Brain Droppings

A poem by Mother Teresa

2011-03-13T23:22:00.000-07:00

Anyway

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

-Mother Teresa

The Housing Boom and Bust

2010-12-09T11:01:00.001-08:00

Here is another take on the problem with the housing market from Thomas Sowell, a noted economist. There are a lot of parties involved with the problem but he places the blame mainly on congress, Barney Franks in particular. Watch the video.

The Irony of Social Media

2010-09-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or does anyone else out there see the irony of this whole concept of social media. So it supposedly allows you to "socialize" with friends, family, distant relatives, classmates, ex-[girl|boy]friends, people who you hardly remember, and some who you wish you had never met. Do you really want them to know what you're up to, or do you really care what they are up to? With all this capability available at your fingertips and just a mouse click away, don't you find yourself socializing more with your computer than with real people? I just wonder.

My 2010 Death Ride Experience

2010-07-12T07:25:00.000-07:00

I first heard about the Death Ride a couple years ago from some fellow cyclists who said that it was something to experience. After last weekend, riding 129 miles and descending 15,000 ft. (yeah I climbed it too), I must say that they were right. It really was an experience, nothing like any other ride I've been on.

I drove to Markleeville on a Wednesday to get a campsite and get acclimated to the high altitude. I set up camp at Turtle Rock park which was also the starting point for the ride. There were already several riders camped out, one guy was Benny who drove all the way from Seattle along with some of his friends from the bay area. One lady drove with her son and granddaughter from Idaho. On Thursday, I went on a ride with a couple guys from Berkeley. One of them, David, had done it twice before. We rode up Kingsbury grade to the top and back, about 57 mi. and 3000' climbing. I was feeling the effects of the altitude, then it got pretty hot on the way back. Even though I got pretty tired, I think doing this ride helped get me ready for Saturday.

Friday was rest day (went fishing but no bites). By this time, the campground was pretty full and the parking lot up the hill was full of people who parked their cars with some who pitched tents and others who just slept in their vehicles. I saw a Siclista friend, Jerry, registering. There were several booths set up and a band was playing. I got my bike and gear ready for the next day and went to bed early. At around 1 am, some dog started barking and kept me up. I never was able to go back to sleep.

I got up at around 3 am Saturday and decided to get started. I planned to leave a little before sunrise but decided to get going since I was up anyway, was on the road around 4 am. I had arm warmers and a windbreaker, but it wasn't enough to keep me warm. It was about 50º and I was shaking from the cold going through Markleeville but I warmed up shortly after beginning the 10 mile climb up Monitor pass. Despite the cold, it was really neat to see all the stars out in the dark night. I briefly chatted with a guy who came all the way from near Toronto. Saw several riders were ahead of me as I watched their red tail lights slowly move up the mountain. Halfway up the climb, it started getting light enough to see the road and the scenery. The landscape changed from pine trees to short brush and wild flowers. The top of Monitor was a sight to see, it was a wide open plateau and you could see the peaks of other snow capped mountains all around. First pass sticker.

The descent down Monitor was really pretty too. Not too many switchbacks so I was able to keep up my speed. Halfway down, I saw people coming back up already. The sun was up but it was windy and cold, especially at the bottom. I just stopped long enough to use the facilities and fill my bottles. I saw Tina from FFBC at the rest stop, she had been training for her first Death Ride as well. Second pass sticker. Climbing back up Monitor was another 10 mi. and I was able to appreciate the view much better going up. Halfway up the climb, there was rather unique water stop. Wasn't really a stop because you kept riding. These boys would get your bottle, sprint ahead of you and fill it up then hand it back to you several yards away. Going down the other side of Monitor was interesting, it was mostly dark on the first climb so I got to see what I missed earlier.

Pirates greeted us at the rest stop before climbing Ebbetts Pass. This was a tougher climb – steep, narrow and windy for another 10 mi. By this time, I got some Semper Fi's and Ooo-rah's for the Marine jersey I was wearing. I chatted with Lance, a retired Master Sergeant, for a bit. More trees and creeks on this climb, steep cliffs too. 3rd pass sticker at the top. The descent was only 5 mi. but steep. I knew I would be climbing back up it. 4th pass sticker at the bottom. Cytomax has been working pretty well, legs felt good, but my feet were getting sore. I took my shoes off and iced them down. Kept my bottles full and snacked a bit before the 5 mi. climb back. It was starting to get warm by now, about noon before going back down Ebbetts. Had to go much slower down this mountain with all the switchbacks and narrow road. Lots of riders still climbing too.

Lunch stop at the bottom of Ebbets, had a turkey wrap and other goodies. Riding back towards Markleeville, I noticed my right cleat was loose. Wind picked up too, mostly got a tailwind back to town. I stopped at Turtle Rock to unload my windbreaker and fix my cleat. Also took the chance to wash my head down and soak my feet for a bit. It was around 2 pm and getting warmer by this time, filled my bottle with ice before the ride up Carson Pass.

I passed up the rest stop at Woodfords and started the climb up Carson Pass. Had to watch out for cars now. They closed Monitor and Ebbetts to traffic but not Hwy 88. This was the toughest climb for me so far. Though not as steep as the previous passes, this was 17 mi. long, temperature in the mid 80s, and a headwind that seemed to mock you as you trudged along. The rest stop at Picketts junction provided little relief. They were out of Cytomax, the water was warm, and they had no more ice for my sore feet. Legs still felt good and was confident about making it to the top. A couple miles of flat road was a welcome site before the last grade up to the top. For about the last 5 miles, you could see the long line of riders climbing up the road and a really beautiful view to the left. Looks like there was a crash just before the summit, saw a bike with the front wheel all bent. I later heard that the rider fell and broke his leg, hope he recovers. Several riders had stopped to rest and some were walking up by now, but I felt I had some left and started getting off the saddle more. I just wanted to get to the top and get my 5th sticker.

Ice cream at the top of Carson Pass, but the water was even warmer now. Took my time to rest my sore feet and a few snacks before the final descent. Going down Carson was a blast, topped off at about 49 mph. I was passing everyone up except for a tandem that flew by me. I tried to draft behind them but missed the chance. I felt really good the last few miles and cranked it up that last hill into Turtle Rock. It was about 6:30 pm, I thought I would be finished earlier but I made it, 5 passes.

This was a really awesome experience. So many riders from different places, riders of different levels, young, old. I saw a young boy of about 14, a couple recumbent riders, about 3 tandems, 2 elliptigos. There were over 3000 riders, people camped out on Hwy 89 and the neighboring campsites for this ride. I can truly say that I would like to do this again. Too bad I didn't have a camera, next time I'll bring one.

Thanks to all the people who gave me tips on training, where to camp, what to do on the ride, and all who gave me support and encouragement.

How Our Economy Collapsed

2010-02-17T14:23:00.000-08:00

The Warning is a PBS Frontline documentary that describes what happened to the derivatives market and how it led to the collapse of our economy. Brooksley Born, then head of the CFTC, tried to warn Congress about the potential failure of this market and the effect it could have on our economy. Unfortunately, Greenspan, several bankers, and Congress shut her down.

America's Arrogance?

2009-12-20T09:55:00.000-08:00

On a trip to Europe, President Barak Obama apologized for America's arrogance. Let's put this in perspective.

Our European arrogance in alphabetical order:
1. The American Cemetery at Aisne-Marne , France .. A total of 2289
2. The American Cemetery at Ardennes , Belgium . A total of 5329
3. The American Cemetery at Brittany, France . A total of 4410
4. Brookwood , England American Cemetery. A total of 468
5. Cambridge , England ... 3812
6. Epinal , France American Cemetery. A total of 5525
7. Flanders Field , Belgium . A total of 368
8. Florence , Italy . A total of 4402
9. Henri-Chapelle , Belgium . A total of 7992
10. Lorraine , France . A total of 10,489
11. Luxembourg , Luxembourg . A total of 5076
12. Meuse-Argonne. A total of 14246
13. Netherlands , Netherlands . A total of 8301
14. Normandy , France . A total of 9387
15. Oise-Aisne , France . A total of 6012
16. Rhone , France . A total of 861
17. Sicily , Italy . A total of 7861
18. Somme , France . A total of 1844
19. St. Mihiel , France . A total of 4153
20. Suresnes , France . a total of 1541

You can read more here.

What will the world be like today without America's arrogance?

Remind those of our sacrifice and don't confuse arrogance with leadership. The count is 104,366 dead brave Americans. And we have to watch an American elected leader who apologizes to Europe and the Middle East that our country is "arrogant"!

How many French, Dutch, Italians, Belgians, and Brits are buried on our soil, defending us against our enemies? We don't ask for praise, but we have absolutely no need to apologize.

Global Warming Scam

2009-01-30T21:31:00.000-08:00

This article describes how the global warming scare got started and eventually became a popular cause by people like Al Gore.

"How did we ever get to this point where bad science is driving big government to punish the citizens for living the good life that fossil fuels provide for us? " writes John Coleman, the founder of the Weather Channel.

Good read - The New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

2009-01-30T16:50:00.000-08:00

This book does a great job of describing the cause behind personal problems - the ego. It describes how your ego can take over your true self and deny yourself that state of happiness or awareness. Throughout the book, he gives examples and quotes from Jesus Christ, the Buddha, and other spiritual influences and gives clear, simple meanings of their teachings. He introduces the concept of the "pain body", how it feeds off of negative energy (anger, depression, envy) and how it works with the ego to keep yourself in that painful state.

This book is more spiritual and philosophical rather than religious or psychological. I have read a few books on psychology, but this book does not try to diagnose human problems in scientific terms, rather it exposes the root cause of our problems in the ego and how we can become aware, conscious, or enlightened.

I recommend this book to anyone.

Words Women Use (and Men Should Heed)

2008-05-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

(I heard this on the radio and thought it might be helpful to Neanderthals like me. I keep a printout in my wallet for quick reference.)

FINE — This is the word women use to end an argument when they feel they are right. Just smile, shut up, and walk away.

FIVE MINUTES — If she is getting dressed, this is half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given 5 more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

NOTHING — This is the calm before the storm. This means "something," and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with 'Nothing' usually end in "Fine."

GO AHEAD (with raised eyebrows) — This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it man.

GO AHEAD (normal eyebrows) — This means "I give up" or "do what you want because I don't care." You will get a "Raised Eyebrow Go Ahead" in just a few minutes, followed by "Nothing" and "Fine" and she will talk to you in about "Five Minutes" when she cools off.

LOUD SIGH — This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing."

THAT'S OKAY — This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

THANKS A LOT! — This is a sarcastic remark. A woman will say "Thanks A Lot" when she is really ticked off at you. You have offended her in some callous way and will soon hear a "Loud Sigh." Be careful not to ask what is wrong after the "Loud Sigh," as she will only tell you "Nothing."

The 3:05 am phone call - a no brainer

2008-04-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

You've seen the ads, a little girl sleeping at night then a phone call to the White house. Who is going to pick up that phone, who is most qualified to be commander-in-chief? But regardless of who gets elected in November, when that phone rings in the White House at 3:00 am warning about trouble in some part of the world, that president whether Democrat or Republican, man or woman, white or black, will be making a call at 3:05 am. That call will be to a duty officer in the United States Armed Forces. A young soldier, sailor, airman or marine will respond in a calm and reassuring tone, "Trouble? Yes Mr. President, we'll take care of it. Go back to sleep Mr. President." Sleep well America, you can count on the young men and women of the Armed Forces to be at the ready and defend our liberty. That 3:05 am phone call is a no brainer.

Global Warming — The Real Threat

2008-03-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

We have all been made aware of the melting ice caps in the North Pole and the starving polar bears left stranded on thinning ice and pretty charts showing increasing temperatures around the world. But people need to realize the real threat from global warming — the Vikings. No, not the football team from Minnesota, but those people from Scandinavia with the furry clothes, long beards and horny helmets. Many of you may laugh at this idea thinking that the only things coming out of that area these days are hockey players and sardines. But back in the 800's and into the 1000's, the Vikings sacked and pillaged many countries across Europe. They even made it across the Atlantic Ocean to Iceland and Greenland. What happened back then? The answer is global warming. Yes, it was global warming that allowed the Vikings to flourish and spread across vast areas. Greenland may not look so green today, but the last time global warming occurred, it was pretty green. These Vikings are an adventurous people, and pretty vicious too. And the only thing that has kept them from going about their pillaging ways has been the cool temperatures we have experienced since the last global warming. But people, be warned! The earth is warming and it is only a matter of time before the Vikings come to power once again. So what are you waiting for? Switch to solar power, replace those light bulbs, take public transit, and eat tofu. If you think you can stand a few more degrees of warm weather, you're not the only one thinking it. The Vikings are coming!