buried pleasure

music of the month - January edition

2010-02-02T22:25:00.000-06:00

If you've been playing along at home, I am planning on keeping a running tally of all the new music I purchase in 2010. Here is a recap from January that is a bit frightening if the trend keeps up all year: Steely Dan - Aja [mp3] yes steely dan...I won't apologize but I will offer up that I had a credit for a free $5 mp3 album from amazon. let's face it though, this album is a classic. we all

2010 year in music and books (maybe films too)

2010-01-03T15:54:00.001-06:00

I thought it might be fun to track all the music I buy and books I both buy and read in 2010 so I will be adding them over on the right hand side for now, but I have a feeling the list of music is going to get a little long so I may have to rethink that. For now here are the first few: New Music: White Rabbits - It's Frightening [MP3] The Middle East - The Recordings of the Middle East [MP3]

Top Albums of 2009

2010-01-01T12:12:00.000-06:00

Choosing my top ten albums was fairly difficult this year. I found several albums to be just ok, and a lot of the albums that were critical favs just didn't grab me (though that probably means that somewhere around March I will buy a ton of 2009 music as ususal). Also a lot of interesting music was released int eh last couple months of the year but I have to live with music a little before I

Nueve: the 2009 mix

2009-12-17T08:18:00.002-06:00

time again for another best of the year mix. as with all my year-end mixes, I won't necessarily call these my top ten tunes (or 14 in this case), but some of my favorites that I think go together. I violated my unwritten rule to only include one song per artist this year with J Tillman, but he did release two albums and I have one song from each so maybe it isn't cheating after all. and now

2009 British Television Advertising Awards

2009-12-06T09:26:00.001-06:00

saw the BTAAs last night. interesting set of commercials this year. apparently there wasn't a ton of advertising dollars spent and UK gov spent about 35% of the total so there were tons of PSAs this year. Also a lot of commercials for the BBC and I learned that their tv shows have agencies cut their trailers and plan the campaigns. Here are my favs from the evening: Cycle Safety - Whodunnit

music of the month - October edition

2009-11-03T22:37:00.000-06:00

here are my fav music purchases of the month. they weren't necessarily released in October just purchased. 5: Five Years of Hyperdub Usually I wouldn’t consider making a compilation my album of the year, but it has to be said that this collection is easily one of the top releases of the year. There’s a million reviews, so I won’t go into too much detail except to say this: The selection of

Life Lessons from an Ad Man

2009-10-24T09:51:00.000-06:00

In this great TED talk, the Vice Chairman from Ogilvy argues that a perceived change in value can be just as important as an actual change in value

add another one to the fire

2009-07-16T21:31:00.003-06:00

uploaded the latest installment of to the DJ mixtape archive tonightDRC - Androidgeny (pre-release) Feb 95San Francisco Acid/Trance DJ DRC sent this pre-release version of her classic mixtape after we booked her for a MPLS rave in '95. slightly different from the official version and I always like this one better.enjoy

what we gonna do here is go back

2009-06-30T19:13:00.004-06:00

I've been promising/threatening to upload my old dj mixtape collection since I found a box of them in my mom's basement a few months ago.I never seemed to find the time though, but once I found two more boxes of them this weekend, I knew that I absolutely had to upload them.so with that in mind, the first two in what is looking to be a very long series have been uploaded and are ready to go. They

June Dubstep Mix - It Was Written

2009-06-29T18:55:00.002-06:00

recorded this mix early June but finally had time to upload it to the interwebs.it's a little shorter than normal so I was able to upload it at a higher bit rate making the sound a ton better.EnjoyIt Was WrittenTracklist:Little Dragon - Twice (16 Bit Refix) - White2562 - Kontrol - TectonicBreakage - Rain - Digital SoundboyGeiom & Appleblim - Shreds - Berkane SolMala - Miracles - Deep Medi

going through the inbox

2009-05-30T21:14:00.004-06:00

I've been spending that last couple of weeks getting caught up on the reading that I didn't have time for during the last few weeks of school.I've let all my mag subscriptions except for new yorker and the believer run out, but with the New Yorker being weekly it is easy to get behind real quick.add to that getting the latest issue of the ride journal and an issue of Cog magazine to try and it

Gear Review - Bicycle Fixation 4-Season Jersey

2009-05-15T14:13:00.003-06:00

Was giving this gear some love via twitter this week but wanted to give it a better shout out so here you go.Bicycle Fixation is dedicated to supporting bicycles and cyclists of all kinds, but have developed a line of biking gear catered to urban cyclists who want to have a bit of style that is bike ready.For this past Christmas, received a pair of their knickers and

My Thursday Commute - frustrated edition

2009-05-15T09:17:00.002-06:00

Even though I thought that today was bike to work day, it appears that Minneapolis had lots going on yesterday. I’m not sure who has the extra time on their commute to stop for donuts or whatever they were giving away but whatever works for you. The other interesting thing I find is that all these extra people can take the time to commute that one day of the year, but somehow can’t get around

technologize yourself

2009-04-18T07:03:00.007-06:00

I wanted to check out the new live Hold Steady album yesterday and went to the itunes store and came across a full live concert from The Hold Steady at Lollapalooza in 2006.All the press surrounding A Positive Rage seems to treat it as their first live album, which would be fine if they hadn't released the 2006 concert on itunes.This got me thinking about what constitutes an album in the music

Getting it Right - Orange edition

2009-04-07T13:33:00.003-06:00

Nice spot for Orange that complements their campaign to enter the market in Uganda.It creates an emotional connection that keeps you watching and leads your thinking in a definite direction while letting you finish connecting the dots. A powerful way to increase your brand attitude.

Mar Dubstep mix - That Street Sound

2009-03-29T17:07:00.006-06:00

been a minute since I posted a new dubstep mix so here you go. Fresh for 2009 I give you That Street Soundtracklist:Kryptic Minds - One of Us - Swamp 81Sigha - Expansions - HotflushTes la Rok - Bwwooy - NoppaNoah D & Roommate - Street Sound - Thought2562 - Embrace - 302423Hz & Numaestro - Zumo - 2nd DropKomonazmuk - Bad Apple - HenchF - Untitled Dub - 7evenSkream - The Shinein - Deep MediKryptic

Good Eats - La Chaya Bistro (brunch)

2009-03-29T11:41:00.002-06:00

I had read a review of La Chaya earlier in the week and was intrigued by the concept of a Mexican-Italian restaurant. Once I saw the brunch menu, I knew I was going to have to try it soon and since brunch ended up just being Liane and I today, it was a perfect opportunity.It turned out to be a great choice too as we both had fabulous meals.We started with a pecan scone that was excellent and a

things we lost in the digital transformation

2009-03-28T10:54:00.002-06:00

We moved a filing cabinet from one room to another and I spent the morning going through old paperwork figuring out what we needed to keep and what could be shredded or recyled.as we approached newer dates, there were fewer and fewer pieces of paper because we went to online billing at more places. This started me thinking of all the things that we are going to miss with the conversion to a

people really fall for this kind of thing?

2009-03-21T11:22:00.003-06:00

just got back from a couple of days out of town and this email was in my inbox. apparently more and more people are falling for this kind of thing lately but I just can't figure it out.Reply-To:mm04.daniels@gmail.comFrom:DANIELS MARY PHONE NUMBER +229 97 017443. I am MRS MARY DANIEL the Audit Manager & Accounts dept. in the AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB). I am writing to request your assistance

they get paid for this? comcast edition

2009-03-09T19:46:00.003-06:00

UPDATE:missed a couple of anon comments but here is my response...fairplay anon 1 & 2. once I posted this I noticed the URL on TV as well, but in little bitty tiny type that is next to impossible to see unless you are looking for it. also why would you have a version on the website that is different from your tv spot in that small of a way. seems like a waste of money to create two versions

Wheel and Come Again - Apr Dubstep mix

2008-12-17T22:55:00.002-06:00

So I thought I would share all the mixes I have made for myself this year.Wheel and Come Again is the first dubstep mix I recorded so it might not be the best but it has some amazing tunes on it as you will see from the tracklist.Again it is currently encoded as VBR until I find a better hosting location and of course feel free to send to friends or embed a link anywhere that won't get me

Bass Transmitter - Nov Dubstep Mix

2008-12-16T13:28:00.004-06:00

Just completed a new dubstep mix at the end of November entitled Bass Transmitter.The tracklist is a little heavy on Tempa records, but they seem to have waited until the end of the year to release all the dubs they've been sitting on since last fall.The file is currently encoded as a high quality VBR, so the sound quality kills a little of the bass weight, but I am looking for a free hosting

2008 Top Ten

2008-12-15T13:38:00.001-06:00

It is that time of year when fellow musicheads begin to look back at the year in music. 2008 has been a mixed year for me. on the one hand, I have been really into dubstep and buying lots of 12"s, but on the other hand, there has been a huge number of disapointing albums released by bands I really like this year. The shear number of less than stellar albums made this a little more difficult than

paying to watch commercials or the 2008 BTAAs

2008-12-06T20:34:00.004-06:00

Went to the 2008 British Television Advertising Awards Friday night at the Walker.As usual they were entertaining. Lots of laughs and many of the PSAs were just devastating and powerful. It is interesting to me to watch these ads with slightly more critical eye than I have in the past due to being immersed in school work. I feel like I experience them in an entirely different way.Since we were

post-election art

2008-11-23T20:12:00.001-06:00

I've been thinking about this since art attack the other weekend, but now that Obama has been elected what does that mean for the art world?Thre has really been a massive amount of art created in response to the Bush administration's policies-whether in direct response or responding to the overall anxiety that is/has been in the air. in addition, an large number of artists have either come of age

thoughts for a post campaign world

2008-11-05T22:15:00.003-06:00

So I wrote this Monday and have been too lazy to post it. I haven't re-read it or edited it or it would never get posted so here is my take on fixing our political system warts and all.-----------------------------------------------Since it has been impossible to escape, I have been thinking a lot about elections lately. There are so many things that piss me off about our elections that I have

I'll gladly pay you tuesday for a hamburger today

2008-10-13T06:48:00.003-06:00

I have a major exam to study for in Spanish and a big project to finish up for Wednesday in my info studies class, so what am I doing?writing in the blog I haven't touched for a month.Typical.--------we've been getting the NY Times Sunday edition for a few weeks now and I came across an interesting article as I was finishing my coffee today (there is absolutely no way to finish reading it on a

the end is nigh

2008-08-31T20:47:00.002-06:00

at least the end of my lazy summer.one class that had little to no homework followed by 3 weeks of chill time and now it's time to go back to the real world.start my new schedule at work and my new semester at school this week.Liane and I did get out of town this weekend though for a trip up to the cabin in Ely for possibly the last time (at least until we help her parents move out). kind of sad

living the glamorous life

2008-08-12T07:55:00.003-06:00

since I joined twitter, I find myself posting here less and less.i suppose it could be a combination of the easy add nature of twitter, combined the the perceived effort to actually type something up.----the big in-law family reunion was this past weekend so I got to spend some quality time in des moines.we went to the IA state fair on sat and it was interesting to see the differences from the MN

Wasting my time

2008-07-21T07:31:00.005-06:00

Hey, I got a great idea.When you provide me content for a group blog you are contributing to, don't send me the same exact post you put out on your personal blog the same exact day.I spent the better part of an hour finessing a really rough piece only to find it already posted for the world to see.thanks. appreciate you.---------apparently I am very mechanically uninclined, because last sunday

been a long lonely time

2008-07-14T21:54:00.004-06:00

so apparently business students need to be told that creativity is important in developing new products/services in businesses. My professor emphasized this for about 15 minutes of a little over an hour lecture. I kind of thought this would b self-explanatory but might be explained by his other comments on creativity.He told the class that creative people don't always fit into company culture

stimulating the economy - june edition

2008-06-24T05:54:00.007-06:00

I went music shopping at the fetus this weekend and picked up a couple of new CDs and one old one.First up is The Alchemist Manifesto by Ocote Soul Sounds and Adrian Quesada. For those that don't know this is an offshoot of Antibalas co-directed by Adrian Quesada from Grupo Fantasma. I didn't notice until I got the record home that it was released on ESL, but despite that I was expecting more

last week on the bike

2008-06-23T10:02:00.003-06:00

Given a week of actual good weather I was able to hit the roads either commuting or on the road bike everyday but Thu (and that was by choice), so it all added up to my biggest week yet this year.I'm a third of the way to my season goal and am over 200 miles for the month with a week still to go.week total - 83season to date - 521miles to goal - 979

Busted en route to work

2008-06-20T14:56:00.000-06:00

I decided to try out a new route to work that didn’t have me dodging the traffic on Central during morning rush hour. It was pretty slick not faster but not slower either.The only slowdown was crossing a stoplight when crossing University. I stopped and waited for the traffic to clear which took a couple minutes and then…..nothing. There were 2 cars on the other side of the light but despite

back to reality

2008-06-16T09:29:00.003-06:00

living in a world where the twin cities is filled with top level racers had to end some time and Sunday was it (heck the nature valley team had their travel bike boxes out 15 min after the race).I did get to ride in the women's peloton in Mankato in comm 2 w/ Jenn x. That was pretty wicked and her incites and understanding of the peloton was incredible. It was also fun to see her turn on the

Another Fine Mess

2008-06-12T10:39:00.002-06:00

The NVGP seems to have more than it's share of bad weather.last year was close to perfect, but 2 years ago in Minneapolis manhole covers were being blown out by the water pressure from the storm.Last night was a return to awful weather as the rodes dried out from the day's thunderstorms just in time to get soaked by the night's thunderstorms. Luckily we had just finished getting the expo tents

cycling yin and yang

2008-06-10T19:31:00.006-06:00

apparently there is just as much need in cycling to balance itself out as there sometimes seems there is in the rest of the world.This weekend at the Fixed Gear Classic at the velodrome, despite competing hard all weekend, crashing good on Sunday, and still coming in second in the overall, Cari Higgins from team America's Dairyland was just an awesome ambassador for the sport.She came out with

the human sloth

2008-06-08T21:01:00.002-06:00

at least that is how I am feeling right now.barely any miles for the week and I feel completely drained.Of course some of that has to do with being out at the velodrome this weekend for the Fixed Gear Classic and baking in the sun today, but still I feel kind of lazy.--finally got liane's bike into the shop and one on one was fast as lightning getting it ready to go. now she has a sweet single

end of something special

2008-06-03T12:34:00.003-06:00

Just finished watching the last 2 episodes of Six Feet Under last night and I am still drained and in awe today.Not having cable I never saw this show when it was on tv but I borrowed the complete box set from my cousin around Christmas. I finally got around to starting to watch it sometime in February and was hooked immediately.There is something in the relationships and actions of all the main

another time around the sun

2008-06-01T21:38:00.003-06:00

another birthday has come and gone......everyone asks if I feel older but I don't feel any different than yesterday or last week or a couple months ago. It not that I am all about the "age isn't a number but how you feel" kind of thing.To me age is something that creeps up on you until one day there it is looking back at you in the mirror or telling you it's a better idea to stay home and watch

you can't win if you don't try

2008-05-30T20:11:00.003-06:00

WOW! What an amazing stage at the Giro today.There is a reason that Phillipe Gilbert has become perhaps my favorite pro cyclist in the peloton today. He isn't afraid to attack. Success or failure, he gives it his all every race. To an extent Boonen is similar because he isn't afraid to attack even if he is much more conservative in his riding (or maybe he is kept on a leash).What does that

chillin' and grillin'

2008-05-26T19:24:00.002-06:00

planned a little birthday/holiday bbg at our place Sun in honor of stewtron's recent and my upcoming birth celebration. For a bit I thought we were all going to have to hide in our basement, but aside from a 5 minute little shower we had pretty good weather.Follow-up up our food fest by going to the NE bulldog and everyone else ordered more food!! We finally were able to grab the shuffleboard

killer climbs and amazing riders

2008-05-25T09:00:00.003-06:00

after the last couple of Giro stages, I have to say that Emanuele Sella might be my new hero. I mean he has ridden these last two mountain stages like they were nothing en route to take 2 stages and solidify his hold on the green mountains jersey. I only wish Soler hadn't been injured as I would have liked to see the 2 of them duke it out.Ricco for all his smack talk was pretty awesome in

the race of truth (sort of)

2008-05-20T09:01:00.002-06:00

the last few riders are still out on the course, but the TT in the Giro is having the expected affect on the GC with all the usual suspects in the top ten so far (including surprisingly Simoni).Now I am not an Astana fan, but I have kind of been cheering for Kloden because I think he is a great rider who has always been stuck playing spock or bones to someone else's capt kirk. Given this I was

art. yard work. Rascal. NVGP

2008-05-19T08:29:00.004-06:00

another year, another Art-A-Whirl over. Actually made it out a little bit this year......ok so just in the Northrop King where Liane's studio is but at least I made it out this year.Crowds seemed ok. Fairly busy Friday and a little slow sat but busy by the end. Liane sold a couple paintings so not bad for her. --I thought that with the good weather finally that I would be out riding a ton but

the killer shows a little fire

2008-05-17T07:25:00.003-06:00

yesterday's stage of the Giro was interesting.DiLuca put in a massive attack but Ricco (and Contador) was able to follow with little problem. I wonder if it might be too early in such a tough tour to be going on the attack? Some seem to think that Contador couldn't keep up at the end but I think he realized there will be plenty of places to grab 5-10 seconds on his rivals. interestingly Ricco

A little bit of this...a little bit of that

2008-05-16T07:44:00.000-06:00

Heard a rumor today that I hope is wrong. Word is Twin Six may not continue producing jerseys as the t-shirt market is more lucrative. It doesn’t make sense to me as their jerseys have gotten props all over the joint, so hopefully my source is mistaken.--World Cycling is having their annual(?) Warehouse sale this weekend.I went to check it out yesterday and walked away much poorer. Got an ’07

Talk about your bad luck

2008-05-14T10:30:00.002-06:00

After working all day to make the break stick, David Millar broke a chain when he tried to respond to Pavel Brutt’s attack with 1 km to go.Normally I would say he acted like a spoiled brat for throwing his bike over the barriers but I kind of think he had a right to be frustrated in this situation.I wonder what the rule is on his time since he was with the break with only a click to go when he

slip slidin' away

2008-05-13T09:30:00.002-06:00

what is with the Giro and crashes? I know the first few stages of any grand tour are a bit nervous and you might see a few crashes but it just seems that the Giro goes above and beyond to fill its quota.As of stage 4 this is the list of riders who are out already due to crashes (not counting all the riders feeling the effects of crashes like Ricco):Stage 2 DNF: David Zabriskie (Slipstream

last week on the bike

2008-05-11T20:40:00.003-06:00

well it seems like minnesota can't make up its mind because the weather will be nice one day then cold and crappy the next.I was able to get out for a decent amount of riding but almost all of it was commuting to school and back. Once finals are done I am hoping to be able to get out and ride a little more regularly and most importantly longer. I haven't been able to get in over a 20 mile ride

fashion faux pas?

2008-05-10T12:53:00.007-06:00

some might argue that pink with orange and blue argyle is a pretty bad look, but I can think of at least one person who might argue with that:Congrats slipstream and Christian Vande Velde on taking the maglia rosa.and in one of the many things I love about the Giro...this year they aren't messing around. Here's day 2:

Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2008-05-09T14:18:00.006-06:00

Nope its not that the semester is winding down-although after this weekend spent cramming for finals, I will at least have a break for a month. It also has nothing to with the weather finally getting nice in Minnesota. We’ve still got a couple months to wait for warm temperatures and the winds to get under control.It’s the best time of the year because the best of the grand tours—the Giro D’

going up around the bend

2008-05-05T12:09:00.004-06:00

well I think that after yet another week of crappy march-like weather in April/May we might have finally turned the corner.Saturday ended up being a pretty great day and Sunday was better. the only down part of the weekend was not getting out on the road bike Saturday. I did make it out Sunday morning for a short ride though. I only had about an hour so I went here:short transitway loopFind

recent advances in medicine

2008-04-28T10:33:00.002-06:00

saw a story on cyclingnews today about a photog that was in a collision just after a sprint in a race in the Netherlands. a somewhat unremarkable story except for the following line:"He had to be reanimated at the site"reminds me of this

Maybe I just don't have it....whatever it is

2008-04-27T19:26:00.007-06:00

This "spring" and I use that term very loosely has been miserable for biking.I have the colder weather gear and all, but riding when it's below 35 degrees just isn't that fun. It might be easier if I had some strong reason like training for a ride, racing, losing weight, etc. but at this point I just don't have that strong of a reason. Of course this week the real issue has been rain and snow

Brasstown Bald - OOPS addition

2008-04-26T23:33:00.005-06:00

well, well, well....the self-described best team in the world and the new America's team have to be feeling a little foolish this evening.Both Levi and Trent Lowe getting schooled by High Road's ace up their sleeve, Kanstantin Siutsou, on the climb that is supposed to separate the wheat from the chaff.Personally I do think that Astana played their cards right, getting a rider in the break and

Chorizo and Black Beans in a Chipotle Salsa

2008-04-25T16:44:00.007-06:00

Made this the other night from ingredients around the house and it was pretty tasty as well as quick and easy.Chorizo and Black Beans in a Chipotle SalsaIngredients:12 oz. Chorizo, preferably ground or casing removed1 can Black Beans drained and rinsed (1 1/2 cup home cooked beans is even better)1 can Diced Tomatoes (fire roasted would be good)1 can Chipotles en Adobo2-3 cloves garlic1 tsp

Not with a roar but.......

2008-04-20T21:19:00.002-06:00

well in the end everyone got something apparently.Rock racing is in the Tour de Georgia.The Tour which has had more than its share of financial issues has a new "Founding Sponsor"The fans get.....well maybe a pretty good race with the overwhelming favorites Astana (and their wah, wah we're the greatest thing since sliced bread routine and machine like efficiency), beloved dark horses Slipstream (

weekly recap

2008-04-13T21:15:00.002-06:00

Hopefully we have turned the corner on this awful weather we have been having.Monday I rode to class in snow flurries and I wasn't able to out again until Sunday. Only had a half hour to ride though so noting big just the cemetery hill loop with just enough of a head wind to make me sad.I am hoping to ride to class tomorrow and wed morning as well as work Friday so hopefully the weather holds

Tornado Warning and new kid on the block

2008-04-13T09:03:00.003-06:00

Well unfortunately my pick did not win but 3rd is not too bad Ballan, especially considering that he was up against Boonen and Cancellara in the velodrome.And if I must be wrong, I am happy that it is Tomke that proved me wrong to take his second win in the Hell of the North. I kept waiting for Cancellara to attack in the last couple of km but he was reportedly having cramps so that is

Who do I think is going to win Paris-Roubaix?

2008-04-12T20:10:00.005-06:00

Of course I would love to see Tornado Tom pull off his second victory in the Hell of the North, but I have a sneaking suspicion that this guy might do itDon't count Cancellara out either though, but I kind of think he might have peaked a little early for Paris-Roubaix. And I guess it is possible that Stijn Devolder could take a flyer and get the double, but I think there would be trouble back at

Really?? Really??

2008-04-11T15:46:00.002-06:00

Rock Racing sues to get into Tour de GeorgiaI've gone back and forth on Rock Racing this year as I like a lot of people think Michael ball is abrasive and pushy and ultimately a bit self-centered.On the other hand, the "Puerto 3" are getting screwed by the larger cycling world, just like most of the other riders out there who have been busted for doping. Hamilton, Sevilla and Botero have valid

weekend recap

2008-04-06T19:04:00.005-06:00

I took the road bike out for a spin Sat morning for the first time this year. Nothing fancy, just my early season/no time route down Johnson back on Stinson and then up cemetery hill and around to the new bike path (A little over 8 miles with a good hill).It felt really good and I kept up a nice avg speed so I am definitely sure I am ready for a 15-20 mile effort next weekend unless I can find

Such a little thing, but the difference it made......

2008-04-04T14:50:00.004-06:00

So today was the first day I actually got the bike out on the pavement this year (I suck this because I am almost a month behind last year), and it was just the short 4 mile dash through rush hour to get to work and then home this afternoon.What is amazing to me is that despite a couple little bumps as well as the climb up Lincoln on the way home, I wasn't even winded on my ride. Last year the

chasing back on

2008-03-28T13:08:00.006-06:00

I haven't really mentioned it much but I have been interning/volunteering with marketing for the Nature Valley Grand Prix since January. I've been focusing on interactive content (both researching options as well as helping to get some new content off the ground) and updating the website (you can blame me when the results aren't up soon enough). It's been pretty fun to see behind the curtain

no surprises

2008-03-23T21:30:00.003-06:00

so I totally overslept and did not get up until the primavera was over this morning. I attempted to go to read the live coverage recap or watch highlights without learning about the winner in advance.fat chancethe very first place I went there it was it big bold letters "Cancellara wins Milan-San Remo"best laid plans and all that.I was fairly psyched that my new cycling crush, Phillipe Gilbert,

2008-03-20T14:28:00.002-06:00

I know that it’s the big new thing to allow comments on newspaper websites but I wonder what they are trying to achieve by doing this and is there any research behind it. Does it make people care or get involved any more?It seems like a knee-jerk reaction to the issues affecting traditional journalism. Almost like they feel like they need to do something so they just pick the simplest option.

This one goes out to the ladies

2008-03-06T22:29:00.005-06:00

So I have picked up my first couple of releases of the new year (one today and the other a few weeks ago) and it's been all about the ladies with the new one from Cat Power and Erykah Badu. This probably shoudln't be surprising to me, but as I peruse my music collections, the boys do have the overwhelming edge and I don't think these two will make a dent in that lead.Jukebox brings to mind a

Music I slept on in 2007

2008-03-06T15:49:00.001-06:00

So as typically happens, I discover a number of releases that I slept on after the year is done.First up are 3 EPs in the Sad Clown series Atmosphere put out throughout the year. Before getting around to checking them out myself I saw some back and forth out there about the style being different from the usual Atmosphere stuff. I suppose that’s true to an extent in that they tend to sound a

Tour of F'in California

2008-02-24T08:31:00.002-06:00

So a few unhappy campers after the penultimate stage and last chance to try and take some time from Levi.Mark Cavendish looked to take a stage and erase the oops of leading out no one earlier in the race. Look again though as he is penalized for being helped back to the peloton by his team car after the entire Rock Racing team crashed and took him with them 8km from the finish. Unsurprisingly

Dominoes

2008-02-21T22:39:00.002-06:00

At the rate that people are dropping out of this race, Levi might be racing by himself (maybe Chris Horner too) by the end of the race. I mean look at this list of people who either did not start or DNF yesterday:Riders who did not start stage 4:Fabian Wegmann (Gerolsteiner)Johannes Frohlinger (Gerolsteiner)Heinrich Haussler (Gerolsteiner) Riders who abandoned during stage 4:Dmytro Grabovsky (

Tornado Tom and the Argyle Armada pt. 2

2008-02-19T20:47:00.002-06:00

Big Tom took his first win on US soil today in stage 2 of the ATOC with third place going to Cipo of all people.Apprantly BMC's plan is to have a rider take off alone each day and take all the KOM and Sprint points. Today Scott Nydam must drawn the short straw and going it alone for over 4 hours.Slipstream played it perfectly and helped Tyler Farrar into the yellow by taking bonus time in each

No publicity is bad publicity

2008-02-18T15:12:00.003-06:00

In the continuing circus that is Rock Racing, Michael Ball has once again shown a flair for getting everyone talking about his team, but maybe more importantly talking about Michael Ball.After AEG lists the Rock Racing roster minus the trio of Sevilla, Botero, and Hamilton, Ball goes ahead and announces them at a press conference and seems to pretend he doesn't know they are excluded at first.

ASO to Astana, You are SOL

2008-02-14T07:43:00.002-06:00

Well the big news out of France was ASO giving Astana the big FU for the entire season.No Paris-Nice, No Paris-Roubaix (not that Bruyneel cares about the classics), but especially No Tour. On the one hand ASO has a point in that this is the second year in a row that Astana has changed management in the wake of doping scandals and it is fair to make them prove the changes are for real this time.on

Tornado Tom and the Argyle Armada

2008-02-04T13:39:00.000-06:00

Surprising to no one paying attention, Quickstep once again dominated the Tour of Qatar and Boonen took the overall for the second time in three years. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come in the ToC later this month.On the other hand Big props have to go out to Slipstream and CJ Sutton for his fourth place, that very easily could have been a podium spot if not for the crash in stage 5

One dimensional director

2008-02-03T20:17:00.001-06:00

Just got done listening to the latest Bicycling Mag podcast, an interview with Johan Bruynee at the Astana camp in NM, and I was interested in a comment he made towards the end.When asked about races other than the Tour that they are focused on he mentioned that they are not that strong of a team for the classics and that is one thing missing from his palmares. It got me thinking that despite

Desert winds a blowin'

2008-01-28T20:26:00.000-06:00

As I said in my previous post, I was looking forward to some racing in Qatar and this is not what I was talking about:I had in mind something more along the lines of this:And once again Tornado Tom and the boy in blue er white take it to the rest of the peloton with some massive speed to put all who would challenge the golden child in a world of hurt.Major props go out to Chris Sutton from

They ride in a land down under

2008-01-25T22:57:00.000-06:00

I have to admit that while I have been following the Tour Down Under, it just doesn't excite me very much. YOu would think that after obsessing over cycling all summer and then scavenging for the smallest shred of news or "news" over the fall and winter that I would be ecstatic about the 2008 season getting under way.Vvicious headbutts aside, I just kind of feel apathetic about it though.I am

Overheard - Hennepin & 9th St

2008-01-24T20:43:00.000-06:00

"So I was pretty much screwed out of my power. I had the ability to add to my ice spells, but now I'm not in control of the ice domain anymore so it's pretty much useless."

and so it begins

2008-01-20T22:28:00.000-06:00

Not that this should come as a surprise to anyone but I think it's pretty awesome that Slipstream will be racing in my personal favorite of the Grand Tours.And since the same folks also bring you Milan-San Remo and Tirreno-Adriatico. There should be lots of opportunity for Phil LIggett to talk about the guys in Argyle on World Cycling DVDs next year.And just in case you hadn't seen it, ESPN had

maybe the library is the way to go

2008-01-15T22:09:00.000-06:00

December was a good month for getting some reading done. January has been so far but somehow I don't think it will continueBooks finished/read in December:Discipline - Paco AhlgrenFahrenheit 451 - Ray BradburyI am Legend - Richard MathesonSiddhartha - Herman HesseBooks Read in January:The Man in the High Castle - Phillip K. Dick (from 4 Novels from the 1960s)Books Currently Reading:Tour de Life -

New Year's resolutions and such

2008-01-11T13:15:00.001-06:00

well I am a little late with this but thought I would finally get around to looking ahead to the coming year and my goals for it.Biking - I initially wanted to increase my yearly miles to 2000, but with all that I will have going on this year with full time school and my little internship/volunteer opp that I am involved in I think I will need to work to achieve my total from '07. So my goal this

Top Tunes 2007

2008-01-01T16:06:00.000-06:00

Well it is about that time when everyone starts to reflect on the past year. And so it is here at Buried Pleasure that I am giving you my picks of the top albums and songs of 2007.Top Albums Burial – UntrueJust when you thought his first album was a fluke Burial drops a sophomore release that blows the first away. Not necessarily built for the dance floor, but amazing.Radiohead – In RainbowsIt's

Can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man

2007-12-11T12:42:00.000-06:00

You know with all the "news" on doping this year and the reactions to it as the road season is in recess, it's got me thinking.Now correct me if I'm wrong but, the UCI and related groups (or the idiots who run cycling) want to stop doping. Also anyone who they catch, they hope will turn in anyone who was helping them or any other riders who are doping.Now here is what I don't understand. When

Endorphin Rush

2007-11-12T22:21:00.000-06:00

I was surprised the other day when I went to the Fetus and the electronic section had been shrunk down down even more than it was the last time I was there. Apparently dance music was even more of a phase than I thought.Even more surprising was the fact that they did not have the one album that I had gone there specifically to pick up-Burial's sophmore release Untrue. Now dubstep isn't exactly

Season wrap-up?

2007-11-12T17:16:00.000-06:00

Some might consider it laziness, while others-like my wife-might consider it common sense, but given the weather I have not been out riding in the past week and unfortunately it looks like I won't be getting on my bike unless it is attached to my trainer for the foreseeable future.Given that it is getting dark at like 5 now, weeknight riding seems to be out, and the yardwork needed to get ready

Last week on the bike

2007-11-04T22:32:00.000-06:00

In what could very well be my last installment of a biking diary for the season I am very psyched taht I made my stretch goal of 1500 miles for the year this past week.I went out Tuesday in what is looking like the last really nice day of the year (I know we have had 60 degree days in Nov. before, but I am not counting on it) and got in a nice 15 mile ride over the stone arch where I ran into

Last week on the bike

2007-10-28T21:32:00.000-06:00

Finally in what felt like a reprieve, we got a break from the rain of the past month and I was able to get out for more than 1 day last week.I went out for quick rides on both Wed and Thu up the cemetary hill and around the loop towards Roseville.Sun I rode what is becoming the my new standard route, across the stone arch-along the LRT-up the greenway-and then some sort of loop of the river road,

Can this passport be revoked?

2007-10-25T21:02:00.000-06:00

So in yet another example of the controlling interests in cycling—not the riders or the sponsors mind you—dictating what they want to happen and how it should happen, we now get the blood passport.Though it may sound like something out of Nightwatch or Moonlight, it is infact the new WADA plan to try to stamp out doping in cycling.Now I will grant you I haven't dug into this enough to know if

Last week on the bike

2007-10-21T18:52:00.000-06:00

The crappy weather continued this week with rain everyday except Saturday. At this point we have had rain every day but two in October.Maybe I'm a sissy but I do not enjoy riding in wet, windy, 50 degree weather.Given all this I was only able to get out Saturday morning for a trip down the river road and back, a little over 20 miles. It was a bit chilly and I am looking forward to the shoe

Last week on the bike

2007-10-14T20:28:00.000-06:00

Not the best weather this past week but I was able to get out a couple of times for some riding.Thursday I went on a quick ride in the neighborhood, up Ridgeway pkwy and around by Terminal rd to the new diagonal trail. It would have been a nice cool weather ride except the brand new bike trail just opened this year has a big section that is now buried under 10-15 feet of sand. It looks to be in

In Rainbows - in three parts

2007-10-11T21:20:00.000-06:00

As I just downloaded my copy of the new Radiohead yesterday, I though I would share a triptych of sorts containing my thoughts on this new release.Part 1 - DistributionI think it’s great that the band took the whole process into their own hands. By recording it on their own, and choosing to distribute how they wanted to, it gives them much more control over the how they are represented.I know

Last week on the bike

2007-10-08T21:40:00.000-06:00

Last week was definitely a better week for riding than the previous week.I was able to get out 3 days, which was good becasue I was sure that it woudl be 2 due to weekend commitments and weather forecast.Tuesdays I just went out and rodethe Cemetary hill and around to the new diagonal trail for a quick half hour jaunt. I had a ton of homework so I figured that was good enough at least.

Last week on the bike

2007-10-02T21:23:00.000-06:00

Last week sucked for biking. Now I don't mind riding in cold and windy conditions, but I am just not down with riding in the rain. Consequently I got out one single night for only 25 minutes and 6 miles-total suck.This week isn't looking any better I have to say.I did bust out the Kinetic trainer we picked up this summer but since I don't have a trainer tire or just a crap tire to switch with, I

Last week on the bike

2007-09-24T21:11:00.000-06:00

Last week looked like it might be another mediocre week with very few miles but despite only 3 outings on the road bike, I ended up racking up a pretty good number.Wednesday I snuck out between work and schoolwork for a 14 mile ride trying to find a new route that avoids the UoM area as much as possible. I found a decent route by going over the stone arch and along the light rail to the greenway

Last week on the bike

2007-09-16T20:40:00.001-06:00

Not the best week ever I'll tell you.After crashing and ripping my only pair of long tights, the temperatures, combined with homework, made it a little difficult to get out earlier in the week.I was able to get out for a 12 mile ride on Wed with 2 good hills. I did discover that riding on the UoM campus after work is next to impossible though due to traffic, so I am going to have to find a new

Tour of Missouri wrap up

2007-09-16T20:27:00.000-06:00

No surprise to anyone Big George took home the win. Hopefully if he hadn't been injured for the spring classics, Johan would have gotten the team behind him then but at least he got his chance once this year.Ivan Domiguez showed why he is the man this year in the sprinter's realm by wining another stage and wrapping up the points jersey. Big up to Rollin for taking the intermediate sprint and

Tour of Missouri stage 5

2007-09-16T08:13:00.000-06:00

Disco did that thing they do once again yesterday and made sure that the only riders to get into a break were not going to be a threat to the yellow jersey thus with the final stage being a circuit race George Hincapie essentially has the win in the bag.Jeff Louder went in the break that finally stuck to sew up his hold on the KOM competition, but I have to wonder why it is necessary to have a

Tour of Missouri stage 4

2007-09-15T08:44:00.000-06:00

Well I can't say that I was surprised by the way that yesterday's stage shook out.It was obvious taht Disco wasn't going to let any of the GC contenders slip away and you could guess that Saunier-Duval would like to get a stage win.Disco did their part and put up enough of a chase to keep the break close but not enough to cause problems for the race organizers.I was surprised that the break

Tour of Missouri stage 3

2007-09-13T16:34:00.000-06:00

Well I can’t say that I was too surprised with the result of the TT at the Tour of Missouri today. Levi kicked butt and George gained another chunk of time on the dirty dozen challengers to his win. I really think that the Domestic squads messed up by letting the competition get whittled down as much as it has. Disco is right at home protecting the lead in an event like this. Barring anything