Contador’s Coup In Switzerland

Alberto Contador was expected to make an impression on the race on the first day of climbing in the Alps and that’s exactly what he did. He bolted ahead of all his rivals at the base of the final ascent and into the yellow jersey with an impressive display of climbing. Carlos Sastre and a host of other favorites would lose contact early but fight to limit their losses but they all appear to be racing for second place in the 2009 Tour as Contador was outstanding. He claimed the victory in the stage ahead of an impressive Andy Schleck and now leads the general classification from his team-mate, the seven-time champion Lance Armstrong.

The Progress Report

The Tour returned to the mountains with the 15th stage from Pontarlier to Verbier in Switzerland. On the menu were six categorized climbs, three cat-three – the cote du Rafour (8km), cote des Etroits (18.5km), cote de la Carrière (54km) and the cote de Prévonloup (74km), the cat-2 col des Mosses (135.5km) and the final ascent, a cat-1 climb to Verbier. There are now just two intermediate sprints for the non-time trial stages; points for the green jersey can be acquired in Thierrens (56.5km) and Martigny (181km).


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Contador’s Coup In Switzerland

Alberto Contador was expected to make an impression on the race on the first day of climbing in the Alps and that’s exactly what he did. He bolted ahead of all his rivals at the base of the final ascent and into the yellow jersey with an impressive display of climbing. Carlos Sastre and a host of other favorites would lose contact early but fight to limit their losses but they all appear to be racing for second place in the 2009 Tour as Contador was outstanding. He claimed the victory in the stage ahead of an impressive Andy Schleck and now leads the general classification from his team-mate, the seven-time champion Lance Armstrong.

The Progress Report

The Tour returned to the mountains with the 15th stage from Pontarlier to Verbier in Switzerland. On the menu were six categorized climbs, three cat-three – the cote du Rafour (8km), cote des Etroits (18.5km), cote de la Carrière (54km) and the cote de Prévonloup (74km), the cat-2 col des Mosses (135.5km) and the final ascent, a cat-1 climb to Verbier. There are now just two intermediate sprints for the non-time trial stages; points for the green jersey can be acquired in Thierrens (56.5km) and Martigny (181km).


[ more ]

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Burlington, Vermont Weekend

Desserts

Can't eat pork,

Swine flu...

Can't eat chicken,

Bird flu.

Can't eat Beef,

Mad cow.....

Can't eat eggs,

Salmonella..

Can't eat fish,

heavy metal poisons in their waters.

Can't eat fruits and veggies,

insecticides and herbicides.

Hmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!

M

M

M

M

M

M

M

M

M

M

M

I believe that leaves Chocolate and ice cream!!!!!!!!

Remember - - - 'STRESSED'

spelled backwards! is

'DESSERTS'

Update on Lance's Injury, Response to Drug Testing Allegations

Update on Lance's Injury, Response to Drug Testing Allegations -- powered by http://www.livestrong.com

Hinohara encourages others to live a long and happy life

By JUDIT KAWAGUCHI

At the age of 97 years and 4 months, Shigeaki Hinohara is one of the world's longest-serving physicians and educators. Hinohara's magic touch is legendary: Since 1941 he has been healing patients at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo and teaching at St. Luke's College of Nursing. After World War II, he envisioned a world-class hospital and college springing from the ruins of Tokyo; thanks to his pioneering spirit and business savvy, the doctor turned these institutions into the nation's top medical facility and nursing school. Today he serves as chairman of the board of trustees at both organizations. Always willing to try new things, he has published around 150 books since his 75th birthday, including one "Living Long, Living Good" that has sold more than 1.2 million copies. As the founder of the New Elderly Movement, Hinohara encourages others to live a long and happy life, a quest in which no role model is better than the doctor himself.

Doctor Shigeaki Hinohara JUDIT KAWAGUCHI PHOTO

Energy comes from feeling good, not from eating well or sleeping a lot. We all remember how as children, when we were having fun, we often forgot to eat or sleep. I believe that we can keep that attitude as adults, too. It's best not to tire the body with too many rules such as lunchtime and bedtime.

All people who live long — regardless of nationality, race or gender — share one thing in common: None are overweight. For breakfast I drink coffee, a glass of milk and some orange juice with a tablespoon of olive oil in it. Olive oil is great for the arteries and keeps my skin healthy. Lunch is milk and a few cookies, or nothing when I am too busy to eat. I never get hungry because I focus on my work. Dinner is veggies, a bit of fish and rice, and, twice a week, 100 grams of lean meat.

[ the rest of the article ]

Even at the age of 94, Shigeaki Hinohara's mind and memory are so clear as to put some of his medical students to shame

SHIGEAKI HINOHARA

Doctor of reforms

By TOMOKO OTAKE

Staff writer

Even at the age of 94, Shigeaki Hinohara's mind and memory are so clear as to put some of his medical students to shame. And even despite being Japan's best-known and most highly acclaimed physician -- and chairman of the board of trustees of prestigious St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo -- Hinohara shows no sign at all of tiring in his pursuit of reform of the country's hidebound medical laws and systems. On the contrary, Hinohara confides, with a twinkle in his eye, that he is becoming "more and more radical" in his drive to raise standards -- declaring boldly that "laws must be broken or they will never change."

However, this charismatic physician, who still treats patients, was not drawn to medicine initially. Born into the family of a Methodist minister in Yamaguchi City in western Japan, may well have followed in his father's footsteps until being deeply moved by the kindness and professionalism of the local doctor who long tended his ailing mother.

Then, while studying medicine at Kyoto University, he himself contracted tuberculosis, which at that time was often a fatal disease. Due to his illness, he was not only exempted from military service, but he says that his experience of being bedridden for months has made it easier for him to understand his patients' feelings.

During this recent interview with The Japan Times, the father of three sons and grandfather of six, who has now been married for 64 years, expounded on his undiminished passion for medical reform and his view of Japan's war-renouncing Constitution. He also confided what it was he whispered to the education minister at an Imperial Palace ceremony in November when he received the Order of Culture, one of the nation's top honors and one that is only bestowed on five of Japan's most distinguished cultural and academic achievers each year.

[ rest of the article ]

About time

Well, yes, it is about time to activate this blog once more.

I am still nursing a couple of injured wrists as a result of a basketball freak accident.

The first article to grace this blog after a long silence or inactivity is this first from the cycling world.

"Carbon Clavicle Implanted in Lance Armstrong"


X-Ray of Lance Armstrong's (Team Astana) fractured clavicle and the INFORM carbon clavicle implant after his recent surgery.

Lance Armstrong and Bontrager today released more details regarding Armstrong’s recent collarbone surgery. While it was previously reported that Armstrong’s right clavicle was screwed and plated back together after his March 23rd crash at the Castilla y Leon stage race in Spain, Armstrong and equipment sponsor Bontrager, jointly announced that he was the world’s first recipient of an inForm® CarbonClavicle™ Upgrade.

Originally slated to be released at the AAOS (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeon) Convention May 18-24th in Las Vegas, Bontrager moved up the launch date of the inForm CarbonClavicle to aid the return of Armstrong to the peloton.

[ the rest of the story at roadcycling.com ]

The 12 days of Christmas

RELIGION

Lorna Dueck

The 12 days of Christmas

Last Updated: Wednesday, December 24, 2008 | 12:55 PM ET Comments0Recommend14
By Lorna Dueck, special to CBC News

The Christmas ditty we know as the "Twelve Days of Christmas" contains enough inner meanings to show that the sacred and secular have always enjoyed a competitive dance at this time of the year.

An artist hangs from a balloon meant to symbolize the Three Wise Men bearing gifts in an Epiphany parade in Madrid, in January 2008. (Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press) It's a shame the church lost this one, but you'd be hard pressed to prove that the sixth century decree to set aside12 days between Christmas and Epiphany has survived its original intent.

Christmas has kept its branding, of course, but outside of the church faithful, Epiphany has become a lost cause.

To me, it still means "surprise," the joy and revelation of Jesus's manifestation on Earth and all that that implies. But Epiphany, the originating rationale for the 12 days of Christmas, is a bit more complicated. Epiphany, Jan. 6, was the day set aside to remember the gift-bearing wise men who visited Jesus in his early days.

Over time and through the inclusion of other traditions, the events of Jesus's baptism and his miracles in creating wine and food were sometimes included.

Yes, Epiphany is a time to remember the party Jesus. The Jesus who created wine at a dried-up wedding and a picnic for 5,000 who neglected to bring their lunch. Epiphany was once the time to highlight extravagant gifts, wine and food.

For many, it was also a time to remember Jesus' baptism, when even the Son of God washed himself in the waters of repentance.

Too much fun

Its failing, I think, was that Epiphany just tried to pack too much into too small a space and for many it simply withered away between heresies and theologies, calendar confusion and a host of Eastern and Western versions.

As a result, the 12 days of Christmas, which were supposed to be given us by the true love of God, have evolved each year into another parody. This year's latest — 12 days of free downloads and 12 hits of drugs to share (sing "… five Percodan") — are another reflection of the ungainly dance between the sacred and the profane. So allow me to join the tradition of well-meaning scribes who for centuries have tried to reconnect the 12 days with Christian concepts.

I'll start with the gifts and their assigned interpretations and I will suggest a current recipient the gift would be ideal for.

Twelve gifts

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

A partridge in a pear tree
This is a symbol of Christ himself or, as Luke saw it, the imagery of a bird sheltering a battered Jerusalem under it's wing, a gift for the Middle East still in need of peace.

Two turtle doves
This would be gifts of the Old and New Testaments, great for any reader on your list. Look for a newer translation as these volumes were reportedly bumped from their historic number one spot on the bestseller list in recent years by the Harry Potter series.

Three French hens
Faith, hope and love. Virtues needed by anyone feeling beat up by the current recession and a reminder we're not in this alone.

Four calling birds
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the voices of early gospel writers. All educated children should have the joy of this gift. Perhaps it could go back under the public school board Christmas tree.

Five golden rings
The first five books of the Torah and the Old Testament, which are the same. They reflect the complex story of how one nation was set above the others to live out the truth of God redeeming a broken human race. Best to avoid giving this to anyone with political ambitions.

Six geese a-laying
The six days of creation. Perfect for the university student puzzled by Intelligent Design Theory.

Seven swans a-swimming
Prophecy, teaching, ministry, exhortation, compassion, giving and leading. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, ideal for a church worker or CEO on your list.

Eight maids a-milking
The eight Beatitudes of Matthew 5, which all summarize a gentle, co-operative spirit. A prime minister overseeing a minority parliament might like these.

Nine ladies dancing
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, generosity, faithfulness and self control; the fruits of the Spirit referenced in Galatians 5:22. Any married couple on your list would love a package deal.

Ten lords a-leaping
The Ten Commandments. Never hurts to remind anyone of the do's and don'ts.

Eleven Pipers Piping
The eleven faithful apostles of Jesus (note Judas the betrayer is left off the list). A nice reminder for anyone in a complicated family that a great variety of ordinary people were good enough for God to work with.

Twelve Drummers Drumming
The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed. This is for person on your list who loves maps and solid reference points. To summarize, the 12 days of Christmas were meant to commemorate Christ's identity being revealed in the world. We don't have to look far to find a connection that could still benefit from that gift.

Sell, sell, sell

Sell all my AIG shares, Nortel too!! ;-)

Saturday afternoon bike ride

Ready for some cold, winter bike rides ;-)







Temperature: -2C, 15kph winds, blowing easterly

Wanted to break the ice ;-). No ice on the road to break; just wanted to break the deadlock of weeks off the saddle.

Gathered together all my cold weather riding gear, prepped my road bike: greased the chain, gears, tire pressure, etc.


25km of riding pleasure - woohoo!

Walk with God

He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known. —Miles

Polish driver follows GPS directions into lake

A Polish driver who was too sure of his GPS road navigation device ended up neck-deep in a lake after ignoring road signs warning of a dead-end ahead, Polish police said Friday. Skip related content

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"The man took a road that was closed a year ago when the area was flooded to make an artificial lake serving as a water reservoir -- he ignored three road signs warning of a dead-end," Piotr Smolen, police spokesman in Glubczyce, southern Poland, told AFP Friday.

"It was still night time and he didn't notice the road led into the lake. His GPS told him to drive straight ahead and he did," Smolen said, adding the driver had not been under the influence of alcohol.

The road ran straight downhill into the lake. The Mercedes mini-van was nearly entirely submerged and was unable to back out on its own after being inundated with water.

The driver and two passengers escaped unharmed from the submerged vehicle and waited on its roof for police and fire rescue crews.

The driver placed the first call to emergency services while still inside the sinking van.

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Baby Lauren

 

Apple Picking at Verger Lacroix, Thanksgiving Weekend

Pedal Power

Pedal Power

Learn the basics of biking with pro-advice, confidence-building drills, and a training plan developed by Cooking Light expert Gin Miller.

David Martinez Slideshow: Beginner Biking Plan Gear Up! Reader: Beth Griffiths, Williston, Vermont Her challenge: "I want to be more confident riding my bike." Her story: "Last spring, in a quest to get in shape, my husband and I decided to use the money we had saved for a new mattress on bikes instead," Griffiths says. "We thought bike riding could help us feel just as good—if not better than—a new mattress. Plus, we have fantastic places for riding. I fondly remember bike riding when I was younger and thought this would be a great way to shape up. When the bikes arrived, I couldn't wait to give mine a try. But one hilly venture was too much for me. As I was pedaling myself uphill, I ran out of steam. When I tried to get off the bike to walk the rest of the way up, I tipped over. While my only physical injury was a scraped knee, my pride was substantially bruised," Griffiths says. Gin's prescription: "I've teamed with Dotsie Bausch, a professional cyclist since 2002 and leader of the Colavita/Sutter Home Women's Cycling Team presented by Cooking Light, to create a beginner's training guide, supplemented with useful information, confidence-building drills, and simple tips for Griffiths and other new riders," Miller says. Pace yourself. "Griffiths tried to do too much too soon in her first ride," Miller says. "While it's true that once you learn, you never forget how to ride a bike, becoming reacquainted with riding can be made easier with a little knowledge—especially for climbing hills, which shouldn't necessarily be part of a beginner's first ride." Plus, if you're rediscovering biking as an adult, your bike may have a few more bells and whistles than the one you rode as a kid. Look for proper fit. "Griffiths may have found bike riding to be harder than she remembered because her bike wasn't properly fitted to her body," Bausch says. "It's like walking in shoes that are too big or too small—it just doesn't work." If you're buying a new bike, have the sales assistant make the needed alterations. If you already have a bike, take it to your local bike shop for adjustments Stay motivated. "One of the most basic things a new rider should do is keep up the effort," Miller says. "That means continuing to ride—even when you fall off. It takes a few excursions to develop what cycling enthusiasts refer to as 'biking legs,' which simply means allowing your body to adapt to the new activity. Once Griffiths becomes comfortable on her bike, she will see rapid improvement and be able to ride anywhere."

Kahirup Association Anniversary Ball, 2008

Collaging with Picasa 3

Collaging (if there's such a word) ;-)), created with Picasa 3

Are you afraid of the dark?

Remember to keep your Vistalite NightStick batteries fully charged.

Pauly and Lalaine's New Ride - PTL