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Saturday, May 31, 2003
After what seems like weeks of rain, we had a sunny day for a short bike ride. The trail was packed, everyone was out taking advantage of the nice weather. I hear lots of talk about how this must be what it is like to live in the Pacific Northwest. There was even a letter in the Post about how we are all wimps for complaining about a few rainy days. (0) comments Tuesday, May 27, 2003
(0) comments Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Now I remember why I dislike driving so much; bumper to bumper traffic, endlessly looking for a parking spot, rude and obnoxious drivers. Since the next 5 or so days are expected to be rainy, I might have to get wet. I get wet all the time, but don't usually start out when it's raining hard. That will change this week. To top off the frustration of today, the CD store that was supposed to be open from 11-7 was closed. I planned to try to sell some of my treasured LPs. I guess they weren't kidding when they stated on the sign that the hours are approximate and subject to change. (0) comments
Cipollini went on to break the record for the most victories in the Giro (42) on May 19. That was the good news; the bad news was that his team, Domina Vacanze, was not invited to race in the Tour de France. Today, Mario took a nasty spill just before the finish of the race, won by Robbie McEwen. (0) comments Sunday, May 18, 2003
Today Mario Cipollini finally tied the record for the most victories in the Giro d'Italia. He had come close during several of the earlier sprints, but didn't seem to have enough speed to beat his rivals Petacchi and McEwen. In today's race his team led him out to perfection, including the final pull by his main man Lombardi. (0) comments Saturday, May 17, 2003
After writing to the Post about their lack of coverage of Tyler Hamilton's victories in Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour de Normandie, they published my Letter to the Editor in the Saturday edition. It even included a photo of Tyler. I've sent off letters about their lack of cycling coverage over the years, and this is the first time one has been published. Speaking of cycling, there is an article about the Reston Bike to Work Day event in one of the local papers. There was also one about bike commuting, Beating Traffic, Two Pedals at a Time. (0) comments Monday, May 12, 2003
After class in Alexandria, stopped by the Freer Gallery to see a couple of the latest shows. Whistler in Venice: The Pastels is a lovely show. These are relatively small, very sketchy pastels, many on dark brown paper. Most drawings don't have a great deal of color. What is there is well-placed and vivid. I'm becoming a real fan of Whistler, especially now that I'm taking an etching class. He was one of the masters of etching. Couldn't resist picking up a copy of Etchings of James McNeill Whistler. Also saw In Pursuit of Heavenly Harmony: Paintings and Calligraphy by Bada Shanren. Bada was a nobleman who fled the Manchu invaders and became a Buddhist monk, briefly went crazy, and produced some great ink paintings and calligraphy. (0) comments Friday, May 09, 2003
Once again the mainstream press have totally ignored an important sports story about an American athlete. A week after being the first American to ever win Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Tyler Hamilton won the Tour de Normandie. He is showing terrific form and has set his sights on the Tour de France, which means he will miss the upcoming Giro d'Italia. It will be great to see Tyler and Lance duke it out in the Tour. (0) comments
Back from a short trip to Shenandoah National Park. Stayed at one of the primitive cabins at Lewis Mountain. There is a campground adjecent to the cabins. The campground caters mostly to tent campers, which doesn't keep the humongous motor homes from driving through now and then to check it out. Several Appalachian Trail hikers passed through while I is was there. The trail is about 50 yds. away. The camp store and shower (5 min. for $1.) are a big attraction. From the entries in the logbook next to the camp store register, it appears that the pint tubs of ice cream were the biggest sellers. Lewis Mountain was originally developed as a colored only section of the park before it was integrated. African Americans were supposed to be provided separate but equal accomodations. The cabins were the first in the park to be build by a concessionaire, a not very enlightened Virginia company, instead of using the Civilian Conservation Corps. The gnats were out in force, and will drive you crazy, perhaps literally. I think the wild-eyed look on the faces of some of the backpackers was probably due to being tormented by the ever-present gnats. I finally resorted to using a DEET-based insect repellent. (0) comments Tuesday, May 06, 2003
There's an article in the New York Times about longtime computer entrepreneur Dan Bricklin. I'm a frequent reader of his weblog. He seems like a decent person; I recently sent an email to him asking about his use of the Treo organizer/cell phone and he responded within hours. He is still using the Treo (270) as do many of the people at his new company, Interland. (0) comments Monday, May 05, 2003
Wildlife of note seen on the bike commute to Alexandria today: Great Blue Heron and two small Green Herons. Also saw several warblers and catbirds. It was a wet commute, but after a few miles riding in the rain, it doesn't really bother me. (0) comments Friday, May 02, 2003
This interview with author William Gibson mentions The Agonist a blog containing global news links. Lots of good, little-reported news. (0) comments
Bike to Work Day in Reston was a great success. We had a large crowd, nearly doubling last year's attendance. A couple of people approached me and said how glad they were to have a day devoted to their passion, cycling. (0) comments |