6 Mile Run: Neighborhood

A cooler afternoon run. Felt like a "mental run". Translation: I was supposed to run, so I did. Not because my body felt like it, but because my mind said "just do it". So, I was slow, but I did get it in and I appreciated that once the run was complete. I listened to the latest Phedippidations and was pleased to hear Steve remind us that flexibility is a good thing. Those of you that read this blog regularly (yeah, right!) know that I do occasionally skip out on a run or two and alter my running days. Nothing too drastic, but flexibile enough to permit a little balance to my life. This made for the first full year of Phedippidations too. Congrats, Steve and keep it up!

Data

Distance:	6 Miles
Time:	1:00:23
Heart Rate:	152
Pace:	10:04
Weather:	Cloudy, 84°
	Humidity - 48%

George Bush Raps!

This is a super hilarious rap song with Chris Cox as George Bush. I found this gem on iFilm.com.

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

A hot afternoon run. I had to work with my son to decorate his wagon for a neighborhood 4th of July parade. So, I didn't manage to get my run in early. In fact, it was so hot that I got in my son's kiddie pool after the run. He thought that was a blast and it was a quick cool off. I listened to C.C. Chapman's Accident Hash. Podshow.com, the hosting site for Accident Hash, appears to be down right now. I am guessing they are about to launch! Adam's video that presents the illusion that we are seeing him through his monitor is cool and a creative way to manage informing the visitor that the site is down. Anyway, I thought C.C.'s choice to present a show based on the top 10 songs from the Podsafe Music Network was excellent!

It is interesting that part of the pitch of podcasters is that the redundant, repetitive playing of songs is one of the things that can be avoided by listening to podcasts doesn't seem to be entirely accurate to me. I am NOT complaining. It is certainly a LOT less repetitive. But, with the 3 podcasts I listen to regularly (Phedippidations, Daily Source Code, and Accident Hash), I can say that the advertisements and songs do get repeated. This repetition occurs across and within shows. But, I think to some extent this repetition is good. A really popular, good song merits repeating by the same show and across shows. While not preprogrammed and managed by the corporate media outlets, there is something to be said that popular, good songs get repeated both by podcasters and, for commercial enterprises, by the radio. While different, repetition is not inherently bad, just overdone by the usual radio station.

C.C.'s comment, in a recent show, about the lack of variability from city to city as it applies to radio is definitely a fair criticism. In fact, this pattern bothers me much more than the repeated playing of songs. I would love to hear regional influences on the radio as I travel. That would add a whole new dimension to traveling that offers plenty of opportunity for audio tourism. But, everything in its place. For me, the radio is just about dead. Not because of repetition. Purely from lack of entertainment; too much of the same ol' stuff. Podcasters are simply offering better content in a more interesting format.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	29:52
Heart Rate:	153
Pace:	9:57
Weather:	Clear skies, 96°
	Humidity - 48%

Podcast Update

OK. If you have been watching, you would think I have been listening to anything from IT Conversations, but that isn't true. I just haven't had time to log it. But, here's the most recent lot. I will list the others and at least highlight my favorites.

• Gary McGraw, CTO at Citigal, talked about Software Security. He referenced a book he recently published on the same subject that you can learn more about and purchased at the link just included. I thought the presentation was excellent and thought his focus on the programming techniques and procedures were right on target.
• Paul Levine, General Manager at Local Yahoo!, Inc., talked about The Architecture of Participation. Paul clearly understood his subject matter and I recommend this presentation. I haven't spent anytime on checking out Local Yahoo, but will now, should I get the time. I think participation is a central tenet of modern software development and instrumental in many ways. It is being embraced in many ways both for open and closed software development. Paul talked a lot about search and most importantly how it should be focused more on purposeful search and results. He is right on.
• Cory Doctorow, European Affairs Coordinator for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, talked about Europe's Coming Broadcast Flag. While I sometimes find the EEF's statements and policies a bit extreme, Cory's presentation was not so extreme. In fact, I found it informative and interesting. I especially like the obvious assertion that the mainstream media producers are treating their customers as the culprits against which they need to put in protections. Thereby, thwarting innovation and creating motivation for the very audience that paid for the media to find a different way to get content they are willing to purchase if they wish to use it in an alternative manner. He is right on the money!
• Carolyn Porco, Cassini Science Imaging Team Leader, talked about the Cassini mission at Saturn as part of the Explorer's Club at Pop!Tech. This was a very interesting presentation. I highly recommend listening and checking out the Cassini website.
• Jaime Sguerra, CTO, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, delivered a presentation called A Services Oriented Architecture for Competitive Advantage. Since I work in the insurance software industry and SOA is a major interest, it was quite interesting to hear Jaime's perspective. Very well presented and dead-on!
• Mark Lynas, Author of High Tide, talked about Global Warming. This enlightening presentation should provide plenty of motivation for all of us to start taking our behavior and its potential impact on our environment a lot more seriously. I recently read an article from Men's Health that talked about the dangers we runners face when we run while pollutants are high. Put these 2 tidbits together (Mark's presentation and this article) and man it makes for some sobering thoughts. Mark also pokes fun at our government's (especially Republican) attempts to treat Global Warming as a non-issue. His particular example included a reference to Congress asking Michael Creighton, a novelist, for an opinion on the subject. According to Mark, no expert/scientist in the field disagrees with the contention that something is happening and that it does not bode well for humanity.
• Lee Felsenstein, PC Pioneer, spoke with Larry of Larry's World. Lee is a famous moderator of the Homebrew Computer Club (think where early Apple Computers and others such were shown and discussed). Listening to Lee talk about the history of PC technology and the personalities of some of the now famous folks as they were before they were famous was extremely enjoyably. Highly recommended.
  

8.4 Mile Run: Brownell - Shades Creek Greenway

Met Judy at 6:30 am as usual. Man, did it seem hot. Must have been humid. I plan to add that measure to the data section below. I didn't record it for this run. Judy kicked my but at the end of the run, but my watch says I ran the usual time. Go Judy. Me, I was pleased just to not walk. It was one of those runs.

I also blabbed a lot. In fact, I joking noted that Jed Bush will run for president in the future. Not the next election, but for the next presidency after. And, at that time he will wage war on Iran. I note such here, in case I turn out to be right. I want evidence. I wonder if this blog will still be here then?

Data

Distance:	8.4 Miles
Time:	1:18:30
Heart Rate:	164
Pace:	9:21
Weather:	Clear Skies, 74°
Route

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

A hot afternoon run. I tried to get it done in the morning, but checked my calendar before I headed out and discovered that I had a meeting. So, I worked all day in running attire and got the run in just before we were due to meet friends for some wine tasting. I got through it despite the heat and the wine tasting was great.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	29:58
Heart Rate:	155
Pace:	9:59
Weather:	Clear skies, 97°

6 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Logged too late to say much. I know listened to my latest load of podcasts and got the run in before it got hot.

Data

Distance:	6 Miles
Time:	59:47
Heart Rate:	159
Pace:	9:58
Weather:	Clear skies, 68°

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I got in an early morning run listening to the lastest Daily Source Code. You probably didn't notice that I didn't run Friday or Sunday as is my normal pattern. The Family and I including the maternal grandparents, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew went camping at Smoky Mountain National Park. Home of the synchronized lightening bugs. Since my son got tired, I missed out on the lightening bugs. But, what a place. We had a great time and there is so much to see and do there. I simply have to go back when I have more time. I would love to backpack there. We did these things:

• Camped at Elkmont campground
• Cades Cove - 11 Mile loop with lots of stops to look at stuff especially old dwellings
• Grotto Falls on the Roaring Fork Motor Trail
• Metcalf Bottoms Trail to the Little Greenbrier School
• Ate a lot
• Played a lot
• Got rained on a lot
• Everyone but me saw the lightening bugs
  

As to running, well I believe that every once in awhile you should take a wee break. The roads around the campground were narrow and there were many blind curves. So, I decided not to risk it and enjoy the break.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	29:19
Heart Rate:	152
Pace:	9:46
Weather:	Clear skies, 68°

5 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I finished this run listening to Accident Hash #155, Godspeed Granny. C.C.'s grandmother died. I found myself thinking of a woman I never met, and since I am a new listener, didn't know was ill. The closing song was so fitting. The song was On MyMind and Willow Creek by The Cool Waters Band. "You will be on my mind down the open road" is part of the chorus. Can you imagine? I am running listening to C.C. talk about his family and his grandmother's passing. This line fit the occasion so well. It touched me that his loss could touch me so and I hope that knowing I was touched while running brings some comfort (I sent C.C. and email). His grandmother's life was celebrated during my run and in some way her spirit was there with mine.

I also finished up the latests Daily Source Code and Pod Save the Queen.

Note to the US Mainstream Media: Quit putting family members of those who have lost loved ones on your shows! I am just appalled at the media coverage involving family of soldiers killed in Iraq. Especially, the coverage related to the 2 mutilated soldiers most recently reported. It is simply too soon to put these family on TV! And, even more appalled, at those in the media that then talk about what these family members say in a manner that condemns or praises their position on political matters. This whole show just cheapens us all, if you ask me. Leave them alone to grieve. Sure adds meaning to Don Henley's "Get the widow on the set" line from a very old album.

Data

Distance:	5 Miles
Time:	49:68
Heart Rate:	148
Pace:	10:00
Weather:	Clear skies, 72°

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

I got in an early morning run listening to the lastest Daily Source Code. I spotted a little snake (about 7 inches long) on the trail around the lake. I am not sure what kind it was and didn't cause it any harm. There were more people out running and walking than I see on the hot afternoon runs. The afternoons have become too hectic, so I am going to try getting my runs done in the morning. It adds the benefit of running while the temperature is cooler.

My family was interviewed Saturday by our local NBC station. The story was about assistive reproduction therapy. We went through the clinic referenced in the story to conceive our youngest son. I had a vasectomy 24 years before fathering my youngest son. I was told 15 years before that I was hopelessly sterile and that body wouldn't even produce sperm in about 5 years (10 years before my son was implanted). While we expected to learn about sperm donors and artificial insemination, we learned that I not only produced sperm, but that medicine now had a procedure to extract it and fertilize eggs. So, we did and our son is the result.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	29:20
Heart Rate:	146
Pace:	9:47
Weather:	Clear skies, 72°

8.4 Mile Run: Brownell - Shades Creek Greenway

I finally measured the "9 Mile" course. Well, surprise, it isn't 9 miles. It is 8.4. Which is fine, but it will be good to have an accurate pace measure. Judy and I took off at near 6:30 am without her dog. Her dog had some trouble at the end of last week's run. So, given the temperatures of summer, Judy has decided to not run the dog on the long Sunday runs.

I have been listening to Steve talk about The Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon where else but on Phedippidations. All you have to do is run 13.1 miles anywhere on October 7th or 8th of this year. Check it out. I shall.

Data

Distance:	8.4 Miles
Time:	1:18:08
Heart Rate:	Not measured
Pace:	9:18
Weather:	Partly Cloudy, 72°
Route

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Another hot afternoon run. I ran listening to the lastest Daily Source Code. Nothing special to blab about today. Here's the data:

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	30:15
Heart Rate:	153
Pace:	10:05
Weather:	Clear skies, 92°

6 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Another hot afternoon run. I listened to a podcast suggested by a colleague at work about agile methods. I have read about and been a fan of agile methods. Although, I have not had the opportunity to apply them in real world settings. But, I am intriqued by the potential opportunities they may offer over the more traditional waterfall approaches. The podcast was worthwhile and in line with with what I have heard and read in the past. I am anxious to check out some of the other podcasts from ARCast at channel9.

I have also added Accident Hash to my subscription list. I listened to show 152 during this run. The start was a little melow for a run, but man when Five Star Fall kicked in the run started to pick up. Then, came Derek Jones and I was extremely pleased. Good choices C.C. At this rate, the ripped CD's are seeing less and less play during the run. Sorry, Sony. Sorry, BMI. Yeah Right!

I think the source of the unwanted posts were through email posts. I had not changed the default setting and some asshole's bot or some asshole was taking advantage of it for some sort of stupid thrill. Hopefully, I have removed the nuisance. May the asshole get a hemorrhoid!

Data

Distance:	6 Miles
Time:	59:23
Heart Rate:	158
Pace:	9:53
Weather:	Clear skies, 86°

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

A slow and hot run. But, hey at 88° you should not go too fast or hard, eh? I listened to the lastest Daily Source Code. Adam got an interesting question from a caller asking about when he first let his daughter, now 15, start wearing makeup. I have to admit that upon hearing this question my thought was when did he let her start using profanity in front of him. As you may remember, my American and puritanical reaction to her first podcast. I am subscribed to her show.

But, for me, I consider a cool thing that my children (regardless of age) don't curse in front of me as a matter of respect. I know they curse, but with dad they maintain a certain decorum. Me, I think that is good. But, there are many people and many roads. I don't own "right".

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	30:22
Heart Rate:	147
Pace:	10:7
Weather:	Clear skies, 88°

10.5 Mile Run: Brownell-Shades Creek Greenway

I met Judy for our regular 6:30 am run. While the temperature was only 72, you could feel the thick humid air. And, it was quite noticable while we ran. Found a garbage post here when I came on to add this entry. Its title was "conflict of interest". Clearly, someone has figured out how to hack entries onto my blog. What assholes. Get their kicks just proving they can disrupt the stuff of others. May they vomit into the wind. It is difficult to figure out why someone of clear talent would waste it in such a stupid way. Enough wasted time on scum.

My cousin is serving in the army and has been involved in the production of some videos that he and his friends produced while in the middle east. I spotted on on iFilm this week. It amused me and it is a good video.



Data:

Distance:	10.5 Miles
Time:	1:43:50
Heart Rate:	155
Pace:	9:53
Weather:	Clear Skies, 72°
Route

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

This was a stressful week. Thus, it was great to end it with a run. It was hot and I didn't see many folks outside. I listened to Adam Curry's Daily Source Code. Not much else to say right now.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	30:36
Heart Rate:	149
Pace:	10:12
Weather:	Clear skies, 88°

5 Mile Run: Neighborhood

No Daily Source Code published today, so I ran with commercial music for the first time in a long time. I enjoyed it. I blogging this late. Thus, got the news that Al-Zarqawi was killed last night. Wow! To bad he and others have choosen such a path of hate and force others to seek his death. Noone's death is something to celebrate and I am sorry he lost his. But, it is good that another of his ilk have been removed from a position of threath. May we find a way to solve differences without death. Note to all humans: let's find a way to focus on love and positive growth. Don't let Bush or Bin Ladin set your context. Think free. Think love. Think life. I am American. I do not hate muslims. In fact, I love all that I know personally. I am not in some NATO organization seeking to destroy Arabs. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. I did not believe Sadaam was friends with Bin Ladin. I did not believe he was a WMD threat. I did not think we should invade Iraq. And, I am not alone. But, rest assured, I, like other Americans, will do whatever is necessary to ultimately live free of fear and intimidation. But, we humans must find a better way. Don't blindly believe or follow anyone. Think for yourself! I listened to Concrete Blond which is not listed on Amazon. That's a first for me. Anyway, great CD from my college days. Finished up with a couple of tracks from Creed. Data: Distance: 5 Miles Time: 48:28 Heart Rate: 151 Pace: 9:37 Weather: Clear skies, 85°

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Another hot afternoon run during which I listened to the latest Daily Source Code. This was also an election day. I voted Republican since this was basically an election to weed down the candidates for the final vote in November. Why Republican? Because we had a anti-gay wedding amendment proposal on the ballot thus a draw card for ultra-conservatives and Roy Moore on the Ballot. The last thing I want is Roy in the Governor's mansion. And, our current governor Bob Riley seems to be doing a good job to me. I voted NO to the the anti-gay wedding. But, I was only joined by 19% of the voters. I don't understand why so many people want to prevent people who love each other and wish to dedicate themselves to just one other person in a loving relationship from enjoying the same social benefits as heterosexual married couples. Too bad in my opinion. It seems hateful and mean to me. Let God judge. We humans should just be kind to one another and do things based on love, not hate.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	30:06
Heart Rate:	146
Pace:	10:02
Weather:	Clear skies, 90°

8.4 Mile Run: Brownell - Shades Creek Greenway

Judy didn't show today. She called after the run. She set her alarm clock wrong. So, I attached the iPod to the water bottle harness and off I went. Oh, well before starting I chatted with a fella I met while training for the Mercedes Marathon. He and I are interested in the same kind of reading material. That was fun to catch up. I sure wish I could remember his name. Then, I was off.

I started off listening to the Adam Curry's daughter's new podcast, Pod Save the Queen. Sounds like a young UK chick talking about indie music complete with slang that only such a person might recognize. But, interesting musical selections. I may subscribe. My American puritanical nature was pulled out while listening. Adam has ranted a couple of times about how puritanical we can be and he is right. But, nonetheless, I would be bothered if my 15 year old was publishing with profanity peppered in somewhat gratitously. But, to each their own.

I also got in another session of Phedippidations. Good one too. Steve's description of Accident Hash had prompted me to add it to my subscription list. I haven't listened to one yet, so cann't comment yet. And, Steve's rant about Muriel Gray's podcast interview was spot on for describing how podcasting will kill the radio for many of us. Already killed for me. And, I will have to go listen to the interview myself when I have some time. It sure pissed Adam off. On a side note, Steve's description of how much corn we consume in America was very interesting. Basically, he noted, based on a book he read, that we consume stuff cooked in corn oil, loaded with corn syrup, etc. Never thought about how pervasive corn is our diet is before...

I have discovered a really cool feature on the iPod by the way. Namely, I love that when you unplug the headset it automatically pauses! Since I switch between headset and cassette adapter is very cool not to have to worry about pausing. Still looking for the bookmarking capability. I usually have 4 or 5 listens going on at the same time. And, sure would love a sync with folder(s) I select. I do like the smart playlists.

I am nervous about the stuff in Iraq indicated that some marines may have killed 24 civilians. I sure hope we find out that the real story does not show wrong doing on our part. War sucks. How to you teach and expect morality from those for whom you have turned off morality to permit killing in the first place? We humans need to find a better way, period. Killing sucks no matter who is doing it. And those that use it to reach sinister ends, may they rot in hell.

Data

Distance:	9 miles (I measured and it's 8.4)
Time:	1:22:03
Heart Rate:	151
Pace:	9:46
Weather:	Partly Cloudy, 68°
Route

3 Mile Run: Neighborhood

Another afternoon run during which I listened to the latest Daily Source Code. Nothing special today, just needed to get the run in.

Data

Distance:	3 Miles
Time:	29:01
Heart Rate:	152
Pace:	9:43
Weather:	Clear skies, 88°