September, 2012 saw me continuing to comply with my stated monthly running goals. I barely surpassed my monthly goal of 100 total running miles with 100.9 miles. I kept my personal record consecutive running streak going as well, now standing at 153 straight days. My longest run was a measly 5.0 miles, but that's all right since I am now going for consistency instead of distance on my daily runs.
I had thought of entering two local running races in September, but other matters changed my mind and I let them pass by. I'm still open to running in some events in October should the opportunity arise.
Hopefully, the cooler autumn weather will make my running more enjoyable. I generally prefer outdoor running over the treadmill, but the combined heat and humidity has been pretty bad, especially for September. Maybe we'll get some relief from that.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Hurricane Season Turning Mild...For Now
I just finished a phone conversation with my 86 year old father who lives down in Hollywood, near Miami. He has been closely following this hurricane season, which started out with a bang but seems to be drastically slowing down...at least on the Atlantic side. To be sure, they seem to be ticking off at a fast rate (what letter is it now, "N" or "O"). But almost all of the latest ones are purely Atlantic Ocean storms, hardly of any interest to us landlubbers in Florida. This is in spite of the fact that right now is usually considered to be the most intense time of the season.
Still, all it takes is for one strong storm to hit us and mess things up. I don't think we're going to be presented with a hurricane threat, though, until it is later on, say in October, when the tropical storm pattern changes to storms developing in the western Caribbean and moving north into the Gulf of Mexico...
Still, all it takes is for one strong storm to hit us and mess things up. I don't think we're going to be presented with a hurricane threat, though, until it is later on, say in October, when the tropical storm pattern changes to storms developing in the western Caribbean and moving north into the Gulf of Mexico...
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
NFL Replacement Officials Offer Entertainment with Incompetence
Since I had last Monday night off from work, I happened to have my TV on ESPN, which was broadcasting the NFL Monday Night Football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks. This was a pretty closely fought contest between two teams that I care little about. But it was close, and that made the outcome somewhat interesting. As well as the fact that the replacement referees, whom the league installed while carrying out a drawn-out labor dispute with the "regulars", were utterly incompetent throughout the game. To me, that was entertainment in itself, much like watching the antics of the Three Stooges. But I, like most other viewers, was completely unprepared for the game's closing play, a Green Bay pass interception of a desperation last-second Seattle pass that one official ruled as a touchdown, one ruled an interception, and the third in the vicinity just kept a distance from. Ultimately the offensive receiver, who committed what was to me the most flagrant offensive pass interference penalty I have ever seen, was awarded the reception although the Packer defender was clearly in possession. So Seattle was awarded the controversial touchdown and, as it turned out, the game as well, 14-12.
After the game, the media pundits were all abuzz about how bad this officiating was. I agree. But I remember a game back in 1980 between my Miami Dolphins and New Orleans and a similar scenario, this time with the regular officiating staff performing the duties. The Dolphins were ahead, I believe, 21-16, but the Saints mounted a furious last-minute comeback. On the game's final play, the Saints quarterback heaved a clear touchdown pass to win the game, touching off celebrations on that side of the field. But wait, there was a penalty flag and a New Orleans player was called for offensive pass interference. Replay after replay of this play was shown on TV, with no hint whatsoever of the existence of this apparently phantom penalty. The game thus ended with a dubious Dolphin win.
So this sort of thing happens and is unavoidable. Still, the replacement officials seem to be totally incapable of the controlling the game and are increasingly coming under the open scorn of both coaches and players alike on the field. Not that I necessarily want them gone: this IS awfully entertaining, in a slapstick sort of way!
After the game, the media pundits were all abuzz about how bad this officiating was. I agree. But I remember a game back in 1980 between my Miami Dolphins and New Orleans and a similar scenario, this time with the regular officiating staff performing the duties. The Dolphins were ahead, I believe, 21-16, but the Saints mounted a furious last-minute comeback. On the game's final play, the Saints quarterback heaved a clear touchdown pass to win the game, touching off celebrations on that side of the field. But wait, there was a penalty flag and a New Orleans player was called for offensive pass interference. Replay after replay of this play was shown on TV, with no hint whatsoever of the existence of this apparently phantom penalty. The game thus ended with a dubious Dolphin win.
So this sort of thing happens and is unavoidable. Still, the replacement officials seem to be totally incapable of the controlling the game and are increasingly coming under the open scorn of both coaches and players alike on the field. Not that I necessarily want them gone: this IS awfully entertaining, in a slapstick sort of way!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Bicycling to Work Again
Due to some transportation glitches in my family recently (due to good things going on), I found myself for the last two Thursdays with looking for an alternative way to get myself to my workplace besides driving my car there (or being let off by a family member). The city bus, taxi, maybe asking a co-worker for a lift...these all come up as possibilities. But instead I opted to return to an old tradition of mine that I had engaged in to a great extent in the late 1980's and early 1990's: I rode my bicycle the 7.8 miles to work. I knew I would have transportation provided on my return home after work, so it wouldn't be quite as strenuous as the "good old days" when I would bike on a round-trip basis.
Both times I handled the ride quite well, stopping at a Panera's for lunch at about the 6-mile mark. I'd get myself one of their wonderful hazelnut coffees (free refills) along with either a scrumptious cheese danish or a lunch special comprised of a sandwich, salad and (french onion) soup. Panera's french onion soup and salad beat all, as does the friendly, helpful demeanor of their workers (at least that's the case in Gainesville's Panera). This may be the start of a new tradition...
This bicycle of mine is typical for me: I paid around $100 for it. No, I don't plan to go into bicycle racing anytime soon, although I think it would be cool to make it through a triathlon sometime (without bankrupting myself buying an ultra-expensive racing bicycle). Who knows what the future holds, right?
Bicycling does work out some muscles different than running, and I was a little sore after my rides (especially that first one). But it surprised me how easily I took some of the rolling hills I encountered on my route, hills that seemed at times almost insurmountable back in years gone by. So there is definitely an enormous crossover benefit from running to bicycling...
Both times I handled the ride quite well, stopping at a Panera's for lunch at about the 6-mile mark. I'd get myself one of their wonderful hazelnut coffees (free refills) along with either a scrumptious cheese danish or a lunch special comprised of a sandwich, salad and (french onion) soup. Panera's french onion soup and salad beat all, as does the friendly, helpful demeanor of their workers (at least that's the case in Gainesville's Panera). This may be the start of a new tradition...
This bicycle of mine is typical for me: I paid around $100 for it. No, I don't plan to go into bicycle racing anytime soon, although I think it would be cool to make it through a triathlon sometime (without bankrupting myself buying an ultra-expensive racing bicycle). Who knows what the future holds, right?
Bicycling does work out some muscles different than running, and I was a little sore after my rides (especially that first one). But it surprised me how easily I took some of the rolling hills I encountered on my route, hills that seemed at times almost insurmountable back in years gone by. So there is definitely an enormous crossover benefit from running to bicycling...
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Cybersquatting Getting Old for Me
I'm sitting once again outside a Starbucks writing this. This one is the closest of their stores to my house, and like most of the others this early Sunday afternoon, is packed to the hilt with "customers". Most of them, admittedly like me, though, are what my local rag the Gainesville Sun has termed "cypersquatters" in a recent article. These are people who avail themselves of the free wi-fi offered in coffee shops and pretty much camp out there, sometimes all day and/or all night. Nothing bad about that except that soon there are no seats left and the circulation of new customers who'd like to sit a spell in the establishment gets stopped up. And explains why I am currently sitting OUTSIDE, at one of the few remaining available tables. As for me, I almost never use my laptop in these places, rather taking along my portable AlphaSmart word processor, with no need for Internet service. And although I may be here an hour or a little longer, I don't grow roots into the floor either like many of the others, some of whom I have noticed don't even bother to buy anything during their prolonged stay.
Actually, I have a perfectly good front porch to my house that can closely imitate this effect of sitting out in public. I don't have to worry about not finding a seat, and I can save gobs of dough by brewing my own (better tasting) coffee. And I have quick access to both wi-fi and the bathroom should the needs arise. So what am I doing here at this Starbucks anyway? Time to change my study locale, I think...
By the way, cybersquatting has a completely different meaning, apart from the Sun's particular application. Parties who buy up web domain names just to make money selling them to other parties who would naturally be inclined to use them are called "cybersquatters" and are pretty heavily frowned upon. Yeah, and I bet some of them hog up the space in coffee shops as well!
Actually, I have a perfectly good front porch to my house that can closely imitate this effect of sitting out in public. I don't have to worry about not finding a seat, and I can save gobs of dough by brewing my own (better tasting) coffee. And I have quick access to both wi-fi and the bathroom should the needs arise. So what am I doing here at this Starbucks anyway? Time to change my study locale, I think...
By the way, cybersquatting has a completely different meaning, apart from the Sun's particular application. Parties who buy up web domain names just to make money selling them to other parties who would naturally be inclined to use them are called "cybersquatters" and are pretty heavily frowned upon. Yeah, and I bet some of them hog up the space in coffee shops as well!
Friday, September 21, 2012
Assorted Comments Continue
More assorted comments...
--My two favorite football teams from college and the pros, the Florida Gators and Miami Dolphins respectively, surprised me this past weekend with two impressive victories, both highlighted by big plays, ball control, and surging from midway in the third quarter to the game's end. And both teams have young, relatively inexperienced quarterbacks. Yes, pretty impressive...
--Oh my gahhh, will this incredibly painful election campaign season EVER be over? I cannot stand watching the news anymore with all of the bull flying around...
--The running is continuing as usual, with me often resorting to creative means to get my daily dose of running in. And I'm still on target for 100 miles this month, with no break yet in my streak, which stands now at 144 straight running days...
--No, I'm not writing much lately. But maybe it's better that I draw back a bit instead of writing stuff on a daily basis that I don't have my heart into...
--My two favorite football teams from college and the pros, the Florida Gators and Miami Dolphins respectively, surprised me this past weekend with two impressive victories, both highlighted by big plays, ball control, and surging from midway in the third quarter to the game's end. And both teams have young, relatively inexperienced quarterbacks. Yes, pretty impressive...
--Oh my gahhh, will this incredibly painful election campaign season EVER be over? I cannot stand watching the news anymore with all of the bull flying around...
--The running is continuing as usual, with me often resorting to creative means to get my daily dose of running in. And I'm still on target for 100 miles this month, with no break yet in my streak, which stands now at 144 straight running days...
--No, I'm not writing much lately. But maybe it's better that I draw back a bit instead of writing stuff on a daily basis that I don't have my heart into...
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Various Comments
Some more mixed comments...
--The anti-American protests in various Muslim countries, along with their often very violent outcomes, strike me as being, at least to a degree, contrived and premeditated. Events like these are often based on something that has been in the media or Internet for a while, and one can always find something there to get offended about if there is an agenda involved. There are forces in some of these countries (like Libya, Yemen, and Egypt) who want political power and see using the United States as a scapegoat as a means of corralling popular support. And of course, there are the allegations in Libya that Al-Qaeda directed the attack on the U.S. consulate that killed our ambassador there...
--Hurricane season, at least for my home area, has turned into a big yawner. Since I am no longer in grade or high school, I have no vested interest in one of them striking (and getting me out of school). So I'm not exactly complaining...
--The University of Florida football team travels today to Knoxville, Tennessee to play Tennessee early this evening. This looks to be a very even match-up between two teams, each of which sees themselves on the rebound after some disappointing seasons. I have absolutely no idea, though, about how this contest will play itself out, and which Gators team will show up to play. I'm hoping that what they did in the second half of the Texas A&M game last week will stick with them, as they dominated the line of scrimmage on both offense and defense and ran the clock out with outstanding ball control...
--The anti-American protests in various Muslim countries, along with their often very violent outcomes, strike me as being, at least to a degree, contrived and premeditated. Events like these are often based on something that has been in the media or Internet for a while, and one can always find something there to get offended about if there is an agenda involved. There are forces in some of these countries (like Libya, Yemen, and Egypt) who want political power and see using the United States as a scapegoat as a means of corralling popular support. And of course, there are the allegations in Libya that Al-Qaeda directed the attack on the U.S. consulate that killed our ambassador there...
--Hurricane season, at least for my home area, has turned into a big yawner. Since I am no longer in grade or high school, I have no vested interest in one of them striking (and getting me out of school). So I'm not exactly complaining...
--The University of Florida football team travels today to Knoxville, Tennessee to play Tennessee early this evening. This looks to be a very even match-up between two teams, each of which sees themselves on the rebound after some disappointing seasons. I have absolutely no idea, though, about how this contest will play itself out, and which Gators team will show up to play. I'm hoping that what they did in the second half of the Texas A&M game last week will stick with them, as they dominated the line of scrimmage on both offense and defense and ran the clock out with outstanding ball control...
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Assorted Short Comments
It's been a little while since I've written on this blog, but I think I'll give it a shot with some short comments on various topics...
--The presidential campaign continues its tedious journey toward the traumatic event (win or lose) on election day when one side claims victory and the other questions the validity of the results, crying foul. You just know this is coming...
--The University of Florida football team under second-year head coach Will Muschamp has won its first two games, the last one an unexpectedly strong ball-control effort against Texas A&M on the road in the latter's very hostile stadium. In my personal history of following my favorite teams during their "glory" years, the best teams always had a knack for controlling the ball on offense, and thus the tempo of the game, with long, time-consuming drives. Being able to consistently get into third-and-short situations and then convert to first down is the hallmark of a true winner. I'll take that over razzle-dazzle any day...
--I am currently in the process of reading several books at the same time. They are scattered across my house and in my car. And some I just read bits of when I stop by a store where they are on the rack. This is probably not the best strategy in the world for reading, as I have the tendency to forget where I am in a story and what's been going on...
--My running continues as I attempt to reconcile some currently rather turbulent areas in my life with my need for regular routines. Still, so far I have managed to keep my daily running streak alive, now standing at 133 straight days...
--Today marks the eleventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in this country, and also lies on Tuesday, the same day of the week when they happened. I wonder, after all this time, how far the rescue technology and procedures have progressed to save those trapped high up in skyscrapers during disasters...
--I was pleasantly surprised a couple of weeks ago when I tuned my radio in to 980/WDVH one evening and discovered they were broadcasting Alan Colmes' radio show. Finally, at least one liberal radio talk show to stand up against the overwhelming number of conservative shows...
--The presidential campaign continues its tedious journey toward the traumatic event (win or lose) on election day when one side claims victory and the other questions the validity of the results, crying foul. You just know this is coming...
--The University of Florida football team under second-year head coach Will Muschamp has won its first two games, the last one an unexpectedly strong ball-control effort against Texas A&M on the road in the latter's very hostile stadium. In my personal history of following my favorite teams during their "glory" years, the best teams always had a knack for controlling the ball on offense, and thus the tempo of the game, with long, time-consuming drives. Being able to consistently get into third-and-short situations and then convert to first down is the hallmark of a true winner. I'll take that over razzle-dazzle any day...
--I am currently in the process of reading several books at the same time. They are scattered across my house and in my car. And some I just read bits of when I stop by a store where they are on the rack. This is probably not the best strategy in the world for reading, as I have the tendency to forget where I am in a story and what's been going on...
--My running continues as I attempt to reconcile some currently rather turbulent areas in my life with my need for regular routines. Still, so far I have managed to keep my daily running streak alive, now standing at 133 straight days...
--Today marks the eleventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in this country, and also lies on Tuesday, the same day of the week when they happened. I wonder, after all this time, how far the rescue technology and procedures have progressed to save those trapped high up in skyscrapers during disasters...
--I was pleasantly surprised a couple of weeks ago when I tuned my radio in to 980/WDVH one evening and discovered they were broadcasting Alan Colmes' radio show. Finally, at least one liberal radio talk show to stand up against the overwhelming number of conservative shows...
Monday, September 3, 2012
Blog Writing Slows Down for Now
I am currently in a period when I am not very motivated to write blog articles. Sure, there are probably interesting topics to cover (as well many rather boring ones). But I am feeling a bit introspective right now, and don't feel up to sharing my thoughts with the world. We'll see how this plays out, but for now, don't expect very much here. At least not on a daily basis...
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