Thursday, February 18, 2010
Photo of the Day - Beverly Hillbillies Dog
I managed to run across this tonight. It seems that a dog was originally written into the popular television show, The Beverly Hillbillies. It never quite made it to final production, but I did find the following picture of the dog. I think that the show missed a big opportunity here.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Photo of the Day - Dog Abuse
The picture below was taken at this year's Westminster Dog Show. The dog in the woman's lap is a long haired Dachshund, but it's problems do not end there. In this candid photo we see the owner and dog just after their time in the ring. Here, the angry owner is in the middle of beating the daylights out of her dog. She has raised a fist to her losing dog and has managed to maintain a wry smile the whole time. Dog Shows are serious business.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Photo of the Day - If you think we were snowed in, think again
We are in the midst of a record-breaking accumulative snowfall this year in Northern Virginia and I have heard several complaints from friends and neighbors about the amount of snow and all of the shoveling, etc. Before we call the waambulance, let's remember that we are in VIRGINIA, i.e., the Southern United States. Let's just be thankful that we don't live in Switzerland like the poor bastard below.
Now that's some snow!
Now that's some snow!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Phoot of the Day - Retarded Dachshunds
This is obviously a shot taken during a weiner dog race. It cracks me up to see these maniacal weiners who lack the ability to stay in their lanes. It looks like a jailbreak from a dog lunatic asylum.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Kara's Surgery
Kara made it through her foot surgery with no permanent damage. She was in the hospital in order to get a protruding bone shaved down and her ligaments moved into optimal position. She went completely under for the procedure and all went well. She is at home and dead asleep (for now). Next up, the right foot.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
NC State retired jerseys
I recently posted an entry that listed all of the retired jerseys for the UNC-Ch basketball program. Several people have asked me what jerseys have been retired for the NC State program. The answer, of course, is one. NC State has retired number 44, brought to national prominence by the inimitable David Thompson.
I made light in my earlier post that UNC-Ch has 6 criteria, one of which must be met in order to be considered for jersey retirement. NC State also has criteria for jersey retirement, but in classic NC State form, it is a much simpler list. In order to have your jersey retired at NC State, you must be considered the "Greatest Player in ACC History". NC State's list is much more impressive.
I made light in my earlier post that UNC-Ch has 6 criteria, one of which must be met in order to be considered for jersey retirement. NC State also has criteria for jersey retirement, but in classic NC State form, it is a much simpler list. In order to have your jersey retired at NC State, you must be considered the "Greatest Player in ACC History". NC State's list is much more impressive.
Who is the greatest player in the history of UNC-Ch basketball?
Today, Taylor Hansberry became the 8th player in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Ch) history to have his jersey retired. The current list includes:
I did a little research this evening and discovered that UNC-Ch has a set of criteria, one of which must be be met in order for a jersey to be retired. They are:
That is a fairly amazing accomplishment considering the number of nationally known players that have played basketball for the Tarheels. I never would have thought that such an obscure player would stand head and shoulders above all others, outshining other UNC-Ch players such as Steve Hale, Ranzino Smith, that white guy that threw Dean Smith out of his office, Danny Manning, that douchebag that broke his wrist at LSU, Bobby Hurley, and the Rubber Man. Wow.
| NC | Jack Cobb | 1926 |
| 20 | George Glamack | 1941 |
| 10 | Lennie Rosenbluth | 1957 |
| 12 | Phil Ford | 1978 |
| 52 | James Worthy | 1983 |
| 23 | Michael Jordan | 1984 |
| 33 | Antawn Jamison | 1998 |
| 50 | Tyler Hansbrough | 2010 |
I did a little research this evening and discovered that UNC-Ch has a set of criteria, one of which must be be met in order for a jersey to be retired. They are:
- Associated Press Player of the Year
- Oscar Robertson Trophy, formerly known as the United States Broadcasters Association National Player of the Year
- National Association of Basketball Coaches Player of the Year
- Sporting News Player of the Year
- John R. Wooden Award
- Naismith College Player of the Year
That is a fairly amazing accomplishment considering the number of nationally known players that have played basketball for the Tarheels. I never would have thought that such an obscure player would stand head and shoulders above all others, outshining other UNC-Ch players such as Steve Hale, Ranzino Smith, that white guy that threw Dean Smith out of his office, Danny Manning, that douchebag that broke his wrist at LSU, Bobby Hurley, and the Rubber Man. Wow.
Helpful Web Links
In the course of my online life, I have accumulated a key set of links that I come back to time and time again. I thought it best to record these for posterity in the event that a reader will need something like this and possibly share their own.
Digital Photography
DPReview - This is the best place to go for reviews, specs, and forums related to digital cameras.
Digital Photography Tutorials - Nice set of tutorials on issues related to digital imaging, particularly for thise with DLSRs.
Acronyms
Acronym Finder - If it's not here, then it's not anywhere.
Book Resources
Book Finder - Especially helpful if the book is out of print.
Book Army - Looking for a review?
Dictionaries
dict.org - My favorite dictionary and the fastest to look something up.
dictionary.com - Good secondary resource, especially if you are looking for a more modern source.
hyperdictionary - Good source for multiple lookups
Motorcycle Parts
Yamaha Parts Catalog - If you need a part for your Yamaha, it's here. The best parts catalog interface I have run across. Complete down to any bolt on any bike.
Conversions
Unit Conversions - Convert any unit to another.
File Conversion - Quick way to convert files when the usual stuff (i.e., Handbrake) isn't handy.
Digital Photography
DPReview - This is the best place to go for reviews, specs, and forums related to digital cameras.
Digital Photography Tutorials - Nice set of tutorials on issues related to digital imaging, particularly for thise with DLSRs.
Acronyms
Acronym Finder - If it's not here, then it's not anywhere.
Book Resources
Book Finder - Especially helpful if the book is out of print.
Book Army - Looking for a review?
Dictionaries
dict.org - My favorite dictionary and the fastest to look something up.
dictionary.com - Good secondary resource, especially if you are looking for a more modern source.
hyperdictionary - Good source for multiple lookups
Motorcycle Parts
Yamaha Parts Catalog - If you need a part for your Yamaha, it's here. The best parts catalog interface I have run across. Complete down to any bolt on any bike.
Conversions
Unit Conversions - Convert any unit to another.
File Conversion - Quick way to convert files when the usual stuff (i.e., Handbrake) isn't handy.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Skeeter (1991 - January 26, 2010)
Today marks the end of another matriarch's reign in the Clark household. Skeeter Anne had complications related to kidney failure, very limited eyesight and the loss of significant muscle tissue and had to be put to sleep this afternoon. Just like with Pepper, Tracy and I were on hand for the final moment. Skeeter managed to last another year longer than Pepper did and died at the ripe old age of 18.
A long life for any dog, the 18 years exceeded the current lifespan of any Clark child, non of whom can remember a day of their lives when Skeeter was not around.
Skeeter was born in Maryland to a co-worker of Tracy's that brought the puppies to work. She was the only female of the litter and by far the smallest. Her mother was an Eskimo dog, but the father's breed was never determined. As such, Skeeter bore little resemblance to her litter mates in both size and color. In fact, she was born gray and developed the blonde hair after she turned a year old.
We will all miss her.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
NCSU vs UNC-Ch Football Tailgating Party (v2009)
We just got back from the Thanksgiving Weekend Tailgating Party hosted by my Uncle Mike (Mike Clark) for the annual in-state throwdown between the NCSU Wolfpack and the UNC-Ch Tarheels. The catered event featured attendance by the whole Clark Clan and made for a very good time. Thanks to Uncle Mike for laying out the green for another year.
We got to the party tent early and the kids spent a fair amount of time bouncing from tent to ten in the Fan Zone looking for all the free stuff. I am not sure what they came away with, but they all were sporting tote bags full of swag before we ate.
As expected, Chuck showed up draped in Carolina Blue, but the sea of red from the parking lot served to minimize the offensive attire.
Dawa and David brought little Hunter to the party and it was the first time that Tracy and I had a chance to see him. Tracy grabbed him as soon as she saw him and just gobbled him up. He was very well behaved and seemed engaged the whole time.
Ché and Natalie also made the event, despite Natalie's proximity to her due date and it was a little hard to believe how much Elle has grown since I last saw here.
The game proved to be worth the hype. It was in-state rivalry weekend all around the nation and State had their work cut out for them. The Carolina Tarheels were ranked #24 in the polls and State had a single victory in the ACC all year. Despite the fact that the Wolfpack entered the game with two consecutive victories over the Tarheels, things looked grim. Things went according to plan and the Tarheels went into halftime with a 24-14 lead. Tracy and the girls went back to the Party Tent to hang out, but I stayed in the stands with Dad and Chuck and was there for the big comeback in the second half. The Wolfpack ground out the second half and walked away with the 28-27 victory.
I took pictures and you can see the album via the attached link.
2009 NCSU Tailgate
We got to the party tent early and the kids spent a fair amount of time bouncing from tent to ten in the Fan Zone looking for all the free stuff. I am not sure what they came away with, but they all were sporting tote bags full of swag before we ate.
As expected, Chuck showed up draped in Carolina Blue, but the sea of red from the parking lot served to minimize the offensive attire.
Dawa and David brought little Hunter to the party and it was the first time that Tracy and I had a chance to see him. Tracy grabbed him as soon as she saw him and just gobbled him up. He was very well behaved and seemed engaged the whole time.
Ché and Natalie also made the event, despite Natalie's proximity to her due date and it was a little hard to believe how much Elle has grown since I last saw here.
The game proved to be worth the hype. It was in-state rivalry weekend all around the nation and State had their work cut out for them. The Carolina Tarheels were ranked #24 in the polls and State had a single victory in the ACC all year. Despite the fact that the Wolfpack entered the game with two consecutive victories over the Tarheels, things looked grim. Things went according to plan and the Tarheels went into halftime with a 24-14 lead. Tracy and the girls went back to the Party Tent to hang out, but I stayed in the stands with Dad and Chuck and was there for the big comeback in the second half. The Wolfpack ground out the second half and walked away with the 28-27 victory.
I took pictures and you can see the album via the attached link.
2009 NCSU Tailgate
Sunday, November 01, 2009
The Big Orange Machine Rolls On
Last night, Kellie's only true passion, competition cheerleading, added another chapter to her life as the BDHS Tigers hosted the first annual Evergreen District championship. Last year the Northwestern District added new members and BDHS splintered off into the new division. The new district has a mere five teams, but this meant that the lady Tigers would face new competition on their hopeful path to the State Championship in Richmond.
One of the new district members, Liberty High School, was the same school that pasted BDHS on Friday night 65-0. The cheerleaders had front row seats to the slaughter and clearly felt that, while paybacks are a bitch, sometimes you have it coming. The Liberty Eagles went first and laid down what looked to me to be a more than competitive routine. Clearly our girls had their work cut out for them.
The Tigers went third, but I did not really get to see the routine because I was acting in my usual role as second-string unofficial team photographer. This meant that I enjoyed my usual view of the performance through the viewfinder on my Nikon. This doesn't allow for the best view of the event and I later learned that they had dropped a stunt. Dropping a stunt means that a girl was lifted into the air and fell down before planned. This is a big blow to the team's score and to add insult to injury, the routine's music was skipping throughout the performance. I was worried, for no other reason that I perceived this event to be their easiest competition yet this year. A quick look to the coach demeanor showed little worry on her part and she is normally a very good indicator of the final outcome.
She was right because when the Tigers' final score was tallied, their additional points for their level of difficulty overcame the drop and they placed first by a relatively comfortable margin. This was a close call for a team that has dominated the competition this year, but realizes that mistakes in the coming weeks will be be very costly as the level of competition rises.
One of the new district members, Liberty High School, was the same school that pasted BDHS on Friday night 65-0. The cheerleaders had front row seats to the slaughter and clearly felt that, while paybacks are a bitch, sometimes you have it coming. The Liberty Eagles went first and laid down what looked to me to be a more than competitive routine. Clearly our girls had their work cut out for them.
The Tigers went third, but I did not really get to see the routine because I was acting in my usual role as second-string unofficial team photographer. This meant that I enjoyed my usual view of the performance through the viewfinder on my Nikon. This doesn't allow for the best view of the event and I later learned that they had dropped a stunt. Dropping a stunt means that a girl was lifted into the air and fell down before planned. This is a big blow to the team's score and to add insult to injury, the routine's music was skipping throughout the performance. I was worried, for no other reason that I perceived this event to be their easiest competition yet this year. A quick look to the coach demeanor showed little worry on her part and she is normally a very good indicator of the final outcome.
She was right because when the Tigers' final score was tallied, their additional points for their level of difficulty overcame the drop and they placed first by a relatively comfortable margin. This was a close call for a team that has dominated the competition this year, but realizes that mistakes in the coming weeks will be be very costly as the level of competition rises.
| Position | Team | Score |
| 1st | Brentsville District Tigers | 238 |
| 2nd | Liberty Eagles | 228 |
| 3rd | Kettle Run Cougars | 202 |
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Are you ready for some football?
I went to the Monday Night Football game in Landover, MD last night and was among the disappointed fans who saw the Redskins get filleted by the Eagles. The game was so bad that the highlight of the evening happened in our section and was far more entertaining than the game. This is a sad state of affairs, especially when you find out what I am talking about. Read on.
In the 3rd quarter, 4 Redskins fans (I would have preferred that they were Eagles fans in this story, but alas they were not) caused a bit of a stir. Two fans, also Skins fans, departed their seats to go grab some frosty beverages. One of the aforementioned Gang of Four took this opportunity to relieve himself on the vacant seats. Yes, he peed in the stands. He managed to do this without any attention from the surrounding fans who were engaged in the game. Well, almost managed, because a young woman in front of them turned around and witnessed the exposed anatomy and stream of urine.
Soon after, the fans returned to their seats, where they were informed by the young woman of the events that had transpired in their absence. Needless to say, this was "discussed", and at length. I had a Philly fan next to me that was appalled by the events and I never thought I would see a Philly fan upset at anything that happened at a game. If you know Eagles fans, this might make more sense.
Regardless, this whole affair transpired less than 4 feet away, so I had a front row seat. Security was summoned and the 4 a-holes moved to another part of the section. Unfortunately for them, there was no lack of people willing to point them out to Security and all four were removed.
Yes, this was far more engaging than the game, which puts this season in a new light. I took young Trey McCormick to the game with me, but I never mentioned this to him and I don't know if he picked up on the events beyond the fact that 10 people were yelling at each other for an entire quarter of play.
The funniest line of the "discussion" came from one of the 2 victims when asked by his girlfriend why he didn't just kick their asses. He replied that he "wasn't going to get locked up in PG County". A wise man indeed.
In the 3rd quarter, 4 Redskins fans (I would have preferred that they were Eagles fans in this story, but alas they were not) caused a bit of a stir. Two fans, also Skins fans, departed their seats to go grab some frosty beverages. One of the aforementioned Gang of Four took this opportunity to relieve himself on the vacant seats. Yes, he peed in the stands. He managed to do this without any attention from the surrounding fans who were engaged in the game. Well, almost managed, because a young woman in front of them turned around and witnessed the exposed anatomy and stream of urine.
Soon after, the fans returned to their seats, where they were informed by the young woman of the events that had transpired in their absence. Needless to say, this was "discussed", and at length. I had a Philly fan next to me that was appalled by the events and I never thought I would see a Philly fan upset at anything that happened at a game. If you know Eagles fans, this might make more sense.
Regardless, this whole affair transpired less than 4 feet away, so I had a front row seat. Security was summoned and the 4 a-holes moved to another part of the section. Unfortunately for them, there was no lack of people willing to point them out to Security and all four were removed.
Yes, this was far more engaging than the game, which puts this season in a new light. I took young Trey McCormick to the game with me, but I never mentioned this to him and I don't know if he picked up on the events beyond the fact that 10 people were yelling at each other for an entire quarter of play.
The funniest line of the "discussion" came from one of the 2 victims when asked by his girlfriend why he didn't just kick their asses. He replied that he "wasn't going to get locked up in PG County". A wise man indeed.
Lumbees and Knives
Last Friday night, Tracy and I went to a local bar to hear some live music, enjoy some satisfying beverages and engage in a little adult conversation. While there, we were introduced to a couple we hadn't met before. After a round of introductions, the common ground of North Carolina was quickly established. After revealing that I had a brother who live in Lumberton, the female half of the new couple revealed that she was a member of the Lumberton police force for three years when she also lived in Lumberton. She didn't seem to exude any sort of law enforcement aura, but I paid that no mind and the evening continued.
Later that evening, I was twirling a butter knife in my hand when she piped up and asked someone to take it away from me. When asked why, she declared that there was nothing worse that a Lum with a knife. At this moment, I realized that she had lived in Robeson County because she knew. How else would she arrive at this venerable truth?
Later that evening, I was twirling a butter knife in my hand when she piped up and asked someone to take it away from me. When asked why, she declared that there was nothing worse that a Lum with a knife. At this moment, I realized that she had lived in Robeson County because she knew. How else would she arrive at this venerable truth?
Monday, October 12, 2009
Operating System Venn Diagram
The following diagram is not my invention, but has stuck with me since I saw it. I think that this perfectly describes the the three major consumer operating systems in use today. Each of the choices touch two of the major characteristics of an operating system.
A quick look at the diagram will tell you what kind of user you are. Note that the very center portion of the diagram cannot be currently achieved. It's a genuine question whether or not the center portion is even a goal. For example, look at the Linux cross sections in the diagram above. I realize that it sounds counter-intuitive, but Linux users do not want an operating system that is easy to use. Power and control are disproportional to ease of use and these types of users are all about power at any cost. Another example; Mac users are deprived of a great deal of customization in the interest of a uniform interface. If you allow customization, then you complicate the user interface and it becomes less easy.
A quick look at the diagram will tell you what kind of user you are. Note that the very center portion of the diagram cannot be currently achieved. It's a genuine question whether or not the center portion is even a goal. For example, look at the Linux cross sections in the diagram above. I realize that it sounds counter-intuitive, but Linux users do not want an operating system that is easy to use. Power and control are disproportional to ease of use and these types of users are all about power at any cost. Another example; Mac users are deprived of a great deal of customization in the interest of a uniform interface. If you allow customization, then you complicate the user interface and it becomes less easy.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Ever get the feeling you don't fit in?
Lately I have. Computers, Networks, Communications; These topics are very near and dear to my heart and represent the one of the few areas in which I can confidently speak as an expert. The thing that makes me somewhat uneasy is that what I consider a quality product in these areas has proven to be exactly what Joe Public does not want.
It is a little disconcerting to use and interact with certain products or environments that you feel are clearly superior, only to watch them suffer horrible deaths in the marketplace.
The list goes on and on. Always living life on the sidelines.
It is a little disconcerting to use and interact with certain products or environments that you feel are clearly superior, only to watch them suffer horrible deaths in the marketplace.
| Product | Public Perception | Denny |
| Windows | Most widely used operating system in the world. | The lowest quality operating system ever built. |
| Macintosh | Easiest to use operating system in the world. | Looks great, but suffers horribly from a designed lack of customization. Apple's way or the highway. |
| Linux | Never heard of it. | Greatest operating system ever built. |
| iPhone | Greatest telephone ever made. | Walled garden. Great so long as you don't mind the handcuffs. |
| Palm Pre | Taking in the Marketplace | The greatest communication device build by man. |
The list goes on and on. Always living life on the sidelines.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Where have the rivalries gone?
For my entire adult life, I have maintained that my two favorite sports teams (Washington Redskins and the NC State Wolfpack) had two very distinct rivals, the Dallas Cowboy and the UNC Tarheels. I have honored these rivalries by faithfully despising these two foes and ridiculing them at every opportunity. However, recent events have led me to question whether a rivalry actually exists and more importantly, whether these teams are worthy of my attention.
NC State - University of North Carolina
Tobacco road is filled with the detritus from the hate and discontent that existed between these two universities. When I was a student and NC State in the 1980's, there was little doubt who our rival was. UNC was simply the most despised entity to ever compete in the ACC. I have maintained this stance in the intervening 25 years, but now I wonder if it's valid. At a televised basketball game in February of this year, several of the UNC faithful were wearing shirts emblazoned with the words "NC State is not our rival". I even made mention of this slogan in a blog entry earlier this year. Since then, I have discussed this point with UNC faithful and they clearly feel that their true rival is Duke rather than the Wolfpack.
Washington Redskins - Dallas Cowboys
I have always felt that this was the greatest rivalry in the NFL as it represented a real-world Cowboys and Indians conflict. What could be better than that? During the glory days of the 1980's Redskins fans could be heard chanting "We want Dallas" because a Redskins drive to the Superbowl wasn't really valid unless it steamrolled through Dallas. This sentiment was recently struck a heavy blow when the Cowboys opened their new stadium. It seemed that the Cowboys wanted to make a splash with a big game and they petitioned the NFL for a date with the NY Giants. The Giants? Are they serious? Several interviews with the Cowboys players revealed that they hate the Giants more then anybody else. Guess what? Your most hated team is your rival. The fact that the 'Boys invited NY instead of Washington speaks volumes.
I strongly believe that the players, students, and Alumni decide who their rivals are; not the media, and certainly not the past. That said, from this day forward, the UNC Tarheels and the Dallas Cowboys are no longer worthy of my attention. I will repay their indifference to my teams with my own. From this point forward, I will no longer concern myself with the outcome of a contest between these teams. It's now just another game. Time seems to have played out the importance of these games and I will follow suit. Screw 'em.
NC State - University of North Carolina
Tobacco road is filled with the detritus from the hate and discontent that existed between these two universities. When I was a student and NC State in the 1980's, there was little doubt who our rival was. UNC was simply the most despised entity to ever compete in the ACC. I have maintained this stance in the intervening 25 years, but now I wonder if it's valid. At a televised basketball game in February of this year, several of the UNC faithful were wearing shirts emblazoned with the words "NC State is not our rival". I even made mention of this slogan in a blog entry earlier this year. Since then, I have discussed this point with UNC faithful and they clearly feel that their true rival is Duke rather than the Wolfpack.
Washington Redskins - Dallas Cowboys
I have always felt that this was the greatest rivalry in the NFL as it represented a real-world Cowboys and Indians conflict. What could be better than that? During the glory days of the 1980's Redskins fans could be heard chanting "We want Dallas" because a Redskins drive to the Superbowl wasn't really valid unless it steamrolled through Dallas. This sentiment was recently struck a heavy blow when the Cowboys opened their new stadium. It seemed that the Cowboys wanted to make a splash with a big game and they petitioned the NFL for a date with the NY Giants. The Giants? Are they serious? Several interviews with the Cowboys players revealed that they hate the Giants more then anybody else. Guess what? Your most hated team is your rival. The fact that the 'Boys invited NY instead of Washington speaks volumes.
I strongly believe that the players, students, and Alumni decide who their rivals are; not the media, and certainly not the past. That said, from this day forward, the UNC Tarheels and the Dallas Cowboys are no longer worthy of my attention. I will repay their indifference to my teams with my own. From this point forward, I will no longer concern myself with the outcome of a contest between these teams. It's now just another game. Time seems to have played out the importance of these games and I will follow suit. Screw 'em.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
2009 Brentsville Relays
Today, Austin competed in the Brentsville Cross-Country Relays held at the High School. There were 40 high schools represented today and while that may sound like a lot, it has been downsized from the 75 teams that arrived last year. The town of Nokesville simply could not handle the volume.
The format is a 2.5K (1.5 Mile) course that would its way around the school grounds. The Varsity and JV runners compete in a 5 runner, 5 lap relay race. Austin's team competed in one of two 'Extras" race for the developing runners. Austin ran well and finished the course in 10min10sec.
I wanted to get a feel for the course, so I competed in the parents/coach "Open". It's the first time that I have really felt old as the course was very difficult to run at speed, even my speed. I ran with a friend/neighbor, Chris, who despite running a half marathon this morning, was still forced to wait up for me. If that wasn't enough, I completed the single lap in 12min52sec. That's nearly 3 minutes slower than my son. The only good news was I did not finish last.
Kara also ran in the Middle School race.
Austin may have found his "thing". He loved the event and had made lofty goals to get faster and move up the runner's hierarchy. He told Tracy this evening that he "loved" running.
Meanwhile, Austin has fully recovered ... and I haven't.
Pictures
The format is a 2.5K (1.5 Mile) course that would its way around the school grounds. The Varsity and JV runners compete in a 5 runner, 5 lap relay race. Austin's team competed in one of two 'Extras" race for the developing runners. Austin ran well and finished the course in 10min10sec.
I wanted to get a feel for the course, so I competed in the parents/coach "Open". It's the first time that I have really felt old as the course was very difficult to run at speed, even my speed. I ran with a friend/neighbor, Chris, who despite running a half marathon this morning, was still forced to wait up for me. If that wasn't enough, I completed the single lap in 12min52sec. That's nearly 3 minutes slower than my son. The only good news was I did not finish last.
Kara also ran in the Middle School race.
Austin may have found his "thing". He loved the event and had made lofty goals to get faster and move up the runner's hierarchy. He told Tracy this evening that he "loved" running.
Meanwhile, Austin has fully recovered ... and I haven't.
Pictures
Friday, September 18, 2009
Rossi's Suprising Reaction
Valentino Rossi - The King of Kings, the GOAT, has recently been quite outspoken on the decision by MotoGP to switch from 990cc of engine displacement to 800cc. One would think that Rossi would applaud the move since it has benefited his career and financial status in a positive way. Rossi remains the most popular motorcycle racer to ever swing a leg over a bike and commands the largest salary ever paid to a 2-wheel pilot.
He is also the only rider to successfully make the transition between the two bikes. Nicky Hayden, the 2006 champion, and the last 990cc champion has never had a whiff of the top rostrum spot since the transition. Casey Stoner, the 2007 champion, who is currently tied with Rossi for the lead in 800cc wins, never won a race on the 990s. This leaves Rossi as the only rider to continue his winning ways across the two classes. Naturally, Rossi would seem to be the first in line to praise the Yamaha 800cc bike, which Wayne Rainey recently praised as the greatest GP motorcycle ever rolled onto a track. He isn't. Rossi is well known for his distaste for changing the status quo. He was very outspoken when the 500cc 2-strokes were retired in favor of the big 990cc 4-stroke because he found the 4-strokes too easy to ride. Rossi likes a challenge because it enables him to separate from the pack. The easier a bike is to ride, the closer a lesser rider can get to him.
Rossi has won a title on 500s, the 990s, and is the current 800cc champion, but has chafed at every transition. His latest comments indicate that he considers the 800s to be the least favorable of all the bikes.
In his own words:
“The 990 motorcycle was 'rough' and wild, but with a great motor and a lot power. The 800 is worse, simply worse, it is the same motorcycle with less power. I was very sad at the beginning, now it has improved, yes... But the power from the 990 made it a lot more fun."
“With the 800... I believe that the 800 are the biggest mistake the world championship has made in the last 15 years. We have lost a great part of the spectacle and part of this is because electronics have advanced so much."
“For me the manufacturers committed a great error when they changed to 800cc. The 990s were better in every way.”
Here a couple of stats that reinforce what Rossi is trying to say:
To prove my last point, let's look at the list of 800cc winners:
Valentino Rossi: Former 250cc Champion
Jorge Lorenzo: Former 250cc Champion
Casey Stoner: Former 250cc Champion Runner-up
Loris Capirossi: Former 2500cc Champion
Dani Pedrosa: Former 2500cc Champion
Andrea Dovizioso: Former 250cc Champion Runner-up
Chris Vermeulen: World Superbike Champion
I am going to go out on a limb here and suggest that there is a 2500cc bias to this list. In fact, Vermeulen's lone victory came in a field-leveling wet race that more or less puts an asterisk next to his name. All of the incoming new talent is from the 2500cc class (Bautista/Simoncelli) and the AMA and SBK guys are ignored. The lone exception is Ben Spies who appears poised to make the leap to MotoGP next season.
I think it's time to go back to the big bikes and let the best riders win rather than the best electronics package. The bad news is that Rossi would probably dominate ever more than he does now.
He is also the only rider to successfully make the transition between the two bikes. Nicky Hayden, the 2006 champion, and the last 990cc champion has never had a whiff of the top rostrum spot since the transition. Casey Stoner, the 2007 champion, who is currently tied with Rossi for the lead in 800cc wins, never won a race on the 990s. This leaves Rossi as the only rider to continue his winning ways across the two classes. Naturally, Rossi would seem to be the first in line to praise the Yamaha 800cc bike, which Wayne Rainey recently praised as the greatest GP motorcycle ever rolled onto a track. He isn't. Rossi is well known for his distaste for changing the status quo. He was very outspoken when the 500cc 2-strokes were retired in favor of the big 990cc 4-stroke because he found the 4-strokes too easy to ride. Rossi likes a challenge because it enables him to separate from the pack. The easier a bike is to ride, the closer a lesser rider can get to him.
Rossi has won a title on 500s, the 990s, and is the current 800cc champion, but has chafed at every transition. His latest comments indicate that he considers the 800s to be the least favorable of all the bikes.
In his own words:
“The 990 motorcycle was 'rough' and wild, but with a great motor and a lot power. The 800 is worse, simply worse, it is the same motorcycle with less power. I was very sad at the beginning, now it has improved, yes... But the power from the 990 made it a lot more fun."
“With the 800... I believe that the 800 are the biggest mistake the world championship has made in the last 15 years. We have lost a great part of the spectacle and part of this is because electronics have advanced so much."
“For me the manufacturers committed a great error when they changed to 800cc. The 990s were better in every way.”
Here a couple of stats that reinforce what Rossi is trying to say:
- No Satellite rider has ever won a 800cc race. Zero wins. If this keeps up, they won't bother to race.
- There were 14 different 990cc winners vice 7 different winners on the 800s.
To prove my last point, let's look at the list of 800cc winners:
Valentino Rossi: Former 250cc Champion
Jorge Lorenzo: Former 250cc Champion
Casey Stoner: Former 250cc Champion Runner-up
Loris Capirossi: Former 2500cc Champion
Dani Pedrosa: Former 2500cc Champion
Andrea Dovizioso: Former 250cc Champion Runner-up
Chris Vermeulen: World Superbike Champion
I am going to go out on a limb here and suggest that there is a 2500cc bias to this list. In fact, Vermeulen's lone victory came in a field-leveling wet race that more or less puts an asterisk next to his name. All of the incoming new talent is from the 2500cc class (Bautista/Simoncelli) and the AMA and SBK guys are ignored. The lone exception is Ben Spies who appears poised to make the leap to MotoGP next season.
I think it's time to go back to the big bikes and let the best riders win rather than the best electronics package. The bad news is that Rossi would probably dominate ever more than he does now.
3rd Week in September
A lot of things going on this week in the Clark household. Austin ran in his first Cross Country meet on Wednesday. I am going to post his time so we have a history for him to compare himself to. He ran the 5K in 23:15 to set a baseline time for the year. The qualifying runs are only 2 miles so they don't compare to the actual race distance. He will be running in the Brentsville Relays this weekend in the wildcard race, so I will have another time for you next week.
Kellie just cheered her third football of the season and cheering seems to be one of many things this year's team needs. They are currently 0-3 after a heartbreaking loss to Skyline High School last night. Final score 34-20, but the game was broken wide open in the final minutes and was far closer than the final score would indicate.
Tracy continues to run the apparel sales for the Booster Club, so if you want the latest and greatest in Tiger Wear, give her a call.
Kellie just cheered her third football of the season and cheering seems to be one of many things this year's team needs. They are currently 0-3 after a heartbreaking loss to Skyline High School last night. Final score 34-20, but the game was broken wide open in the final minutes and was far closer than the final score would indicate.
Tracy continues to run the apparel sales for the Booster Club, so if you want the latest and greatest in Tiger Wear, give her a call.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Yesterday, young James Austin celebrated his 15th birthday. I kicked off the celebration by taking he and his buddies to a celebratory lunch at Hooters followed by a family/neighborhood cookie/ice cream party. I remain somewhat shocked that someone as youthful as myself can have a second child reach the ripe age of 15, but stranger things have happened.
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