Thursday, April 29, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
BUNNYWOOD
Somebody is certainly going to raise a stink by the fact that Hugh Hefner was the last big donor to put the fundraising over the top.
Living my boyhood in the hills immediately under the sign & hiking/biking those trails endlessly - and seeing plenty of naked women getting their pics taken, perhaps for Playboy, at or near the sign - it is a good day when that big a tract of land is saved from developers. Maybe Hefner has an exclusivity clause for his photo shoots. Anyway the land is now to be added to the an ever bigger portion of Griffith Park (which I assumed it was already a part of anyway), as it is already the largest city park in the nation.
Of course I find it a little hypocritical that folks are protesting the development of the land nearby the original sign HOLLYWOODLAND; as it was erected (maybe that's the Hefner interest) by developers hoping to attract land buyers up to the hills to build in the first place - like my parents did.
Also since the land immediately above the HOLLYWOOD sign (on Mt Lee) has been occupied by unsightly radio towers and associated buildings seemingly forever (ever since I lived there in '61); what would it matter if somebody developed the 4 parcels on the ridge just to the west? Would it be that obtrusive or distinguishable from all the other ridge lines in the Santa Monica Mtns that have been developed?
Though I do find it interesting with ridge property in the hills being the most desirable, it is refreshing that more "Hollywood" types didn't seize the opportunity to jump on the 138 acres when it was first available in 2002 at a steal ($1.8m) or even offered more recently in 2008 for $22m - a mere pittance. Though the development costs of access & essentials (water, sewage & electricity and/or gas) would be pricey, they wouldn't be astronomical & certainly worth the price of exclusivity and prestige.
Anyway now that won't be the case - let's all go for a hike.
Living my boyhood in the hills immediately under the sign & hiking/biking those trails endlessly - and seeing plenty of naked women getting their pics taken, perhaps for Playboy, at or near the sign - it is a good day when that big a tract of land is saved from developers. Maybe Hefner has an exclusivity clause for his photo shoots. Anyway the land is now to be added to the an ever bigger portion of Griffith Park (which I assumed it was already a part of anyway), as it is already the largest city park in the nation.
Of course I find it a little hypocritical that folks are protesting the development of the land nearby the original sign HOLLYWOODLAND; as it was erected (maybe that's the Hefner interest) by developers hoping to attract land buyers up to the hills to build in the first place - like my parents did.
Also since the land immediately above the HOLLYWOOD sign (on Mt Lee) has been occupied by unsightly radio towers and associated buildings seemingly forever (ever since I lived there in '61); what would it matter if somebody developed the 4 parcels on the ridge just to the west? Would it be that obtrusive or distinguishable from all the other ridge lines in the Santa Monica Mtns that have been developed?
Though I do find it interesting with ridge property in the hills being the most desirable, it is refreshing that more "Hollywood" types didn't seize the opportunity to jump on the 138 acres when it was first available in 2002 at a steal ($1.8m) or even offered more recently in 2008 for $22m - a mere pittance. Though the development costs of access & essentials (water, sewage & electricity and/or gas) would be pricey, they wouldn't be astronomical & certainly worth the price of exclusivity and prestige.
Anyway now that won't be the case - let's all go for a hike.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Smiling
Makes me happy to see multitudes of bikes w/race plates on roof racks heading south on I-5 this morning as I was driving to work. It's nice that a bunch of somebodies gets to race today.
Despite the prospects of a rainy week ahead Saturday's forecast is still looking good for the Michelob Ultra CR race #7 in the WA Cup series (click here for race flyer and/or for pre-race registration).
Looks as if a certain mellow Texan will probably be racing in NM, but the local buzz is that it should be a good turnout for a great race weekend - see you there.
Despite the prospects of a rainy week ahead Saturday's forecast is still looking good for the Michelob Ultra CR race #7 in the WA Cup series (click here for race flyer and/or for pre-race registration).
Looks as if a certain mellow Texan will probably be racing in NM, but the local buzz is that it should be a good turnout for a great race weekend - see you there.
Bike by map
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of utilizing Google Maps bicycling option while on layover to get somewhere I wanted to go but wasn't sure of how to go about it in a bike friendly manner. The new option to select "bicycling" as the means of transport is kinda neat but seems to need occasional help.
Upon returning home I decided to test the system by seeing if my commute was the logical choice. I soon learned it refused to cross the Narrows Bridge under any circumstance. Firstly giving me the choice to go from Gig Harbor to the Southworth ferry over to Fauntleroy then to SEATAC. When I choose my destination as Tacoma, it also went to Southworth over to North Vashon then down the island to the South Vashon ferry to Pt Defiance and into town. It would utilize the Narrows Bridge by car but not by bike - WTF??
At the bottom of the turn-by-turn directions is a link to "report a problem." I wrote them a suggestion that the new eastbound (2nd) Narrows Bridge bike lane is really useful & usable and I can report that they took my suggestion.
So if you see anything out of sorts with the Google Maps biking option make a suggestion (bad surface, too many stop signs/signals, bike path, etc.) with those constant inputs it'll make this thing a really useful tool.
Upon returning home I decided to test the system by seeing if my commute was the logical choice. I soon learned it refused to cross the Narrows Bridge under any circumstance. Firstly giving me the choice to go from Gig Harbor to the Southworth ferry over to Fauntleroy then to SEATAC. When I choose my destination as Tacoma, it also went to Southworth over to North Vashon then down the island to the South Vashon ferry to Pt Defiance and into town. It would utilize the Narrows Bridge by car but not by bike - WTF??
At the bottom of the turn-by-turn directions is a link to "report a problem." I wrote them a suggestion that the new eastbound (2nd) Narrows Bridge bike lane is really useful & usable and I can report that they took my suggestion.
So if you see anything out of sorts with the Google Maps biking option make a suggestion (bad surface, too many stop signs/signals, bike path, etc.) with those constant inputs it'll make this thing a really useful tool.
Monday, April 19, 2010
$25K/second
Battle for the win in the Women's field at today's Boston Marathon came down to a spirited chase to close a big gap with the final difference being 3 seconds difference. Given the prize money for 1st is $150K and 2nd is $75K those 3 seconds were worth a lot than sweat & tears.
In the Men's race the battle for 1st wasn't a factor, though Ryan Hall who lead the field through the halfway mark could've surged a bit earlier utilizing that closing energy to capture 3rd; instead finishing 2 seconds out in 4th place - a $7500/sec penalty.
In the Men's race the battle for 1st wasn't a factor, though Ryan Hall who lead the field through the halfway mark could've surged a bit earlier utilizing that closing energy to capture 3rd; instead finishing 2 seconds out in 4th place - a $7500/sec penalty.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Zombies
The thing I hate about all-inclusive hotel resorts is that folks don't take the opportunity to get out and explore their surroundings. I think they feel obligated to stay at the hotel and get their money's worth. More of everything! Fair enough, if that's your strategy I understand.
In Cabo tonight - I know, but somebody has to do it - and we presently stay at the Crown Plaza Grand Faro. Now we have stayed at many hotels in Cabo over the years, with the recent trend being that most are all inclusivo.
However at this resort our stay doesn't include the all inclusive as has been the case at other resorts, but it is offered at a reduced price. With about a dozen crewmembers staying here, I'd guess 3/4 bought the $37 wristband. This mostly goes directly to increase the hotels bottom line. I mean the buffet is going to be prepared anyway, and the watered down drinks & cheap beer don't add up to much.
So the hotel is arranged and provided by the Company - we don't pay for that; and they negotiated a rate that doesn't include the all inclusive fair. But folks buy it anyway? WTF??
We all have a choice, and I just don't understand why anybody would be obliged to stay holed up at the hotel for the duration while otherwise purposely bypassing a very nice part of the world to visit (even if for only 24 hours). Maybe they, in their watered down beer enhanced haze, don't understand why I'd pass it up? Oh well.
So the minority of us headed out to pump up the local economy and enjoy the old town. Listened to the local talent at the festive main square, had a wonderful dinner at an intimate Italian place, and bought some gelato from a nice local bakery, with a nice walk for free. And it didn't come close to $37, although I didn't get the all-I-could-drink cheap beer.
I guess my priorities are all screwed up. C'est la vie!
In Cabo tonight - I know, but somebody has to do it - and we presently stay at the Crown Plaza Grand Faro. Now we have stayed at many hotels in Cabo over the years, with the recent trend being that most are all inclusivo.
However at this resort our stay doesn't include the all inclusive as has been the case at other resorts, but it is offered at a reduced price. With about a dozen crewmembers staying here, I'd guess 3/4 bought the $37 wristband. This mostly goes directly to increase the hotels bottom line. I mean the buffet is going to be prepared anyway, and the watered down drinks & cheap beer don't add up to much.
So the hotel is arranged and provided by the Company - we don't pay for that; and they negotiated a rate that doesn't include the all inclusive fair. But folks buy it anyway? WTF??
We all have a choice, and I just don't understand why anybody would be obliged to stay holed up at the hotel for the duration while otherwise purposely bypassing a very nice part of the world to visit (even if for only 24 hours). Maybe they, in their watered down beer enhanced haze, don't understand why I'd pass it up? Oh well.
So the minority of us headed out to pump up the local economy and enjoy the old town. Listened to the local talent at the festive main square, had a wonderful dinner at an intimate Italian place, and bought some gelato from a nice local bakery, with a nice walk for free. And it didn't come close to $37, although I didn't get the all-I-could-drink cheap beer.
I guess my priorities are all screwed up. C'est la vie!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Forewarned is...
forearmed!
Be aware that I have it on good intel that a FlashMob is being organized for the May 1st Michelob Ultra CR. Of course all will be clad in garishly colored Lycra, with shaved & unshaven limbs, w/3/4 zip jerseys for better aerodynamics, and lots of carbon & ti at their disposal.
Rumor mill has it that a certain Texas-based Michelob Ultra spokesman may just be in attendance to grace us with another surprise race amongst the peasants & peons ahead of some rather prominent race in CA later in the month.
Be aware that I have it on good intel that a FlashMob is being organized for the May 1st Michelob Ultra CR. Of course all will be clad in garishly colored Lycra, with shaved & unshaven limbs, w/3/4 zip jerseys for better aerodynamics, and lots of carbon & ti at their disposal.
Rumor mill has it that a certain Texas-based Michelob Ultra spokesman may just be in attendance to grace us with another surprise race amongst the peasants & peons ahead of some rather prominent race in CA later in the month.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Airbags take to the sky
New Alaska Airlines 737s will come with enhanced cabin safety & convenience features.
It won’t be all that obvious to the casual observer, but starting with the delivery of the airline’s 52nd 737-800 this week, every new Alaska jet will be equipped with three cabin features designed to enhance safety and the travel experience.
The new features include air belts in bulkhead rows one and six, padded seat backs and movable armrests in first class to simplify aisle chair transfers.
Air belts will be installed in bulkhead rows. The rest of the cabin will feature redesigned seat backs to cushion a person’s head in the event of an accident.
The air belts, which Phoenix-based Amsafe Inc. began selling in 2001, are designed to protect passengers from head injuries in the event of a serious accident. The belts wrap around a traditional seat belt and connect to a helium-filled inflation device hidden under the seat. The device deploys when an aircraft abruptly decelerates, but not during inflight turbulence or hard landings. Unlike most automobile air bags, the air belt airbag deploys away from a passenger.
Alaska intends to install air belts only in bulkhead rows. The rest of the cabin will feature redesigned seat backs to cushion a person’s head in the event of an accident.
The new air belts and redesigned seat backs comply with a Federal Aviation Administration requirement affecting all large passenger aircraft manufactured after Oct. 27, 2009.
It won’t be all that obvious to the casual observer, but starting with the delivery of the airline’s 52nd 737-800 this week, every new Alaska jet will be equipped with three cabin features designed to enhance safety and the travel experience.
The new features include air belts in bulkhead rows one and six, padded seat backs and movable armrests in first class to simplify aisle chair transfers.
Air belts will be installed in bulkhead rows. The rest of the cabin will feature redesigned seat backs to cushion a person’s head in the event of an accident.
The air belts, which Phoenix-based Amsafe Inc. began selling in 2001, are designed to protect passengers from head injuries in the event of a serious accident. The belts wrap around a traditional seat belt and connect to a helium-filled inflation device hidden under the seat. The device deploys when an aircraft abruptly decelerates, but not during inflight turbulence or hard landings. Unlike most automobile air bags, the air belt airbag deploys away from a passenger.
Alaska intends to install air belts only in bulkhead rows. The rest of the cabin will feature redesigned seat backs to cushion a person’s head in the event of an accident.
The new air belts and redesigned seat backs comply with a Federal Aviation Administration requirement affecting all large passenger aircraft manufactured after Oct. 27, 2009.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Or maybe...
...it's a Saturday verses Sunday phenom.
Over 500 raced Saturday at Volunteer Park (some twice which is the beauty of crits verses road racing), and 330 raced Sunday at the new OVRR.
Over 500 raced Saturday at Volunteer Park (some twice which is the beauty of crits verses road racing), and 330 raced Sunday at the new OVRR.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
1st finish
Not to be confused as finishing 1st.
Raced the escape route at PR this evening. Nice crowd, Masters group, w/3 other teamies, cool & windy. Several half hearted attacks that nobody would cooperate with, including several by our team & one by me. One good chance for the break (of 3) to survive that I bridged up to towing another guy who didn't help until the last 10 meters of the catch (eyeballs all cross-eyed and we became 5), but that did not survive either.
Ultimately came down to letting "The Criminal" hang out front on a solo attempt for several laps until catching him at the last elephant ear, & us still managing to mess up the Killer Robot train at the last quarter turn to the sprint finish & missing any result in the finale.
Legs felt great, effort to bridge actually help open up legs for later surges and setting up sprint for Craig (went too far out for me to last); and good confidence booster as I continue my build toward beginning of May (1st & 2nd).
Raced the escape route at PR this evening. Nice crowd, Masters group, w/3 other teamies, cool & windy. Several half hearted attacks that nobody would cooperate with, including several by our team & one by me. One good chance for the break (of 3) to survive that I bridged up to towing another guy who didn't help until the last 10 meters of the catch (eyeballs all cross-eyed and we became 5), but that did not survive either.
Ultimately came down to letting "The Criminal" hang out front on a solo attempt for several laps until catching him at the last elephant ear, & us still managing to mess up the Killer Robot train at the last quarter turn to the sprint finish & missing any result in the finale.
Legs felt great, effort to bridge actually help open up legs for later surges and setting up sprint for Craig (went too far out for me to last); and good confidence booster as I continue my build toward beginning of May (1st & 2nd).
Monday, April 12, 2010
Airline Fees
Recent chatter about the audacity concerning the Spirit Airlines announcement that they will soon start charging for carry-on luggage is a bit over-the-top.
The old model that the airlines gave away amenities & services (food/drinks, newspapers/magazines, pillows/blankets, checked baggage, paper tickets, etc) is long gone - just like every other business you can think of, they now price their product by what your preferences, desires, and needs are.
For example, take something that most of us are also familiar with - the bicycle buying business. You go to your local shop because you need a bike. You pick one that fits, and want to take it home. Oh you could take it out the door as is; it's certainly rideable the way it is. But you're not going to ride in tennis shoes are you? You're going to need clipless pedals - extra cost. Special shoes for those special pedals - extra cost. Want some added safety - helmet, extra. Need some bike shorts, a jersey, jacket, socks, gloves, sunnies? All extra. Fenders, spare tubes, pump, bottles, tools, lubricants, saddle bag, lights, bell, panniers, trailers, racks, locks, computer, powermeter, nutritional supplements, etc. - also not included with based price of bike. Want a trainer to ride it on indoors when the weather's too bad or crunched for time - extra. Need something to carry it on the outside of your car to take where you're going to ride it - extra. Tassels may be included if you ask nicely.
All you initially desired was a bicycle and that was probably the cheapest item. All the accoutrement's & incidentals add up quickly. What are you willing to pay for? There are always extras & optional items to just about everything in the marketplace - what makes the airline pricing model any different?
The old adage is that something is worth what somebody else is willing to pay for it. Only time will tell if the pricing that Spirit wishes to charge will hold. But they're in a business to make money, and offering a la carte services to consumers who find value in their travels.
My prediction for what's up next - charging passengers their fare by the pound.
The old model that the airlines gave away amenities & services (food/drinks, newspapers/magazines, pillows/blankets, checked baggage, paper tickets, etc) is long gone - just like every other business you can think of, they now price their product by what your preferences, desires, and needs are.
For example, take something that most of us are also familiar with - the bicycle buying business. You go to your local shop because you need a bike. You pick one that fits, and want to take it home. Oh you could take it out the door as is; it's certainly rideable the way it is. But you're not going to ride in tennis shoes are you? You're going to need clipless pedals - extra cost. Special shoes for those special pedals - extra cost. Want some added safety - helmet, extra. Need some bike shorts, a jersey, jacket, socks, gloves, sunnies? All extra. Fenders, spare tubes, pump, bottles, tools, lubricants, saddle bag, lights, bell, panniers, trailers, racks, locks, computer, powermeter, nutritional supplements, etc. - also not included with based price of bike. Want a trainer to ride it on indoors when the weather's too bad or crunched for time - extra. Need something to carry it on the outside of your car to take where you're going to ride it - extra. Tassels may be included if you ask nicely.
All you initially desired was a bicycle and that was probably the cheapest item. All the accoutrement's & incidentals add up quickly. What are you willing to pay for? There are always extras & optional items to just about everything in the marketplace - what makes the airline pricing model any different?
The old adage is that something is worth what somebody else is willing to pay for it. Only time will tell if the pricing that Spirit wishes to charge will hold. But they're in a business to make money, and offering a la carte services to consumers who find value in their travels.
My prediction for what's up next - charging passengers their fare by the pound.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
42%
That was my SSA (stop signal average) on my commute home Saturday afternoon - 29 of 69 (not good). These were full fledged foot down stops waiting for some length of time, not just a signal that I could sneak a right turn at that happened to be red.
I've never kept track before but when I started out 3 for 3 and then 7 for 10, I knew it wasn't going to be a quick ride home (even with the blustery NW wind). Even if I erase the worse 10 from the overall (that first 10 lights) the SSA is still a whopping 37%, 22/59. And that's not even counting the additional stops made at stop signs - which I always do anyway.
Of course I could've chosen a less traveled route with fewer signals (down Dash Pt & Browns Pt adds 6 miles), but I was trying to get home to see the kiddo's prior to bedtime.
This morning, by contrast, my SSA was 26%, or slightly better than 1 in every 4 signals I had one of my 18 stops. I'm usually not one to keep track of such matters and won't waste too many brain cells cataloging this each time, but once I got started yesterday I couldn't stop.
This mornings commute was just a validation that the usual typical commute contains far less stops. Though if I would've had the time off to race OVRR today, like I would've liked; I wouldn't even have been able to share this valuable comparison ;-)
I've never kept track before but when I started out 3 for 3 and then 7 for 10, I knew it wasn't going to be a quick ride home (even with the blustery NW wind). Even if I erase the worse 10 from the overall (that first 10 lights) the SSA is still a whopping 37%, 22/59. And that's not even counting the additional stops made at stop signs - which I always do anyway.
Of course I could've chosen a less traveled route with fewer signals (down Dash Pt & Browns Pt adds 6 miles), but I was trying to get home to see the kiddo's prior to bedtime.
This morning, by contrast, my SSA was 26%, or slightly better than 1 in every 4 signals I had one of my 18 stops. I'm usually not one to keep track of such matters and won't waste too many brain cells cataloging this each time, but once I got started yesterday I couldn't stop.
This mornings commute was just a validation that the usual typical commute contains far less stops. Though if I would've had the time off to race OVRR today, like I would've liked; I wouldn't even have been able to share this valuable comparison ;-)
Friday, April 9, 2010
Fat fingers
Today I sent a private email to a listserve by mistake where it has the potential to be read by many; way too many.
It's not that the email contained disparaging or embarrassing remarks (quite the opposite in fact) - but it contained an addy that persons could use the wrongly & harmfully if they had that intention; which in no way was my intention.
If any good is too come from my mistake - it's that folks will understand, by reading the exchange, that a lot goes on behind the scenes, and to appreciate the effort required to try and codify relationships (whether new or old).
It's not that the email contained disparaging or embarrassing remarks (quite the opposite in fact) - but it contained an addy that persons could use the wrongly & harmfully if they had that intention; which in no way was my intention.
If any good is too come from my mistake - it's that folks will understand, by reading the exchange, that a lot goes on behind the scenes, and to appreciate the effort required to try and codify relationships (whether new or old).
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
A month without
Trying to get a couple of weekend days off to race this month but so far this has been unsuccessful. Even practice races on Tuesdays & Thursdays are tough - either heavily laden with kiddo's in tow with no relief, or only day off with wifely presence. So May beckons loudly!
Friday, April 2, 2010
New & improved
Several new races debut this season that I would love to be able to participate:
new* Olympic View RR - April 11th (WA Cup)
new* Michelob Ultra CR - May 1st (WA Cup)
revamped* Longbranch RR - May 2nd (Masters State Champs)
new* Tacoma Crit - June 12th
new* Cheney Crit & RR - June 19th/20th (both Senior State Champs)
new* Bellingham SR - July 17th/18th (Senior State Champs)
Unfortunately I will miss several of these due to my seemingly perpetual weekend work schedule - but I do have a plan and will focus to do well at those that I can manage to attend. Let it be no secret that my main goal this season will be to be in peak form for Masters Natz in early August.
new* Olympic View RR - April 11th (WA Cup)
new* Michelob Ultra CR - May 1st (WA Cup)
revamped* Longbranch RR - May 2nd (Masters State Champs)
new* Tacoma Crit - June 12th
new* Cheney Crit & RR - June 19th/20th (both Senior State Champs)
new* Bellingham SR - July 17th/18th (Senior State Champs)
Unfortunately I will miss several of these due to my seemingly perpetual weekend work schedule - but I do have a plan and will focus to do well at those that I can manage to attend. Let it be no secret that my main goal this season will be to be in peak form for Masters Natz in early August.
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