I know I do! I am cursed! I ran the 8k Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving in Charlotte. Did good as I made it part of my training for a half marathon I was planning to run in less then 2 weeks. Notice that I say "was planning"...
After the Turkey Trot the bottom of my left foot started to tighten up on me forcing me to pause on my running, then I get slammed by a freaking cold. Which has now moved into my chest and with a tough time breathing and coughing I have admitted defeat and have canceled my plan on running the half. It bugs me because I view things such that when I set out to do something I do my best to meet any expectations or goals. When I am unable to I take it as a failure.
Not good I know...but I'll survive and the point of running is to be able to understand injuries and be able to run later if you can't today.
I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving! Now it's on to Christmas!!! Happy Holidays everyone!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Some of you may have known some of you may not have…but my awesome wife submitted a story for a comic distribution company that was having a contest. The topic to write about was which hero you would send to kill / capture Osama Bin Laden. Of course Dudish’s think outside the box and are a unique bunch (everyone laugh, chuckle, insert joke here) and she did think of a good idea which…yes…was so good it won the contest which was for a nice gift certificate for some goodies!
The story will be put on their blog or website eventually, and both can be found here:
http://www.superherostuff.com
http://www.superherostuff.com/blog/
But for you guys I include this story so enjoy!
The story will be put on their blog or website eventually, and both can be found here:
http://www.superherostuff.com
http://www.superherostuff.com/blog/
But for you guys I include this story so enjoy!
Luthor and Bin Laden: Match Made in Hell?
Part 1
You know me, the guy voted most likely to be recruiting backstage passes to the latest slugfest. It’s all bullets and name-dropping, that’s what you pay me for. That’s what keeps you perched on the bus-seat edge, trying to read over Joe, Jack, Jill’s shoulder. And I live to serve my adoring public. So who could’ve been more surprised at the voice on the other end? I mean, really, why call me? You can’t work on this rag without hearing about “la femme Lane”. But her phone didn’t ring, mine did.
A call that left me enduring a November rain under an elderly umbrella. When the limo ghosted in behind me, I jumped.
“I would ask if it’s wet enough for you just to break out the clichés.” I squeaked back in surprise, too damn jumpy. Hey, you learn to be in my line.
“Lex Luthor,” I acknowledged as the passenger door swung open. And that began the conversation between your intrepid narrator of crime’s vicious lives and our city’s most reviled citizen.
I cupped my chilled fingers around a cooling brew, black and strong, no fancy lattes on this beat. When he reached to his breast pocket, I felt the cold sweat pop at my temples. The hand came out clutching a news clipping: “The Man of Steel vs. Radical Bombers.” I’d seen this one, a pure spec piece with a rather poor photoshopped “shot on the scene”. I said as much to Lex when I handed it back to him.
“That is inconsequential you see,” he replied. “I am far too intelligent to be taken in by this pulp. You work the inside and know the story from the tripe. The common man though, there is the rub. They will believe and Superman will have to prove them right.” Lex fell into the usual tirade he plays to any public, even a public of one. I’d heard it all before, we all have. If I was still a betting man, would’ve won the pot saying our Lane has not only heard it all but seen the proof.
He ground through the stump speech. Towards the end the brute hulking in the facing seat pulled Lex the last dreg of tea from a steaming silver samovar, ignoring the long since empty container in my hand. Only then did he stop. I have to tell you I was almost impressed with the constant theme, the tenacity, the sheer bullishness Lex displayed as he waxed on his number one topic. Websters should have a photo of Lex for obsession, that’s how crazy it was.
But at the end of it, he stopped and stated, “That’s why I will kill Osama bin Laden.”
I must’ve looked as confused as I felt. He smiled that English gentlemen’s club smile. “I will not have any peers. I am the superior man and I will not let some sorry excuse of a goat herder confusing pure luck with the genius of complete planned chaos interfere with me proving that. Until Osama is dead and his distraction gone, I cannot be sure of unrestricted access to the superjoke you so quaintly fawn over.”
For a moment, Lex fell silent. Staring at his face, I knew this was the man with the hate and drive to pursue beyond all limit, to see only the end and not the means. Here was the monster you send to kill a monster. At some unseen signal from Lex, brute made it clear the interview was over with a languid wave of his gun hand towards the rain peppering the window; Lex assuring me regular updates of his progress, me posturing on fair representation in the press.
It was a good twenty minutes before my shoulders came back down from my ears. Tobacco curled lazy-sweet around my head. I thought about a certain day. I thought about the power of ego, the siren lure of hate.
I thought yup, maybe Lex just could do it.
Part 1
You know me, the guy voted most likely to be recruiting backstage passes to the latest slugfest. It’s all bullets and name-dropping, that’s what you pay me for. That’s what keeps you perched on the bus-seat edge, trying to read over Joe, Jack, Jill’s shoulder. And I live to serve my adoring public. So who could’ve been more surprised at the voice on the other end? I mean, really, why call me? You can’t work on this rag without hearing about “la femme Lane”. But her phone didn’t ring, mine did.
A call that left me enduring a November rain under an elderly umbrella. When the limo ghosted in behind me, I jumped.
“I would ask if it’s wet enough for you just to break out the clichés.” I squeaked back in surprise, too damn jumpy. Hey, you learn to be in my line.
“Lex Luthor,” I acknowledged as the passenger door swung open. And that began the conversation between your intrepid narrator of crime’s vicious lives and our city’s most reviled citizen.
I cupped my chilled fingers around a cooling brew, black and strong, no fancy lattes on this beat. When he reached to his breast pocket, I felt the cold sweat pop at my temples. The hand came out clutching a news clipping: “The Man of Steel vs. Radical Bombers.” I’d seen this one, a pure spec piece with a rather poor photoshopped “shot on the scene”. I said as much to Lex when I handed it back to him.
“That is inconsequential you see,” he replied. “I am far too intelligent to be taken in by this pulp. You work the inside and know the story from the tripe. The common man though, there is the rub. They will believe and Superman will have to prove them right.” Lex fell into the usual tirade he plays to any public, even a public of one. I’d heard it all before, we all have. If I was still a betting man, would’ve won the pot saying our Lane has not only heard it all but seen the proof.
He ground through the stump speech. Towards the end the brute hulking in the facing seat pulled Lex the last dreg of tea from a steaming silver samovar, ignoring the long since empty container in my hand. Only then did he stop. I have to tell you I was almost impressed with the constant theme, the tenacity, the sheer bullishness Lex displayed as he waxed on his number one topic. Websters should have a photo of Lex for obsession, that’s how crazy it was.
But at the end of it, he stopped and stated, “That’s why I will kill Osama bin Laden.”
I must’ve looked as confused as I felt. He smiled that English gentlemen’s club smile. “I will not have any peers. I am the superior man and I will not let some sorry excuse of a goat herder confusing pure luck with the genius of complete planned chaos interfere with me proving that. Until Osama is dead and his distraction gone, I cannot be sure of unrestricted access to the superjoke you so quaintly fawn over.”
For a moment, Lex fell silent. Staring at his face, I knew this was the man with the hate and drive to pursue beyond all limit, to see only the end and not the means. Here was the monster you send to kill a monster. At some unseen signal from Lex, brute made it clear the interview was over with a languid wave of his gun hand towards the rain peppering the window; Lex assuring me regular updates of his progress, me posturing on fair representation in the press.
It was a good twenty minutes before my shoulders came back down from my ears. Tobacco curled lazy-sweet around my head. I thought about a certain day. I thought about the power of ego, the siren lure of hate.
I thought yup, maybe Lex just could do it.
Part 2
Hello, hello, this thing on?
Hello?
Ok, not much time, just gotta hope it’s working. Nate here…your highway to the stars, criminal though they are. Not sure where I am. Well, I’m sure it’s a plane and this ain’t Kansas , can’t say more than that. How’d a ground-hugging, tube-rider like me get hijacked into a flying metal coffin? Wasn’t easy.
After our friendly chat, I didn’t give Lex much more thought. Seen it all and heard plenty, what’s one more crazy rant? Had plenty others to reel in; the Maggio brothers were feuding again and all the little fishies were circling for the fallout.
Maybe a twinge when Clara over in Society mentioned Lex had been out of the news awhile. Sure, he’s a crook but a filthy rich one. Still, wasn’t a clear follow-my-lead twinge. It was when I was climbing the stairs out of the 27th that those little hairs woke up. The twinge turned into a honking reminder. I checked the snub-nose, yup still in the left pocket. Didn’t carry till lately, but like I said, a guy gets jumpy.
Brutus fleshed out of the archway. No way you could mistake that lump, Lex must be paying by the pound. Tried to bluff it, “Lose your ride big guy?”
Not one for small talk, probably couldn’t form a coherent thought never mind say it out loud. The street light crossed his bulk and the muzzle already pointed at me. Geez, this guy was a broken record. I shrugged, “Your dime”. A teeth-chattering blow ended any more brilliant conversation and sent me into blackness.
“Ah, there is our reporter,” that voice was unmistakable. No use faking it, not with brute’s ham hocks around. Opened my eyes and once again found myself watching Lex across a limo’s vast space, “Something I should know about?”
It was champagne at this meeting. Lex practically vibrated with excitement. “All in good time please. I have to say I am rather disappointed in you. I thought we had an understanding.” He stopped for a moment, head cocked, eyes turned in. “True, true. I cannot really hold you accountable after all. I have been…otherwise detained.”
This was not a good sign; silent partners don’t bode well for sane talkers. My eyes roved the interior, no door handles, no blunt objects except for the bottle chilling next to brute.
Lex caught my movement. “This vintage is exquisite, you must try it. I insist.”
Brute’s pig eyes bored into me as he leaned over, his paw dwarfing the crystal. Master and pet stared at me till I relented and sipped gingerly.
Lex grinned and barked, “Now please.”
The brute touched several buttons at his console. The limo’s windows wept into transparency. I was startled to see the North Park amphitheater below us. We must’ve been up on the Smallville South extension. North Park , why did that sound so familiar? I looked at the crowd milling. North, what was it?
It clicked as Lex crooned, “I just love a good cause.” The Iraqi Anti-Defamation League had filed a permit for North Park . Was being billed as a “peaceful meeting of like-minded citizens to join in prayer and demonstrate the real truth of the Iraqi people”.
“Wait…wait…no…give it to me!” Lex was practically jumping out of his seat in agitation. My gut gave a hard roll; it wasn’t liking this one bit. I stared at the mixed group, some chattering in smaller sections, several with hands linked, heads down.
Luther was holding a mike to his mouth with one hand, champagne long forgotten, the other thumb covering a small box. I tensed but brute had the smarts of all predators and crushed my shoulder in a vise grip. My gut flipped again and I swallowed thickly.
“Death to the infidel. There is only one God and Allah is his name.” Thumb pressing down, a crump that shakes even the armored limo, human wails mixing with mechanical ones, Lex beaming angelically and then brute’s backhand sending me back into oblivion.
That brings me to this flying heap. When I came to it was strapped in the middle of a pack of brutus clones. They were comparing hardware enthusiastically till several noticed I was awake. The front curtain peeled back and he walked down the aisle.
“Excellent!” That voice. My eyes must’ve looked pretty funny shooting knives.
“It was perfect. What a day, what a response. And the media darlings! I really must apologize, the story of the year and here I had you incommunicado. No Peabody Award for you I’m afraid.”
I was still getting pretty clear flashes of what happens when large quantities of explosive meet multiple soft humans. “What are you up to now Luthor?”
“Now I thought we were friends. I seem to recall a certain understanding we had, promises made. And everything I have gone through to fulfill my end of that arrangement. But a prophet is never accepted in his own country as they say.”
I squirmed in my seat, “You’re no prophet, just insane.”
Lex laughed, the hired guns joining him. “No, no, no! Not insane, just the most brilliant mind in history! Who else could orchestrate the perfect cover to implicate al-Qaeda? Who else will be cheered as America ’s savior when Osama is dead? And who will have to acknowledge my superiority?”
Lex turned and still chuckling, strode back to his private quarters. The plane droned on. The goons relaxed, some slept. Finally convinced them of the need for toilet breaks.
Not much tape left. I’ve got a good idea where we’re going and what Lex will do when we get there. Don’t know the plan for me. Out of time, they’re at the door. Hope somebody finds thi…
Hello, hello, this thing on?
Hello?
Ok, not much time, just gotta hope it’s working. Nate here…your highway to the stars, criminal though they are. Not sure where I am. Well, I’m sure it’s a plane and this ain’t Kansas , can’t say more than that. How’d a ground-hugging, tube-rider like me get hijacked into a flying metal coffin? Wasn’t easy.
After our friendly chat, I didn’t give Lex much more thought. Seen it all and heard plenty, what’s one more crazy rant? Had plenty others to reel in; the Maggio brothers were feuding again and all the little fishies were circling for the fallout.
Maybe a twinge when Clara over in Society mentioned Lex had been out of the news awhile. Sure, he’s a crook but a filthy rich one. Still, wasn’t a clear follow-my-lead twinge. It was when I was climbing the stairs out of the 27th that those little hairs woke up. The twinge turned into a honking reminder. I checked the snub-nose, yup still in the left pocket. Didn’t carry till lately, but like I said, a guy gets jumpy.
Brutus fleshed out of the archway. No way you could mistake that lump, Lex must be paying by the pound. Tried to bluff it, “Lose your ride big guy?”
Not one for small talk, probably couldn’t form a coherent thought never mind say it out loud. The street light crossed his bulk and the muzzle already pointed at me. Geez, this guy was a broken record. I shrugged, “Your dime”. A teeth-chattering blow ended any more brilliant conversation and sent me into blackness.
“Ah, there is our reporter,” that voice was unmistakable. No use faking it, not with brute’s ham hocks around. Opened my eyes and once again found myself watching Lex across a limo’s vast space, “Something I should know about?”
It was champagne at this meeting. Lex practically vibrated with excitement. “All in good time please. I have to say I am rather disappointed in you. I thought we had an understanding.” He stopped for a moment, head cocked, eyes turned in. “True, true. I cannot really hold you accountable after all. I have been…otherwise detained.”
This was not a good sign; silent partners don’t bode well for sane talkers. My eyes roved the interior, no door handles, no blunt objects except for the bottle chilling next to brute.
Lex caught my movement. “This vintage is exquisite, you must try it. I insist.”
Brute’s pig eyes bored into me as he leaned over, his paw dwarfing the crystal. Master and pet stared at me till I relented and sipped gingerly.
Lex grinned and barked, “Now please.”
The brute touched several buttons at his console. The limo’s windows wept into transparency. I was startled to see the North Park amphitheater below us. We must’ve been up on the Smallville South extension. North Park , why did that sound so familiar? I looked at the crowd milling. North, what was it?
It clicked as Lex crooned, “I just love a good cause.” The Iraqi Anti-Defamation League had filed a permit for North Park . Was being billed as a “peaceful meeting of like-minded citizens to join in prayer and demonstrate the real truth of the Iraqi people”.
“Wait…wait…no…give it to me!” Lex was practically jumping out of his seat in agitation. My gut gave a hard roll; it wasn’t liking this one bit. I stared at the mixed group, some chattering in smaller sections, several with hands linked, heads down.
Luther was holding a mike to his mouth with one hand, champagne long forgotten, the other thumb covering a small box. I tensed but brute had the smarts of all predators and crushed my shoulder in a vise grip. My gut flipped again and I swallowed thickly.
“Death to the infidel. There is only one God and Allah is his name.” Thumb pressing down, a crump that shakes even the armored limo, human wails mixing with mechanical ones, Lex beaming angelically and then brute’s backhand sending me back into oblivion.
That brings me to this flying heap. When I came to it was strapped in the middle of a pack of brutus clones. They were comparing hardware enthusiastically till several noticed I was awake. The front curtain peeled back and he walked down the aisle.
“Excellent!” That voice. My eyes must’ve looked pretty funny shooting knives.
“It was perfect. What a day, what a response. And the media darlings! I really must apologize, the story of the year and here I had you incommunicado. No Peabody Award for you I’m afraid.”
I was still getting pretty clear flashes of what happens when large quantities of explosive meet multiple soft humans. “What are you up to now Luthor?”
“Now I thought we were friends. I seem to recall a certain understanding we had, promises made. And everything I have gone through to fulfill my end of that arrangement. But a prophet is never accepted in his own country as they say.”
I squirmed in my seat, “You’re no prophet, just insane.”
Lex laughed, the hired guns joining him. “No, no, no! Not insane, just the most brilliant mind in history! Who else could orchestrate the perfect cover to implicate al-Qaeda? Who else will be cheered as America ’s savior when Osama is dead? And who will have to acknowledge my superiority?”
Lex turned and still chuckling, strode back to his private quarters. The plane droned on. The goons relaxed, some slept. Finally convinced them of the need for toilet breaks.
Not much tape left. I’ve got a good idea where we’re going and what Lex will do when we get there. Don’t know the plan for me. Out of time, they’re at the door. Hope somebody finds thi…
Friday, November 2, 2007
And going and going and going...
So here it is November. Happy Birthday to me! Well...actually it was yesterday but it still counts. I hit the prime old age of 38. To celebrate I went out and ran a fast 3.72 miles with the running group I hang with. Felt good since I took the whole week off from any running after tweaking my knee last Friday. I decided because of this not to run tomorrows DOWD Half Marathon. I will start pushing again for the Charlotte Thunder Road Half Marathon.
I also changed the colors, if you hadn't noticed by now, of the blog.
New Age = Change
So let us see if this weekend will bring about any good luck...will SU when a 3rd game? Will the Atlanta Falcons win their 2nd game? A new manager for the Yankees! That's a sign of hopefully things to come.
I promise...and I really do...to put some stuff up soon...just trying to get some other stuff taken care of. Thanks for you patience and see you soon! Oh...and I hope everyone had a good Halloween!
I also changed the colors, if you hadn't noticed by now, of the blog.
New Age = Change
So let us see if this weekend will bring about any good luck...will SU when a 3rd game? Will the Atlanta Falcons win their 2nd game? A new manager for the Yankees! That's a sign of hopefully things to come.
I promise...and I really do...to put some stuff up soon...just trying to get some other stuff taken care of. Thanks for you patience and see you soon! Oh...and I hope everyone had a good Halloween!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Lake Norman 15k 10/20/07
Yes the Grand Prix running series is over! I get to have the honor of saying I ran all 10 races. This photo was taken from the final one, which happens to be the longest one of the series (15k, or 9.3 miles). I came in 10 minutes slower than last year but my goal was to run a strong race and not fast since I am trying to get ready for two half marathons. One is in two weeks and the other 4 weeks after that.
You can see the standings here: http://www.runforyourlife.com/gpps.html
You can see the standings here: http://www.runforyourlife.com/gpps.htmlThey haven't posted the latest points from the 15k but I feel good having ran all ten. My goal this year was to run the series and go over 600 miles. I am just over 560 miles now so once I get over that 600 mark both of the goals will be met.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Rocktoberfest!
So it has been a while...to long for me for sure...but my bud from College, Joe, and I went to Ashville, NC last week for his birthday to catch the UK band Porcupine Tree and let me tell you it was freaking awesome!
They played a 2 hour set and it was just as last time...mind blowing. I do have to say that this is the first time I went to Ashville and hit up the actual city. Lots and lots of hippies, it reminded me of my college days at Oneonta State in NY. And I did not try the muffin at the local coffee store, called the Dripolater. We walked in to get that coffee shot in the morning and there on the rack was the Secret Ingredient Bran Muffin...Yeah...Like I am going to try that...
I've logged over 540 miles now and gearing up for a 15k this weekend, two half marathons are coming up as well in the following 2 months so this should be fun (for me...I didn't say for you).
The cooler weather is finally here which is awesome. And you might have noticed the new World Of El Dude logo up top...I think it's close but not quite there. So have fun and go out and get a pint...if it's to early in the morning go for a walk or a run. Just go out and enjoy the cooler weather. Oh and one last thing...lets all pause for a moment and wish to the Gods that rain comes to Charlotte. The creek dried up and the grass is like walking on straw. Later on Boys and Girls!
They played a 2 hour set and it was just as last time...mind blowing. I do have to say that this is the first time I went to Ashville and hit up the actual city. Lots and lots of hippies, it reminded me of my college days at Oneonta State in NY. And I did not try the muffin at the local coffee store, called the Dripolater. We walked in to get that coffee shot in the morning and there on the rack was the Secret Ingredient Bran Muffin...Yeah...Like I am going to try that...
I've logged over 540 miles now and gearing up for a 15k this weekend, two half marathons are coming up as well in the following 2 months so this should be fun (for me...I didn't say for you).
The cooler weather is finally here which is awesome. And you might have noticed the new World Of El Dude logo up top...I think it's close but not quite there. So have fun and go out and get a pint...if it's to early in the morning go for a walk or a run. Just go out and enjoy the cooler weather. Oh and one last thing...lets all pause for a moment and wish to the Gods that rain comes to Charlotte. The creek dried up and the grass is like walking on straw. Later on Boys and Girls!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Come On Fall...Show Yourself!
So many of the public radios are doing their fall pledge drives, the TV shows are starting their fall schedules, fall is officially here, but why do I get that feeling that it's just not right yet? It probably is due to several reasons...How about that it was 92 degrees yesterday in the south? How about that the creek behind my house is now dry from the total lack of rainfall? Yeah...that could be it. Oh and last night my home laptop crashed...if you scroll down you'll see that about a little more than a month ago my work laptop crashed. It's a trend man!
Have you seen the new Bionic Woman? We'll see as time passes how it goes. I did enjoy the comedy shows that started up again this week such as How I Met Your Mother, The Office, and My Name Is Earl. And let us not forget Heroes! Now those help make the lack of water...nah...they don't help...they just make us forget. So to hope for cooler weather since it's supposed to drop to 50 degree tomorrow morning, fingers crossed, while I run the 2nd to last of the Race Series I've been trying (It's called the Hit The Brixx 10k)...I have done this little picture practicing my PEN skills on photoshop. A hot, ice blue sprite! Cheers!
Have you seen the new Bionic Woman? We'll see as time passes how it goes. I did enjoy the comedy shows that started up again this week such as How I Met Your Mother, The Office, and My Name Is Earl. And let us not forget Heroes! Now those help make the lack of water...nah...they don't help...they just make us forget. So to hope for cooler weather since it's supposed to drop to 50 degree tomorrow morning, fingers crossed, while I run the 2nd to last of the Race Series I've been trying (It's called the Hit The Brixx 10k)...I have done this little picture practicing my PEN skills on photoshop. A hot, ice blue sprite! Cheers!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Alas poor Summer I will not miss you...
So it seems we can't beat the heat in the southern states. I was listening to wubr out of Boston yesterday and they were talking highs in the 70's...meanwhile those of us in the south are having to deal with a drought, and temps in the 90's. I've got a 10k in about 2 weeks and the farthest I have ran is 4 miles to date due to the heat. Time to push through it I guess. So in the meanwhile...here is a riddle that I've always enjoyed. Give it a shot and I promise I will be putting some sketches on soon...
The Riddle:
What is the beginning of eternity,
The end of time and space,
The beginning of the end,
And the and of every race...
Do you know the answer? It's a nice one for sure...Can't wait to hear any responses...til then my friends...Later and cheers!
The Riddle:
What is the beginning of eternity,
The end of time and space,
The beginning of the end,
And the and of every race...
Do you know the answer? It's a nice one for sure...Can't wait to hear any responses...til then my friends...Later and cheers!
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