measures would not be taken. Even so, stripping the members of leadership positions was unusual enough that no one could recall a similar action in recent history.
"We expect Republicans to follow other Republicans, and there is obviously a mixed message with what happened yesterday," Seifert said at a news conference Tuesday. "We're not taking anyone's secretary away. I'm not throwing their computers down the Capitol steps. I'm not severing their phone lines."

Well, that's great Marty, I am glad you are not throwing out the computers, since the people that foot the bill are the people that you serve. Thanks for small favors.

And another thing, We don't pay you to be some political party operative hack. We pay you to pass legislation. Even the most Libertarian voter would agree that it is the job of government to fix, build, and maintain the roads. Check with Ron Paul for that. Minnesota has a fine history of bipartisianship. There is a reason you guys lost your butts in the last election. You weren't doing anything. In fact, your hack governor wouldn't have gotten reelected if the stupid DFL hadn't put up such an idiot as there candidate in Hatch. You don't have a mandate. Quit acting like it!!!!

Wow, I feel better.

Tour of California

The rainiest nastiest Tour of California has just ended with Levi taking top honors. Millar and VandeVelde took 2nd and 3rd to demonstrate Team Slipstream/Chipotle's strength as they make a bid for a Tour De France slot. This continues to shape up to be a great race and it is looking more and more like the American Scene is turning into a vital, dynamic one that is gaining every year (even without Lance). The tour of California continues to gain in importance and the mountain climbs really added alot to it. I would like to see them add a few more days but since it is so early in the season the organizers are limited in how difficult they can make it. They need to attract top riders and to do that they need to make it reasonable. Hopefully, the bad weather will not keep riders away next year. I think it has become prestigious enough that we shouldn't have to worry. I would like to see a non american win next year to give it an international flair. Now the European season begins and Paris Nice is next. Minor one day and stage racing has already begun in Europe. I am glad racing is back on. Talk to you soon.
Erik

Weekend at Lutsen

How white and old are Tom and I?

Steven is in the house!

Me (ready to rip it up dude!)

Scotch Anyone?

Jason and Myself

4 musketeers

Andrea was good enough to let me go to a Friend of mine's Bachelor Party this weekend. Jason is tying the knot and alot of us got together to celebrate his impending doom. It was a fun if not restful weekend. Thanks to Tom for driving. Good Luck Jason!

Team Strongheart Fundraiser

A bunch of us got together to spin for strongheart on Friday night. There was a great turnout of familiar faces and the atmosphere was relaxed. I was glad to get the opportunity to see my friends. The moving selection was good (Flying Scottsman and Dodgeball). Thanks to Trailhead for hosting and providing all of the refreshments. The Saylers and their shop are truly an asset to this community and we are all truly blessed to have them and their shop in Champlin! As for me, I am alittle sore this morning, but not too bad. See you soon!

Michelle Obama - Extended Interview by Soledad O'Brien

She gets it.

The Cyclysm

The new schedule for 2008 is up on the Versus website. It also has a video application with highlights from last season. The link is located in the cool links section to the right.

Ted Kennedy Endorses Barack Obama

Mashup: The Davos Question

Intriguing........

1986 Tour de France Climb to Alpe de Huez

Let Free Speech Reign on ErikSpeaks!

Sorry, Folks. I had comment moderation on by accident. I have disabled it and you are free to fire away. Thanks to everyone that dropped a line. They are all published!

Cycling Update

Team Slipstream has been invited to the Giro and seems to be a lock for a Tour invite. Their is a great article in Cycle Sport about how Vaughters is going to Get Tommy D ready. He is going to make him ride in some early season nasty Semi Classics so that he gets over his twitchiness riding in a group. The Tour Down Under is in full swing and The tour of California is right around the corner. It is crazy how short the offseason is. I am looking forward to getting out on the bike and logging some outdoor miles this spring.
Ciao for Now!

Enlightenment For the Day............

"The day a child realizes their parents are imperfect, they become an adolescent; the day they forgive them, they become an adult."

Nike Feed The Warrior featuring Lance Armstrong

Feed The Warrior 20lbs! Kill the coward within!

It's On Baby!

http://tvc-mn.com/2007/12/welcome.html

The new club is taking shape and the jersey is sweet. Cycling in Champlin is Awesome!

Lance Armstrong - Discovery Channel Commercial

to funny

dicks sporting goods Lance commercial

to funny!

R.I.P.: My spin bike

So I'm on my spin bike in my basement watching some stupid show (I'm about 12 minutes into my work out) when all of a sudden my foot (still in the pedal) drops to the floor. The cranks had come totally loose of each other. I took the chain guard off and took a look. It appears the bar connecting the two cranks together (bottom bracket?) had broken in half. So there you have it folks! I took the bike to Trailhead and they are going to fix her up for me. In the mean time, I am back with the Orbea with the trainer!

Tom Cruise Scientology Interview (UNCUT!)

Dude........

Back on the Bike

Tonight I did 30 minutes at moderate intensity on the bike. Felt good to get back on. I can tell I don't have it in my legs yet. This cold really knocked the crap out of me. So far, I have had a good winter. Other than the cold I have been pretty good about working out. I am not "bike fit" but have gained alittle muscle back and (knock on wood) not gained any weight. These winter months can be so hard. January and February are the hardest months. All you want to do is hibernate. Snowboarding at Lutsen in a month! I can't wait!

Remember.............

They came first for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time no one was left to speak up.

Old Friends

An Old friend of mine came by to visit. I hadn't seen him in about 6 months. We were friends in college, served in the guard together and he was the best man in my wedding. I love him like a brother. His family came over today. He has three boys under 5 and they, and my son, played beautifully together. We talked politics, sports, and life (beer and wine might have crept in there too). It was good to see him and his family. What a great way to spend a Sunday.

Barack Obama: One Year From Now

This guy gets it.

Obama's Victory Speech

This is for you Neil.

Bruyneel's Covering His Bases

In the latest news edition on Cyclingnews.com discusses the Basso situation and the fact that Kloeden is on his new team. He doesn't seem all that excited about the prospect and is certainly covering his butt proactively. Take a read:

"How did the mistake happen? "I didn't know Basso," Bruyneel said. "That can happen with new people. As I also do not know Andreas Klöden." Basso resigned from the team on May 1, 2007, and was given a suspension which runs through October 2008.
The Belgian, who has eight Tour de France victories on his palmarès as directeur sportif, is confident that he won't be equally fooled by Andreas Klöden, despite rumours that the German's T-Mobile Team may have been involved in blood-doping during the 2006 Tour de France. "Klöden told me that he had nothing to do with it. As far as I know he has never been involved in a doping affair," stated Bruyneel, who was required by the UCI to take over all existing Astana contracts when he took over the team. "We are heavily armed against possible matters from the past. If it appears that Klöden was involved in something, then we will react appropriately."This is an excerpt from the latest edition of Cyclingnews.com. In it Johan talks about the Basso situation and the fact he has Kloeden on his new team.

I have to speculate there is some revisionist history writing going on. But as they say, The victor gets to write history. He is a smart, talented D.S. and a lucky one to boot. We shall see what unexpected turns next season brings.......

Hope

I am reminded after the Iowa Caucus about how great this country really is. I hope that whoever our next president is comes with the attitude that they can solve problems. I am tired of excuses and views rooted in greed and convenience. I want to see our government work for us, not for corporate America. I want our politicians to be less jaded, more motivated, and more hopeful. I want them to remind us of our sameness, not use our differences to divide us and make us weak so they can do what benefits them and not us. What do you think?

talk about people getting something for nothing

Northwest airlines owes the IRS 392 million dollars. That means they owe the American people a ton of dough. We settled for 12.6 million. Corporate Wellfare anyone........ How many kids do you suppose that we could give health insurance to with that?