No Points
Ok, "fungible" is actually a word and used in the correct context by Sarah Palin but the molecule flagging bit was a little odd. The cool part of the video is the second part and I can't stop watching it.
32 Words Important Words On The Wall Street Bailout
Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency.
Um. Wow. These 32 words will make Henry Paulson the most powerful man in the history of our country and we didn't even elect him.
Essentially, the "mother of all bailouts," which use approximately $750 billion (possibly 1.1 trillion) taxpayer dollars to buy the distressed assets of several failed Wall Street financial institutions, will be conducted in a manner that is unchallengeable by any court and without any oversight by the People's representatives. All decision-making authority will be consolidated into the Executive Branch - who, I remind you, will have the incentive to act upon this privilege as quickly as possible, before the administration leaves office in 43 days. This action will run up the budget deficit by a significant, yet unknown amount, with no guarantee of recovering any of the funds distributed, and no accountability should things go wrong.
There is a chance that this will ultimately end up being profitable for taxpayers but it stresses me out when I realize this deal was conceived in 18 hours last weekend. Both Obama and McCain agree (finally!) that this is very scary stuff. Very.
Amy thinks I'm overreacting and should stop watching the news and reading about it on the web. Though she's usually, ok always right, I'm not so sure this time. I think this is going to be bad.
The Pike’s Peak Dash 9-21-08
GPS Data from our Route on Google Earth
In the Colorado Springs Cycling Club, there are three nutballs that are always the most competitive and always finish first. Steve, Josh and myself. We're all about the same age, the same stage of life and share the same passion for going fast on a bike. With the exception of Josh (who crushes EVERYONE on the climbs), we have the same physical abilities.
A few weeks ago, while ignoring ride instructions at a club ride, we hatched the idea of going to the summit as hard as we could from Barr Camp. Today was the day.
We covered the 12.68 miles in a total time of 4 hours, 54 minutes, 3 seconds and a moving time of 4:04:09. The weather was perfect but we were a little alarmed when we got to Barr Camp and a woman said the temp on top was 15 degrees with a 25 mph wind from the west. Screw it we said and trudged on in our shorts and long sleeve t-shirts.
Interestingly, all three of us had difficulties keeping up at various times on the course. I struggled and was dropped on the 2 miles after Barr Camp but felt the best the higher we got. Not surprising since I've always done extremely well at altitude and generally get better as a race goes on. In an incredible display of timing, Amy appeared in my truck to pick us up at the top and take us back home.
I'll spare you the rest of the banal details but would say this was the most fun I've had since moving to Colorado back in March of 2007. It was a lot of suffering but in fine company and great scenery.
I don't have any group pictures, just memories to hold, that grow sweeter each season, as we slowly grow old (big points for knowing the song and artist!).
Due to the pace, we didn't talk much and took almost no pictures except our camera phones. Here are the pictures off mine:
This was our first glance at the Peak
The Shelter at Barr Camp
Me at the Barr Camp Shelter
McCain Campaign Manager Gets Pwned on Fox News
Wouldn't normally expect this from Fox News but at least somebody's pointing this out. This is a pretty outrageous lie and only strengthens my position that neither candidate has any idea whatsoever about what their campaigns are saying.
Here's some supporting information from independent factcheck.org.
No More Rumors. Lance Will Be Back.
[EDIT: Lance is computer illiterate and was unable to use a Flash player that didn't auto play. I've removed the embedded video and apologize to all of my readers.]
Lance's Comeback to Cycling in 2009
I have to say I'm pretty surprised and though I don't think it's such a good idea, I have to admire his panache. He looks lean, mean and motivated. I like that he made the announcement with a video to put an end to all of the written speculation. 2009 is going to be a very interesting year for professional cycling. Good luck dude.
