Sir Arthur Conan Doyle on Bicycling

I ran across this quote from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle recently and it sums up cycling for me.

"When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking."

It doesn't get much better than that.

The 40-Year-Old Virgin

I can't believe I didn't see this one in the theatre! For me this has been the funniest movie I've seen since Meet the Parents. I highly recommend this one; however, it does lean a little more towards being a guy flick, but there's stuff here that women will enjoy as well. The only thing I'd knock is how it ends but a part of that is because I really hate the song they sing.

Bikejournal.com

www.bikejournal.com is just as their mast head states: Ride, Log, and Repeat. I've been using the free membership for over a month now and I'm very pleased with it. There's a ton of different categories that you can track in your log so there's something for everyone. If you're wanting a place to track your bike rides this is the place.

How to Become an Early Riser

I'm going to give this a shot.

Part 1

Part 2

FitDay.com An Online Diet & Fitness Journal

I ran across a neat web site a couple of days ago. It's called www.fitday.com It ties in nicely to the fitness challenge that we have here at work since it allows you to track both the food you eat and the activities that you do. It's only downside is it's rather ugly, but what it lacks in looks it makes up for in cost: free.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

One of my favorite books of all times. I've read this story in the past. I believe this was my fifth time through it. If you've never read anything my Hemingway this is an excellent place to start.

The Green Mile by Stephen King

Not a lot to say about this one. If you've seen the movie you've read the book, and vice versa. The movie stays very true to the book. This isn't to say this is a bad book. My only problem is I've seen the movie at least four times and I was disappointed that the book added very little outside of the movie. Worth checking out at your local library if you’re interested.

Specialized Roubaix Comp Triple

I finally got a bike. I actually received this as a Christmas present from my wife. A very nice present indeed. So how does it ride? Well, in a stationary trainer really well. Outside of that I've only had the opportunity to ride it about five miles before my feet and hands turned purple and started to freeze. Once the weather warms up and I can let her fly I'll post my thoughts again. One thing to note is the wheels are Shimano rather than the Alex wheels mentioned on Specialized's web site.

Ice Station by Matt Reilly

This is a pretty good read as long as you hang your brain on the shelf for it's duration. Matt (or Matthew as he's going by now) does an excellent job of keeping the action and suspense moving forward. I found the story requires more than the normal effort required to suspend your belief, but not to the point of distraction. There is always so much going on you don't have time to really stop and think about it.

Since it's an action story most if not all the characters are wooden and the main character is a cross of an Energizer Bunny and a Timex watch.

Recommended reading on a rainy day or when you have the flu.

The Cider House Rules by John Irving

Wow, what a story! I have seen the movie five or six times so I went into this thinking that it would be the same story with just more details. I couldn’t have been more wrong. There is an amazing amount of things that are in here that the movie omits. In fact while reading the book I never really felt like the movie spoiled any of the plot. I'm still amazed at how fresh it was to read. I enjoyed this book enough that I can honestly say it is one of my favorites of all time and I'm sure I will be reading it again.

If you've thought about reading this but decided not to because you've seen the movie, think again. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Where have I been?

It's been awhile but this winter my body decided to become the center for every strain of flu/cold out there. I'm on the mend finally, or until I catch the next dose of junk that's floating around. Anyway on the agenda is a review of John Irving's "Cider House Rules", and another book or two.

Seven Deadly Sins Rating

Well here's where I rate. Not too bad but there's work to be done.

Greed:	Medium
Gluttony:	Medium
Wrath:	Very Low
Sloth:	Medium
Envy:	Very Low
Lust:	Medium
Pride:	Medium

The Seven Deadly Sins Quiz

Driving Along an Idaho Highway - A Joke

Four women are driving along a highway. One from Georgia, one from Washington, one from California, and one from Idaho.

Suddenly the woman from Georgia tosses a box of peaches out the window and says "Peaches, peaches, peaches...I'm sick of peaches. I don't care if I never see another peach as long as I live!"

After a few miles the woman from Washington pitches a bag of apples out the window and says "I agree! I'm so sick of apples I could scream."

Inspired, the woman from Idaho opens the car door and kicks the woman from California out onto the highway.

I've heard this one several times. Funny and true.

State of Fear by Michael Crichton

I just finished this book and I can honestly say it's been my favorite read for 2005. Sure the characters in the book are a little too black and white, not to mention wooden, however, this novel is a pager turner. The most important thing about this book is the simple fact that it makes you think something sorely lacking in a lot of modern fiction. Highly recommended to anyone who is interested.

State of Fear by Michael Crichton

The difference between guts and balls

Guts - is arriving home late after a night out with the guys, being assaulted by your wife with a broom, and having the guts to ask:
”Are you still cleaning, or are you flying somewhere?"

Balls - is coming home late after a night out with the guys, smelling of perfume and beer, lipstick on your collar, slapping your wife on the ass and saying, "You're next."

The King of Holiday Inflatables

I have a few holiday inflatables but nothing like this couple has.

The King of Holiday Inflatables

Steve Jobs SNL Skit

This skit on SNL featuring "Steve Jobs" is hilarious.

Steve Jobs on SNL

Cut out Toys for Girls and Boys

My kids are too little for this but I have some nieces and nephews who might enjoy them. I'm even half way tempted to build one just for fun.

Barnacle Press: Papercraft

Bound for Glory America in Color 1939-1943

An online exhibition of color photo graphs. There's even two pictures from Idaho. One of a road to Emmett and one dear to my heart, Cascade.

Bound for Glory

Proper Hat Etiquette

Proper hat etiquette from days long past.


EVIL SWEDE'S GUIDE TO PROPER HAT ETIQUETTE