Category: Hobbies

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One minute on my bike…the next on the ground…I.

I was just about to stop at my apartment and within a split second… was on the ground. 

I did notice some water on the ground and while it was wet, did not appear to be frozen.  It did not feel like it was cold enough outside, but when coming inside after, noticed that the current temperature was 32 degrees.  I had just changed my tires a few weeks ago and this was the first time I had ridden in wet conditions.  The tires I purchased were Hutchison Equinox which promised good grip in wintery conditions.  Not to blame the tires, but with over 2000 miles on the OEM bike tire without a problem, I am a little skeptical.  

As I laid on the ground with pain in my leg and arm, I was thankful that I had long pants and 3 long sleeved shirts on.  My fear was to crash with a lot of exposed skin and scraping along the ground picking up stones and other debris under the skin.  At quick glance I did not have any holes in my clothes and did no notice any bleeding.  My ankles seemed to be okay and my Crank Brothers cleats and pedals separated as expected and I was thankful I did not have any broken bones.  

Initially I was a little in shock….I think I blacked out for a brief moment as I focused my eyes and checked out the scene.  My leg was a bit stiff and seemed quite painful along with my arm.  I finally got myself up and limped into my building.  I was trying to walk off the accident.

Upon inspection I noticed a hole in my bottom long sleeved layer and a scrape on my arm and under my pants and shorts which were not torn, a large bruise and a few scrapes on my leg.  It is very sore to the touch and hoping that by tomorrow I will be walking normally 🙂

So…..I had been afraid of falling off my bike and envisioned it would involve a flat tire, broken chain, frame….something that failed and did not expect to fall on a small patch of water.

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“No Photo”

Art requires compensation

An innocent photograph turned into a money making experience.

I was in central park, saw a entertainer and was going to take a picture as it was cool to see that.  Not too often in DC do you see that.  He looked at me and said..”This is Art and requires compensation.”  I did not take a photo and moved on.  WOW.. not like I was going to sell it.

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133rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog ShowThe

Sussex Spaniel!

Best in show winner!  It must be very hard to choose a the best of the best especially when they are all different breeds.  Best in Breed seems to be easier and more equitable.  In this case, the long haired hotdog trotted around the ring and won the 133rd show.

I was rooting for the Sussex Spaniel as soon as I saw it.  Something about how it waddled around the ring made me favor it.  I was happy that the strangely shaven Poodle did not win.   

This trip was a surprise for my Partner who while showing St. Bernards and Alaskan Malamutes, had never been to Madison Square Garden to see the acclaimed event.  So needless to say I had a lot to learn and had no idea what to expect.  Firstly, we had assigned seats, but were allowed to sit anywhere until you were bumped by he seat holder.  Also, you were able to go onto the judging floor!  It was so cool sitting by a ring feeling the breeze as the handlers and dogs ran by.

The Benching Area…

AKA “Back Stage” for most events, you are allowed to be in the area where all of the dogs are crated.  Dogs are required to be in the Benching Area in order to compete so it was cool to be able to see the dogs and be able to talk with the handlers and owners.  

Grooming also took place in this area.  Besides being a great photo op, some handlers let you pet the dogs.  Was cool seeing them get trimmed, washed and blown dry.  

Dog vs Bitch

When Patrick mentioned that they were showing dogs, I was like duh, we are not at a horse show.  I then learned that “Dogs” are males and “Bitches” are females.  That seems a bit sexist to me…but then again, that is also tradition.  I believe the equivalent ought to be “Stud” as in other animals.  

Spending 2 days at the show I got to see so many dogs and especially enjoyed the Working Group.  The St. Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Komondor (Mop Dogs), Alaskan Malamutes, and New Foundland’s were my favorite from this Group.

I also liked the Irish Water Spaniel from the Sporting Group, the Old English Sheepdog from the Herding Group, and the Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier from the Non-sporting Group.  

The ugliest dog I saw…the Chinese Crusted.  Matt Lauer from the Today Show was showing one as the cast was featured last evening as a crowd pleaser.

Check out my photo gallery next week.  I have about 1800 photos to go through and will post the best ones online with information about their breed.

My choices for a pet are…..

  • Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Old English Sheepdog
  • Komondor
  • Tibetan Mastiff
  • St. Bernard
  • Alaskan Malamute

As you can tell I really like the big dogs.  This was fine when I owned my own house, but living in an apartment which currently does not allow dogs and many having a 50 pound limit will pose a big problem.  Hmmm…think I need to look into buying a house again.  Perhaps playing the lottery will help!

Opening a can of worms..

Patrick was surprised and thrilled by the trip, but did warn me that I opened a can of worms.  He signed up for the AKC Gazette and 2009 should be filled with trips to local dog shows and tickets to the 134th show!

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NASA Facts…Cool who you meet!

Amazing who you meet….

So the other day I have the privilege to speak with someone who worked for NASA.  We talked about a lot, I attended Space Camp and love the idea of Space exploration.  Here are some cool facts…

  • The Space Shuttle can both take off and land unattended.  This would allow the use when inspection reveals some potential flaws which may cause an accident.  With that said, in order to save costs until a new space vehicle has been produced, may spend less time getting the shuttle cleaned up and simply launch it unmanned with the eventual destruction of the aging fleet.  The only problem with this…..the Smithsonian is supposed to get one 🙂
  • The American Flag on the Moon is plastic!  I guess it should be expected since there is 1/6 gravity on the Moon.  I used to think that since there was not any gravity and therefore by “molding” the flag, it would just stay that way.
  • The blast off of the lunar lander likely knocked the flag down.  This being said, the first person to commercially visit the moon will likely swipe the flag.
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