Today is Memorial day, and I am actually ok with it being National BBQ day as well. Since Mericans work their can off with the least amount of time off in the industrialized world, I think they deserve that.
That by no means undermines the meaning of the day in general, a day we remember those who have died before us, specifically those who wore the Uniform.
IT is important that we look into the mirror and our honest about those deaths. Repeating silly memes on freedom does no one any favors.
It is important to remember that in the almost 240 years of this countries existence, we have fought two wars for actual freedom, and during decades in between, fought lots of wars over bullshit.
Now you can get upset if you want, I really do not give care, cause I am not happy that you, and others would dare pretend some glorious reason to send our loved ones off to die when in reality it has zero to do with your freedoms, which are fought and lost on the legislative floor, and everything to do with greasing some fat asses pocket.
It is time we as an educated society set aside the Emotional BS and stopped it, stopped allowing ourselves to be used as nothing more than sacrificial pawns. We can elicit a change, but we have to start now.
RIP to those who died well serving, I remember the lies which took your life, and I will do my best so those same lies are not repeated in the future.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Freddie Roach & Crew Dropped the Ball Big Time.
I am gonna go ahead and say it, but Roach dropped the ball on this big time.
His training camp was clearly a joke, his sparring partners included a MMA fighter? Are you KIDDING ME! Going against the greatest defensive fighter of all time and you bring in a MMA FIGHTER?
Now it turns out that Manny was injured with a torn rotator, and you still go on with the biggest fight of the supposed century without your fighter being 100 percent?
Further you admit he was drugged up? Well that explains the listless look going into the ring.
I want to know Mr Roach, were you paid off? Was Bob Arron? This was disgusting.
Lets go over this.
Every single thing that Floyd wanted he got, The date, the location, even the select weight which FAVORED HIM! Oh and lets not forget that Flo even picked Mannys gloves, seriously?
Who allows that to happen? Manny is a fighter with a huge heart, but clearly not the brightest light bulb in the box. His management from the top to the bottom completely failed him. The result was a under prepared fighter who stepped into the ring unsure of himself, that was clear from the moment he walked into the arena, looking listless and tired.
Then two minutes before the fight started his gloves were finally on and he is warming up? I NEVER EVEN MADE THIS MISTAKE AS An AMATEUR!
Further there was zero attempt to roll to Floyds right and open him up, NONE!. FLoyd played the same game against the ropes time and time again, waited until Manny rushed in too close to do anything then rolled to his own left, OMG IN 12 ROUNDS THE SUPPOSED GREATEST TRAINER IN HISTORY COULD NOT TELL MANNY TO CUT HIM OFF AND QUIT OVER COMMITTING?
15 million dollars a round for both of these clowns and all we have is the winner being unanimously booing for being afraid to box. For that price we also get two fighters without a mark on their face?
I am fine with using the ring, but you HAVE TO BOX!
the nearest comparable fight I can think of would have been Sugar Ray and Roberto Duran, and guess what, PEOPLE WERE ON THEIR FEET IT WAS SO EXCITING!
Sugar ray used the ring but PUNCHED LIKE CRAZY. Duran cut him off and did what a puncher is supposed to do, Frigging PUNCH!
Further Floyd should have been penalized in every round. He choked, hit to the back of the head and even pushed Mannys head down, where were you Freddie? You should have been standing up for your man, demanding penalties when they happened.
Regardless even with those points deducted I Still do not think Manny put forth enough effort to deserve the W.
IMO it should have been a No Contest and both fighters forced to refund the money of everyone in the gym and on PPV.
Roach should be fired, and hopefully he loses all credibility as a trainer. A genius? Hell no, just a paid off man who lost all my respect, and judging from the lack of applause in the post fight press conferance, everyone elses as well.
His training camp was clearly a joke, his sparring partners included a MMA fighter? Are you KIDDING ME! Going against the greatest defensive fighter of all time and you bring in a MMA FIGHTER?
Now it turns out that Manny was injured with a torn rotator, and you still go on with the biggest fight of the supposed century without your fighter being 100 percent?
Further you admit he was drugged up? Well that explains the listless look going into the ring.
I want to know Mr Roach, were you paid off? Was Bob Arron? This was disgusting.
Lets go over this.
Every single thing that Floyd wanted he got, The date, the location, even the select weight which FAVORED HIM! Oh and lets not forget that Flo even picked Mannys gloves, seriously?
Who allows that to happen? Manny is a fighter with a huge heart, but clearly not the brightest light bulb in the box. His management from the top to the bottom completely failed him. The result was a under prepared fighter who stepped into the ring unsure of himself, that was clear from the moment he walked into the arena, looking listless and tired.
Then two minutes before the fight started his gloves were finally on and he is warming up? I NEVER EVEN MADE THIS MISTAKE AS An AMATEUR!
Further there was zero attempt to roll to Floyds right and open him up, NONE!. FLoyd played the same game against the ropes time and time again, waited until Manny rushed in too close to do anything then rolled to his own left, OMG IN 12 ROUNDS THE SUPPOSED GREATEST TRAINER IN HISTORY COULD NOT TELL MANNY TO CUT HIM OFF AND QUIT OVER COMMITTING?
15 million dollars a round for both of these clowns and all we have is the winner being unanimously booing for being afraid to box. For that price we also get two fighters without a mark on their face?
I am fine with using the ring, but you HAVE TO BOX!
the nearest comparable fight I can think of would have been Sugar Ray and Roberto Duran, and guess what, PEOPLE WERE ON THEIR FEET IT WAS SO EXCITING!
Sugar ray used the ring but PUNCHED LIKE CRAZY. Duran cut him off and did what a puncher is supposed to do, Frigging PUNCH!
Further Floyd should have been penalized in every round. He choked, hit to the back of the head and even pushed Mannys head down, where were you Freddie? You should have been standing up for your man, demanding penalties when they happened.
Regardless even with those points deducted I Still do not think Manny put forth enough effort to deserve the W.
IMO it should have been a No Contest and both fighters forced to refund the money of everyone in the gym and on PPV.
Roach should be fired, and hopefully he loses all credibility as a trainer. A genius? Hell no, just a paid off man who lost all my respect, and judging from the lack of applause in the post fight press conferance, everyone elses as well.
Motorcycle ADV Riding Tips.
After 24 years of Riding and shunning the MSF and all that nonsense I would run into Lance Holst. Nice guy and I decided to take his Advanced Rider Clinic, holy shit did I learn a ton.
Not only would I do it again, I would love to take other courses as well and I am very interested in Lee Parks Total Control.
Tips:
Careful who you take advice from, even those who have ridden for years know very little about riding in all actuality, but hte pros? Be it dirt or track, they have to know their shit. Myths and misconceptions do not win races, which unfortunately the average rider is full of nothing but nonsense. If you are talking to someone and they do not know what counter stearing is or thinks laying a bike down is a good optino, walk away, and do not look over your shoulder or GOD WILL TURN YOU INTO A PILLAR OF SALT! :))
Most people riding at what they think is 80 percent are actually riding at 120 percent, let that one sink in for a minute before reading on.
Track days are a big one to help gain confidence and learn skills, you learn a bunch right there and myths have to quickly go out the window.
Cycling actually transfers directly over and really helps with balance as well as endurance, if you are healthy you are more alert and fatigue less easily. I also believe that riding horses in my younger years helped as well.
Riding off road should be done with lighter bikes before the big boys, get yourself a 250 which has plenty of power for any size, go and practice, play around, be a hooligan and learn tons.
Eat right and stay hydrated, again this transfers over directly to being alert and being a better rider.
Be comfortable with all your gear as well as the bike, if you are not comfortable you are not alert and paying attention to the road.
Be it pavement or dirt, look well far away as your body cannot react if you simply look right in front of you.
Look where you want to go in any situation.
Always stay committed and go for whatever it is you are doing, if you hit a corner too hot do not hit the brake, stay on the throttle and go for it, same goes if you are riding something technical and it seems you are fubar, You will wreck far more often simply giving up half way than you ever would have just staying on it and going for it. It will be scary, I promise but it is far better than the alternative.
Trust your tires, todays tires are amazing and will hold the road very well, trust them and go with them, that goes along with the new tires are slick BS, nonsense. Even if they are (which they are not) being afraid of a new tire implies you would be unable to handle your bike in rain, snow or mud.
Quit making excuses, if something happens it probably is rider error, be objective, set aside your ego and be honest about what just happened, otherwise you are not helping yourself or anyone else at all.
The street is no place to race. While we all enjoy a spirited ride from time to time, there are simply too many factors which can impede your ride which do not exist on the track. Those factors may be dirt, cow shit, animals or even a car simply stopped around the corner, you do not know and owe it to your family to COME HOME LATE AT NIGHT.
Dont get me wrong, I believe strongly in living and enjoying your life, but the chest beating idiocy and acting like a teenager does no one a favor, save it for a controlled environment.
Bright Colors save lives, this is not even up for debate on any level.
A well Maintained bike adds to your confidence, be it on a long trip, or a spirited canyon ride it will help bring you home safely.
Tell people where you are going and keep ID on you. Your cell phone should also be programmed with an emergency contact. If you are on medications, a list of those should be on your person.
Not only would I do it again, I would love to take other courses as well and I am very interested in Lee Parks Total Control.
Tips:
Careful who you take advice from, even those who have ridden for years know very little about riding in all actuality, but hte pros? Be it dirt or track, they have to know their shit. Myths and misconceptions do not win races, which unfortunately the average rider is full of nothing but nonsense. If you are talking to someone and they do not know what counter stearing is or thinks laying a bike down is a good optino, walk away, and do not look over your shoulder or GOD WILL TURN YOU INTO A PILLAR OF SALT! :))
Most people riding at what they think is 80 percent are actually riding at 120 percent, let that one sink in for a minute before reading on.
Track days are a big one to help gain confidence and learn skills, you learn a bunch right there and myths have to quickly go out the window.
Cycling actually transfers directly over and really helps with balance as well as endurance, if you are healthy you are more alert and fatigue less easily. I also believe that riding horses in my younger years helped as well.
Riding off road should be done with lighter bikes before the big boys, get yourself a 250 which has plenty of power for any size, go and practice, play around, be a hooligan and learn tons.
Eat right and stay hydrated, again this transfers over directly to being alert and being a better rider.
Be comfortable with all your gear as well as the bike, if you are not comfortable you are not alert and paying attention to the road.
Be it pavement or dirt, look well far away as your body cannot react if you simply look right in front of you.
Look where you want to go in any situation.
Always stay committed and go for whatever it is you are doing, if you hit a corner too hot do not hit the brake, stay on the throttle and go for it, same goes if you are riding something technical and it seems you are fubar, You will wreck far more often simply giving up half way than you ever would have just staying on it and going for it. It will be scary, I promise but it is far better than the alternative.
Trust your tires, todays tires are amazing and will hold the road very well, trust them and go with them, that goes along with the new tires are slick BS, nonsense. Even if they are (which they are not) being afraid of a new tire implies you would be unable to handle your bike in rain, snow or mud.
Quit making excuses, if something happens it probably is rider error, be objective, set aside your ego and be honest about what just happened, otherwise you are not helping yourself or anyone else at all.
The street is no place to race. While we all enjoy a spirited ride from time to time, there are simply too many factors which can impede your ride which do not exist on the track. Those factors may be dirt, cow shit, animals or even a car simply stopped around the corner, you do not know and owe it to your family to COME HOME LATE AT NIGHT.
Dont get me wrong, I believe strongly in living and enjoying your life, but the chest beating idiocy and acting like a teenager does no one a favor, save it for a controlled environment.
Bright Colors save lives, this is not even up for debate on any level.
A well Maintained bike adds to your confidence, be it on a long trip, or a spirited canyon ride it will help bring you home safely.
Tell people where you are going and keep ID on you. Your cell phone should also be programmed with an emergency contact. If you are on medications, a list of those should be on your person.
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Manny Paquiao, where were you?
I wanted to keep quiet, I did as my wifes family are Filipino, but I cannot take it.
It was sometime after Tysons fall from glory that I lost interest in Boxing, the bad judging and reffing just finished it off for me, or so I thought. My interest would peak as two amazing fighters would rise up at relatively the same time, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Paquiao.
For years this is the fight everyone wanted to happen, everyone even those of us who have long since lost interest in boxing talked about how much we wanted this fight to happen.
Years of Floyd seemingly ducking Manny, with excuse after excuse, it simply made us talk even more.
Finally a supposed chance encounter at a basketball game would set the ball in motion. It seemed odd to me then that these two great fighters would not only be at the same game, but sitting across from each other, brilliant promotion I guess.
Numbers were exchanged and dates set, Floyds dates.
I hate Floyd, I wont even lie saying otherwise, however he is a genius. Floyd makes sure people fight on his terms, that is what a fighter should do. He set the date, and he set the weight, at his natural weight making a smaller Manny come up to meet him, he even dictated which gloves Manny should use.
I am not sure what Moron in the world would agree with this on Manny's team, but they did. I know Manny has a huge heart, but is it possible to have a dumber team than Tyson did? Apparently the answer is yes.
Without a doubt Manny felt he could beat the bigger fighter, and I still think he had the ability to do so, however the smart move on his side would have been to bring Floyd down to his weight, Pick a date and make that date in your Country, throw Floyd off, make him the one having to play catch up.
Floyd was desperate, he had to have this fight to fulfill his legacy, that pout the negotiations and game on team Paquiao, at least it should have. Somehow Pac Mans management messed up this part, what was the biggest payday in Boxing history, should have been even bigger, but beyond that this was for Mannys people.
More problems in Mannys camp as a menagerie of odd not exactly the most talented fighters were brought in to spar Manny. Well ok, Freddie Roach is supposed to be a genius, he knows what he is doing right?
Apparently not.
Fight night comes and we see a listless Manny walking in. Minutes before the fight when Manny should have been warming up we see him struggling to put his gloves on still, come on really? The biggest fight of his life and he is not even ready until a couple minutes before he walks into the ring?
Then the fight happens and I am not exactly sure where the brilliant Boxer is, other than Floyd.
Floyd did what he always does brilliantly, rolled and kept a fighter off him. What Manny did not do, was anything at all. He seemingly thought going in slow straight on and simply throwing a single punch here and there was enough. Why was this? why was a fighter known to be one of the fastest busiest strikers in the game seemingly not bothering to throw punches in bunches?
Exactly what was he doing when he did have Floyd on the ropes. I realize he is a master at blocking and deflecting, but to simply quit punching and step away?
Floyd managed to have one of the worst referees in history on this fight, and that showed as Floyd continuously punched below the belt and at times I thought I was watching a MMA fight when Floyd would hook PacMan in a guillotine and nothing would be done about it.
How on earth could you fall for the same trick over and over again? Floyd draws you straight into the ropes, you rush in and Floyd rolls off to his left, was it magic? No it is the same thing he always does, nothing was done to even attempt to close that door.
One of the keys when fighting as a south paw to open up a fighter with your opposite stance is to roll to their right, did Roach just fail to tell Manny? And where were all those angles you are famous for Manny? Where were they?
Dude we all love you, but when at the end of a fight you think you won, and the person interviewing you is asking what the hell you did wrong, a clue should be forming. When that announcer is asking why you were not trying hard enough, something more should click.
What failed? Was it his corner? What exactly happened here? Was your corner not telling you to move more, to let those hands go free? Were they not telling you that you were behind and needed to get with it?
I love Manny, any man with a heart as big as his deserves that love, but I am sorry, unless there was a pay off somewhere, there was zero excuse for that lack luster performance. Beyond all the point deductions that should have happened against Flo, he still handily won.
Congratulations on your Pro Debut, the boxing legend we all love you to be, was not in the ring tonight.
I will however Congratulate Floyd on being humble and respectful, and Manny, where was your respect? you should have flat out said you got beat by the best in the world, because you did.
You said "I have fought bigger" was this really in your head before you stepped into the ring with the best defensive fighter boxing has ever known? Save maybe, and I mean maybe Willie Pep?
I refuse to believe that it was this lopsided, I refuse to believe that Floyd frustrated Manny so, when men Floyd had trouble beating, Manny absolutely destroyed.
Oh well, it is what it is, as someone else said tonight "Boxing is dead" Indeed it is, the greatest match up of the century was bust and the bad guy won, so now what?
On with our own lives is all I can say.
It was sometime after Tysons fall from glory that I lost interest in Boxing, the bad judging and reffing just finished it off for me, or so I thought. My interest would peak as two amazing fighters would rise up at relatively the same time, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Paquiao.
For years this is the fight everyone wanted to happen, everyone even those of us who have long since lost interest in boxing talked about how much we wanted this fight to happen.
Years of Floyd seemingly ducking Manny, with excuse after excuse, it simply made us talk even more.
Finally a supposed chance encounter at a basketball game would set the ball in motion. It seemed odd to me then that these two great fighters would not only be at the same game, but sitting across from each other, brilliant promotion I guess.
Numbers were exchanged and dates set, Floyds dates.
I hate Floyd, I wont even lie saying otherwise, however he is a genius. Floyd makes sure people fight on his terms, that is what a fighter should do. He set the date, and he set the weight, at his natural weight making a smaller Manny come up to meet him, he even dictated which gloves Manny should use.
I am not sure what Moron in the world would agree with this on Manny's team, but they did. I know Manny has a huge heart, but is it possible to have a dumber team than Tyson did? Apparently the answer is yes.
Without a doubt Manny felt he could beat the bigger fighter, and I still think he had the ability to do so, however the smart move on his side would have been to bring Floyd down to his weight, Pick a date and make that date in your Country, throw Floyd off, make him the one having to play catch up.
Floyd was desperate, he had to have this fight to fulfill his legacy, that pout the negotiations and game on team Paquiao, at least it should have. Somehow Pac Mans management messed up this part, what was the biggest payday in Boxing history, should have been even bigger, but beyond that this was for Mannys people.
More problems in Mannys camp as a menagerie of odd not exactly the most talented fighters were brought in to spar Manny. Well ok, Freddie Roach is supposed to be a genius, he knows what he is doing right?
Apparently not.
Fight night comes and we see a listless Manny walking in. Minutes before the fight when Manny should have been warming up we see him struggling to put his gloves on still, come on really? The biggest fight of his life and he is not even ready until a couple minutes before he walks into the ring?
Then the fight happens and I am not exactly sure where the brilliant Boxer is, other than Floyd.
Floyd did what he always does brilliantly, rolled and kept a fighter off him. What Manny did not do, was anything at all. He seemingly thought going in slow straight on and simply throwing a single punch here and there was enough. Why was this? why was a fighter known to be one of the fastest busiest strikers in the game seemingly not bothering to throw punches in bunches?
Exactly what was he doing when he did have Floyd on the ropes. I realize he is a master at blocking and deflecting, but to simply quit punching and step away?
Floyd managed to have one of the worst referees in history on this fight, and that showed as Floyd continuously punched below the belt and at times I thought I was watching a MMA fight when Floyd would hook PacMan in a guillotine and nothing would be done about it.
How on earth could you fall for the same trick over and over again? Floyd draws you straight into the ropes, you rush in and Floyd rolls off to his left, was it magic? No it is the same thing he always does, nothing was done to even attempt to close that door.
One of the keys when fighting as a south paw to open up a fighter with your opposite stance is to roll to their right, did Roach just fail to tell Manny? And where were all those angles you are famous for Manny? Where were they?
Dude we all love you, but when at the end of a fight you think you won, and the person interviewing you is asking what the hell you did wrong, a clue should be forming. When that announcer is asking why you were not trying hard enough, something more should click.
What failed? Was it his corner? What exactly happened here? Was your corner not telling you to move more, to let those hands go free? Were they not telling you that you were behind and needed to get with it?
I love Manny, any man with a heart as big as his deserves that love, but I am sorry, unless there was a pay off somewhere, there was zero excuse for that lack luster performance. Beyond all the point deductions that should have happened against Flo, he still handily won.
Congratulations on your Pro Debut, the boxing legend we all love you to be, was not in the ring tonight.
I will however Congratulate Floyd on being humble and respectful, and Manny, where was your respect? you should have flat out said you got beat by the best in the world, because you did.
You said "I have fought bigger" was this really in your head before you stepped into the ring with the best defensive fighter boxing has ever known? Save maybe, and I mean maybe Willie Pep?
I refuse to believe that it was this lopsided, I refuse to believe that Floyd frustrated Manny so, when men Floyd had trouble beating, Manny absolutely destroyed.
Oh well, it is what it is, as someone else said tonight "Boxing is dead" Indeed it is, the greatest match up of the century was bust and the bad guy won, so now what?
On with our own lives is all I can say.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
The Real Trajedy of Nepal.
Maybe for me having visited developing countries before it is a bit easier to understand.
A tragedy always sucks regardless of where you are in the world, however the real problem being in places like Nepal the Government is ill equipped to deal with the situation at all. People themselves will have to gather together and do their best to form rescue operations, share food, figure out water, and deal with where their sewage will go.
Here in the west it is far easier for us, we have some of the best charities in the world at our doorstep, ready to lend us a helping hand. We have all the equipment necessary to help with rescue operations and being the repairs, this is not hte case in Nepal.
Nepal like any developing country is seriously lacking in the Equipment to even dig people out. Mind you there will be an Excavator here and there but by large, rubble will be removed painstakingly by hand.
They will not have dogs trained to sniff for survivors, nor those dogs to search for dead bodies in the weeks to come. Masks will be improvised more often than not a simple rag tied over their face.
Before the quake simple things we take for granted like water, was still something treasured there as it simply does not run in every house. Buckets were used then, and will be used now regardless of the income status. Water will have to be trucked in, but with what exactly? In America there are quit literally fleets of potable water trucks waiting for any emergency. Granted those trucks are usually private contractors, but non the less they are at our disposal to insure our basic right of water is met.
In Nepal they will fill anything that can hold water, that means lots of dirty buckets and containers we would balk at in a minute in the US.
To make matters worse they have no place to go, in the west again we have massive stadiums which can hold tens of thousands of people and keep them sheltered, in Nepal, they will have to slab together whatever they can find.
The light in all this is many aid groups will come to the rescue, from the legendary Red Cross, to Religious based organizations hoping to add a few members to their group simply from showing their good will, to organizations such as Medical San Frans commonly known as Doctors without Borders who will not only help provide medical aid, but deal with helping to rebuild and upgrade the infrastructure itself.
Immediate donations will pour in, and they are desperately needed, but long term as with most of these places is needed far more than anything.
I cannot help but wonder if the Media in America focused less on non important social Drama like the Bruce Jenner nonsense how much more help this could bring. While I sympathies with those who deal with transsexual problems, theirs will be there tomorrow and are more of a personal issue to be dealt with over an overall social issue. Imagine thinking someone having trouble with their sexual Identity takes precedent over someone starving or potentially freezing to death.
I hope whomever reads this will find it in their heart to do two things. One please donate to a charity of your choice, regardless if those funds go directly to Nepal, there are plenty of situations all over the world that money will go to help. I would also ask you to encourage our Media to start reporting important events, and less on the dysfunctional Honey Boo boo or the Kardashians.
Lets take this Tragedy to start making a difference, if your neighbor prospers, so shall you.
http://volunteeraidnepal.org/
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/
http://www.redcross.org/what-we-do/international-services/where-we-help/asia/nepal
Paul Walkers Charity for your Fast and Furious Fans
https://www.roww.org/
http://www.americares.org/
https://www.unicefusa.org/donate/end-preventable-child-deaths/20281?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand&utm_term=unicef
http://www.danielpearl.org/
http://www.malala.org/
A tragedy always sucks regardless of where you are in the world, however the real problem being in places like Nepal the Government is ill equipped to deal with the situation at all. People themselves will have to gather together and do their best to form rescue operations, share food, figure out water, and deal with where their sewage will go.
Here in the west it is far easier for us, we have some of the best charities in the world at our doorstep, ready to lend us a helping hand. We have all the equipment necessary to help with rescue operations and being the repairs, this is not hte case in Nepal.
Nepal like any developing country is seriously lacking in the Equipment to even dig people out. Mind you there will be an Excavator here and there but by large, rubble will be removed painstakingly by hand.
They will not have dogs trained to sniff for survivors, nor those dogs to search for dead bodies in the weeks to come. Masks will be improvised more often than not a simple rag tied over their face.
Before the quake simple things we take for granted like water, was still something treasured there as it simply does not run in every house. Buckets were used then, and will be used now regardless of the income status. Water will have to be trucked in, but with what exactly? In America there are quit literally fleets of potable water trucks waiting for any emergency. Granted those trucks are usually private contractors, but non the less they are at our disposal to insure our basic right of water is met.
In Nepal they will fill anything that can hold water, that means lots of dirty buckets and containers we would balk at in a minute in the US.
To make matters worse they have no place to go, in the west again we have massive stadiums which can hold tens of thousands of people and keep them sheltered, in Nepal, they will have to slab together whatever they can find.
The light in all this is many aid groups will come to the rescue, from the legendary Red Cross, to Religious based organizations hoping to add a few members to their group simply from showing their good will, to organizations such as Medical San Frans commonly known as Doctors without Borders who will not only help provide medical aid, but deal with helping to rebuild and upgrade the infrastructure itself.
Immediate donations will pour in, and they are desperately needed, but long term as with most of these places is needed far more than anything.
I cannot help but wonder if the Media in America focused less on non important social Drama like the Bruce Jenner nonsense how much more help this could bring. While I sympathies with those who deal with transsexual problems, theirs will be there tomorrow and are more of a personal issue to be dealt with over an overall social issue. Imagine thinking someone having trouble with their sexual Identity takes precedent over someone starving or potentially freezing to death.
I hope whomever reads this will find it in their heart to do two things. One please donate to a charity of your choice, regardless if those funds go directly to Nepal, there are plenty of situations all over the world that money will go to help. I would also ask you to encourage our Media to start reporting important events, and less on the dysfunctional Honey Boo boo or the Kardashians.
Lets take this Tragedy to start making a difference, if your neighbor prospers, so shall you.
http://volunteeraidnepal.org/
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/
http://www.redcross.org/what-we-do/international-services/where-we-help/asia/nepal
Paul Walkers Charity for your Fast and Furious Fans
https://www.roww.org/
http://www.americares.org/
https://www.unicefusa.org/donate/end-preventable-child-deaths/20281?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand&utm_term=unicef
http://www.danielpearl.org/
http://www.malala.org/
Friday, April 24, 2015
The Making of a Trail Dog, First Mountain Bike Ride.
I have had it in my mind that I needed a good trail dog for some time. After much thought I settled upon a cowdog, being a very robust energetic and agile dog I felt one would fit the bill perfectly.
In august after much looking I would happen upon one for free in a local trader paper, the journey would begin.
I would take time to make sure she was well associated with her new home, keeping her mostly in the fenced in yard and working with her agility and commands with a mini obstacle course I erected in the back yard.
I would then start to take her on leashed walks about the town, trying to keep her from following her doggie instincts too much, not allowing her to sniff around or antagonize dogs which were in yards.
I would then being to take her on small hikes where I suspected contacts with other humans and especially humans with their dogs would be absolutely minimal, this worked amazingly well with her sticking close behind me without a leash.
Last night would be the real test, it is one thing to get a dog to follow you and stay close while walking, it is another when you are peddling and they have to trot or lope to keep up. Your attention while peddling is focused more on the trail ahead and not so much on what is around you, giving the dog ample opportunity to sniff around and possibly find some dead animal or feces to roll in!
We would ride on an easy rode into what is called Willow Creek, it is somewhat sandy but overall an easy test with a nice wide mountain rode and mostly fields about. Finding the optimal speed would prove a bit challenging at first and I opted to keep her trotting over lopping so 7-8mph seemed to work fairly well. I really wanted to avoid her exploring in the Ranchers field more out of fear she may find some poison left out for ground squirrels over the minor annoyance of needing a bath after rolling in a fresh Cow patty. The first mile would be challenging, but after that, she stuck with me as a dog should.
The next biggest challenge for me would be to remember she would need to rest frequently as she was not accustomed to this pace.
We would rest at just over 2 miles in to take this fabulous photo.
At three miles in we would stop for a drink in the creek. I have been wondering for some time why there was a small metal shed and a metal pole next to the creek. I would encourage her to go into the water too cool down as well as get a drink. Walking back up the bank ways I would do the man thing and take a leak while I observed what the metal pole could be.
Hmmm, that looks like it has some kind of a sensor on it, I was starting to think it was not so much for the weather but possibly,,,,,yes as my mug peered close I would see the lens. There I was like some kind of a redneck monkey very embarrassed to have peered straight into a modern camera and of course unintentionally exposing myself, uhgg. Internet here I come!
I cannot say much more about this ride behind this, we would ride in another half mile before turning back. We did not see any animals which is surprising as normally in this area Moose and especially deer are very plentiful.
I would again riding back have to remember to rest a couple more times as Sadi was a bit wiped out, happy to have lots of ear scratching and she really seemed to enjoy her time out with me.
The last mile appeared rough for her as her tongue was nearly dragging on the road, and I regretted my choice of a seven mile ride, five would have been far more appropriate for her first outing I thought.
At the car she could not wait to jump in but seemed to still have plenty of energy.
At the house she would bolt straight to her toy, she was not tired, she wanted to play fetch!
I wish I shared her enthusiasm.
I am looking forward to more rides with her, I think she will do quit well as her discipline is classic among that breed, next week as the weather breaks we shall venture even further.
In august after much looking I would happen upon one for free in a local trader paper, the journey would begin.
I would take time to make sure she was well associated with her new home, keeping her mostly in the fenced in yard and working with her agility and commands with a mini obstacle course I erected in the back yard.
I would then start to take her on leashed walks about the town, trying to keep her from following her doggie instincts too much, not allowing her to sniff around or antagonize dogs which were in yards.
I would then being to take her on small hikes where I suspected contacts with other humans and especially humans with their dogs would be absolutely minimal, this worked amazingly well with her sticking close behind me without a leash.
Last night would be the real test, it is one thing to get a dog to follow you and stay close while walking, it is another when you are peddling and they have to trot or lope to keep up. Your attention while peddling is focused more on the trail ahead and not so much on what is around you, giving the dog ample opportunity to sniff around and possibly find some dead animal or feces to roll in!
We would ride on an easy rode into what is called Willow Creek, it is somewhat sandy but overall an easy test with a nice wide mountain rode and mostly fields about. Finding the optimal speed would prove a bit challenging at first and I opted to keep her trotting over lopping so 7-8mph seemed to work fairly well. I really wanted to avoid her exploring in the Ranchers field more out of fear she may find some poison left out for ground squirrels over the minor annoyance of needing a bath after rolling in a fresh Cow patty. The first mile would be challenging, but after that, she stuck with me as a dog should.
The next biggest challenge for me would be to remember she would need to rest frequently as she was not accustomed to this pace.
We would rest at just over 2 miles in to take this fabulous photo.
At three miles in we would stop for a drink in the creek. I have been wondering for some time why there was a small metal shed and a metal pole next to the creek. I would encourage her to go into the water too cool down as well as get a drink. Walking back up the bank ways I would do the man thing and take a leak while I observed what the metal pole could be.
Hmmm, that looks like it has some kind of a sensor on it, I was starting to think it was not so much for the weather but possibly,,,,,yes as my mug peered close I would see the lens. There I was like some kind of a redneck monkey very embarrassed to have peered straight into a modern camera and of course unintentionally exposing myself, uhgg. Internet here I come!
I cannot say much more about this ride behind this, we would ride in another half mile before turning back. We did not see any animals which is surprising as normally in this area Moose and especially deer are very plentiful.
I would again riding back have to remember to rest a couple more times as Sadi was a bit wiped out, happy to have lots of ear scratching and she really seemed to enjoy her time out with me.
The last mile appeared rough for her as her tongue was nearly dragging on the road, and I regretted my choice of a seven mile ride, five would have been far more appropriate for her first outing I thought.
At the car she could not wait to jump in but seemed to still have plenty of energy.
At the house she would bolt straight to her toy, she was not tired, she wanted to play fetch!
I wish I shared her enthusiasm.
I am looking forward to more rides with her, I think she will do quit well as her discipline is classic among that breed, next week as the weather breaks we shall venture even further.
Monday, April 20, 2015
Montana, we have to sell more than a view
Montana in all its splender seems to have a problem with using its resources and employing its people with a living wage. Despite being one of the most mineral enriched states in the world, its people struggle year after year with Montana ranking 49th, out of 50 states for low wages.
This was not always the case, at one time Montana was a pioneering state of the Union. At the turn of the 19th century Montana had a flourishing agriculture and mining base with homes and businesses littering the landscape with Butte Mt considered to be one of the pioneering cities of the west, out doing the legendary San Fransisco.
Things would slowly change over the years with hiccups here and there, but by the early 1980s, and the closing of the Anaconda Company, mining would be at a low.
Since then not much has happened, with the exception of a push to make Montana into a tourist state. Ads abound showing Montana as the pristine state to visit with ready access to some of the most spectacular scenery in North America, not a bad idea, Montana is just going about it wrong.
The problem with these ads and outdoor activity is Montana has largely limited its ability to sell herself simply to a view.
It can be spectacular, Glacier Park is truly magnificent, the Flathead valley a must see for everyone with the big hole valley providing the view most consider Montana to be, even the Badlands are IMO one of the ten natural wonders of the world.
But how to access these spectacular views seems to be a challenge. Since Montana seems intent to limit itself to tourism, what is that tourism? Well apparently, driving down a highway on a car you can look out the window and see that amazing view accessing it can be something of a challenge however.
During the winter is arguably the best time to visit Montana for its spectacular Scenery as access abounds. You can visit any of our Magnificent ski areas, and visit the back country in a multitude of ways. If you are not of a high fitness level, you can see and experience our wildlife and scenery by snowmobile, or even by a coach in Yellowstone.
In the Spring, Summer and Fall it can be a challenge however. Unless you hike, mountain bike, or fish Montana has limited its motorized use of its land to a point of strangulation. This is sad as your motorized users bring about the biggest tax base of all those forms of tourism. They will buy fuel, repairs, buy food and other merchandise, yet Montana insists on alienating that aspect of tourism. This is truly frustrating as other neighboring states have capitalized on this magnificent market. As you cross into Idaho bill boards abound selling OHV usage, Utah same thing. Entire towns have sprouted up purely supported by OHV tourism. Montana? well there is a lodge here and there for fly fisherman or horses.
I guess I could go on about our loss of Industry, how losing our lumber mills and logging has truly hindered us, but that is kind of a given.
Montana, if you want to be great, you need to sell what you have, looking out the window only get you so far, and in this case, not far at all.
This was not always the case, at one time Montana was a pioneering state of the Union. At the turn of the 19th century Montana had a flourishing agriculture and mining base with homes and businesses littering the landscape with Butte Mt considered to be one of the pioneering cities of the west, out doing the legendary San Fransisco.
Things would slowly change over the years with hiccups here and there, but by the early 1980s, and the closing of the Anaconda Company, mining would be at a low.
Since then not much has happened, with the exception of a push to make Montana into a tourist state. Ads abound showing Montana as the pristine state to visit with ready access to some of the most spectacular scenery in North America, not a bad idea, Montana is just going about it wrong.
The problem with these ads and outdoor activity is Montana has largely limited its ability to sell herself simply to a view.
It can be spectacular, Glacier Park is truly magnificent, the Flathead valley a must see for everyone with the big hole valley providing the view most consider Montana to be, even the Badlands are IMO one of the ten natural wonders of the world.
But how to access these spectacular views seems to be a challenge. Since Montana seems intent to limit itself to tourism, what is that tourism? Well apparently, driving down a highway on a car you can look out the window and see that amazing view accessing it can be something of a challenge however.
During the winter is arguably the best time to visit Montana for its spectacular Scenery as access abounds. You can visit any of our Magnificent ski areas, and visit the back country in a multitude of ways. If you are not of a high fitness level, you can see and experience our wildlife and scenery by snowmobile, or even by a coach in Yellowstone.
In the Spring, Summer and Fall it can be a challenge however. Unless you hike, mountain bike, or fish Montana has limited its motorized use of its land to a point of strangulation. This is sad as your motorized users bring about the biggest tax base of all those forms of tourism. They will buy fuel, repairs, buy food and other merchandise, yet Montana insists on alienating that aspect of tourism. This is truly frustrating as other neighboring states have capitalized on this magnificent market. As you cross into Idaho bill boards abound selling OHV usage, Utah same thing. Entire towns have sprouted up purely supported by OHV tourism. Montana? well there is a lodge here and there for fly fisherman or horses.
I guess I could go on about our loss of Industry, how losing our lumber mills and logging has truly hindered us, but that is kind of a given.
Montana, if you want to be great, you need to sell what you have, looking out the window only get you so far, and in this case, not far at all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)