Lonesome Crowded Thoughts

Race Report: Moab Trail Marathon

2011-11-07T20:08:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted anything for quite some time now, but I can't not write about my experience this past weekend. Big shout out to Chris for inviting me along for the ride. Moab was definitely a race I won't soon forget.

Trip started bright and early Friday morning and Chris, Malcolm, and I hit I-70 heading West. It was a fun ride and we were all pretty stoked for the run the next day. Made a few pit stops and then finally made it to Moab in the early afternoon. Before even heading into town we cruised out to see a couple of arches. Admittedly I have never been to Arches National Park and still today I have never been. Chris showed me a rad arch though, Corona. This thing was freaking huge and there were people rappelling off it, it was pretty dope.

After the hike we went into town, got our race packets, did a little shopping at some of the touristy places and grabbed some much needed dinner. Pasta Jay's looked really good. The Chicken Cannelloni hit the spot just right. After that it was off to bed.

Alarm came a little early, but I guess it comes with the territory. We headed out and soon were sliding through the parking area. One thing was clear, this would be a wet and muddy day. We hung out for a bit and then finally it was time to hit the trail.

I knew this would be different than any race I had run before, but I couldn't believe how much fun the difficult terrain was. And the views were absolutely spectacular. Right from the start things were wet, muddy, and uphill. After about 2 miles I looked down at my garmin and was shocked: 30 minutes! I had to chuckle. This was not a day to care about pace, that was for sure. Chris had told me all about running ultras and he would emphasize that you can't think in terms of pace when you are trail running. It took all of 30 minutes for me to finally get the picture.

It was actually quite refreshing to not worry about my pace the whole time, if I wanted to stop and snap a photo (which I did a number of times) then I just did it. It was more like an endurance adventure than a race. I was having so much fun looking at the views and trying not to fall off a cliff that the miles were just cruising by. About 6 or 7 miles in I found myself running along side a girl from Durango. We were chatting and commenting on how much fun the course was. Then I noticed she had a Half Marathon bib. I said to her "too bad for you, your almost done!". Being up above the canyon brought some incredible scenes to watch. Although the rain and mud made things a lot more interesting, they also made the views more incredible.

The rain did make things pretty sketchy when going down the slick rock, but then again maybe I am just a wuss. Well, scratch that, when it comes to heights, I am a wuss. But I swear it was sketchy for even normal people, haha. At about mile 11 there was an aid station and they were directing traffic. They pointed us up this little canyon that we had to run to the top of and then come back down. Right away there was a stream crossing. There was a girl in front of me that was trying to navigate over the water on some rocks when a guy coming down the canyon said, "just run through it, there is 5 more crossings!". So in we went. I thought this would surely spell doom for my feet, but you gotta embrace the adventure, right?

Finally after coming out of that canyon there was a short stretch on a regular old dirt road. But it was short lived. Shortly thereafter we came upon a man directing us down into this marshy area. It was ridiculous. I could barely keep on my feet and the soles of my shoes were carrying around at least an inch of mud. Things were a little tricky and I was really happy to come out the other side until I realized where the trail went next...

Pretty much had to make it to the top of that thing. Ahead I saw a bunch of people spread out along the trail, slowly moving towards the top. I quickly caught up to the girl in front of me and we chatted for next 30 minutes. 30 minute miles are great! Of course the other side finally brought some downhill so we could run. By this point we were about 14-15 miles into the course. Things started to blur together at this point. Almost took a handful of wrong turns, but managed to stay on the route. After a couple more aid stations and some decent running terrain we came out above the river and there was the Start/Finish area ahead. Only it was really just a cruel joke. When we finally made it there of course we had only gone about 21 miles and there was still a 5 mile loop to finish it off. The worst part is they made us run right to the finish line, turn around and go back onto the freaking course. Then things started to get pretty wonky.

Right away we came upon a 2x6 that led over some water to a ladder that went up into a drainage pipe. Made it through that section, up the hill and through a cave, yeah, a cave. Luckily came out the other side with everything in tact and came up on another ladder!

Where the crap are we going now? Oh wait, I remember they said something about a rope section...

Did I mention I am a wuss? And feeling dead at this point. All I could think as I was going across this part was, "surely they won't have us come back down this section". Thankfully I was right. By this point I was on my last leg. I kept on pushing along and finally found myself a few ridiculous steps from the finish line.

I slipped and slid but managed to crawl to the top. Victorious, I ran through the line and unceremoniously threw up the cup of gatorade and energy gel I had choked down at the final aid station. But hey, I felt great! Seriously, it was the most incredible race I have ever been a part of. Less than 2 weeks ago I had no idea I would be running this race, but I am so glad I jumped at the opportunity when it came my way.

Oh, I guess I should mention I crossed the line somewhere around 5:10 or 5:15. Loved every second of it!

For more photos check the link: 2011 Moab Trail Marathon

That was dumb... but satisfying

2011-07-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, I feel like I total slacker this time around. I haven't written anything in 2 weeks and I will just be up front: I have barely done jack in that time. Well, I have done a few things, 3 "activities" to be exact and they were all mostly good, but that is not nearly enough. I basically have been on the excuse train the last 2 weeks as I played softball a couple times and managed to strain my groin both times. This is definitely something I probably could run through if I wanted to and could definitely deal with on the bike. But.... I'm a slacker, what can I say?

Anyway, it hasn't been all bad. July 4th was pretty awesome actually. Travis and I got up really early and rode our bikes over to Deer Creek and did some intense (for me) climbing on High Grade Rd. I had heard Travis talk about High Grade many times before but never actually knew where it was or what it was like. I decided to ride up Deer Creek and googled it to find out where exactly I went only to realize that that is where High Grade is. So luckily Trav wanted to ride and it was fantastic. We didn't make it to the very top of the climb, Trav estimated we had maybe 1.5 miles to go or so, but the whole trip was still ~32 miles. We spent about 1:15 going out and it only took about 45 minutes coming back. Some of you may know about the tumble I took on my mtn bike last year so I can get a little sketched out when it comes to riding. My top speed coming down was like 36 mph, which for me seemed like racing and Indy car... and yet Travis was smoking me on the downhill! Bottom line is I had a great time.

I also managed to get in an easy 8 miles on Monday morning. That run was pretty uneventful and so it would be super boring to write about. Even more boring than the "exciting" stuff I write. So I will get on with it.

Yesterday morning I decided I was going to run my own personal 50k.

Early Morning On Highline Canal, 8 Miles Into the Cottle 50k

Fortunately for me, Sarah was game for 10 miles of it so we coordinated on where to meet and what to bring (well most of what to bring) and I set off around 4am. I ran through Rox a bit and then down to Highline Canal and into Chatfield State Park. Everything was pretty routine except for on the trail things got a bit wet, but I didn't really mind it so much since I was able to stay out of the mud. More on that later.

Things were going pretty easily for a long while, all the way up until about mile 18 I would guess. I was starting to feel a bit sore and started to contemplate the wisdom of this decision. I mean I think that from an aerobic standpoint I should be good, but I haven't exactly been pushing my limits in terms of distance in the last 6 weeks. At this point I think my body was starting to wonder what the crap I was doing to it. Then at about mile 19 I started to feel a hot spot on the ball of my right foot. I knew that the wetness in my shoe was now into my sock and my skin was paying the price. I dealt with it as it wasn't too bad and quickly thought to text Sarah and have her bring some dry socks. Finally I arrived at the roundabout on the trail near Aspen Grove shopping center. Sarah rolled up literally 30 seconds after I got there which was perfect. I switched out my socks and went to grab a clif bar when I realized Sarah hadn't grabbed it. Really its my fault because I didn't specifically tell her to bring one, I just left one, along with a couple of gels, on the counter. Bummer, oh well lets get going. So we start out and that short 5 minute break really took its toll. We ran north along the Platte and it was fun to be out there with Sarah, but to be honest I was starting to feel a lot of pain. We got to the turnaround point and I wondered if I could make it back. Things started going really slow and at one point I went down to the river to soak my shirt. I took walking breaks every mile to put down more fluids and finally I had hit 50k, or so I thought. In my delusional state I miscalculated that 50k was 30.5 miles instead 31. I told Sarah to go ahead as I started to walk, but then I was in so much pain and still about 2/3 of a mile from the car that I thought whats the use in walking in pain when I can run (if you can call it that) and be there faster? So I don't know if it was an official 50k but it was freaking close enough in my book. All I have to say is that my respect for Chris Boyack grew by 100 fold in those last few miles! It wasn't the most thought out endeavor but it was still fun and a milestone of sorts.

So there you have it. A pretty weak 14 days of activity. Now I have blisters to deal with so I'm sure that will make for a good excuse over the next few days. ;-) Hopefully I have more stuff to enthrall you with next week.

2 Week Summary: 32 miles bike, 38 miles run

Coldstone with the kids after the run

Every Run Is Not A Race

2011-07-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

This week was the perfect example of what happens to me when I don't have a clear direction. On Thursday I set out on a nice 6 mile run, or so I thought. I started running nice and easy, enjoying the morning even snapping a picture of the sunrise mid-stride. Then I felt my pace quicken a bit and it felt pretty good, just go with it, right? Pretty soon I am running a little below an 8 minute pace and click off the first mile in 8:02. Then the gears in my head start getting ahead of my legs. I think to myself "hmm, I wonder what kind of time I could clock if I did a 10k this morning?". No sooner had this thought crossed my mind when I increased my pace significantly. Now I am cruising along at about a 7:15 pace when all of 15 minutes ago I thought I was just going out for a leisurely jaunt. I should have known myself better. I pushed on and by the time I hit 3.1 I figured I was feeling great and maybe I could hit 45 even. I pushed on. I was clicking off miles at just above a 7 minute pace and then at about mile 5 I started to tire just a bit. Then something worse happened, a sudden urge to make a "pit stop" came over me. I needed to pull over, but how could I? I was in the middle of a freaking 10k for goodness sake! What an idiot I am. I keep on going and finally finish it off. 45:25, not too shabby I think to myself. Really its not great, but I have to start somewhere I guess. All this on a morning when I should have just clocked 6 miles at an easy 9 minute pace. But then whats the fun in that?

So basically that brings me to where I am still searching for a goal. Now I basically have one. I am zeroed in on the Rox Trot 10k and will ramp up for that I guess. I have a basic outline for a training program and I need one before I hurt myself from trying to play "track star" every time I hit the trail. Ideally I would like to get to sub-44 in the next 7 weeks or so. We'll see how that works out. I feel like I should be able to pull it off.

Monday morning wasn't all that much better as I did some 800 meter repeats. I keep thinking to myself how lucky I am that I don't pull a hamstring or something since I have no business trying to run 2:45 800's on a whim. And here I thought I was finally maturing as a runner. I guess when I am left to my own devices my old self comes roaring back. At least on Saturday night I had a more enjoyable and easy run. Sarah and I set out on the site of my "10k" at about 9pm for a late night run. The weather was great and I would just let her dictate the pace. Next thing I know I am coming up with plans to become a running coach!?!?!? Don't ask me. Anyway, we clicked off 6 miles and it was very enjoyable. We couldn't see much but it was fun to just cruise. I think I need more of these runs in my regimen.

So all in all it was a great week. I rode my bike to/from work on Tuesday and then rode in again on Friday and had Sarah pick me up so we could grab dinner. I look back and wish I had logged some more miles but I guess I can't run and bike in the same morning... well now that I think of it. :-)

Weekly Summary: 17 Running Miles, 71 Cycling Miles

Back in the Saddle, Literally

2011-06-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Well, its been 2 weeks since the marathon and I think I am pretty much recovered by now. Or at least my mind keeps telling me that, my legs might have a different opinion. I'm definitely getting there though. This week I actually only ran twice, which was kind of a bummer, but I also rode my bike to work on Wednesday for the official "Ride to Work Day" here in Colorado. It was a lot of fun and I plan on doing that regularly to complement my running.

I took Monday off for a reason I can't remember now, but Tuesday I got up and out the door by about 5:45 I think. It had been raining the day before and as I was heading down the road I wasn't sure where I was going. I usually run on the Highline Canal Trail, but I didn't really feel like getting muddy, so instead I opted to hook back into the "loop" and when I got back to my neighborhood I decided to do the loop again. It was a pretty boring run to be totally honest, but I felt like I wanted to take advantage of the cool morning and actually log some miles. All in all I did 8 and I felt decent although my legs would tighten up a bit later in the day.

Wednesday, Eric and I rode to work. Well I did anyway, (the work park) as Eric turned around and went home when we got to my office. It was really fun and nowhere near as challenging as I thought it would be. We did take it a bit leisurely, but it was great nonetheless. After work I jumped back in the saddle and tore off down the road determined to get a great workout. Things were going great until I got to about Santa Fe and C-470. At this point I realized that my rear tire (well, Hannah's tire actually) was quite low. I continued on but by the time I got to Chatfield I decided I better not ride on or risk damaging the rim. Eric was awesome and picked me up, but it was a pretty big bummer.

On Friday I hit Highline and logged 8 solid miles. I started out a bit slow, but soon was reeling off 8 minute miles. It felt pretty good and was encouraging to feel like I was getting back to where I was. I think my biggest hurdle now will be motivation. I need something to look forward to otherwise I think my runs will all start to feel the same. There is the Rox Trot 10k in August that I have my sights set on, but besides that I am not really sure. I guess we'll see.

Weekly Summary: 16 Running Miles, 39 Cycling Miles

Recovery

2011-06-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

I honestly don't know what was more difficult last week, overcoming the pain in my quads or trying to get through the post-race lull I felt. As much fun as I had dissecting my race and trying to plan for future events, without anything concrete on my plate it has been hard to get excited about running out the door in the morning. That being said, I still dragged myself out the door for a couple of runs last week and I am really excited to build on my fitness.

Sunday morning I could barely get out of bed and don't get me started on going down any stairs! But the pain felt good in a way, like I knew I had earned it. Monday wasn't much better and I thought I was in for a real doozy of a week. Fortunately, by Wednesday I wasn't feeling half bad and Thursday morning I went out for a nice little stroll around the neighborhood. I only logged 3 miles, but I felt pretty good. Friday morning I was more ambitious and went for 6 miles, just what I needed. Sure, my legs were super sore a couple hours later which reminded me that recovery would require more than just a couple days of the trails, but it was nice to get out there and just run.

For now I don't have any races planned. Well thats not true, I plan to run the Rox Trot 10k in late August. Honestly, I am really looking forward to this shorter distance and I would like to see what kind of time I can turn in. The best part, its a guaranteed PR! Anyway, this recovery week wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be, probably not as hard as the coming weeks will be in terms of staying motivated.

Thanks for all the kind words on my race report.

Eric and I feeling great before the race

Utah Valley Marathon: Race Report

2011-06-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day it was on Saturday, perfect for running a marathon. The last time (and first time) I ran a marathon I was more interested in finishing than performing and while I achieved my goal of going under 4 hours, I knew I could improve on this time considerably. I actually slept pretty good Friday night, logging maybe 5 1/2 hours and when the alarm started to sound at 4:30 am, I was excited to get up and get going.

Hannah's Dad was kind enough to pick me up and drive Eric and I to the start line. This was great because it allowed me an extra hour of sleep! They arrived around 5am and off we went up Provo Canyon. Pretty soon we were at the starting line surrounded by about 1500 people buzzing about. We only had about 10 minutes to spare and I'll just say this, thank goodness for timing chips! It was pretty much a requirement that I hit the port-a-potty and when the gun went off and i was still 3 people deep I thought I was in trouble. In retrospect it worked out great. I got to the start line about 5 minutes after the gun but no worries and off I went.

The first few miles I was just enjoying myself, trying to find a good rythymn and weaving in and out of a lot of people. Eric had gone out a few minutes prior to me as he wasn't stuck doing something else. ;-) I caught up with him around mile 2 or something thereabouts and wished him a good race. The top section of the race was about 6-7 miles around the town of Wallsburg, making your way back to the highway in the canyon. The first 7 miles went by in a breeze with the only difficulty being the large volume of runners and the video crews beeping at us to get out of their shot! I took my first gel around mile 5 I think. Once we hit the canyon I knew the race was really beginning.

(Splits are not perfectly accurate, taken from Garmin)
Mile 1: 7:51
Mile 2: 7:48
Mile 3: 7:47
Mile 4: 7:54
Mile 5: 8:06
Mile 6: 7:39
Mile 7: 7:48

And begin it did, right as we made our way onto the highway the first big hill climb was on. There was a decent climb during miles 8 and 9 and I just kept telling myself to not get sucked into the pace. I wanted to really pay attention to heart rate through the hills and just accept the fact that I would bleed a little time on the uphills and make it up during the down portions of the course. I did lose some time here clocking my 2 slowest miles by far and dropping about 1 minute off the 3:25 pace. It was tough to do as people zipped past me in these 2 miles, but I stuck to my guns and my legs would thank me later.

Mile 8: 8:17
Mile 9: 8:19

Ok, I had made it through the first and probably longest set of sustained uphill. I was now very determined to make up the time lost and was ready to do it right away. Funny thing is, I had a very hard time doing this. I didn't want to push it too hard in making up time as I realized I had quite a long ways to go, but still I was disappointed that I was not really making much progress. I also realized after the first 8-9 miles were complete that my Garmin was slowly getting ahead of the distance. It wasn't a ton, but I had to force myself to pay attention more to the markers on the road than the splits on my watch. I took a second gel at mile 11 and pressed on down the course, occasionally hitting a small uphill. It seemed every second I gained going down, I was giving up through the rolling hills. As I came up on the halfway point I looked down at my watch and was a little bummed out: 1:43:13. It was a modest time and its not like I thought I was blowing it, but after doing some simple math I realized that if I ran even splits I was now looking at 3:26+. I was off the pace and I wasn't feeling extraordinary at this point. The thought of a negative split seemed daunting. I pressed on and kept my feet moving.

Mile 10: 7:27
Mile 11: 7:30
Mile 12: 7:49
Mile 13: 7:33
1st Half Split: 1:43:13

Well, as you can imagine I took off hard in the next few miles trying desperately to win back some time. I reeled off a couple of really quick miles, including my lone sub-7:00 mile of the race. There was a good stretch of downhill and I kept telling myself that i wasn't going to lose any seconds through this section. In fact, I ran a lot of my faster miles through the next6-7 mile stretch. I wasn't going down without a fight! By now the crowds had stretched out a bit and I was in the zone. I took another gel at mile 17 and was feeling great, except for when I hit a log jam at the aid station! Crap, I literally came to a walk for a second as there were a ton of people in the way. I continued trucking on and around mile 18 had a man come up alongside me. He asked me what I had on my watch and I told him 18 miles. He said "great, i feel like only 17". Just then I evaluated my energy and thought I felt fine but was laboring a bit more. He promptly passed me by, but I just kept my pace. Funny thing, this happened to me a few times where people would pass me by, but I trusted my pace and slowly, without even realizing it, I would reel them in and soon be well past them. Then I realized that I had even made up all my lost time! I was feeling good and coming out of the canyon and knew I was in the home stretch.

Mile 14: 7:17
Mile 15: 6:50
Mile 16: 7:34
Mile 17: 7:47
Mile 18: 7:31
Mile 19: 7:23
Mile 20: 7:31

Finally out of the canyon now, there were a lot more spectators cheering us on. This had a great effect on me and pushed me through the next couple of miles. And then right around mile 22 I started to feel the pain. For the next few miles I just kept talking to myself, pleading for more energy. I kept thinking, "if you can just make it to mile 25 you can gut out the last 1.2". It worked... barely. I took my last gel at mile 23. I made a small mistake by taking it too far in front of the aid station and without any water to flush it down right away I nearly threw up. I fought to keep it down and kept plugging along. There were a couple of misters set up and I gladly ran through them to get a temporary reprieve from my overheated body. By this time I was definitely digging deep for anything I had left.

Mile 21: 7:39
Mile 22: 7:42
Mile 23: 7:43
Mile 24: 8:03

I came through the mile 25 station, swallowed down some water and knew it was almost over. I started to read the street signs now as they counted down towards Center St. in Provo. Half the time I had my eyes closed and just kept my feet moving. And then there it was, off in the distance I could see that beautiful word in big, bold letters: FINISH. In that moment I took off with everything I had left. I flew past a few people and didn't stop until I made it through. I was done. As I went through the line the clock read 3:28 something and Sarah wasn't sure how I must be feeling. Sure, in her mind I went under 3:30, but that wasn't really the goal. After a few frazzled minutes I found her and my family waiting to congratulate me. Sarah and I hugged and she gave me a muted "good job" and then I showed her my watch: 3:23:57. She was ecstatic as was I! It turns out my official chip time was even better, 3:23:46. I was so happy I could barely walk, literally. I sat there and soaked it all in and was stoked on my run.

Mile 25: 7:54
Mile 26: 7:41
Finish: 3:23:46

Coming through halfway I wasn't sure I could make 3:25, but to go under 3:24 was incredible. I definitely was pleased knowing I left everything out there on the course. My splits weren't perfect but I tried to take what the course gave me and I was pumped with my result. I couldn't have done it without the support of Sarah who encouraged me on every training run. Also, big shout out to my family who came to cheer me on and Megan too. You guys are the best.

Cycle Complete, Time To Run

2011-06-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

Well, its been almost 2 years since I have written a running log. Pretty pathetic I guess. But I will spare you (whoever is out there) the long version and just say that I have been training for the past 5+ months with my sights set on the Utah Valley Marathon. This has been by far the most dedicated training cycle I have done and even then I missed my fair share of days on the trail! Here is a quick look at my training log from a calendar perspective.

Sorry for the blurry image, but you get the idea, more green than red at least. I like to give myself credit for resting when i was supposed to as well, haha. I peaked a few weeks ago with almost 60 miles in my training week. Ever since then its been a steady taper down to this week when I have barely run at all. Its nice to relax a bit, but at the same time I feel so useless. At least I have had some time in Monroe to relax with my parents, Sarah, and the kids. I'm ready to get going though.

I feel like I have put in the time, so now I guess I just hope that I like the results. I am shooting for an A goal of 3:25 with a B goal of 3:30. I am feeling fairly confident in the B goal as it was what I was shooting for during the majority of my training. Is it smart to think I can "push it" and attempt to shave a few more minutes off? I guess I'll find out Saturday morning...

Holy Crap, I Did It

2009-09-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

>Well, as you can see (or is it "as I can see" since I am the only person dumb enough to ever have read this running log) I haven't posted anything here in months. It may appear that I stopped running, stopped posting, and became a total failure. Well, I am here to set the record straight!

This summer has turned out to be one of the least predictable periods of my life. All was fine in June, but during July and August all hell broke loose and I barely spent any time at home. That can really put a wrench in a training regimen(sp?) if you are not t0tally serious (yes, i am not always totally serious about my training, hard to believe). Lucky for me, my half-marathon was in June and I was ready to tear it up.

On the morning of June 27 I found myself up in the mountains at about 10,600 feet. Not too worry as the course had some downhill, but also some brutal uphills as well. Basically, it was a great race, not quite as fast as I would have hoped, but I crossed the finish line in a respectable 1:39:11 or about a 7:35 pace. I had to make one slight detour on the course (half way up the side of a hill into some trees, don't ask!) that cost me about 2 minutes, but overall I was pleased with my first ever race. I was ecstatic with the day and felt great after the race. So much so that I failed to do much of anything in the way of recovery and paid for it dearly for next week. Oh well, no pain no gain, right?

On to the next challenge, (drum roll please) the marathon! At this point, I wasn't sure if this was going to work out. I aimed for the St. George marathon which takes place in the middle of October, but I failed to get selected in the lottery. There was, however, a marathon in Colorado Springs on Labor Day. This was much sooner, but I thought I might be able to make it. Well, shortly thereafter I was on a plance to Anchorage, Alaska for a week and I didn't run a bit. I came back thinking there was no way I could get trained up for a marathon less than 2 months away. A friend of mine and my wife convinced me I could do it(NOTE: this friend would later leave me high and dry, bailing out on the race less than 2 weeks before we were to run).

Unfortunately my training became worse than ever. You see on July 27, I set out on a nearly 3 week trip to Munich, Germany where I logged approximately 30 miles (14 of which came in one day, a run that ended quite badly). I came home from that trip in the middle of August, with less than a month to train and still having not exceeded a 15 mile distance. I also had a trip to London less than 10 days away. I convinced myself to attempt an 18 mile run on the 21st to give myself enough confidence. I ended up pushing 20 that day and felt great. After that, I never questioned whether I could finish the marathon or not. I ran once in London (all of 4 miles) but I had confidence, and I was sure that would carry me 26.2 miles.

Labor Day morning came and I was freezing my butt off in the dark near some lake at 5:30 am. The 6:30 start time could not come soon enough. I buddied up with the 4 hour pace team and soon enough the gun sounded. A 9:10 pace was easy enough and the first 10 miles went by in a breeze. I found myself running alongside a 60 year old man knocking out his 100 and something-th marathon and also a dude who was runnning his third marathon.... of the freaking weekend. He was thrilled with the idea of completing a rare "triple" as he put it.

Anyway, about 10 miles in I settled alongside what would be come a good friend for most of the remainder. We separated from the 4 hour pace team and found ourselvers going slightly quicker than a 9 minute pace. I felt great and as the miles got into the high teens I knew I was going to make it. We hit mile 20 and my buddy started to cramp up, he kept pushing but around mile 21 he dropped off. I took this as my cue and picked up the pace. The last 5 miles became a mental game as I no longer had a partner to keep my mind busy. I ran faster and felt great. In fact the last mile or two I even started passing people, quite a few of them! I quickly realized that I had a shot at a sub 3:55:00 time. I pushed and pushed and as I broke the finish line the clock read 3:54:55. I had done it, I had run a freaking MARATHON!

I must admit, I was very proud of myself. My wife and I embraced and we shed a few tears. It was emotional for me. I had accomplished a lifelong goal!

I hope to continue to run. I want to tackle a triathlon as well. Hopefully I will share my training here as well.

Here we go again.....

2009-08-18T08:47:00.001-07:00

NOTE: I basically copied and pasted from the same news story last year. Great....

"Many people are probably jumping for joy today with the news that Brett Favre ~~has asked for his release from the Packers~~ is on his was to Vikings camp, essentially confirming reports that he wants to return to the NFL. I am not one of those fans. For me this story has run its course and is starting to resemble "The Boy Who Cried Wolf". It seems at the conclusion of every NFL season Favre gets emotional about the fact that it could be over only to see him return the next year. I am sorry, but it has reached a level of annoyance and frankly I just want to see the guy go.

Even with his ~~teary-eyed press conference~~ email to Ed Werder that confirmed his retirement from the Jets a few months ago, I knew that wasn't going to be the last I saw of number 4, the most overrated quarterback ever. No, I am just kidding, that would most certainly be Joe Namath, but the legend of Favre seems to grow exponentially every day and its pretty ridiculous. He has ~~once again held the Packers hostage~~ been screwing with the Vikings all summer and screwed up their entire draft and pre-season camps. Is it any wonder the Pack are ~~finally ready to move on~~ sitting back and laughing their butts off? ~~While~~ Thankfully the entire national media has decided to ~~deride and criticize the Packer front office for not begging Favre to come back I can't help but wonder why the criticism~~ finally come to their senses and mostly ignore this story given the fact that everyone already knew what would eventually happen. I guess its really not that hard to understand, fans and media just watch the games and enjoy the competition, they aren't dealing with #4 and his reluctance to commit to the team and franchise for more than a 4 month stretch every fall. Fans just want to see the "legend" one more time and media types just want another big story.

Not me, I want the NFL, the No Favre League. His career has run its course and its time he get over it and himself. But hey, if he wants to lace 'em up with ~~Jets~~ (been there ruined that team) or Vikings and ruin one of the great legacies of all-time, be my guest."

Week 11 Run 4

2009-04-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a tempo run. I will admit, I wanted to do 5 miles at my tempo speed of 6:58 miles but I only did 4 at that pace. I probably could have even done it without any problems but for some reason I talked myself into thinking 4 was enough. Anyway, I did a warmup and cooldown mile so I ran a total of 6 miles.

Distance: 6 miles
Time: 46 minutes 31 seconds

>Week 11 Run 3

2009-04-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

>So I finally did it, I completed a double digit run. Last night I logged 10 miles and I don't think I had anything left in the tank. It felt good, like a runner's rite of passage. However, yesterday I also registered for the St. George Marathon and after my 10 mile run I started to question that move.

Anyway, the run was really pretty good. I was having some self doubts about whether I could actually complete such a distance. I started at an 8:00 pace and increased my speed every mile, with the final mile being right around 7:10. I am a little sore this morning, but I don't really care, it was totally worth it. Besides, I am not as sore as I thought I would be so that is a definite bonus.

Distance: 10 miles
Time: 75 minutes 35 seconds

>Week 11 Run 2

2009-04-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

>This run was much better than Monday's. I did my speed intervals and ended up running about 5.5 miles total. This was a .5 mile warmup followed by alternating between a 7 minute mile and a 2 minute rest interval. So I did 4 7 minute miles in all and the warmup cool down and resting intervals made up for the other 1.5 miles. Next week I would like to add another speed mile and reduce my resting interval to 1:30.

Anyway, that was a better run and it gave me some much needed confidence.

Distance: 5.5 miles
Time: 42 minutes 43 seconds

>Week 11 Run 1

2009-03-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

>This week, since I don't have anything on Wednesday or Thursday night I am going to switch up my schedule. My long runs on Saturday are taking up too much time, so I need to move that to a weekday. This week it will be on Thursday.

So for my run on Monday I just did a 4 mile run and it sucked. I just wasn't really feeling it. Thats basically it. I guess those are referred to as junk miles.

Distance: 4 miles

>Week 10

2009-03-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

>So this week was pretty disappointing. I was all set to give a good run, but things fell apart rather quickly. I changed up my schedule and did my long run on Monday. It was less than spectacular. I ended up running like 8 miles and I was miserable.

The next day I did like 4 miles and I was in pain. My knee started aching pretty badly. I decided to just shut it down for the week. Am I pushing too hard too quickly? Probably, but I hate going slow and steady. Anyhow, hopefully next week will be better. I guess I needed to have a rest week anyway.

Weekly Total

12 miles

>Week 9 Run 4

2009-03-21T15:44:00.000-07:00

>So this morning my groin was pretty sore, so I decided to fore go my long run of about 9-10 miles and instead just do a easy 5 mile run. I thought I should show some running maturity and not overdo it.

Anyway, I ran my miles at these paces: 8:36, then 8:00, then 7:30, then 8:00, and finished back with 8:36. This proved to be a nice and easy run and was a time of 40:40. Its amazing that a couple months ago I would have had to give it all I could to post a time like that over 5 miles, but now its pretty simple. Hopefully over the weekend my groin will loosen up and the pain will subside.

Distance: 5 miles
Time: 40 minutes 40 seconds

Weekly Total: 21 miles

>Week 9 Run 3

2009-03-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

>With March Madness beginning, I was not able to do my run on Thursday as I normally do. But I showed some discipline and ran on Friday right after work. This was my speed interval run. I ran a warm-up half mile at a 10 minute pace, really slow, but just to get going. Then I started out with a 7:13 pace for a mile, then to a 10:00 pace for a minute and 30 seconds. I did this 3 times and then I got a little over ambitious. On the last mile I really went for it to try and push my total to 5 miles and get it under 38 minutes. I had to run about a 6:30 closing mile and I felt great at the time, but shortly thereafter my groin tightened up and has been really sore. Just another case of my immaturity when it comes to running. I need to just stick with my plans and not deviate from it, otherwise I'll probably end up hurting myself. Anyway, the run overall was good.

Distance: 5 miles
Time: 37 minutes 58 seconds

>Week 9 Run 2

2009-03-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

>Today was my easy run. I like the easy runs because they are just so easy. I love that. I originally was planning to do 5 miles, but ended up only running 4 because of time constraints. I ran them at an easy pace of about 8 minutes per mile. Thats about it.

Distance: 4 miles

>Week 9 Run 1

2009-03-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

>I have fallen behind in my posting. The week is over, I had 4 runs and I am just now entering them all. Monday I did my first tempo run. I had 2 warm-up miles and then ran 4 miles at a 7 minute 13 pace. It felt good just running at a nice pace for the 4 miles. I mean, if I could just run that pace for 26.2 miles I could qualify for Boston!

Anyway, I can't even remember what my time was. I think it was in the neighborhood of about 54-55 minutes. Good run anyway, I basically feel like at this point the overall time isn't that important as I am running warm-up and cool-down miles.

Distance: 7 miles
Time: about 55 minutes

>My "Program"

2009-03-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

>The more I run the more I keep asking myself if I really know what I am doing. There seems to be so many different types of training methods with intervals, tempo runs, distance runs, etc. Seems like I just run hard one day and then run a little easier the next. I try and try to read and figure out what I should be doing, but it seems confusing. I'm starting to think this (this will SURELY change at some point), that I should run 1 tempo run, 1 easy run, 1 speed interval run, and one distance run each week.

The tempo run is something I am trying to still figure out. But as far as mileage goes I am estimating that a tempo run will entail a 1-2 mile warm-up, then a 4 mile "tempo" run, and then a 1 mile cool down. Thats going to be like 7 miles. Then I have an easy run of like 4-5 miles. Follow that up with a 4.5 mile speed interval run(based on last weeks speed run). Top that off with a minimum of a 9 mile run on Saturday. So basically, going forward, on this schedule, I am looking at at least 25-26 miles a week. That is probably a good thing. I hope its the right course of action. To be honest, I have no clue if it is.

>Week 8 Run 4

2009-03-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

>Great run to finish off the week. I started my run with a goal of 8 miles, maybe 8.5(since I had run 4.5 on Thursday). Well, I ended up just going 9 miles instead, I couldn't stop at 8.5 with 9 so close. The run was good and I felt like I could have kept going. My energy level was really good and the pace did not feel tough. Granted, I am not trying to go blazing fast, but the fact that I felt like I could have kept going and finished the 13 miles was encouraging.

Anyway, as I was running I decided that I really wanted to get under 72 minutes(8 minute miles). So the last mile, I pushed a little extra hard and actually turned in a time of about 7:10. I thought that was good just considering that it was the 9th mile and I had enough in the tank to easily do a 7:10 and probably could have gone much faster.

On the other hand, I am not delusional. I am realizing that I still have a lot of time to cut if I want to get anywhere close to running a sub 1:30 half marathon. At least I am making progress and that is always encouraging.

Distance: 9 miles
Time: 71 minutes 52 seconds

Weekly Total: 22.5 miles

>Week 8 Run 3

2009-03-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

>Last night I did a "speed" session. I guess its supposed to help you, I can't remember why, but I trust other people who have run marathons so I did it. It was actually pretty enjoyable and hard at the same time. I ran my speed intervals at a pace 20 seconds faster than my target run pace of 7 minutes per mile. This equates to exactly 9 miles per hour. Basically I ran 1200 meters at 9mph pace and then I ran 800 meters at a 6mph pace for my rest pace. Each of these intervals was exactly 5 minutes, how convenient.

All in all I did 4 fast intervals and 3 reset intervals totaling 35 minutes. This came out to be exactly 4.5 miles. Each speed interval got progressively more difficult which i think is the idea. Hopefully this translates to a better overall pace in the end.

Distance: 4.5 miles
Time: 35 minutes 0 seconds

>Week 8 Run 2

2009-03-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

>Last night was a nice and easy 4 mile run at about an 8:10 pace. My new "program", until I figure out something different, is to do a hard run of 5 or more miles on Monday, Tuesday is a 4-5 mile run at an easier pace, Thursday is a speed session running fast and slow intervals, and then Saturday will be my long run of 8 or more miles.

So I ran my 4 miles and I felt great, it was pretty easy and I came in just under 33 minutes.

Distance: 4 miles
Time: 32 minutes 51 seconds

>Week 8 Run 1

2009-03-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

>Got the week off to a good start with a solid 5 mile run tonight. My previous best at this distance was a little under 38 minutes I believe, but that was 3-4 weeks ago and I knew I could push that time a little lower. I set out with my game plan(as always) with hopes of a time in the 36-37 minute range.

I decided to try and run the first and last miles at about a 7 minute/mile pace and fill in the middle 3 miles at about a 7:30 pace. This would get me right around 36:30 total. The first mile was good, just a few ticks under 7 minutes and mile 2 was fine as well. Mile 3 rolled around and I was wondering if my strategy was too aggressive up front. Maybe I should have gone out in about 7:30 and then progressively gotten faster. Anyway, I pushed on a little harder than planned in the third mile with the idea of pulling it back a little in the 4th mile. What a relief to get that third mile done and I went to a steady 7:30 pace for mile 4. I started mile 5 and wasn't sure what I had left in the tank. I pressed on and really gave it everything I had hitting the line at 35:50 on the nose! When I finished I didn't have much, if anything, left in the tank. This was a good feeling, because I knew I had given it my all. At the same time I wonder how I can ever break 35 minutes. But I know I can do it.

Distance: 5 miles
Time: 35 minutes 50 seconds

>Week 7 Run 4

2009-03-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

>Great run to finish off a great week. I hit the 20 mile mark for the first time in my training and hitting a milestone like that is always very encouraging. I was reading last night about long runs and the pace that they should be run at. It was basically saying to run at a speed 20% slower than you anticipate running in your race. I hope to run at a 7 minute/mile pace come race day(not sure how realistic that is yet) so I calculated that I should run about at about an 8:24 pace on my long runs.

With that knowledge in mind I set out to run 8 miles this morning. Its amazing how difficult my runs seem to be when I actually pull the pace back, I seem to feel the burn a little more when I would expect the opposite. Anyway, I went out on the first mile and ran it in about 7 and a half minutes to get warmed. Then I pulled back to an 8:20 pace and ran at this speed for the next 6 and a half miles or so. The last half mile was quicker, but not blazing and when the dust cleared I had run 8 miles in 1 hour 5 minutes and 19 seconds. I am very pleased with this right now and am excited to build on it. At the 8 mile mark I could have kept going, but I knew I would pay for it as my body has never run that distance before.

This was a great run and even though my legs were pretty dead about a half hour after I finished the run I felt really good about everything. I guess I ended up running at about an 8:10 pace and had I continued this would translate into a 1 hour 47 minute half marathon. If I can run that right now, then I hope I can easily shave more time off between today and June 20th.

Distance: 8 miles
Time: 65 minutes 19 seconds

Weekly Total: 20 miles

>Week 7 Run 3

2009-03-06T12:54:00.000-08:00

>My goal today was to break 29 minutes on a 4 mile run. So far in my running the best time I have posted was 29:13. I knew I could get under 29 minutes, but I wanted to map out my plan of attack to make sure I got it done.

So basically I set out to get a quick first mile, somewhere around 7 minutes or less. Next two miles would be about 7:30 each and then I would push it home in 7 minutes or less to get below 29. Its all about strategy, see....

So for the actual results. I went out pretty hard but ended up right on 7 minutes when secretly I was hoping for about 6:45 or something. Luckily for me I was able to shave off a few seconds here and there and run the middle two miles in just over 14 and a half minutes. Heading into the final mile I was at around 21:40 or so(I should pay more attention to the splits) and pretty much knew I had it in the bag. I ran at about a 7 minute/mile pace for the first half of the mile and then pushed as hard as I could the rest. When it was all said and done I posted a time of 28 minutes 23 seconds. I was stoked!

Its amazing how much my running has improved, going from 35 minute runs down to under 29. But there is still a long way to go if I want to achieve my goals(whether realistic or not).

Distance: 4 miles
Time: 28 minutes 23 seconds

>Week 7 Run 2

2009-03-04T10:03:00.001-08:00

>Last night I decided that I would run at a more leisurely pace and allow my body to recover a bit. I guess the theory is to run so that your body still continues to get used to putting miles on the legs, but don't push yourself to exhaustion.

I decided to run at an 8 minute mile pace. Amazingly, it didn't really feel that much easier than when I run at like a 7:30 or 7:20 mile pace. Oh well. I ran 4 miles and I guess the important thing is to keep running and running and running.

Another run on Thursday and then I will go for at least 6 miles on Saturday.

Distance: 4 miles
Time: 32 minutes (exactly)

>Week 7 Run 1

2009-03-03T09:38:00.000-08:00

>Sometimes I feel great during my runs and sometimes I feel like I have cement boots attached to my feet. Last nights run was definitely the latter. However, I pushed through it and still posted a great time for my 4 mile run. It probably did not help that I basically took almost a week off and I realize that I cannot do that going forward.

One thing that I can take away from the run is that I was able to keep pushing and still post a 29:13 4 mile run, which in my training so far is my best time in that distance. The question now is how will these times translate into a 6+ mile run? I guess I will have to find out this week. I desperately need to get in a 6 mile run to start gauging where I am really at. My hope is that I can post a sub-45 minute run. I think I can do it, but then again, the last time I ran that distance I think it was closer to 50 minutes, which is not great and actually pretty slow. I figure if I want to get close to breaking 1 hour and 30 minutes in a half marathon I am going to need to post a 6 mile run somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 minutes or even less. Yikes!

Distance: 4 miles
Time: 29 minutes 13 seconds

>Time To Get Serious.... Seriously

2009-03-02T12:29:00.000-08:00

>So I kinda blew it last week. After a great start I failed to log my third run on Saturday, which was supposed to be at least 6 miles. Basically, I went camping and didn't exactly get the greatest night of sleep in my life. I ended up getting home around 3pm and my body was so tired I couldn't bring myself to run. I was out cold by 8pm.

Here's the thing, now its time to get serious! If I want to push myself and get close to a 1:30 half-marathon I am going to have to commit to at least 16 miles per week and more. It is now t-minus 16 weeks to the race and I need to top out at about 12-13 miles in a single run in about 13 weeks. So, here we go......

>Week 6 Run 2

2009-02-25T08:40:00.000-08:00

>After a very successful run on Monday I again set out for a 4 mile run last night. In the back of my head I knew that I did not want to go back above 30 minutes for this run, but had a few wonders of whether I would do it or not. I set out to make sure that I ran at least as fast, maybe even shave a few seconds off.

The beginning of my run I felt really good actually. One mile in and I was doing fine and I brought my pace up every so slightly. After two miles I was still in the groove and increased my pace a tiny bit again. The third mile I hit a slight lull, but pushed on through and finished out with a strong 4th mile right around 7 minutes. This was a very good run for me and I once again was able to break 30 minutes and even shaved some 30 seconds off the previous night's 4 mile run.

I love progress so it feels good to continually post better times each run. I am not sure this can go on indefinitely, but as long as I continue to push and get better I will feel good about my training.

Distance: 4 miles
Time: 29 minutes 17 seconds

>Week 6 Run 1

2009-02-24T12:44:00.000-08:00

>So I think now that I have my treadmill back and running and the weather getting better, there shouldn't be many hitches in my running plans. I have been working on getting a training schedule set in stone so that I know exactly what I am doing each day. Its not done yet, so yesterday I decided to do a 4 mile run.

This was probably one of my best treadmill runs. I was able to prove to myself that I can push through when I don't really feel like it. Even though I didn't hit that groove where I felt like the running was nothing, I just kept telling myself "a little more, a little more" all the way to the end.

The time ended up pretty good at just under 30 minutes. 4 miles at a 7:30 pace ain't rip roaring fast, but its progress for me and that is excellent. The question I keep asking myself is how much time can I continue to shed from my runs? Is is realistic to think that I could be anywhere close to running a 7 minute pace for the course of a half-marathon? Only time will tell.

Distance: 4 miles
Time 29 minutes 47 seconds

>Week 5 Run 2

2009-02-21T20:43:00.000-08:00

>This was a pretty bad week as far running goes. With the treadmill out of commission and cold weather, I really didn't have the motivation to get out and run. Anyway, I played in a basketball game on Thursday and that is always good for some exercise, but its not quite the same thing. Then again, I do need to throw in some cross training so a game of ball isn't so bad.

Well, I ordered a part for my treadmill and it came this morning. The rear roller had broken completely so the part was about $90, but I think that it was worth it (assuming it lasts). So I got the part on and tried to get the treadmill calibrated correctly and then tonight did my run. I set out to do 6 miles, and while I was pretty gassed at the end, I pushed through and was able to get a decent time. However, I know I need to shave off a bunch of minutes, but I am hoping that will come with time. But overall it was a really good run.

Distance: 6 miles
Time: 48 minutes 35 seconds

Weekly Total
11 miles

>Week 5 Run 1

2009-02-16T20:09:00.000-08:00

>Well, today I took it to the streets for my run. I was a little bit nervous and still interested to see how my treadmill running would transfer to the actual pavement and hills of Roxborough. I mapped out a run on Google Earth that was 5 miles. There is a loop out here that is basically 3 miles and where I ended is right by a pond that is about 2/3 of a mile around. So I set out to run the 3 mile loop and then do a little over 3 laps around the lake for a total of 5 miles.

Basically, my run was great! I had pretty even splits for the most part. The first mile was just under 7 minutes, the second mile just over 7 minutes, and the third mile right around 7 and a half minutes. So after 3 miles I was fairly happy with a time of roughly 21:30. That is when I started on my first lap around the lake. Halfway through that lap I started to question this plan. I mean, running laps gets really boring and 3 laps around the lake seemed like a long ways. I persevered and when it was all said and done I posted a time of 37:50. This is by far my best 5 mile run so far and it felt good to have done it out on the road, up and down the hills.

I was lucky to have been able to run today, considering that it was a holiday and the weather was nice. Not sure how many days I will have like this in the next month or so, but as the weather warms up I am going to try and get my butt out there and do some morning runs.

Distance: 5 miles
Time: 37:50

>Major Setback

2009-02-16T08:53:00.000-08:00

>Treadmill broke. That has set me back a couple of days. Guess I will be taking it to the streets. Hope it warms up!

DIY: Resurrect A Dead Monitor

2009-02-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

Recently one of my LCD monitors up and died on me one day. It was plugging along just fine when it started to flicker a little bit here and there. Within 72 hours it was dead as a door nail. Needless to say I was super bummed. I started shopping around for a replacement and then had an idea, "Why not try and fix this thing myself?".

So I jumped onto the trusty google search and started firing search queries out to the web. A couple came back with good results and soon enough I was pricing out new power inverters, back lights, and even leds. Then I stumbled upon a super find, a discussion on my exact monitor!

The fix was easy, or so they said, just bust open the power board and you will find some of your capacitors shot. Replace those bad boys and you are on your way. I was a little reluctant to believe it could be that easy, but I popped my monitor open and sure enough 3 of the caps were bulging at the seems.

I looked at the type of caps they were and found they were 470uf. Off to google once again trying to price out these suckers and luckily they had them at RadioShack for $1.29. The next day I set off to buy them and then headed to my brother's house where we busted out his soldering iron and were on our way. About 7 minutes later, to my amazement this thing was working beautifully!

Right now I am so psyched. And to think that if I would have brought that to some repair shop(which nobody with any level of intelligence would ever do) I would have shelled out upwards of $100 most likely. This really made my day and now if you don't mind, I am heading over to ebay to try and find some cheap "dead" monitors.....

>Week 4 Run 2

2009-02-12T11:11:00.000-08:00

>Tuesday I did P90X and last night I was back at the running. I tried out something a little different, I guess they are called "Yasso 800s" or at least the site I found out about them called them that. The idea is that you can basically train for a goal time by running sets of 800 meters, for a marathon anyway. I assume it should transfer to a half as well.

Anyway, I decided to set a goal of a 3 hour 30 minute marathon. This would translate to a 1 hour 45 minute half, or thereabouts. So if you want to do a 3:30:00 marathon, then you need to run 3:30 800 meters in sets starting with 4. So last night I did just that. I started with a 3 minute warmup and then went into my first 800 meter. 3 and a half minutes later I was back into a slower pace(for 3 and a half minutes). I did 4 sets of these and I felt pretty good. Maybe I need to keep my non-800 pace a little faster as I toned it down to a 10 minute mile pace. The 3:30 800m obviously is a 7 minute mile pace. If I am feeling good next week maybe I will try and keep my resting pace in between 800s at around 8:30 or something. We shall see. All told I did about 3.2 miles in roughly 26 minutes.

Distance: 3.2 miles
Time: 26 minutes

>Week 4 Run 1

2009-02-10T09:41:00.000-08:00

>I can't believe its already week 4 of this running log. Considering my history of starting out with a bang and quickly tailing off with things like this, getting to the 4th week is pretty good.

Plus, the 4th week started off great. Well, mostly great. I have started to develop some real tightness in my lower calf on my right leg. I think I need to make sure I do a ton of stretching and start icing it as well. But other than that my knee feels great and my runs are getting better by the session. Last night I put in 5 miles and felt really good. It was my best 5 mile time so far(maybe ever?). I broke 40 minutes for the first time on a 5 mile run and that really felt good.

One thing that I am quickly learning is that it is really hard to get back those first slow minutes of the run, before I hit my stride. I generally start out my runs at about a 9 minute pace, but I think I need to rethink this strategy as by mile 2 I am pushing to get below 17 minutes. I know I can easily do the first 2 miles under 16, probably faster and I think I will start lowering the times of the first 2 miles to make it easier on the backend of the run.

Distance: 5 miles
Time: 39 minutes 46 seconds

>Week 3 Run 4

2009-02-07T13:29:00.000-08:00

>Today felt great. I feel like I am getting past the knee issue(for now anyway) and that has me feeling good. As I said at the beginning of this week, my goal was to put up a 15 mile total. With my 4 mile run today I was able to do just that. From here on out I would like to try and add 1 mile each week, but some weeks I can see this not being the case.

Anyway, the run today was good and like always I started off at an easy pace and gradually went faster and faster. I ended up posting a time just under 33 minutes, which is not spectacular, but I feel like I have gotten in to a good zone and I hope to be able to continue to build on this.

I am starting to try and set a time goal for the half marathon. I am not quite sure how realistic it will be to achieve, but I would like to have a pace in the 8 minute/mile neighborhood. That would project out to be about a 1 hour 45 minute race. I know I can sustain this pace for at least 5 miles, but there is a huge difference between 5 miles and 13 miles. As my training progresses I think I will have a better idea of what I should be aiming for.

Distance: 4 miles
Time: 32 minutes 50 seconds

Weekly Total: 15 miles

>Week 3 Run 3

2009-02-06T08:12:00.000-08:00

>My run last night turned out to be okay. I spent Wednesday evening after my run icing my knees and applying icy hot. It definitely felt good, but I wasn't sure that it would relieve the knee discomfort in my next run. Well, at least for last night, it worked.

I certainly did not push myself to the limit, but that was probably the smartest thing I could do because I don't want to have any major setbacks. I decided I was going to run 3 miles again and do it nice and easy. The first mile was pretty slow(not that the subsequent 2 miles were blazing fast) in about 10 minutes. But the best part was that my knee felt good. I pressed on and picked up the speed and finished up my run in 26:53. It felt good to run and not feel discomfort and I hope that as I continue to ice my knee(s) after my runs I won't have to deal with the pain.

So far this week I am sitting at 11 miles total. As long as I feel good come Saturday and my knee doesn't give me any problems, I see no reason why I can't bust through the 15 mile mark, even though that doesn't really seem like any big mark anyway. Oh well, baby steps, right?

Distance: 3 miles
Time: 26 minutes 53 seconds

>Week 3 Run 2

2009-02-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

>So tonight was a little frustrating. I think I may have suffered my first minor setback, but I am hoping it is just that, minor. As I started up my run I could feel that something was not right with my right knee. Lately when I have been stretching my quads I have felt a little bit of discomfort, but haven't thought much of it. However, it seemed to catch up to me last night.

I started off with my usual easy pace in the first mile, but the pain was evident and after the initial mile was complete I pulled back and walked for a few minutes and increased the incline. I then ran at a 10 minute/mile pace at an incline and then walk ran the last mile. All in all I did 3 miles, but I can't help but wonder if this is going to plague me or just turn out to be a temporary speed bump. Now I am not sure how my run is going to be tonight and how many miles I can put in. Just have to wait and see tonight how my knee reacts.

Distance: 3 miles
Time: 33 minutes

>Something A Little Different

2009-02-04T12:14:00.000-08:00

>Usually Tuesday is my rest day, but last night I felt like doing something anyway and thought I would get some different kind of exercise in my routine. Last year I started doing a workout program call P90X. This program is rather intense, and sadly I only made it through about 50 days of the 90 day program. Now that I am running consistently I don't have much time for P90X but decided to incorporate 1 or 2 of the workouts into my weekly routine. I focused on the "Core Synergistics" workout video and feel like it will be a good supplementary exercise.

The core workout works.... you guessed it, your core. So I got a good ab workout and upper leg workout. I really felt it this morning, but thats a good thing, right? Anyway, running is great, but adding a little core or plyo to my regimine should give me a broader range of activities and can only make things even better.

>Week 3 Run 1

2009-02-03T09:37:00.000-08:00

>Ahh, the start of a new week. Renewed enthusiasm and too much junk food and soda from Super Bowl Sunday. Oh well, gotta get back on the program. I put in a good session last night and ran 5 miles. Certainly was not a blazing fast time, but as they say, slow and steady is just that, slow and steady...

I think this week I will break the 15 mile barrier, that will be great. I really am enjoying my runs and can't wait for the spring and some good running weather.

Distance 5 miles
Time 43:23

>Week 2 Run 3

2009-01-31T21:34:00.000-08:00

>I didn't have a ton of time to run today, but it felt good to be back at home, in my zone haha. Anyway, I ran 4 miles and it felt pretty good. I took it pretty easy though and to be honest I can't even remember the time, but it seemed like it was somewhere in the 36 minute range, which is actually really freaking slow. But I think that it doesn't really matter at this juncture, just getting consistent runs in.

Distance 4 miles
Time about 36 minutes

Weekly Total
10 miles(which is pretty freaking weak)

>Week 2 Run 2

2009-01-29T11:35:00.000-08:00

>I had my second run here in Anchorage last night. I did another 3 mile run and the pace was slow once again. In fact, I am not even sure what the final time was, but I know it was about 29 minutes or something, really slow. I guess I am just viewing this week as running to run and stay in the routine and thats about it. So at least I have accomplished that so far.

Distance: 3 miles

Time: 29 minutes

>Week 2 Run 1

2009-01-28T18:01:00.000-08:00

>So this post is a little bit late as its already getting to be Wednesday evening and I ran on Monday. Anyway, I am in Anchorage, Alaska on business, but still found time to get a 3 mile run in. Man was it tough. I think that I ate way too much food and it just weighed me down. I ran a pretty slow 3 miles at about 27 minutes, plus it seemed really hard. The run basically sucked.

Distance: 3 miles

Time: 27 minutes

>Week 1 Run 3

2009-01-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

>This morning I was thinking about how long I wanted to run and decided to do a 5 mile run. I thought about my last 5 miler and decided I wanted to shave some time off and set a goal of around 40 minutes. I think the last 5 mile run I did was around 42 minutes so I knew I needed to get in a nice groove and devised a strategy in my head of how to make the time. In hindsight I am not sure how wise my strategy was.

In my mind I would start off easy and then each mile push more and more and, you know, make it in 40 minutes. When the dust cleared I had pretty much hit the goal with a time of 40:11, but I think I could have made it easier on myself had I planned better.

I started off slow, too slow. I went out in the first 2 miles in about 18 minutes. This left me with 22 minutes to do the last 3 miles. Certainly not super difficult, but I knew I had to push myself to make it. I don't think I pushed hard enough on miles 3 and 4 because coming into the last mile I was at around 33:35 and knew I would need to bust out a sub-6:30 mile to make it. I pushed pretty hard and cranked out the last quarter mile in about a minute and a half and came up just short at 40 minutes 11 seconds. I am happy with the time, but know I should be able to keep a more even pace of an 8 minute mile throughout to get the same time.

Plus, I realized today that I need to stop focusing so much on trying to cut a minute off my times every run. That can only go on for so long and then what? Its not like I am going to run 4 minute miles or something. Anyway, this week was pretty good.

Distance - 5 miles
Time - 40 min 11 sec

Weekly Total
14 miles(and a good game of b-ball)

>Week 1 Basketball 1?

2009-01-22T21:32:00.000-08:00

>So tonight, instead of running I went and played church basketball. I figured that was a pretty good workout with all the running up and down the court. The game was about 40 minutes so there was probably 30 minutes of good aerobic exercise and since I was planning a low-impact run for today it seemed to be just about right.

New Blog!

2009-01-22T11:28:00.001-08:00

So I have set up a blog to track my running. Visit if you like at

http://andrewsrunninglog.blogspot.com/

>Week 1 Run 2

2009-01-22T11:23:00.000-08:00

>So my current plan is to run Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Hence the missing update for Tuesday. But I picked up things last night and got a nice run in.

I don't know what it was, whether it was something I ate or something else, but I just didnt have much energy for the duration of the run and never really got in a good groove. I pushed on though and was happy to just get the exercise. I ended up running 5 miles and certainly didn't overdo it thats for sure. The pace was not too quick, but quick enough for a good sweat.

Distance - 5 miles
Time - 42 min10 sec

>Week 1 Run 1

2009-01-20T21:38:00.001-08:00

>Well, here I am, with a new blog. I hope this one has some more staying power than the last. As a goal for this year I have decided to train for a half marathon and after conquering that obstacle running a full marathon. The half is quite a ways off. I am planning to run in the Steamworks Animas Valley Half Marathon in Durango, Colorado. Its scheduled for June 20 so I have plenty of time to get ready. Ultimately I want to run in the St. George marathon in October and if I can't get in, then maybe the Top of Utah marathon in Logan.

So here is my first entry in this running log. Presently I am doing my running on my treadmill since I don't want to run in the cold. It will work for now. I set the incline to a 1.0 as this is supposed to replicate the streets the best, even though I am pretty sure nothing is the same as getting out and running on the roads and trails. Anyway, here are the results for my first run:

Distance - 4 miles
Time - 33 min 30 sec

My ultimate goal is to run a sub 4 hour marathon. Not sure how lofty a goal that is. I'm guessing that the half marathon will give me a better idea of what I am capable of and I will adjust the goal accordingly. That's it.

Say It Ain't So

2008-07-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

Many people are probably jumping for joy today with the news that Brett Favre has asked for his release from the Packers, essentially confirming reports that he wants to return to the NFL. I am not one of those fans. For me this story has run its course and is starting to resemble "The Boy Who Cried Wolf". It seems at the conclusion of every NFL season Favre gets emotional about the fact that it could be over only to see him return the next year. I am sorry, but it has reached a level of annoyance and frankly I just want to see the guy go.

Even with his teary-eyed press conference a few months ago, I knew that wasn't going to be the last I saw of number 4, the most overrated quarterback ever. No, I am just kidding, that would most certainly be Joe Namath, but the legend of Favre seems to grow exponentially every day and its pretty ridiculous. He has once again held the Packers hostage and screwed up their entire draft and pre-season camps. Is it any wonder the Pack are finally ready to move on? While the entire national media has decided to deride and criticize the Packer front office for not begging Favre to come back I can't help but wonder why the criticism. I guess its really not that hard to understand, fans and media just watch the games and enjoy the competition, they aren't dealing with #4 and his reluctance to commit to the team and franchise for more than a 4 month stretch every fall. Fans just want to see the "legend" one more time and media types just want another big story.

Not me, I want the NFL, the No Favre League. His career has run its course and its time he get over it and himself. But hey, if he wants to lace 'em up with Jets or Vikings and ruin one of the great legacies of all-time, be my guest.

Absolutely Disgraceful

2008-06-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

Anyone who helped elect Massachusetts State Rep James H. Fagan into office should be absolutely embarrassed by his performance on a hearing regarding "Jessica's Law", a law that would toughen penalties for sex offenders. Whether you agree with this legislation or not, his rant is outright ridiculous and I am not sure how this guy can sleep at night.

Some of his amazing attacks on victims' rights included his statement that he would "rip apart" 6-year old victims on the stand and "make sure the rest of their life is ruined". What an upstanding individual who has such a sense of loyalty and duty to his profession. It must be every lawyers dream to belittle and terrorize young innocent children. He went on to say "when they’re 8 years old they throw up; when they’re 12 years old, they won’t sleep; when they’re 19 years old, they’ll have nightmares and they’ll never have a relationship with anybody.”

Here, watch it for yourself.

I will be the first to speak out against mandatory sentences for sex offenders, albeit in specific situations. The case against 17 year old Genarlow Wilson had me outraged. If you are not familiar with the case it involved Wilson and a 15 year old girl who engaged in consensual oral sex. He was given a mandatory 10 year sentence. It has since been overturned, but only after he spent 2 years of his life in a prison cell. In all cases mandatory sentences do not work.

However, Jessica's Law is quite different. Originally passed in Florida, the provisions state that mandatory prison time would only apply to pedophiles who have committed offenses with victims under the age of 12. I don't know about you, but I have no issues sending adults up the river who have sexually abused someone under the age of 12. That is pretty black and white.

Right or wrong, Fagan should be ashamed of the way he acted and if this is the type of animated language he uses in public proceedings I would hate to hear the vitriol that spews from his mouth behind closed doors.

Black Gold

2008-06-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

Seems the latest big story is the push to lift the moratorium on offshore drilling in response to skyrocketing gas prices. I am not going to pretend like I am some kind of expert on this issue, but I am not sure that opening up more area for drilling is the answer in the short-term or the long-term. Certainly, if the moratorium is lifted it would still be multiple years before any of the oil is actually drilled for and refined into gasoline. Even then, would it actually affect gas prices? I am not sure since every where you turn you get a different response.

There is one peculiar part of the issue that I recently read. It has to deal with the fact that there are millions of acres currently being leased by oil companies, but are not being used or drilled on. This certainly seems to raise the question as to why we need more area opened up when current drillable acres are not being used. I am not sure the answer, but it definitely seems like a good discussion point.

The House Committee on Natural Resources introduced legislation that will force these oil companies to use those leases or run the risk of losing them. Here is an excerpt from that bill.

"The 68 million acres of leased but inactive federal land have the potential to produce an additional 4.8 million barrels of oil and 44.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas each day. This would nearly double total U.S. oil production, and increase natural gas production by 75 percent. "

If the above statement is indeed true, whats the point of opening up more resources. Is it just for the sake of having more area leased by big oil? You tell me, because this doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

Give me your thoughts and/or opinions. Am I being misled? Let me know. Enjoy your commute!

For the full article on this bill you can go here.

Holy Crap! Tiger is the MAN!!!

2008-06-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

Wow, this will be short, but I just finished watching the 19 hole playoff of the US Open and that was some of the most intense round of gold I have ever witnessed. Tons of props to Rocco Mediate. I really feel for the guy that he did not win it, he really put on a show.

Tiger, wow. Two days in a row, he needs a birdie to have a chance on 18 and he pulls it off, just incredible. This will go down as one of the greatest tournaments ever. This wasn't his prettiest win ever, but he got it done --and with some serious magic-- when he needed it most. Tiger is the greatest, bad knee and all.

FOX "News"

2008-06-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt in my mind that the media shapes America's perception on most issues and generally do so with a bias leaning one way or another. That is just the facts of life and you accept it and just try and form the best opinion you can, I guess. However, recently the people over at Fox have really veered out of control with some ridiculous and highly offensive remarks.

I will admit, I really can't stand FOX News as they have some of the most annoying and irritating people(Hannity and O'Reilly) heading up their programming. I generally try and avoid channel 42 like a gas station. With that being said, I still cannot understand for the life of me why the two individuals in the videos below said the things they said. Are these not professionals on national television? Their comments seem so off base that they don't seem to be mere slips of the tongue.

Whatever the case, if you feel these two comments are in no way offensive, then I feel sorry for your pathetic ignorant soul.(That may be a little much, but whatever)

Mr. 600

2008-06-10T08:35:00.001-07:00

It took a little longer than expected, but last night Ken Griffey Jr became just the 6th person in MLB history to hit 600 home runs. While he is the third of his generation to reach the milestone(Bonds, Sosa) he is undoubtedly the only clean one to accomplish the feat since Hammerin' Hank. This certainly cements his legacy as one of the greatest players of his generation and of all-time.

I have been a huge Griffey fan since his days in Seattle and it brings me a lot of joy to see him finally reach this mark. Its a shame his body has broken down on him or otherwise he would most likely be past 700 by now. In his prime, there was no more exciting player to watch whether at the plate or in the field, The Kid was always worth the price of admission.

Here is an excerpt from Tim Kurkjian of ESPN.

"It is easy to look at 600 and wonder what might have been with improved health. But it is easier and more fun to remember Griffey at his best, a wondrous athlete who streaked through the outfield, climbed an outfield wall and made a catch that only Mays could make, then the next inning, hit a ball to places that very few players could reach. Six hundred home runs is a tremendous milestone, but Griffey at 100, 200, 300 and 400 was simply breathtaking."

Do yourself a favor and watch this Griffey highlight reel, its baseball at its finest.

The Truth (set them free)

2008-06-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I am back and even took some more time off from the blogging. Anyway, last night was game 1 of the finals and if all the games come down to 4th quarter this should be a pretty interesting series. And just for the record, I do NOT think this matchup was orchestrated by the league, it just happened this way.

So I missed the first half for my softball game(which we dominated by the way) but who really needs to see the first 2-3 quarters of a basketball game anyway. Well, I take that back, at least the 3rd quarter part because that is where the game turned.

Things were looking pretty grim for the C's when, trailing by 4, Paul Pierce went down hard and had to be carried off the floor. I'm not a doctor, but when I see a professional athlete carried by his teammates I know it can't be too good. You could feel the "new garden" deflate as the fans let out a collective "there goes the finals". Then, just about 10 minutes later the crowd starts to erupt and ABC cuts to a shot of Pierce emerging from the tunnel with a little hop in his step. Now as corny as this sounds, I will admit that I felt some goosebumps watching this scene. I grew up seeing the clip of Willis Reed coming out for game 7 of the finals when he wasn't supposed to be walking and how great that scene was. This was equally as good, probably better because I was witnessing it live, in the moment. Man I really am a sports nerd.

Anyhow, it gets better as Pierce comes out and drains two straight 3's to give the Celtics the lead again and the place was going absolute bonkers. On a team that touts the "Big Three", the truth was, last night THE TRUTH saved the Celtics season. Now the question turns to whether he can even play game 2.

ATTENTION: Special Announcement

2008-05-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

All my loyal readers might be disappointed with this bit of breaking news, but I will be in sunny San Diego until June 1 and may not post too much new content. Tough, I know. But you can all learn to deal with it.

Good day.

Tweaking/Speeding Up Vista

2008-05-20T09:39:00.001-07:00

This last week, my in-laws were visiting. My mother-in-law brought her laptop with her and had asked me to take a look at it as it had been acting "funny" lately. I knew that this laptop was fairly new and because of that it had come with Vista Home Premium installed.

I booted up the laptop and immediately noticed that it was ridiculously slow. Now this can't be completely attributed to Vista as there was more than enough "bloatware" running at startup. My first task was to start removing all the crap that came pre-installed and after about 30 minutes this job was complete. I rebooted, but was still shocked by how slow it was and how much system resources were being used(nearly 900Mb of memory). I haven't used vista too much, but I knew that I would need to disable some things to get it to be a little more responsive. I spent a couple hours finding some tricks and tips to help and have compiled my list below.

Here are my concise results:

Turn off Windows Search Indexing

Windows Vista search indexing is always monitoring your system and indexing files and settings so you can find them quickly using a search. Nice feature, but it kills performance, so I disabled it.

Click Start then Computer
Right Click the C: Drive
On General Tab, Uncheck Index this drive for faster searching
On the subsequent dialog box, Select Include subfolders and files

Turn off Remote Differential Compression

Remote Differential Compression allows data to be synchronized with a remote source using compression techniques to minimize the amount of data sent across the network. This can screw up performance and I don't think its really needed in my mother-in-law's case.

Open Control Panel
Switch to Classic View
Select Program Features
Choose Turn Windows features on and off
Scroll down and uncheck Remote Differential Compression

Turn off Automatic Windows Defender Operation

This tool might be ok, but I will use AVG instead.

Open Control Panel
Select Windows Defender
Choose Tools from the top menu
Select Options
Uncheck Auto Start at the bottom of the window

Turn off Automatic Disk Defragmentation

Defragging your disk periodically is important and helps performance, but its not necessary to do it constantly. That is just killing performance. (Just do it manually once a month or so)

Click Start then Computer
Right Click the C: Drive
Select the Tools Tab
Uncheck Run on a schedule

Turn off Windows Hibernation

Windows hibernation background services can use a large amount of system resources. If you don't use the Hibernate feature on a regularly, get rid of it reap the performance rewards.

Select the Control Panel then Power Options
Click Change Plan Settings
Click on Change Advanced Power Settings
Expand the Sleep selection
Expand the Hibernate After selection
Crank the selector down to zero
Click Apply

Disable Excess Windows Features

Get rid of this stuff that is useless anyway.

Clicking Start then Control Panel
Select Program Features
On the left panel, select Turn Windows Features on or off
You can safely deselect:
o Indexing Service
o Remote Differential Compression
o Tablet PC Optional Components
o Windows DFS Replication Service
o Windows Fax & Scan (unless you use a modem for faxing)
o Windows Meeting Space (unless you use the Live Meeting Service)

Disable uselsess startup services

I suggest following this comprehensive list over at blackviper.com. This will show you what can and should be disabled or set to manual(can be done safely).

Turn off the resource consuming visual effects

These look nice, but they kill performance, so I got rid of them.

Clicking Start then Control Panel
Click System and Maintenance
Click System
Click Advanced System Settings
Click Settings under Performance
Choose either "Let Windows chooose..." or "Adjust for best performance"
I recommend"Adjust for best performance" and then manually enabling anything that is
an asbolute must have for you.

Lastly, don't "upgrade" to vista. Stay with XP and be content!

If you want a good laugh read this. That was one of the first articles I read and it outlines "tips, tweaks and techniques" to speed up vista. Getting better hardware doesn't constitute tips, tweaks and techniques" if you ask me.

NBA Playoff Scheduling Sucks

2008-05-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

What is up with the NBA playoff schedules? Every year I have a hard time understanding how and why they schedule the games like they do. It has never been more of a confusing experience than this weekend, when there should have been two game 7s to watch and enjoy and sadly, I missed the only one that was actually played.

Rewind back to Thursday night, when the Spurs evened their series at 3 games apiece with the Hornets. After the game I wasn't paying too much attention, but I could swear that I heard the commentator say that game 7 would be on Monday. I didn't give it much thought until the next day and starting thinking about it. That would mean days off on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Seemed a little bit odd to me. It got even more confusing when after the Cavs sent their series to a game 7 I saw that they would be playing less than 48 hours later on Sunday. Make sense?

Not to me. I am sure it has something to do with ratings and demographics and crap, but why does one series merit a full 3 days off while the other is given just one complete day to rest? The real kicker for me was that I stupidly assumed that the Cavs-Celtics game 7 would have a Sunday night primetime start. Boy was I wrong and I found out the hard way as I got home yesterday around 4:30, headed over to espn.com and was shocked to see the game had already concluded.

Seems like a great way to market one of the league's best players and the best team, by playing a game 7 matinée on a Sunday. Not only that, but apparently I actually missed a great game with 2 amazing performances. Needless to say, I am pretty irritated and still confused. Someone please explain to me whats going on here.

All Hail Cardiel: John Cardiel Featured On Epicly Later'd

2008-05-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

As the Gonz would put it, "John Cardiel is an original, he's an original coors". Nobody rips quite the way John Cardiel has over the years and not too long ago this skateboard legend was almost lost for good. On a road trip down under he was run over by a trailer being pulled by a tour van. The prognosis from the doctor was that he would never walk again. Defying the odds, Cards is back at it again, riding his bike and skating in pools. Definitely the most inspiring story in the skateboard world.

Luckily for us, Patrick O'Dell decided to do an episode for his Epicly Later'd videos on Cardiel and share it with us. This turned into an epic full-length film that takes you inside John's life and shows just how raw the dude is. The video compiles interviews, old footage, and thoughts from his friends to give you a perspective on just how gnarly he is. There is some questionable language so I have displayed the parental advisory image we are accustomed to, but this is definitely a must see(put it on mute if you have to).

I have included the youtube video here, its in like 14 parts or something and down below there is a link to the full avi version.

Full video here: All Hail Cardiel

Categories: Skateboarding, EpiclyLater'd, Cardiel, AntiHero

Restore Missing Tabs In Display Properties

2008-05-13T08:25:00.001-07:00

This is a fairly peculiar issue and I am still not real sure what the cause of it was. Normally when you right-click on the desktop it brings up the "display properties" dialog box and with it 5 different settings tabs. For some reason, I had lost all of those tabs and only the "themes" settings were showing. I realized this problem after hooking up a second monitor to my desktop computer and attempting to configure the display settings. I am inclined to believe that this was a result of some kind of malware infection so I went through the process of running some spyware and antivirus scans to make sure I got everything cleaned up. After running through some scans and subsequent removal of detected issues I booted back into windows and started looking for answers.

I first found that there is a temporary fix for this issue, but not something I was content with. I noticed that when I opened the display properties dialog box, if I changed the windows theme and then clicked "apply" it restored all the other tabs and I could use them. However, after closing and then reopening the "display properties" again, the tabs were once again missing. I wanted a permanent solution.

I fired up a google search and immediately found what looked to be a problem solver. Google pointed me to a great site that I have visited many times over the last few years, kellys-korner. On this site, there was a registry key that claims the ability to restore all the display tabs and I initially felt that this would be the fix as I have used some of the tips and tweaks on the site and never been let down. This time, however, was different as the registry key had no effect and did not solve the issue.

I went back to google and continued to search for a solution when I stumbled upon a forum that was discussing this very issue. The original poster of the thread had the exact issue I was experiencing. As I read through the posts I could see that he was not getting anywhere with any of the suggested solutions, but then he finally posted back that he had found a fix for this problem. For convenience sake, I will post the steps to fix this problem here, in a concise manner.

1- Download this file: WindowsShell.xml
2- Copy that file into c:/windows
3- Navigate to c:/windows/system32 and rename comctl32.dll to oldcomctl32.dll
4- Go to C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\... and find the newest copy of comctl32.dll (there may be multiple copies of the file, so find the newest) and copy it into c:/windows/system32
5- Reboot the system and all the tabs should be back!

Thats it, fairly simple solution to pretty annoying problem. By following these simple steps you will go from no tabs to having all your tabs back in about 2 minutes.

Have a nice day.

Categories: Computers, Tech, PC, Windows, Troubleshoot,

Hillary's Camp Seems To Be Getting A Little Lazy

2008-05-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

Head on over to HillaryClinton.com and you will see a video discussing the gas tax plan and Barack Obama's opposition to it. The clip goes over the same old stuff, but the hilarious part is the newspaper "clipping" that they use. Here is an image

While the actual text is blurry the headline is big, bold and most importantly clear. But upon further inspection(click on the image to see it in a larger format) the text can be read and the content more or less understood. The problem? The text has nothing to do with the headline. The Clinton campaign clearly took an arbitrary story and put their own bold headline on it. I guess they couldn't find a story with a headline that fit their message, so they made their own. Don't you just love the Clintons? They will stop at nothing to win including fabricating the news!

Here is the link to the video on the Clinton site: http://www.hillaryclinton.com/video/182.aspx

Kobe wins MVP or Lifetime Achievement Award?

2008-05-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

By now everybody knows that Kobe Bryant was name NBA MVP for the 2007-2008 season. Amazingly, by winning the award this year he tied the record for most seasons before winning an MVP trophy(Karl Malone, 12 seasons). A lot of people have been saying that they couldn't believe that this was his first MVP and that makes a lot of sense when you consider the astronomical numbers he has put up over his career. But that can be easily explained when you consider he was Robin to Shaq's Batman for most of his career and the post-Shaq era in LA has been the Kobe show and not much else. Heck, even Shaq, one of the most dominant players ever only won the award once.

Which brings me to this question, was Kobe really the MVP of the league this year or was this just a career make-up call? I am inclined to go with the latter because while the Lakers had a great year and Kobe is the best player on the planet, he didn't mean the most to his team.

This year was a history maker on a lot of fronts and was probably the best season in the post-Jordan Era. So many great storylines and with it some amazing individual seasons. For my money, there were 4 legitimate MVP candidates this year: Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, and Kevin Garnett.

All 4 players had terrific seasons and made a big impact on their respective teams and for what its worth I think Kobe did the least. Let me explain.

First, lets take Kevin Garnett. He wasn't the only off-season addition to the Celtics, but he was by far the most valuable. He brought a level of intensity that has not been seen in Boston for 2o years and it showed as the Cs posted the largest single-season turnaround in history, going from the second worst record in the league(24-58) to the best(66-16). To me, the trade for KG was a franchise saver for the Celtics, it kept Pierce happy and transformed the team completely. He did more than Kobe, thats all I can say.

The case for Lebron is simple, he posted a 30/8/7 this year and once again leads a truly pathetic squad into the playoffs and he isn't done yet. Lebron missed 7 games this year and what do you know, the Cavs lost all 7 games. The King doesn't even have the benefit of a decent coach either, as I am still wondering what city league the Cavs found Mike Brown in. Without Lebron in the lineup, the Cavaliers would be one of the worst teams in the NBA every year, they are that bad. His numbers were head and shoulders above Kobe this year and he actually does something once he gets to the playoffs. LBJ will get his, but just not this year.

Then you have Chris Paul, who is already chiseling out his bust for the Hall of Fame after the ridiculous year he had. In only his 3rd season he elevated a franchise(Hornets) and a city(New Orleans) from the lowest of lows to the highest level of the league. CP3 put up a 20/10 this year, the first such season in 15 years! Paul, barely pushing 6 feet, is probably the biggest man on the court in any game as he is the best point guard we have seen since Magic, who had an extra 9 inches in height. True, the Hornets do have a decent supporting cast of David West, Tyson Chandler, and Peja Stojakovic, but lets be honest, Paul makes the team tick and the Hornets are a truly synergistic team where the team is more than the collective talent it possesses. Without CP3 at the helm, this team wouldn't win 35 games, maybe not 30. Chris Paul should have been the MVP.

The simple fact is that Kobe was not the most valuable player in the league. His numbers were almost exactly the same last year, so the argument that he is distributing the ball more doesn't h0ld water for me. The Lakers had key additions of Derek Fisher and Pau Gasol this year and the young guys got better. How any player can publicly lambaste management and throw the entire team under the bus and less than a year later be called "most valuable" is beyond me. The simple truth is that Kobe is in a good situation this year and the league decided it had a great excuse to finally make Kobe MVP. Heck, even Jack Ramsey said he took into account Kobe's entire career when making his decision. Kobe is the best, just not the most valuable. Somewhere, Susan Lucci understands what I mean.

Don't agree? I would love to hear your comments, feel free to let me know your thoughts.

Categories: Kobe, MVP, NBA, Basketball, Lebron, CP3, Garnett

Girl on skateboard gets PWNED!

2008-05-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

This is why 99.9% of all chicks should steer clear of a skateboard. Especially when the skateboard is near a hill and said chick is wearing flip-flops and and a sporty version of daisy dukes.

Categories: skateboarding, slam, bomb, hill,

DVS Presents Dudes Dudes Dudes

2008-05-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

I just peeped the new video by DVS entitled Dudes Dudes Dudes and I gotta give the boys some serious props. There was very little hype surrounding the project and in what seemed like a months time, a very legit offering is available for free. I strongly encourage you to check it out.

After one viewing, all I gotta say is that Torey Pudwill is on some next level crap. The kid is rapidly developing into one of the dudes to watch and if keeps it up will certainly achieve legend status, and that is saying a lot. Some notables from his part were his nollie heel crook on Hubba, ridiculously long back tail on grass gap ledge, his nollie heel on flat over a fire hydrant and craploads more. I need to watch it a couple more times to let the madness sink in. Established pros better check themselves as dudes like Torey and MikeMo are about to take over!

Check out the full video at the DVS Site

Categories: DVS, Skateboard, Videos

Portable Applications: Computing On The Go

2008-05-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

In my search for computing perfection I am always testing out new applications. The main drawback to this is the fact that many applications still persist in small ways after they have been uninstalled. Oftentimes I will navigate into my "program files" directory only to find that after removing a program via the control panel there is still a folder bearing said program's name holding a few worthless files. I hate this and the fact is, thats only the beginning of the hidden remnants of the application. There are generally changes made to the registry each time a program is installed and after removal these changes can persist. Take for instance the scan I recently made on my registry using CCleaner. The results contained missing dlls, unused file extensions, invalid icons, uninstaller reference issues, old start menu keys, and many more.

You just don't know whats going on behind the scenes. True, there are products, like the aforementioned "CCleaner" that can clean up these issues for me, but wouldn't it be nice to just test out applications without every having to install them? That is where portable applications come in.

In my eyes, portable applications are the greatest invention since peanut butter m&m's. On my little 1Gb thumb drive I can carry with me most any application that I would need on any given day. It also give me the opportunity to test-drive a new application without even installing it. That's the beauty of these things, they don't create any files or folders, they don't change any Operating System settings, and they do not make entries in the registry! You can run the application and get a feel for its effectiveness and then if you really like it, you can install it in your system. But you don't have to, you can just keep using the portable version if you are so inclined.

One great feature about many of these portable apps is that they will save your user settings. If you use portable firefox, you can add bookmarks, install extensions, or make other customizations and the savings will be preserved for your next use, no matter what computer you are on. This is a handy feature if you often use public computers and want to feel like you are always using your own settings.

I have found many portable applications from various sites and packaged them up into on archive. You can find some of these useful applications over at portableapps.com, while others are scattered across the interwebs. The archive is divided into different categories with various applications in each. Here is a breakdown of what is included:

Development
KompoZer (easy-to-use web editor similar to Microsoft Frontpage or Dreamweaver)
Notepadd++ (alternative to notepad in windows, great for writing code)
xampp (complete web, database, and ftp server)

Games
DosBox (emulator to run old dos games)
Joleem (fun puzzle game)
Mines (minesweeper clone)
Poker TH (Texas Hold 'Em style poker game)
Sudoku (you know what this is)

Graphics & Pictures
GIMP (free powerful alternative to Adobe Photoshop)
Google Picasa 2 (photo organizer)

Internet
Filezilla (ftp client from mozilla)
Firefox (web browser from mozilla)
IE 7 (web browser from microsoft)
Pidgin (IM client that allows you to use all of your IM accounts at once)
Putty (free telnet and SSH Client for Windows and Unix platforms)
Thunderbird (Email client from mozilla. Alternative to Outlook)
Windows Live Messenger (IM client from microsoft)

Music & Video
Audacity (free, open source software for recording and editing audio)
BookEnc (free audio extractor, encoder, and converter)
VirtualDub (video capture/processing utility)
VLC (video player, plays pretty much any video available)
WMP11 (windows media player)

Office
Foxit Reader (PDF reader)
GnuCash (financial management software)
OpenOffice (free alternative to Microsoft Office)
PDFTK (PDF editor)
Sunbird (calendaring and task management application)
Thunderbird (Email client from mozilla. Alternative to Outlook)

Operating Systems
Damn Small Linux (50Mb Operating System that can be booted of CD of Flash Drive)

Security
AVG (AntiSpyware and AntiVirus tools)
CCleaner (Crap Cleaner, cleans all your hidden crap)
Keylogger Detector (detects and removes dangerous keyloggers from your pc)
Spybot - Search & Destoy (AntiSpyware tool)

Utilities & Tools
7-Zip (Compression and archiving tool)
Eraser (secure file-deletion and data wiping utility)
InfraRecorder (free CD/DVD burning solution for Microsoft Windows)
KeePass (free/open-source password manager)
Recuva (utility to restore files that have been accidentally deleted)
Toucan (app for to synchronise, backup and encrypt data)
WinDirStat (disk usage analyzer and cleanup tool)

And more! Try out some of these portable apps and you won't be disappointed. Take your favorites with you on the go. Portable computing, it doesn't get any better, or less intrusive.

Download: Portable Apps Archive (7-zip archive)
If you need 7-zip, get it here or here.

Categories: PortableApps, PC, Computers, Tech, Install, Uninstall, Applications

Setting Up A Router: I'm A Moron

2008-05-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

So, this week our next-door neighbors finally moved and with it went our access to free internet. They had qwest dsl and I had configured my router over there so that we could tap in to their broadband connection. Anyhow, Tuesday evening I went over to www.comcastoffers.com and signed up for internet access through comcrap again, probably the 5th time over the last 3 years(Tip: if you have any kind of comcast cable already, don't get pro-installation, they don't do anything besides hook up your modem and put the MAC id in the system. The CSR can do that for you just as easily). 6 months @ $19.99 is pretty good and I will have to fine tune my haggling skills before October to try and preserve a decent rate thereafter.

Well, with the internet hooked up I just needed to get my router(D-Link DI-524) hooked up and we would be set. So I grabbed it and without much thought, hooked it up and hoped it would just work. Of course it didn't and I go through this everytime I hook it up. Yeah, I am an idiot. I took about 20-30 minutes and tried messing with the way I hooked it up, turned it on, etc. Nothing seemed to work and so I decided to admit defeat(once again) and search for the install guide online. I found it and if, by some small miracle, any of you(yes you, the, perhaps, 1 person reading this) have this router maybe it will provide some help for you.

So I went through the first few steps and hooked it up in the order that the document specified and what do you know, it actually worked. Funny how things go like that. So I breathed a sigh of relief and then went through the wireless setup wizard and it killed my connection! I was irritated to say the least and I decided then that wizards suck and that I could configure this crap on my own(I never learn, do I).

So I start over and go through the steps, and confirm a working connection. This time I just went into the wireless section and manually put in my SSID(network name), password, etc. Only problem was that I kept getting this error message saying "key1 can not be blank". Key1 being the password for the network. It seemed odd to me as I clearly had a 10 digit password, but I googled it anyway and it seems that there is some bug with firefox and the router's setup that causes this issue. All it took was logging into the router(192.168.0.1) via IE and it all worked great. Saved the changes and at long last I had a fully functional wired/wireless network.

So in summary, if you are smarter than me that means 1 of 2 things: a- you are smart enough to actually remember how to set things up(or know it anyway) or b- you are smart enough to just consult the install guide from the start to get the specifics. Also, if at all possible, avoid those dang wizards and manually configure(if its simple enough).

And to any of you out there who have asked for my computer assistance in the past, I hope I have not lost your complete and total confidence. Have a nice day.

Install Guide: http://www.google.com/Fftp.dlink.....

Categories: Wireless, Router, Internet, Broadband, Comcast, ComcastOffers.com, DI-524, Install, Network

Politicians: They All Have Shady Connections

2008-05-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

In the wake of the Jeremiah Wright controversy, it has become clear that Barack Obama maintained a relationship with a figure who is very controversial and downright disrespectful in many eyes. These types of relationships become exponentially damning when one of the parties is in the national spotlight, running for president. I would definitely agree that some of Wright's remarks are uncalled for and extremely hateful and Obama needed to distance himself from his former pastor. Obama also publicly denounced Louis Farrakhan after receiving his endorsement. Candidates connections have become indictments on their own character and I think it only makes sense that potential presidential nominees distance themselves from overly controversial figures, unless of course they share the views and sometimes hatred of their endorsers.

This brings me to John McCain and some endorsements that he has received and yet has not publicly denounced. Most notably, I am left to wonder why McCain has not denounced and rejected Reverend Rod Parsley's endorsement, the same Parsley who campaigned alongside McCain in the run up to the Ohio primary. Parsley, like Wright, is no stranger to controversial and offensive statements. Let me be clear, I am not trying to compare the two, just their endorsement. In fact, it would be a better comparison to liken Parsley to Farrakhan as both endorsed a candidate who they don't know on a personal level. Obama, after much public scrutiny, denounced Farrakhan and his endorsement, mainly because the media demanded it. Why hasn't the media done the same with McCain and the endorsement by Parsley? I could quote a few lines from some of Parsley's sermons or books, but this video does a much better job.

I hope that Senator McCain does not really believe that Parsley is a "spiritual guide" as he refers to him at a campaign stop. Surely McCain does not believe in an all out war against Islam. I would hope that McCain can draw a contrast between practicing Muslims and extremists. Clearly Parsley does not. I am not Muslim, but I still find these remarks highly offensive, that just because a person does not believe in the Christian God said person is an enemy of Christianity? Reverend Parsley must believe in a different Jesus than I do.

I hope that John McCain will step up and denounce and reject Parsley and show me that he is willing to run a clean campaign free of hate speech. In so doing he will give me another reason to seriously consider him for President of the United States of America.

Categories: Endorsements, Poltics, McCain, Obama, ReverendWright, Parsley, Reject, Denounce

New Way To Price Gas

2008-05-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

I saw this image at www.nytimes.com and couldn't help but post it up.

Gas prices are getting out of hand, but we might as well get used to it because nothing is changing anytime soon. Personally, I will have to try and find ways to conserve my fuel supplies by carpooling and other means, but the reality is that consumption only continues to increase and even with drilling in the US, that oil is sold at world prices anyway. We are screwed!

Will Hillary Please Sit Down(And Shut Up)

2008-05-07T14:45:00.001-07:00

If you head over to hillaryclinton.com you will be greeted by this image of Hillary thanking Indiana and North Carolina and then prompting you to be a part of history by contributing 5 of your hard-earned dollars. I am not real sure why she is thanking the good people of Carolina and Indiana as they combined to increase Barack Obama's lead in the popular vote and delegate count last night. Additionally, I am not sure what history there is to be made at this point, but if you were willing to sacrifice your money for the Clinton campaign, historically speaking, that would be the biggest waste of cold hard cash in any of our lifetimes.

It is clearly time for Hillary to close up shop and gracefully bow out of the running for president. She is losing in every conceivable metric besides super delegates where her lead has been cut to 10 and it looks as though Obama will pull ahead in that category soon. Unfortunately for the American population, we will have to collectively endure the Clinton delusions a while longer as she has vowed to press on in her uphill battle.

After she declared victory in Indiana last night she claimed the tie had been broken and she would now be pressing on to the White House. What fantasy land does she live in? And why was she so willing to dodge any mention of North Carolina? Oh, thats right, while she squaked out a 1.5% victory(roughly 14,500 votes) in Indiana she was getting absolutely blitzed in the Tar Heel State to the tune of 56% and 220,000+ votes. The night was a colossal failure and after she so confidently declared that the "tide had turned" after winning in Pennsylvania a few weeks ago, she now finds herself in the same hole she was in before.

Here is a quick breakdown of the last 3 major primaries: Pennsylvania, Indiana, and North Carolina respectively.

Hillary
Pennsylvania: received 1,260,444 votes(55%) and 85 delegates
North Carolina : received 651,710 votes (42%) and 46 delegates
Indiana: received 643,963 votes(50.6) and 37 delegates

Obama
Pennsylvania: received 1,046,220 votes(45%) and 73 delegates
North Carolina: received 874,611 votes(56%) and 62 delegates
Indiana: received 629,424 votes(49.4%) and 33 delegates

Total For All 3 States

Clinton: 2,556,117 votes(50.0574%) and 168 delegates
Obama: 2,550,255 votes(49.9426%) and 168 delegates

As you can see, after Hillary had her big "game changer" in Pennsylvania, well she basically gave it all right back. In the last three contests they are virtually tied in the popular vote and are tied in the count that actually matters, pledged delegates. Including her huge victory in Penn, she has gained absolutely no ground on Obama despite the fact that he has been dealing with the Wright controversy. Now who is the more electable candidate? Even with missteps, Obama is still leading by big margins. The Clitons can spin it any way they like with claims of electability, readiness, or experience, but if it was just about the aforementioned attributes, why have a primary election? Thats right, because it doesn't matter how much you think of yourself (Hillary), its the American people who decide who will represent them in Washington.

At this point there are 217 pledged delegates to be had. In order for Hillary to even pull even with Obama she would need to win 193(88.9%) of them. Hillary, sorry, but you lose. Clearly the time has come for the Clintons to, for once, admit defeat. If she wasn't such an egomaniac she would gracefully drop out now, but there is nothing graceful about Hillary, or any Clinton for that matter. Heres to a McCain-Obama race come November.

Categories: President, Election, Campaign, Hillary, Clinton, Barack, Obama,

Gas Tax Holiday Is A Joke

2008-05-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

I will admit, when I first heard about this I thought it sounded like a pretty good idea. The more I have learned about it and actually crunched some numbers for myself, I can see that it will have little to no impact on me personally and probably for anyone in the country.

First off, lets look at the savings from this proposed "holiday". The proposed idea would suspend the gas tax from memorial day to labor day, which is about 15 weeks. Currently, the federal gas tax on a gallon of unleaded fuel is 18.4 cents. I fill up my car about once per week and my gas tank holds 17 gallons of gas. Quick math shows that for each fill-up I will save $3.13. Not exactly putting a ton of money back in my pocket. So over the course of the summer I would expect to fill up at least 15 times(once per week) but since I usually drive more during June, July, and August, I will add 6 additional fill-ups, 2 for each month, that would bring my total to 21 fill-ups for the summer. The math shows I would save a grand total of $65.69. Lets see, over the course of 3 months I saved $66, not even $25 a month. And that's assuming the oil companies don't decide to raise prices to make up for the difference. Basically its like the government giving you a punch card that gives you a free fill-up after every 20th purchase, big deal.

The real question is how will the government make up for this lost tax revenue? When Hillary was on Larry King Live she said, "I would also consider a gas tax holiday, if we could make up the lost revenues from the Highway Trust Fund." She failed, however, to detail just how "we" would make up those lost revenues. I would venture to guess "we" meaning me and other tax payers would foot the bill in some other way which would result in no actual savings. Also, the Highway Trust Fund is not some trivial thing either, this is the fund used to maintain and upgrade roads and highways across the country, which by the way, has a 2009 shortfall of $2-3 billion. Not to mention the fact that roads and bridges across the country are already in need of repair, anyone remember the bridge that collapsed in Minnesota.

Clearly this gas tax, which is already temporary, will not provide any kind of long-term solution to our country's energy needs. One of these days the government is going to have to accept the fact that we can't be so dependent of foreign resources. We have enough in the US anyway.

I am sure there were some good intentions when this tax suspension was thought up, but our country needs real solutions, not just temporary change in an election season. Who can really bring the changes need to sustain our country? Clinton, Obama, McCain? Hopefully one of the three are capable and true to their word of wanting to restore America to the great country it was and can once again become.

More info provided by "Ross":
http://www.asce.org/reportcard/2005/index.cfm
http://www.asce.org/pressroom/news/display_press.cfm?uid=4172

Categories: Politics, President, Election, GasPrices, Myth, Clinton, Obama, McCain

End Of An Era? Spurs Look Old and Done

2008-05-06T09:07:00.001-07:00

In watching the Spurs get dismantled two games in a row by the upstart Hornets, two phrases have come to mind, "A series doesn't truly begin until the home team loses" and "Don't ever count out the champs". Now I said these two phrases came to mind, but I just don't feel they are applicable this time. Unless something changes drastically over the course of the next few days, I think its time to stick a fork in San Antonio and call it an era.

I was definitely one of the non-believers this season as I watched the Hornets steamroll opponents all the way to the #2 seed in the West. I didn't think they had the experience yet to truly contend for the title. After their first 7 games of the playoffs, and especially the last two games, you could say I have "seen the light". Chris Paul has made me a believer and this Hornets team looks poised to try and win it all. But this is more about the fall of a dynasty than it is a rise of a new one. And the writing is on the wall for the Spurs.

In a league that seems to get younger every day, the Spurs more closely resemble and old-folks home. Their roster has an average age of 31.5 years. Contrast that with the up and coming Blazers who only have one guy over 30 who doesn't play anyway. Their is a definite youth movement in the West, but the Spurs have not jumped on the wagon, yet. Amazingly, they only have 4 guys under 30 on the roster and only one of them, Tony Parker, plays more than 13 minutes a night. In fact their starting rotation + Ginobili have an average age of 32.1 years and they aren't getting any younger. It may have seemed premature to sound the death-toll 2 years ago when the Mavs finally got past San Antonio in the playoffs, but I think their winning run last year had more to do with circumstance than being the best team. Regardless, I think that was the last hurrah for the current Spurs roster. The West is good, but it is also amazingly young.

The Lakers, the number 1 seed in the playoffs, average just over 26 years per player. Fisher is their only regular who is over 30 and they have a large group of young guys who play significant minutes. This Lakers team grew by leaps and bounds this year and with youth on their side, should only get better. With Kobe in his absolute prime years(28-32) I wouldn't be surprised to see another 3-4 year run where the Lakers win multiple championships. Remember, MJ was 33 when he got his 4th ring, Kobe is only 29 and looks to have a team that can get him to the Finals for the next 5 years.

Then we have the above-mentioned Hornets. Their team is a little older(27.6 avg age), but lets be honest, at 23 Chris Paul is the best point guard and a top 5 player in the game. There success is more about his ability to be a field general than the talent he is surrounded by. However, the trio of Paul, West, and Chandler (average age of 25) will be the core of a formidable lineup for many years to come. If the Hornets can find/groom a replacement for Stojakovic over the next 2-3 years they will be set for the next 10. Watch out!

Moving along we have the Jazz, who after a few down years have reloaded with a ton of young talent and a familiar pick and roll combo in Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer. The average age of the team is just 25.3 and they already have experience playoff success with their run to the conference finals last year. Williams, for my money, is just a notch below CP3 but just as talented and is already one of the most confident guards in the league. Look for him to continue to turn into the 2nd best if not #1 point out there. Throw in Brewer, Milsap and the gang and you have a young team that is grounded in tough play and defense but can get out and run with the best. The Jazz will be a force for many years.

The last team I wanted to highlight actually didn't make the playoffs this year, but the league was put on notice of their impending rise. The TrailBlazers, with an average age of just 23.9, are on the come up and teams better start checking their rear-view mirrors. This Blazers team is young and stacked with good talent. Plus they get a lottery pick this year. Their core of Roy, Aldridge, Oden, Frye, Jack, Blake, and Outlaw have an average age of just 23.4 years! They had their ups and downs this year and finished at a respectable 41-41, but they showed they could play with the best putting together a 13 game winning streak and being in contention for the playoffs most of the year. The Blazers will rise to the top and if they can keep their core together, could be possibly become a future dynasty.

Looking at these teams, its clear that if the Spurs want to continue to dominate, they will have to start infusing their lineup with young talent. They looked old and tired in the first two games against the Hornets and I can't see any reason why that would change. Maybe I am wrong, maybe they will get re-energized back at home, but I am afraid I am right and I just don't see them winning 4 of 5 from New Orleans. The Tim Duncan era has been amazingly fruitful for San Antonio, producing 4 NBA titles and a perennial contender for 10 years. Unfortunately, every great team, every great era must come to an end and that time is now.

Categories: NBA, Spurs, Championship, Playoffs, Duncan, Young, Lakers, Jazz, Hornets, Blazers, Dynasty

Tim Tebow: A True Role Model

2008-05-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow is coming off a season in which he rushed and passed for over 20 touchdowns and became the first sophomore in NCAA history to win the Hiesman Trophy. But all the success, awards, and accolades have not gone to his head. Tim Tebow remains grounded in what he is truly passionate about, sharing his faith and trying help others.

While most college students spend their spring break partying in any number of tropical locations across Florida and Mexico, Tebow took his time off and traveled to the Philippines to provide help for those less fortunate than he. Bob Tebow, Tim's father, set up an orphanage many years ago in the Philippines as part of an organization to help those in need. The family, including Tim, even lived there during parts of the 1980's and 1990's. It has taught Tim to certainly have a perspective in life and to always lend a helping hand. During Tim's recent trip to the Philippines he spent time with orphans, spoke about his faith in schools and market places, and even assisted doctors during medical procedures. Tebow said he removed cysts from patients and performed a few circumcisions.

Recently he made a trip to a Gainesville correctional facility where he spoke to inmates and shared a message of hope. Here is an excerpt from that day.

"Everybody is telling me I've made it," Tebow told the inmates. "They tell me, 'Tim, you have success and you've made it.' I've won the Heisman Trophy, so I've got it made, right? One day, people are going to forget about me. One day, people are going to forget about the Heisman Trophy, the jump pass and the national championship. One day, this [championship] ring is going to rust. There are only four things that are going to last forever: God, his word, people and rewards.

"Because I'm so passionate about it, and because I learned that gift so early, I don't want to go to heaven and hear Jesus tell me, 'Tim, why didn't you tell someone else about it?' It's a choice each of you have to make. I can't make that choice for you. Your friend can't make that choice for you. It's up to you. No matter how bad your life has been, eternity can be great. It's not how you start, fellas, it's how you finish."

Whether or not you agree with his message of faith and eternal life, you can't deny that he understands that life doesn't evolve around touchdowns and championship rings. He understands that life is about being a great person, lifting those around you up, and trying to make things better. Tebow has his head on straight and its obvious to those around him.

Gator football coach Urban Meyer had this to say about his star QB:

"If anybody ever knew the complete story about Tim Tebow, most people wouldn't believe it," Meyer said. "Every time he does something like this, it's not the first time he's taken his personal time to do something for someone else. Nothing surprises me about Tim. There's a skeptical side to all of us. We think, 'They talk the talk, but do they really walk the walk?' I can't say I've met many people that do, but Tim is definitely one of them."

I hope Tebow keeps talking the talk and walking the walk. He has a great opportunity as a star quarterback to teach kids more than just the X's and O's, he can teach them to become good people that do good things. And Heaven knows we need more of that in this world.

Categories: Gator, Football, College, Charity, Faith, Hope

Tracy McGrady Is Not An NBA Great

2008-05-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

Tracy McGrady is a great athlete with incredible skills, and as much as I enjoy watching him perform he doesn't qualify as a great player in my eyes. Not until he makes a deep run in the playoffs and let me clarify, just getting out of the first round isn't enough.

McGrady has certainly put up some great individual numbers during his 11 year career including nearly 17,000 points, 4600+ rebounds, and over 3500 assists. But truly great players save their best for when it counts: cruch-time in the playoffs.

In watching the first round series where the Rockets took on the Jazz I thought it was laughable that the commentators kept praising McGrady and deflecting blame from him. They kept referring to the fact that he has the 4th highest playoff scoring average in NBA history. Do I care? He has never played a meaningful playoff game(conference semis, conference finals, nba finals) in his entire playoff career. I don't care what numbers you put up every year on your way out the door, show me what you can do when its game 6 or 7 of the conference finals and you have your backs against the wall. This years playoffs showed just why McGrady is not an NBA great, although he still has time.

McGrady led his Rockets to a 55 win season(22 game winning streak), including a 31-10 mark at home, and homecourt in the first round of the playoffs. Then they inexplicably lost the first two games of the series(at home!) to a Jazz team that went 17-24 on the road this year(worst for a western playoff team). McGrady barely showed up in the 4th quarter of the first 4 games, managing just 12 points total while his Rockets found themselves in a 3-1 hole that they would not overcome.

Flash back to last year, where the Rockets once again held homecourt advantage. They took a 2-0 lead in the series which usually means the series is over. Here is what I mean, "When the home team wins the first two games, they win the series 94.2 percent of the time." Well, the other 5.8% of the time, it must be a Tracy McGrady led team. Despite this lead, and also holding a 3-2 advantage after 5, the Rockets failed when it counted and the Jazz won game 7 on the Rockets' home court to advance to the secound round.

It continues. Going back to 2005, the Rockets were matched up with the Mavericks. The Rockets, despite being the lower seed, won the first two games in Dallas and returned home to Houston needing only to win 2 out of their 3 home games to put the Mavericks away. Instead the series went the distance, in which Houston ultimately lost 4 out of 5 games and got completely steamrolled in game 7, losing by 40 points!

Last, I will get back in the time machine and head to the 2003 playoffs where the McGrady led Magic held a 3-1 series advantage over the heavily favored Pistons. After the game 4 victory McGrady was quoted as saying how wonderful it was to "finally be in the second round (of the playoffs)". Orlando, however, would go on to lose games 5, 6, and 7 by an average of over 20 points a game. McGrady pulled a major disappearing act averaging only 25.6 ppg on 36% shooting after dominating the first 4 games.

Here we have 4 major opportunities and not once could T-Mac close the deal. You can't place all the blame on T-Mac, but if you are a superstar, then you have to find ways to win. Even though Lebron plays in the Leastern Conference, he still has never failed to reach the second round, even leading a pitiful team to the finals last year. All players have their failures, but 7 playoffs and 7 first round exits leads me to believe that McGrady is a prolific scorer at best and a choker at worst. Tracy said it best the other day:

"It's my fault," McGrady said. "It's my fault we missed free throws. It's my fault we lost both games. Blame me. It's my fault we fouled to tie the game up. That's my fault. It's my fault they get easy layups. It's my fault we're not executing well on the offensive end. It's my fault a couple people in the stands ordered Heinekens and they got Budweiser. It's my fault. I'm sorry."

Even though that quote is laced with sarcasm I hope T-Mac is sorry, because guess what, it is his fault. Thats just the facts of life in a star-driven game and league.

Categories: NBA, Playoffs, Rockets, McGrady, Failure

PC Welt WinRar 3.62 Giveaway

2008-05-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

PC Welt(German PC World magazine) is giving away free licenses for WinRAR 3.62 (supports multi-core CPUs and Windows Vista). Here is what you need to do:

1- Download version 3.62 of the application and install
2- Download the registry key here that will allow you to activate the app.
3- Copy the key file you downloaded in the folder you installed the apllication in step 1 (most commonly, "C:\\Program Files\\WinRAR\\").

Thats it. You now have a fully licensed copy of winrar 3.62. Big thanks to PC Welt Magazine!

Categories: PC, Computers, Tools, Windows

Arto Saari On Alien Workshop

2008-05-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

This is crazy news. I heard it about 2-3 weeks ago over on the Slap Boards, but I couldn't really take it too seriously. Looks like the "rumor" was in fact true. Seems to be a serious hit to the Flip squad. Just in the last couple years Bastien left, Shane passed, Ali is in jail and now Arto moves on, crazy times over at the Flip camp. Here is what fellow ripper and Flip team rider Geoff Rowley had to say:

"As from today, Arto Saari is no longer riding for Flip Skateboards, and has found a new home at Alien Workshop.

Everyone at Flip wishes Arto the best for his future with the Burton family, and are in total support of this move for him.

"Arto is like a brother to me. After years of being on the same team with the same goals it was time for him to move on. We remain the best of friends and will continue to skate together probably harder and probably more so than ever!!! I wish him all the best and as a brother, I shall always have his back"

-Geoff Rowleyx

I am still in a bit of shock, but I am sure its the best for Arto and I hope he has a bangin' part in the new Workshop vid "Mind Field". I guess we will always have is epic Sorry part. Do yourself a favor and watch it, you won't regret it. It's an all-timer.

TWS Press Release: http://www.skateboarding.com/article.jsp?ID=1000060000&type=news

Categories: Skateboarding, Flip, Alien, Workshop

NBA Supsension Policies Are Backwards Part 2

2008-05-02T21:23:00.000-07:00

David Stern and Co. have struck again. In game 5 of the Cavs-Wizards series Washington reserve forward Darius Songaila inadvertently struck King James in the jaw after the two got tangled up under the rim. This was the reasonring from NBA executive vice president Stu Jackson, "Songaila's contact was not made in the normal course of a basketball play, and he struck Lebron James in the face, and by rule receives an automatic suspension". I am not quite sure how this foul wasn't in the "normal course of a play" as Lebron had the ball, he went in for a layup and their arms got tangled. That play happens 50 times a game and this one just happened to result in a hand getting in a player's chin.

Anyway, what I can't really understand is that the NBA has upgraded other fouls in this year's playoffs to flagrants 1 and 2, but yet they didn't feel the need to upgrade this "hit" from a technical to a flagrant, seems interesting to me. Heck, even Lebron didn't think this was the hardest foul of the series. When James was asked if this was the hardest foul yet he responded by saying "No, no. Probably about 10th."

I can think of at least 4 plays where there was a pretty hard foul or serious contact with an official. Watch all 4 and tell me which warrants a suspension.

1. Here we have Jason Kidd slamming Janerro Pargo down by the neck.

2. Brendan Haywood uses a forearm shove to send LBJ flying onto his side

3. Kevin Garnett pushing a referee forcefully

4. Darius Songaila hitting Lebron in the mouth

Personally, I would rate the clips by seriousness in the following order:

Kevin Garnett gets an automatic 1 game suspension(at least) for making contact with a referee. That is pretty much standard policy no matter the case. You can't shove a ref for any reason no matter if they completely blow a call.
Jason Kidd definitely deserves a suspension for the way he violently grabbed Pargo by the neck and threw him down. He could have seriously hurt the dude. You can see Kidd gets him by the neck and could have let up, but instead pulled really hard. No place for that.
Brendan Haywood made a pretty hard foul on LBJ that I would say is borderline. I think the league probably got this one correct. It was a hard foul, he didn't make a real solid play of the ball, but he didn't use all his force either. Just a shove to let Lebron know he was there.
In my opinion the foul by Songaila should have been just that, a simple personal foul. Their arms got tangled and his kind of whipped out and hit Lebron in the chin. If he wanted to deck Lebron, he would have. The league, once again, screwed this one up and badly.

Clearly the suspension on Songaila was basically a "makeup call" for the entire Wizards-Cavs series. There were plenty of other hard fouls, but this was hardly one of them. This is just a case of David Stern and Stu Jackson trying to flex their muscle and show everyone who really runs the league. Somebody needs to tell these egotistical suits to get over themselves.

Categories: NBA, Basketball, Playoffs, Lebron, Suspension

Maximum PC: Free Magazine Archive

2008-05-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

For all you computer geeks out there Maximum PC has made their archive (back to December 2005) available online in downloadable PDFs! I love this trend in magazines providing their content online for free. Earlier I highlighted SI's online archive which is great, but Maximum PC takes it one step further by allowing you to actually download the archived issues and take them with you. Here's two thumbs up for to the guys over at Maximum PC for doing a great job! As great as the online archive is, if you like the content they offer I encourage you to get a full subscription.

PC Mag Archives

Categories: Tech, Computers, PC, Magazines

Tim Thomas

2008-05-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

No, not the baller, this dude is a straight up killer. Kinda reminds me of Dr. Z, which is saying a lot. This is the second video I have seen of this dude, unfortunately the first was removed from youtube and I can't track it down. Hard to believe that this dude isn't ruling for some big-time sponsors. Peep this footage and enjoy.

Categories: Skateboarding

Skateboarding in an Abandoned WaterPark

2008-04-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

This looks like some serious, yet dangerous, fun!

Categories: Skateboarding, Dyrdek, MTV, Waterpark,

Top 10 Worst Pitching Contracts Of All Time

2008-04-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

In the wake of Barry Zito's demotion to the San Francisco Giant's bullpen I started to ponder the subject of the worst free-agent signings ever. With Zito in the forefront of my mind, I shifted the focus to pitchers exclusively. After just a little bit or research and poking around it didn't take long to compile a fairly lengthy list and it only contains contracts going back to '97! I guess MLB clubs weren't so willing to throw around money way back in 1990 like they do today. Lets make it rain!

Honorable Mention: Kevin Millwood
Lets get the ball rolling with a relatively recent signing. Millwood signed a pretty fat contract in 2006 with the Texas Rangers. The terms were 5 years and $60 million. When the contract was finalized the Texas faithful were ecstatic. Maybe they would like their money back. Millwood has compiled a mediocre record of 27-28 with an ERA of 4.67 through the first 2+ years of the deal. 2008 has to be a big year for him to validate such a large contract.

10- Hideki Irabu
It wouldn't be a top 10 list without an entry by George and the Yanks. Unfortunately, for them, they make the list more than once. Irabu joined the Yanks in 1997 and promptly was give $12 million over 3 years for doing absolutely nothing. Over the 3 years he was a pedestrian 29-20 with an ERA of 4.80. Apparently he worked more on his belly than his pitching as The Boss once referred to him as a "fat pussy toad" after some weight gain. Steinbrenner became so disgusted with Irabu, and probably himself for signing him, that at point he barred him from the team. If only George would have learned.

9- Roger Clemens
Here we go again, yet another bonehead move by the Evil Empire. A nearly 45 year old Clemens somehow negotiated a pro-rated contract of $28 million dollars which turned out to be about $18 million for the last 4 months of the season. $18 million for a 45 year old? George's delusions reached new heights in '07. Clemens went on to pitch just as his age would indicate and it was not stellar. He was 6-6 with a respectable ERA of 4.15, but hardly the numbers you expect for the highest single season contract in history. His old body only managed 17 starts and a paltry 99 innings, not even giving 6 innings/start. Clemens laughed all the way to the bank with roughly $3 million a win or $182,000/inning.

8- Jeff Weaver
Weaver was the beneficiary of not 1 but 2 terrible contracts. Granted, they were only 1 year each but Weaver earned about $17 million over two seasons posting an absurd record of 15-27 with an ERA of nearly 6! Looks like someone finally learned, however, Weaver now pitches in the minors.

7- Denny Neagle
The first of two horrific signings for the Rockies. Neagle, a former 20 game winner, certainly had above average numbers prior to signing this huge deal with a career record of 105-69. Unfortunately for Colorado, his best days were behind him. Neagle only pitched 3 years of the contract, sitting out the 4th year with injuries going a combined 19-23 with an ERA of 5.56. The only saving grace for the Rockies was that Neagle apparently was an idiot and was busted soliciting a prostitute. The Rockies promptly terminated the 5th and final year saving them about $10 million. Still $41 million for 4 years and 19 victories is one of the worst ROI in baseball history.

6- Chan Ho Park
For whatever reason, the Rangers don't have the best of luck with starting pitching. They threw $65 million at Park for 5 years of work and got very little in return. Park pitched 3+ years for the Rangers and got the rest of his money bags from the Padres. For 5 years of work and a $65 million pay-day Park turned in a record of 33-33 with a terrible ERA of 5.56. It makes sense that he only won 33 games, he managed only 19 starts a season during the course of the deal.

5- Kevin Brown
When Kevin Brown inked his deal in '99 how could he help but grin from ear to ear. Despite being 34 years old, he just signed the biggest contract in baseball history(at the time). The record deal would pay him $105 million for 7 years of work. Did the Dodgers really think he would be worth $15 million/year at the age of 40? Brown was clearly closer to the end than the beginning as he posted a record of 72-45 over the 7 years. He managed just 19 starts and 10 victories during the span while never once leading the Dodgers to the playoffs.

4- Darren Dreifort
Dodger entry #2. This contract wasn't the biggest financial bust, but it has to be the biggest bonehead mover ever! Scott Boras worked his magic and got the Dodgers to offer Dreifort $55 million for 5 years. One big problem, Dreifort had a career record of 39-45 only once posting an ERA below 4. On top of that he had arm problems that the Dodgers were well aware of, he never pitched for another MLB club. Lets just say it didn't quite work out for LA. Dreifort only lasted 3 years of the contract posting a record of 9-15 with an ERA of 4.63. He managed just 26 starts while working 205 2/3 innings, normal workload for a single YEAR!

3- Carl Pavano
Now we get to the good stuff, the TOP 3. Here we have yet another Yankee, that makes #3! Pavano made the most of a career year in 2004 parlaying that into a 4 year $40 million dollar contract with the Yanks. Pavano's career numbers stood at 62-64 with a decent ERA of 4.22. He pitched very well in the '03 playoffs and coming off a solid '04 season was expected to be major contributor on a Yankee team looking to get back to the Series. Then they started playing games. In the last year of the contract, Pavano has only won a nonsensical 5 games. That is not a typo, he has only won 5 GAMES! I know the Yanks have had some absurd contracts, but paying a guy $8 million per victory has got to be some kind of record. Needless to say, the Yankess can be happy to know they will be rid of him come the end of the '08 season.

2- Mike Hampton
The second, of two horrid contracts for the Rockies that set the franchise back at least 4-5 years. The terms of Hampton's record contract (highest for a pitcher at the time) were 8 years and$121 million. Hampton never did well with the Rockies and after only 2 years and and a record of 21-28 (5.75 ERA) they dealt him to Florida. In total, the Rockies were/are on the hook for $49 million. Unfortunately this contract has victimized not one but two clubs. The Braves took over Hampton's contract in 2003 and they must have regretted it ever since. They have shelled out just under $49 million to Hampton, getting only 32 victories in return, and not a single start in all of 2006 and 2007.

Drum Roll Please......

1- Barry Zito
Yes, Barry Zito, the same name that inspired this list also tops it. Zito, a former Cy Young winner for the Oakland A's signed the richest pitching contract ever(at the time) in 2006 for a reported $126 million over 7 years. While Zito had gone 57-46 for the A's from '03 to '06, many baseball scouts and GM's felt Zito was no better than a #3 started, let alone a staff ace. The Giants rolled the dice anyway, and the house won, big! Zito, not even 2 years into the contract has already been demoted to the bullpen. In the 1+ years of work, Zito has compiled a pathetic record of 11-19 with an earned run average near 5. In 2008, prior to being sent to the pen he was 0-6 with a 7.53 ERA. Talk about failed investments. It doesn't look like the Giants have a 20 game winner in Zito, but by taking him out of the rotation maybe they can prevent him from being the first $100 million 20 game loser.

Categories: Baseball, Contract, Pitching, Bust

The Vault: Sports Illustrated Opens Up Its Past To Everyone

2008-04-29T12:28:00.001-07:00

Sports Illustrated really hit it out of the park with this one. Many of you may already know that SI has decided to archive pretty much everything in its 54 year history and make it available for public consumption. You can access it all at http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/.

I grew up with a subscription to SI for about 5 years and remember going out to the mailbox every week to see who would be on the new cover and what stories there would be. Now I can access all of the great articles in one place, without ever leaving my seat! It was a psychological battle for me to finally carry the boxes of old issues to the dumpster years ago and I thought I would regret that decision for the rest of my life, but thankfully the Sport's Gods have smiled down on me today.

Its amazing how fun it is to take a look back at all the failed predictions and dated advertisements. Here is a gem taken from a '98 article that stills makes me sick to my stomach, "What does seem reasonably certain is that, warts and all, both Manning and Leaf should develop into at least good NFL starters." I guess that mistake didn't set the Bolts back to far, I mean they only gave up two first-round picks, a second-round pick, reserve linebacker Patrick Sapp and four-time Pro-Bowler Eric Metcalf. Ouch!

Maybe I don't want to relive the past. Nah, I am a glutton for punishment, bring it on!

Categories: Sports, Illustrated, Vault, Magazine, Archive

NBA Supsension Policies Are Backwards

2008-04-29T09:40:00.001-07:00

After watching game 4 of the Mavericks-Hornets series I am left dumbfounded by the decision not to suspend Jason Kidd for the 5th, and most likely deciding, game. The move he pulled was completely ridiculous and if it wasn't for Pargo's ability to get his hands under him quickly it could have been a lot worse. This foul seemed pretty similar to the flagrant-1 assessed to teammate Dirk Nowitkzi when he took Andre Kirilenko down hard in a mid-season game against the Jazz. Dirk was promptly given a 1 game suspension for his hit, while Kidd has been given a reprieve.

I understand that this is the playoffs and the word "playoffs" implies physical play and hard fouls. If I am a Mav's fan then I am probably breathing a sigh of relief that Kidd will live to play another game, but it hardly matters as the allas Mavs are about to get bounced anyway. Besides, it could be argued that the Mavs have been worse since the arrival of Kidd.

This is in stark contrast to the scene in last year's West Semis which was probably the best series of the playoffs, and should have been even better. It was game 4 and the Spurs were looking to take a commanding 3-1 lead in what had already become a very contentious series. However, the Suns had other plans and gained a hard-fought victory in San Antonio in game 4 to even the series. But unfortunately thats not where the story ended.

With 18 seconds to go and the game in hand, Robert Horry body-slammed Nash into the scorers table and tempers flared. Amare Stoudamire and Boris Diaw stood up from the bench to defend their leader, not really getting close to the action, but this would cost them and the Suns dearly. You see, leaving the bench when an altercation occurs is an automatic 1 game suspension. This was an altercation it would seem and both players were sat down for a crucial game 5 in Phoenix. The Spurs went on to win that game and game 6 to clinch the series.

Now you tell me, who made an attempt at causing physical harm on another player? Who was assessed a flagrant-2(the worst type of foul that can be handed down by an official)? Who let their temper get the best of them? Kidd, Kidd, Kidd. Yet he plays another game. Seems pretty ridiculous to me. There is something called the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. Clearly the latter was ignored.

My question is, why couldn't Stern overlook this incident for the good of the game? He could have simply stated that there was no real altercation that occurred and therefore no suspensions needed to be handed down. After all, Tim Duncan had left the bench earlier in the game and walked all the way to the free throw line before retreating. No suspension for Timmy, apparently that wasn't deemed an altercation.

In all of this, I can't seem to wrap my mind around the idea that Jason Kidd can grab an unsuspecting player by the neck, throw him to the ground and not be disciplined, yet 2 players, coming to the defense of their teammate in the heat of battler(and never getting close anyway) are made an example of before arguable the biggest game of the entire 2006-2007 season. I am sorry NBA and David Stern, but you have things backwards.

Categories: NBA, Suspension, Basketball, Stern, Playoffs

Windows XP SP3 To Be Released Today

2008-04-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

After a long wait and much speculation, Windows XP Service Pack 3 will be made available today via Windows Update. Service Pack 3 will include all updates that have been released since Service Pack 2 became public in August 2004. This list of hundreds of updates will include security updates, hot-fixes, and out-of-band releases.

SP3 will include NAP (Network Access Protection) to provide the opportunity to end-users to take advantage of Windows Server 2008. However, there will not be major updates adding Vista functionality to XP. Additionally, IE7 will not be included in SP3, dispelling rumors that this would be the case. SDP3 will also include an update to the Windows Product Activation. Be sure you have a legit license for XP or you will not be able to download SP3 from MS servers.

There are a couple of options when it comes to deploying SP3. It will be made available via Windows Update and Microsoft Download Center with the estimated size through Windows Update being 70Mb and the download being about 580Mb through the Download Center.

SP3 can be easily deployed by installing it on top of SP1 and SP2. One interesting note is that an installation of SP3 does not require SP2 to be installed. So if you presently have not updated to SP2 you can still go ahead and load SP3 anyway. However, SP2 contains many important updates and it is recommended that XP users have it installed.

SP3 is only for x86 users as its updates have already been included in SP2 to for 64 bit installations.

For additional information about SP3 visit the MS Service Pack Site.

****UPDATE*****
Windows XP Service Pack 3 has been delayed indefinitely due to a bug. Here is the latest word from a company spokesman:

"I wanted to update you on today’s planned release to web (RTW) (of XP SP3). In the last few days, we have uncovered a compatibility issue between Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) and Windows XP SP3 and Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1).

“In order to make sure customers have the best possible experience we have decided to delay releasing Windows XP SP3 to Windows Update and Microsoft Download Center.

“To help protect our customers, we plan to put filtering in place shortly to prevent Windows Update from offering both service packs to systems running Microsoft Dynamics RMS. Once filtering is in place, we expect to release Windows XP SP3 to Windows Update and Download Center.

“Until we have published a fix for this issue, we advise Microsoft Dynamics RMS customers to not install either service pack. Microsoft Dynamics RMS customers running Windows XP SP3 or Windows Vista SP1 should contact Microsoft Customer Support Services for additional information.

“The fix is currently in testing and will be available as soon as that process is complete.”

So basically, don't hold your breath.

Categories: Windows, XP, SP3, Service, Pack, Microsoft

McCready Confirms Report of Affair With Clemens

2008-04-29T07:40:00.001-07:00

The mountain continues to crumble around Roger Clemens taking his remarkable legacy with it. This morning, Mindy McCready confirmed that the the bombshell that broke yesterday in the New York times is in fact accurate saying, "I cannot refute anything in the story. Yes, I have known Roger Clemens for a long time. He's a kind and caring man. He's also a legendary athlete."

Clearly, this is a major blow to the Clemens camp as his litigation against former trainer Brian McNamee hinges on Clemens own personal character. Despite Clemens claims that his relationship with McCready was not intimate in nature, McCready has decided to come forward with the truth, sound familiar Roger?

The story broke early Monday morning and alleged that the affair began when McCready was only 15. Roger, thats a little young, don't you think? This certainly does not help Roger Clemens and his fight to clear his name.

Categories: Roger, Clemens, Affair, McCready, Baseball,

Report: Pat Riley to Resign As Heat Head Coach

2008-04-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

Word is that Pat Riley will be stepping down as Miami Heat head coach this afternoon.

Riley led the Heat to the 2005-2006 NBA title when they came back from a 2-0 deficit to the Dallas Mavericks to claim the first NBA championship in the Heat's history. Riley will step down as Heat head coach for the second time, but will stay on with the organization as team president.

Despite winning a championship just 2 seasons ago, the Heat plummeted to the league's worst record this year and is in a transition period as they traded away All-Star center Shaquille O'Neal. Miami, by virtue of the worst record in the NBA, will have the best chance to obtain the #1 pick in the upcoming draft.

Riley resigns as the third winningest coach in NBA history with 1280 victories.

Full Report: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3372092

How To: Rename The Recycle Bin

2008-04-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this little tutorial is not to simply show how to rename a single icon on the desktop, but to illustrate what you can do with the registry and some know-how. Also, before making any changes to the registry, ALWAYS create a restore point in System Restore!

If you have been using a Windows OS for any length of time you will notice that you can rename files and folders to be whatever you want with the exception of a few icons here and there. One of those desktop icons that is difficult to rename is the Recycle Bin. Today I will show you an easy way to change the icon and hover text for this windows icon.

Before starting, make sure you create a restore point using System Restore (Start->All Programs->Accessories->System Tools->System Restore). Once you have that taken care of go to the start menu and click on "run". From there type "regedit" without the quotes. A little program should open up called Registry Editor, this will allow you to alter the Windows Registry. In the left-hand side of the menu you will see five directories, with the first being called "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT", this is the directory tree will be navigating through, so expand the directory structure by pressing "+". Scroll down until you see the directory called "CLSID" and expand that directory.

Scroll down until you find the key "645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E". Click on it and you should see 5 items in the right side of the window. The Default item should say "Recycle Bin". The field we want to edit is 4th one down called "Localized String". Double click on that item and now you are going to edit the "Value data" field. Delete whatever is in that field and type in the new name you want to give the Recycle Bin. I chose "Compost Heap". Click Ok, and then go to the Desktop. In order to see the changes, right click and hit "refresh" and the Recycle Bin will change to the new name.

While you have the registry editor open you can change the hover text as well. Double-click on the "Info Tip" item and change the the value the same way you did the Recycle Bin. Click Ok and then refresh the desktop and when you hover over the recycle bin you will see your new text.

Hopefully this has been a fun little exercise for you and it has shown you what you can alter in windows OS if you look around long enough. Have fun with it, change what you want, just remember to do restore points so you don't completely destroy your OS install.

Have fun!

Categories: Registry, Computer, Tech, Mod, PC, Recycle, Bin, Windows, XP

Wubi: A Linux Noob's Dream

2008-04-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

This morning I downloaded Ubuntu 8.04 and burned it to a cd to begin my ubuntu adventure. Immediately I found an amazing feature that should be very attractive to first time users, its called wubi.

What is wubi you ask? Wubi gives the user an option to install ubuntu just like they would a program in their windows environment. You can do this by popping in your cd and running from there or by downloading the wubi executable and running the installer from your desktop. This great feature gives the user an opportunity to test-drive ubuntu without even worrying about creating new partitions, formatting new file systems, dealing with a different bootloader, or even screwing up the windows install. That is exactly how I chose to proceed this morning and in about 20 minutes I was set. The install could not have been any easier either as I only had to specify where to install it, how much space to allocate, and a user/pass.

You can see from the screenshot that I opted to allocate 10Gb of space on my D drive for the install. After clicking install it simply went to work and about 10 minutes later prompted me to reboot. When my system booted back up I was met with a menu of 2 choices: Ubuntu and Windows XP. Well that was easy enough, I selected Ubuntu and the rest of the install/setup took place. Another 10 minutes and I was logged into my fresh Ubuntu install.

I don't think this process could have been any more simple. The folks over at canonical have done a great job and they clearly understand the apprehensions that windows users have in jumping to linux. wubi truly facilitates this move over to a linux distro beautifully without any disruptions to or abandon of the MS operating system.

wubi is great because it is very discrete in how/where it is installed. It takes up just one directory on the drive and that is the extent of its residence in the windows environment. Easiest of all, if at any point you decide you want to remove the ubuntu install you simply navigate to your add/remove programs menu via control panel and click remove, like any other program.

Wubi, along with Ubuntu are completely free to the end-user. That is not to say that there hasn't been a lot of hard work put in to get them working smoothly. Ubunu is truly a state of the art OS and Wubi will give the opportunity to test this out for yourself with little to no hassle at all. In fact, after my quick installation I decided to come over here to my blog and write this post.

So do yourself a favor, take advantage of wubi and test-drive Ubuntu like you have always wanted to. Love it or not, you can rest assured wubi will make it as easy as can be.

Categories: Windows, Linux, PC, Tech, Computer, Ubuntu, Install

5 Mile Run

2008-04-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

For the last 6 weeks or so I have re-dedicated myself to getting in shape. I really got lazy over the winter and didn't do much of anything in the way of exercise. Its not like I ballooned to 200 lbs. or something, but I gained some and definitely didn't feel great about myself. I was watching TV one day (I know, I know, that is what got me lazy and out of shape in the first place) and saw an infomercial for p90X. It looked like any other workout program, but I will admit, it got me interested and so I googled the workout program. I went over their site(p90x.com) and found that the workout program was fairly extensive, with 12 different videos and multiple cycles. Now, I am not workout expert, so maybe that is normal, but doing a different routine everyday seemed more interesting to me than busting out my wife's pilate video day in and day out. I got my hands on the videos and even bought a pull-up bar and some resistance bands and was ready to go.

I will complete the 5th week of the 12 week program today. I am feeling pretty good and I actually do enjoy the videos, even though they are all about an hour. I have slimmed down about 7-8 lbs. and am generally feeling like I am in pretty good shape again. The funny thing is that while I have been doing this, Sarah has been busting her butt on the treadmill. Maybe you saw Sarah's post about her 3 mile run. That same day, she challenged me to run 3 miles. It was a humbling experience, as I barely bested her time by about 30 seconds. There definitely seems to be something different with distance running that you just don't get without doing the distance part of it. I hit the wall at about 1 mile, but pushed on and eventually finished. About a week later I ran it again, this time turning in a time of around 30 minutes or so, a decent improvement. This morning, I demolished those times.

Now I am not going to claim that these times are great or anything, but for me, I was pretty stoked. I jumped on the treadmill and immediately did about a 7 minute 30 second mile and was feeling pretty good. The second mile was much slower and easier and then I ramped it up for the third mile and finished at 24 minutes and 12 seconds, shaving about 6 minutes off my previous time. I was psyched, but best of all, I felt good. I quickly decided to try and shoot for mile number for by the 32 minute mark. It was close but I got there at the 31:58 mark, a 4th mile of 7 minutes and 46 seconds and I was pretty proud of myself, turning in a decent time on the fourth mile. I kept on going and finished the 5th mile at 40 minutes 40 seconds. Not great, but really good for me. I felt really good and love the rush of pushing myself and getting some results.

Hopefully I can continue to be active throughout the year and it shouldn't be as tough now that warmer weather has arrived. It would be great to get a sub-20 minute three mile run, but thats going to take some time and effort. Its not about running though, just about being active and feeling like I am not a pile of crap.

Categories: Run, Jog, Exercise, Health

Suns-Spurs Game Log

2008-04-25T19:55:00.000-07:00

8:55 pm: Spurs 27, Suns 14
Well, I intended to start this game log from the start of the game, but I should have known that wouldn't happen. Anyway, I was going to say that I think its imperative that the Suns get off strong to dispel any bad thoughts from game 2. Looks like thats out the window. Maybe its not such a big deal, given that the Suns jumped out fast the last two games and lost. Either way, the crowd just seems stunned right now.

00:44 1st Quarter: Spurs 28, Suns 16
This hack-a-Shaq stuff is a joke. I know Shaq should make his free throws, but its just seems ridiculous and it completely slows down the game. Its like stalling with the ball in a High School game; sure, it's an "effective" strategy, but it doesn't make it any less of a joke. Come play, you are the defending champs, are you telling me you don't think you can matchup with the Suns? Clearly, that is not the message that is being sent to the team and viewers.

End 1st Quarter: Spurs 33, Suns 9
The Suns have got to find a way to stop Parker from scoring at will. He is killing them, 13 points and 6 assists in the opening period. I guess he can't possibly keep that up the entire game, right? That sure was a lackadaisical effort by Phoenix in the first quarter, they looked more like a team up 2-0 then a team in a must-win situation. Where is the urgency. Here's hoping to a great second quarter.

11:12 2nd Quarter: Spurs 33, Suns 22
Barbosa is so quick on the break, they need more from him tonight. Good three-point play the old fashioned way.

9:16 2nd Quarter: Spurs 35, Suns 26
Leandro is looking like a man possessed out there. Maybe his aggressiveness will break the Suns out of their funk. Where are Amarie, Shaq, and Nash? Those three need to get it going if the Suns don't want their season to effectively end tonight. Like I mentioned before, with the exception of Barbosa, their doesn't seem to be that sense of urgency yet. The Suns have to get a little bit of confidence seeing every series at 2-1 right now, with every lower seed winning game 3.

5:31 2nd Quarter: Spurs 44, Suns 33
The Suns seem to be playing a little better but the scoreboard doesn't indicate it. They really need to go on a little run here, score 5 or 6 points in a row to pull close and get the crowd going. So far this crowd just hasn't had too much to cheer about.

4:03 2nd Quarter: Spurs 46, Suns 37
Something developing here? Amare is starting to feel it, Spurs get T-ed up and the Sun pull within 8. I am confident that they need two stops and two baskets to completely change the face of this game.

3:02 2nd Quarter: Spurs 46, Suns 39
More hack-a-shaq. Give me a break.

1:42 2nd Quarter: Spurs 52, Suns 41
Just when I thought the tide was about to turn, there it goes, back up to 11. Come on Phoenix, make this a game!

00:48 2nd Quarter: Spurs 57, Suns 43
I think its imperative the Suns get this down to 10 going into half. They need some stops and baskets or they aren't going to have much to hang there hat on going into the locker room. They have got to close out the half on some kind of high note.

00:32 2nd Quarter: Spurs 59, Suns 44
Honestly, what is the point of hack-a-shaq when you are up by 15 with 30 seconds to go? Is Popovich trying to get every fan outside of San Antonio to curse the team/franchise? Everybody hates watching the Spurs as it is (I actually enjoy the team). Adding the hack-a-shaq only makes the experience that much worse, besides slowing down the game to unbelievable levels.

End 2nd Quarter: Spurs 61, Suns 47
So much for that. What a disappointing first half (from an outsider's perspective). I was expecting an all-out blitz from the Suns and I only get another stinker from a usually lethal offense. Going back to game 2, they have now scored a grand total of 82 points in the last 4 quarters. I don't think that if the Suns lose this series that the Shaq trade was a bad idea, but if they get swept, yeah, it was a bad idea.

10:15 3rd Quarter: Spurs 66, Suns 47
Suns better figure something out quick, or this game is over. This is ridiculous, I am just shocked watching this game. The Spurs are just flexing their muscles and dictating tempo.

7:54 3rd Quarter: Spurs 70, Suns 50
Ok, I am going to try and do some reverse psychology stuff right here. Thats it, the Suns are done, stick a fork in 'em. In fact, lets end this series here and now. Can we institute a mercy rule, a la the Little League World Series? Clearly the Suns have nothing and they don't plan on making this a competitive game/series. Once again, in shock.

5:13 3rd Quarter: Spurs 79, Suns 56
The Suns look defeated. They just can't get stops. How can you expect to chip away when you are just trading baskets? The Spurs are not an offensive juggernaut, they were 27th in scoring this season, and they have dropped 79 on the Suns halfway through the 3rd.

2:00 3rd Quarter: Spurs 85, Suns 66
The guys over at TNT just flashed up a graphic saying how the Suns haven't lost three in a row all year. The Suns are cursed now! Thats it, seriously, the game is over. Thats like when the game is on the line and a dude comes to the free-throw line and some idiot announcer says, "This guy is 10 for 10 tonight, hasn't missed yet" and and said dude promptly misses the free throw. Sorry Phoenix, but the game is out of your hands now.

End 3rd Quarter: Spurs, 91, Suns 72
The last 5 quarters: Spurs 139, Suns 107. Forget Hillary's baseless claim after the Pennsylvania primary, the Spurs have truly turned the tide in this series. The Spurs are looking really good right now. Could this be the year they finally repeat? I know its only the first round, but Parker, Duncan, and Ginobili are looking like an unstoppable trio.

9:22 4th Quarter: Spurs 95, Suns 80
I refuse to get excited until the Suns get this thing into single digits. Tony Parker is having an otherworldly game. And Bell just missed two, count 'em, two free throws.

5:31 4th Quarter: Spurs 105, Suns 90
I lied, when the Suns got it to 12 or 13 I got my hopes up a bit, and then they got crushed like a sledge hammer on a water melon.

5:11 4th Quarter: Spurs 109, Suns 92
Can you say "Dagger"? Ginobili just drained a 3 to give San Antonio a 19 point lead. The announcer just said "This has been a disappointing night". There is a nomination for understatement of the year.

3:00 4th Quarter: Spurs 111, Suns 93
Giricek just hoisted up an air-ball. That is pretty much a microcosm of the Suns effort tonight. For what seems like the 50th time tonight, I will once again say that I am shocked. What a stinker of a performance tonight.

GAME OVER: Spurs 115, Suns 99
Technically the game just finished, but this contest was over about 5 minutes into the first quarter. Looks like the Suns will have plenty of time to contemplate the season, the trade, and the future of this team. Rumors have it that D'Antoni could be on the chopping block, which I think is silly.

I still can't believe this, after game 1 I was sure this series was destined for greatness. How quickly it turned into a rout. Or is this just setting up for the greatest comebacks in NBA history? Somehow I doubt it, unless the Suns can channel their inner Red Sox. Whatever the case, I am hugely disappointed in the events that have transpired over the last 2 games.

Well, that was fun, although it would have been more fun if the game didn't suck. Good night.

Categories: Suns, Spurs, NBA, Playoffs

Yankees Unearth A Monster

2008-04-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

Early this baseball season it was reported that a couple of workers enlisted to aide in the construction of the new Yankee Stadium had buried a Red Sox jersey in an attempt to jinx the 'Evil Empire', otherwise known as the Yankees. It was not immediately known if the story was true of it the Yankees would validate the claim by attempting to dig this unknown "jersey" up.

Meanwhile David Ortiz was wallowing in the biggest slump of his career without much explanation for his futility. Ortiz, generally known for his clutch hitting, instead couldn't hit his way out of a wet paper bag. After an injury-filled 2007, he came into camp this year feeling great and looking to regain his old form. But something just wasn't right, and he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Fast-forward to April 14, the day the Yankees let the public know that some Boston-loving joker wouldn't be getting the best of them, that would have to wait 'til October. They released word that they had uncovered a jersey, a number 34 jersey in fact, and were proud of themselves for their great detective work. In hindsight, maybe they should have let that jersey stay buried along with David Ortiz's meager statistics.

In an ironic twist of fate, the Yankess can only blame themselves for unearthing a monster. You see, on April 14th it wasn't just a jersey that rose up from the ground, but it was Bib Papi's bat too. Since that day Ortiz has been on a tear, raking opposing pitching and drawing the ire of the rest of the league. A glance at his statistic will show what I am describing here:

David Ortiz 2008 Batting Statistic
Thru April 13: 3 for 43 (.070), 1 HR, 3 RBI, 6 Runs, 1 XBH,
Since April 14: 14 for 47 (.298), 3 HRs, 17 RBI, 9 Runs, 5 XBH

The Yankees might think that they just put the kabosh on a great prank, that they have once again foiled the plans of Red Sox nation, but unfortunately, the joke's on them.

Categories: Yankees, RedSox, Baseball, MLB, Curse,

Geeks In Love

2008-04-25T12:19:00.000-07:00

Is your girlfriend as big of a geek as you are? If not then you might want to steer clear of the latest paradigm shift in fashion, the cat5 wedding ring.

True, strutting around with your new geek ring at your next LAN party might draw rave reviews from fellow dorks, but I don't think this is going to improve your chances of plugging into someone else's port, if you know what I mean.

Purchase Here

New York's Finest?

2008-04-25T11:41:00.002-07:00

I hate to get all political, but I can't help myself on this one. A great injustice has been served today in New York city as 3 of New York's "finest" were acquitted in the killing of an unarmed man. You may remember Sean Bell, or his name may have already faded into oblivion. One thing is sure, there was no reason this young 23 year old should have died in the early morning hours of Nov. 25, 2006. Sean was out with some friends for his bachelor party, yes that's right, he was to be married later that day, when his life was brought to a quick and brutal end.

I remember hearing this story as it was developing a year and a half ago and shaking my head, wondering why this had to happen. Initially I had assumed an altercation, guns drawn, and the officers having no choice. If only the case were that clear-cut.

On that cold morning in Queens, Sean and his two friends were enjoying themselves like any group would at a bachelor party when officers felt threatened by their presence. An alleged incident occurred inside the club and officers allege hearing that one of them group was going to retrieve a gun. Stories are contradicted by one another and very few know what really happened, but was it really necessary to discharge 50 rounds into that car? I can certainly empathize with an officer trying to protect his life and the lives of others, sometimes you don't get a second chance, but 50 rounds seems awfully excessive. Officer Michael Oliver shot of 31 bullets into the car, seemingly ridiculous amount of gun shots.

In the wake of this altercation gone terribly wrong three officers were charged, and today, all three were found not guilty in any degree. Unfortunately this is happening all too often, as one time is one time too many. In 1999 a similar incident occurred involving Amadou Diallo, an African immigrant, who lost his life in a hail of 41 bullets. In Utah, an undercover officer sat in a residential driveway and when the homeowner came out to talk to him, pulled his gun and shot the man dead. All three victims hold one thing in common, none of them had a weapon.

Being a police officer is a huge responsibility, but I can't help but feel that there needs to be some accountability when a single officer fires off 30 rounds himself. Hopefully these situations do not continue to do the nation, but I can't help but believe that it will only get worse.

Press Release: http://technorati.com/articles/WlWmmWSqHzk7ShrZJX6o3BiRnzrgjiHDEdUl6BqGkgk%3D

Phoenix, I Hope You Were Watching

2008-04-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

Heading into last night's 3 playoff games all three series were sitting at a 2-0 advantage for the higher seed. To be honest, I thought by the end of the night all three would be one game away from clinching their respective series. If you watched Sports Center last night, you would know that I went 0 for 3.

With that being said, I sure hope Phoenix was watching. With the Suns down in their series two games to none, they surely have their backs against the wall, but last night's action must have boosted their confidence a little. It clearly can be done and the Suns have to do it, or face a long summer of questioning the Shaq trade and where this team is headed. At least the guys over at AccuScore think they can pull it off.

I, for one, would love nothing more than for this series to go 7 games. I think it would be one of the great series I have ever witnessed. I certainly hope it lasts more than 4. One thing that is a little disconcerting is the attitude of the Suns players, changing from total confidence in their ability to get past the Spurs to questioning if they will win game 3. Yesterday on PTI, Steve Nash was on the show and he mentioned a couple of times that if the Suns can just get one win under their belt they can get on a roll. I think that is true, but at the same time, I want Nash to make a statement! Come out and say, "We are going to win game 3, the series will change Friday night". I know it might be a little much, but at this point, I think the Suns as a team need something that bold to snap them back into the reality that they beat the Spurs 3-1 in the season series and they can get past them in the postseason.

On a side-note, I know its early, but the Jazz worried me a little last night with their inability to seize the moment. They seemed a little complacent for the most part during the game, but they played an excellent third quarter to take control of the game. However, they just let it slip away in the final period with an opportunity to put the Rockets in a body bag. I am not sure the reason, but they just couldn't seem to do it. Its only one game, but if the Jazz can't win(they need to put Houston away early) come game 4, I have serious doubts if they will advance to the 2nd round.

Ubuntu Hardy Heron Released Today

2008-04-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

Today Ubuntu released its latest desktop edition named "Hardy Heron". I am looking forward to installing this and giving it a whirl. I really like the way the Ubuntu community develops and releases their product with a solid April/October schedule. The newest release should prove to obviously be the best version yet, with an array of upgrades and improved features, including Firefox 3(beta 5). Installation and general usage of this new release should prove to be on-par with xp/vista in terms of user-friendliness. Plus, you can't go wrong with added security.

I am still firmly entrenched in Windows on my main home computer, but have been running mythtv on top of Fedora Core 6 for the last 15 months or so and the idea of going over to linux on my main rig, at least in a dual-boot fashion, is very intruiging. I am by no means a MS hater, in fact I quite enjoy the XP operating system, but it would be nice to go completely open-source and be free of serial numbers, registration, activation, etc.

The nice thing now is that with these linux distros getting more and more exposure, the development is increasing at a much quicker pace leaving the end-user with a great product. I am looking forward to testing the waters a little more and maybe taking the plunge right into the deep-end.

Now I know all you gamers (yeah right, there would have to be actual humans reading this before I could hope any of them game) can't stand the thought of linux because gaming in linux sucks! Well, the wonderful people over at winehq.org have created this great app that allows you to use your windows apps/games in linux. Yes, your games! Check out the list of games that work pretty flawlessly out of the box here: http://appdb.winehq.org/.

So here's to Hardy Heron! Don't forget to use torrent to ease the load.

Desktop
i386: http://releases.ubuntu.com/releases/8.04/ubuntu-8.04-desktop-i386.iso.torrent
amd64: http://releases.ubuntu.com/releases/8.04/ubuntu-8.04-desktop-amd64.iso.torrent

Server
i386: http://releases.ubuntu.com/releases/8.04/ubuntu-8.04-server-i386.iso.torrent
amd64: http://releases.ubuntu.com/releases/8.04/ubuntu-8.04-server-amd64.iso.torrent

Full Press Release: http://www.ubuntu.com/news/ubuntu-8.04-lts-desktop

Trevor Time: The End Has Come (I Hope)

2008-04-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

As a die-hard Padres fan I have been priviledged to watch Trevor Hoffman close the door on over 500 games over the course of the last 15 years. Hell's Bells has become synoymous with "Trevor Time" and his MLB record 90% save rate. Over the years, I have always been pretty confident in Trevor and his ability to bring home the win.

With that being said, I am sad to say that the Hoffman era needs to end. He is undoubtedly the leader of the team, but we just can't count on him to come through anymore, not like in times past. His arm strength has deteriorated to the point that his fastball and changeup are pretty similar in speed and guys are raking against him. And even though I think he is one of the all-time greats, he has rarely come through when we needed him most. He has blown saves in All-Star games, playoff clinching games, and even in the World Series. When it really counts, Trevor has often come up short. It pains me to write these things, but sometimes the truth hurts, bad!

Last October, he broke my heart not once, but twice, in just a couple of days. The 12 straight changeups against the Brewers that ended up costing us our playoff spot were a killer, but the way he got dismantled in the 13th against the Rockies sealed the deal for me. I was in LA on a business trip and my boss and I were watching the game in the hotel restaurant. The game went on forever and when the Pads went up by 2 in the 13th, my boss (Rockies Fan) had seen enough. We got up and went to the elevator. On the way up to our rooms he was congratulating me and I turned to him and said, "This game is not over, you watch, I bet the Rockies pull it out. You can't trust Trevor in this spot". I only wish I was wrong. He got pulvarized in the bottom half of the inning and moments later two phone calls came. The first came from my boss, telling me he couldn't believe what had just transpired, but was happy nonetheless. The second call was from my brother Travis, and we shared a moment of shock together. We decided then that it was time for a new direction. We hated to say it, but we could no longer deny it

Trevor is still probably good for 35+ saves this year, but if you can't be confident in him come September and especially October, what good does it do you?

I love Trevor, he is an all-time great, and one of the best to ever play for my Padres. Trevor, thanks for all them memories, now please retire.

Griffey Watch: # 597

2008-04-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

When you have won 10 gold gloves, knocked in 1700+ runs, and are on the verge of hitting your 600th career home run and people are still saying "what could have been" you know you must be a special talent. The fact that people even ponder the thought of what Griffey could have accomplished is ludicrous. He will go down as one of the all-time greats, despite missing over 500 games due to nagging injuries. To me, he was baseball's version of the "Human Highlight Film". The dude not only jacked home runs with ease, but made the most ridiculous catches, often putting his body on the line. Here's to home run 597 and and the excitement of 598, 599, and 600!

Get Your Game On!

2008-04-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

The other day my I was chatting with my friend Jared and he directed me to a great site called nintendo8.com. This site rules! It has (I think) every nintendo game there is and you can play them all right from your computer, while you work! Its been a while since I knocked out Iron Mike. I think I will go bust him up a little after my lunch break.

One of my all time favorite games on the old NES was Contra. This game was awesome, besides the fact that you could totally cheat and get 30 lives right from the get go. If you don't know the code above or its relevance, then you must have led a sad childhood. But hey, don't feel bad, you can make up for it now! I suggest wasting a few days on the classics: Super Mario Bros 1-3 (2 being by far the best), Excite Bike, Mike Tyson's Punchout, Contra, R.C ProAm, Tetris, Bubble Bobble, crap I could go on forever, but I am wasting too much precious NES time. GO get your game on! After all, the original NES was the best gaming console ever!

And today its smaller than ever.

That's right, some dude put the entire NES inside a game cartridge. Go here for the full scoop.

So anyway go have some fun, waste some time, and eat lots of ice cream in between. You will be feeling like you are 11 in no time.

Up, Up, and Away

2008-04-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

With the announcement yesterday that Jake Long has signed with the Miami Dolphins and will be this years number 1 overall pick, one has to wonder how NFL rookie contracts have gotten so out of hand. Long, out of the University of Michigan, inked a deal worth $57.5 million, with a mind-boggling $30 million in guarantees. All for a kid who hasn't even played a snap in the NFL yet. Even more ridiculous is that Long is also the highest paid offensive lineman in the entire league! Please tell me this is a joke.

Oh, but it wasn't always like this. You only have to go back 10 years or so, to find more reasonable amounts of money (which are still absurdly high!). Lets take a stroll down memory lane.

In 1997 Orlando Pace was the number 1 overall pick. He got the biggest rookie contract ever that year, bringing in a whopping $6.3 million in guarantees. The very next year Peyton Manning turned in the biggest payday for an NFL rookie, raking in $11.6 million in guarantees as part of his 6 year deal. But hey, those two are two of the all-time greats at their position and probably were worth every penny. It gets really silly as we vault forward a few years to 2005 and one Alex Smith. He must be grinning from ear to ear knowing that he snatched away $24 million in guaranteed cash from the desperate 49ers. It makes me light-headed thinking about all that cold hard cash. What a life they must lead.

Its crazy to think that in '98 you could get a Peyton Manning for less than $12 million and only 7 years later teams are throwing $24 million at Alex freakin' Smith! And now and O-Lineman is raking in $30 million for doing nothing? Not to mention the additional money he will make. Thats some serious inflation for ya! Crap, its even more ridiculous than gas prices!

I think we can all agree that going to the pump these days is like taking a shower in a prison. I'll let you figure out the rest. But would it surprise you that gas prices have risen more slowly since the year Orlando Pace was drafted than NFL rookie contracts? Here it is.

1997: Orlando Pace gets $6.3 million in guarantees. Gas was averaging about $1.20 nationally.
2008: Jake Long gets $30 million in guaranteed dough. Gas averages about $3.53 nationally.

Gas prices have seen an almost 300% increase in that time. That crap is absolutely ridiculous. But even more so, the NFL's top pick has seen his first contract rise almost 500%. When some unproven dude is getting paid more than most perennial pro-bowlers you know the economics of the draft have gotten way out of hand.

If Roger Goodel wants to continue to improve the league he needs to take a hard look at these ridiculous contracts and make a change. He has already made some great strides in shaping the league for the future and this has got to be high on the priority list.

What Is This World Coming To?

2008-04-22T11:50:00.000-07:00

I agree with something that this guy says? ------>

I was just reading an article written by none other than Michael Moore and as I was reading it I couldn't help but agree with him!

Basically, he has written this blurb about why everyone needs to vote Obama because of the ridiculousness that is Hillary Clinton's campaign.

While I have not really made up my mind as to whom I will be supporting come November, one thing is certain, it will not be Hillary Clinton.

Here is a portion of the article taken from MichaelMoore.com:

"Seriously, I know so many people who don't care if the name under the Big "D" is Dancer, Prancer, Clinton or Blitzen. It can be Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Barry Obama or the Dalai Lama.

Well, that sounded good last year, but over the past two months, the actions and words of Hillary Clinton have gone from being merely disappointing to downright disgusting. I guess the debate last week was the final straw. I've watched Senator Clinton and her husband play this game of appealing to the worst side of white people, but last Wednesday, when she hurled the name "Farrakhan" out of nowhere, well that's when the silly season came to an early end for me. She said the "F" word to scare white people, pure and simple. Of course, Obama has no connection to Farrakhan. But, according to Senator Clinton, Obama's pastor does -- AND the "church bulletin" once included a Los Angeles Times op-ed from some guy with Hamas! No, not the church bulletin!

This sleazy attempt to smear Obama was brilliantly explained the following night by Stephen Colbert. He pointed out that if Obama is supported by Ted Kennedy, who is Catholic, and the Catholic Church is led by a Pope who was in the Hitler Youth, that can mean only one thing: OBAMA LOVES HITLER!

Yes, Senator Clinton, that's how you sounded. Like you were nuts. Like you were a bigot stoking the fires of stupidity. How sad that I would ever have to write those words about you. You have devoted your life to good causes and good deeds. And now to throw it all away for an office you can't win unless you smear the black man so much that the superdelegates cry "Uncle (Tom)" and give it all to you."

It will be a sad day for me if come November I have to choose between Hillary and McCain. Well, there really won't be a choice as there is no way I could ever support Round 2 of the Clinton Administration. I don't need 4 and certainly not 8 more years of Billary.

Michael Moore might be an idiot, but he is not stupid. Lets hope Obama is the nominee and that we can actually have 2 fairly decent choices come election time this fall.

Full article can be read here:
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=225