Your World According To Dr. Castro: May 2009

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Denis Menchov Falls But Wins Giro D'Italia 2009 (VIDEO)

Denis Menchov wins the Giro d'Italia despite falling off the bike at 3 kms before the finish line. The day was rainy with the cobbles soaking wet and slippery. Menchov slid down the road, got up very fast, his mechanic gave him a new bike and a little push (perfectly allowed and within legal limits in cases like these)...and we got a winner!

Bravo Denis Menchov, bravisimo! This Giro was fantastic and enjoyed it very much.
Lance Armstrong finished 15:59 minutes behind Menchov in the Final General Classification making him #12. In today's stage 21, his [Armstrong] individual time trial was 1:19 minutes behind the winner of the stage, Ignatas Konovalovas.

I want to congratulate all the professional cyclists that participated in this Giro. I think that all of them are incredible cyclists even if they came at last. For anybody to be able to participate in a cycling tour that has 21 stages has to have great stamina, be in a almost perfect physical fitness and has to have a complete and total love for this beautiful sport of cycling.
Having said so, my greatest admiration goes to all cyclists, from #1 winner, Denis Menchov, to #169, Evgeny Sokolov, a Russian professional cyclist that rides for BBox Boygues Telecom cycling team.
Great job guys, well done!

Stage 21 results

1 Ignatas Konovalovas (Ltu) Cervelo Test Team           18.42
2 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream              0.01
3 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Team Columbia - Highroad    0.07
4 Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr) Astana                         0.11
5 Marzio Bruseghin (Ita) Lampre - N.G.C.                 0.16
6 Giovanni Visconti (Ita) ISD                            0.18
7 Dries Devenyns (Bel) Quick Step                        0.20
8 Maarten Tjallingii (Ned) Rabobank                      0.21
9 Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone - Caffe          0.23
10 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank                          0.24
11 Janez Brajkovic (Slo) Astana                          0.27
16 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini        0.45


Final general classification

1 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank                             86.03.11
2 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini               0.41
3 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas                             1.59
4 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team                        3.46
5 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas                                    3.59
6 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana                                 5.28
7 Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone - Caffe Mokambo        8.43
8 Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia - Highroad               10.01
9 Tadej Valjavec (Slo) AG2R La Mondiale                       11.13
10 Marzio Bruseghin (Ita) Lampre - N.G.C.                     11.28

Friday, May 29, 2009

Robbie McEwen Crashed In Tour Of Belgium

Image by AFP/Getty Images via Daylife

There is an interesting bit of news from Belgium today.

Robbie McEwen suffered a pretty severe cycling crash -hitting a road sign barrier caused him to fall heavily off the bike- on the second stage of the Tour of Belgium. As a consequence of it he fractured his tibia and had to have surgery to insert two screws in it to hold the bone together to allow it to heal faster and anatomically correct. The tendon didn't have any damage, fortunately.

"I had an accident today in tour of Belgium, broke my tibia. Thanks everyone for your support. I promise you this, I will be back." McEwen said on his Twitter account late Thursday, May 28.

I would definitely love to see him back at the Tour de France but I don't think that is going to be possible. Tour de France is practically around the corner and doubt very much there's enough time for healing and being physically fit.

I hope he recovers soon and well. He is an extraordinary cyclist and sprinter. If not the Tour de France then I hope to see him in La Vuelta a Espana -Tour of Spain- in September.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Crime Rises In United States Of America

From California to Illinois, from Arizona to Alaska, from Michigan to Tennessee to Oregon to Indiana. The cities of United States are experiencing an increment in all types of crime: robberies, aggravated assaults, forcible rape, burglary, violent murders, property crime, larceny theft, motor vehicle theft, arson and bribery and corruption amongst officials.

Many blame it on the financial recession the US is suffering right now. This article reports an important rise of hotel crime in several states of USA.

"We're absolutely seeing an increase in crime at hotels," says Philip Farina, CEO of Enterprising Securities, a San Antonio company that designs security programs for hotels.

US Military Preparing For Domestic Disturbances

A new report from the U.S. Army War College discusses the use of American troops to quell civil unrest brought about by a worsening economic crisis.

The report from the War College’s Strategic Studies Institute warns that the U.S. military must prepare for a “violent, strategic dislocation inside the United States” that could be provoked by “unforeseen economic collapse” or “loss of functioning political and legal order.”

This news from Illinois: "Teens charged in brutal slaying of 15 year old." Could this slaying be blamed on the recession? I think not.

Minority youngsters dying weekly on Chicago's streets.

Cinncinnati is experiencing an increase in homicides:

CINCINNATI -- The city of Cincinnati has recorded 17 homicides so far in 2009, three more than during the same period in 2008, or an increase of 21 percent.The majority of those homicides occurred in District 4, which has recorded nine homicides so far this year, up from five during the same period last year. Avondale has the highest rate of homicide of any neighborhood in Cincinnati in 2009. Five people have been killed in Avondale, more than double the number during the same period in 2008.

Hate crimes in California increase alarmingly in 2009

"365 gay reports a 300% increase in homophobic hate crimes in Santa Clara County, California, just south of San Francisco. Two years ago, 15% of hate crimes were designated as anti-LGBT in nature. Last year’s statistics showed a dramatic increase to 56% of all hate crimes in the county"

Statistics Point To Increase In Crime During Recessions

By Lauren King
The Virginian-Pilot
© January 19, 2009

Across Virginia and the country, statistics indicate the crumbling economy is likely to spark growth in at least one arena during the new year: the national crime rate.

A jump in property crimes seems to occur when unemployment or poverty rates increase, according to a statewide study by Debbie Roberts, a research data programmer and analyst for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Violent and drug-related crimes also may escalate in times of recession, Roberts said, but less so than property crimes, including burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft, according to her recent report covering a 28-year period.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Hi Tech Road And Mountain Cycling

This is not breaking news in the cycling world, but I haven't shared this awesome bicycle creation with you, my faithful readers, and would love to talk to you about it and read your comments.
We, cycling fanatics are always trying to find better bicycles with better components to help us go faster and have a more comfortable and exciting bike ride in endurance races or in long road trainings, and at the same time, we also like to look...good.

Take a special look at the tubes of the frame of the bike.

Some engineers have created a very strong and lightweight bicycle frame for both, mountain and road bikes. The frame is an isotruss-based carbon fibers previously wound with a sheet that holds the tension.
Delta 7 Sports has definitely created the stiffest and lightest road bike Ascend with unique carbon fiber and Kevlar frames that are of limited production, with life warranty and handcrafted in the United States.

"We go back afterwards and hand-wind all the little Kevlar strands, inch-by-inch, over each isotruss," ~Tyler Evans said. Mr. Evans is a program manager at Delta 7 Sports in Payson, Utah.

"This bike rides like bikes that are much heavier and stronger and built like a tank, but it's still in the featherweight category," Evans said.

The mountain bike frame weighs 2.6 pounds. The new Ascend road bike weighs 1.8.

"You definitely feel like a rock star, like you're famous, like you belong in the Tour de France or some high-end race," cyclist Dan Weller told Ivanhoe.

"Right now, that feeling requires patience. It takes about 100 hours to build each IsoTruss bike. Delta 7 produced only 200 IsoTruss models in 2008, but is working on ways to mass-produce them in the near future. To get one right now, you have to add yourself to the waiting list and put down a $1,000 deposit." ~ Science Daily reported.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Carlos Sastre Is A Dormant Volcano

I really love what Carlos Sastre said today to the press after winning stage 16 of the Giro d'Italia 2009. What can I say? The "dormant volcano" stole my heart with his words.

“I’m quiet, dedicated, I don’t make a lot of noise or respond to rumors,” Sastre said. “I concentrate on my work and I prepare for the important races. When it comes time to attack, I do.”

“I am very content. I went to the maximum, gave all I could and I was able to win the stage and take some time. Menchov has demonstrated that he’s strong, but the final week of the Giro is hard. The heat, the speed, the distance is starting to add up.”

“Whenever you win a big race, whether it’s the Tour, the Giro of the Vuelta, it’s always beautiful, especially against the best riders in the world. Today was very important for me, for my motivation and for this Giro. The last week always decides everything.” ~ Carlos Sastre said.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Cycling Races Cancelled For 2009

The following tells us that there's a decline in professional cycling in the United States.
The current financial crisis and global economic downturn that have put a lot of people out of work and caused many businesses and commercial corporations to go bankrupt, has now also affected the cycling racing world.

The cycling calendar year of United States is full with fascinating cycling races and tours that have been held with great success year after year. But this one [year] is different, nonetheless. Sponsorship is getting harder and harder for some cycling teams and some cycling races, reason why they have had to cancel or suspend their race until they can get more sponsors again and their finances get better.
Some of them say they might have their race back until 2010, if the situation gets better.

Here there's a list of the cycling events that have been canceled so far due to severe financial problems.
I will be updating this list through out the year as needed. Hopefully the list won't be too long.

Tour of Georgia
Tour de New York
Tour de Toona Bike Race
San Francisco Twilight Criterium
Tour of Arkansas
Willamette Stage Race
Philadelphia Professional Cycling Race ---> (Rescued at the last minute).
Colorado Stage Cycling Race
Reading Cycling Race
Allentown Cycling Race
Priority Health Tour de Leelanau
Priority Health Cycling Classic
Tour of Missouri

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Video Giro D'Italia 2009 Stage 14

This video is 7:32 minutes of the final kilometers of this very challenging stage that was raced today.

RESULTS OF TODAY'S STAGE:

1 Simon Gerrans (Aus) Cervelo Test Team                         4.16.48
2 Rubens Bertogliati (Swi) Serramenti                              0.12
3 Francesco Gavazzi (Ita) Lampre - N.G.C.                          0.18

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION, after stage 14

1 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank                                 58.33.53
2 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini                   0.34
3 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana                                     0.43
4 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas                                 2.00
5 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team                            2.52
6 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas                                        3.03
7 Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia - Highroad                    3.05
8 Gilberto Simoni (Ita) Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni               5.17
9 Marzio Bruseghin (Ita) Lampre - N.G.C.                           5.26
10 David Arroyo (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne                             6.01

13 Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone - Caffe Mokambo           7.15
14 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana                                    7.28
15 Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr) Astana                                  8.00

Friday, May 22, 2009

Cavendish Does It Again Winning Stage 13th

Levi Leipheimer moves up to 3rd place in the general classification with only0:40 sec behind the leader of the tour, Denis Menchov. I believe that he has great chances to win this Giro if nothing goes wrong from here to the end.
There are still mountains to climb and a last time trial to race.
Tomorrow's stage is a 172 KMS with 4 major climbs. Hopefully Levi Leipheimer will be good enough to dance on the pedals a la Lance Armstrong.

“I’ve got the best lead-out man in the world in Mark Renshaw. In the last 20km, I could sit on his back wheel. The other teams are desperate now. We kept cool, sat back and used the strength we had to come past the other teams. All I have to do is finish it.”~Mark Cavendish said.

“It was the most difficult. A lot of teams are getting desperate now, putting all their eggs into one basket. The reason I am so professional is that I have so much romance with cycling. I love the sport, everything about racing.”~Cavendish said.

Stage 13 results

1 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Team Columbia - Highroad     
2 Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) LPR Brakes
3 Allan Davis (Aus) Quick Step                      
4 Robert Hunter (RSA) Barloworld                    
5 Tyler Farrar (USA) Garmin - Slipstream            
6 Juan José Haedo (Arg) Team Saxo Bank              
7 Robert Forster (Ger) Team Milram                  
8 Ben Swift (GBr) Team Katusha                           

General classification after stage 13

1 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank                                      
2 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini                             0.34
3 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana                                               0.40
4 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas                                           2.00
5 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team                                      2.52
6 Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia - Highroad                              2.58
7 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas                                                  3.00
8 Gilberto Simoni (Ita) Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli      4.38
9 Thomas Lövkvist (Swe) Team Columbia - Highroad                             5.53
10 David Arroyo (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Individual Time Trial Results Giro d'Italia 2009

Image by AFP/Getty Images via Daylife

UPDATE 17:05 hrs PDT
General classification after stage 12

1 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 50.27.17
2 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini 0.34
3 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 0.40
4 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas 2.00
5 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team 2.52
6 Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia - Highroad 2.59
7 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas 3.00
8 Gilberto Simoni (Ita) Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli 4.38
9 Marzio Bruseghin (Ita) Lampre - N.G.C. 5.26
10 Thomas Lövkvist (Swe) Team Columbia - Highroad 5.53
11 David Arroyo (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 5.55
12 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana 6.34
13 Tadej Valjavec (Slo) AG2R La Mondiale 6.42
14 Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr) Astana 7.11
15 Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone - Caffe Mokambo 7.15

18 Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre - N.G.C. 8.18
22 Jose Serpa (Col) Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli 9.26
28 Mauricio Soler (Col) Barloworld 12.19
____________________________________________________________________

Individual Time Trial has finished.

These are preliminary results.

1. Menchov;
2. Di Luca at 34;
3. Leipheimer at 40;
4. Pellizotti at 2:00;
5. Sastre

Stay tuned for later final results

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Lance Armstrong's Trek Equinox Bicycle

Look at this beauty. And I mean a real beauty. This kind of bike is a dream and I'm sure many of us, avid cyclists, would love to own one like that. HA! ...in our dreams!
This is one of two professional Trek bicycles that were specially custom made for Lance Armstrong to race the Giro d'Italia 2009. This pro bike is a Trek Equinox TTX SSL and was painted by artist Kenny Scharf.

NOTE: Click on the picture to expand it so you can admire it better. It's worth it.

Ghost Malls In California

Home Depot design center, Mervins, clothing stores and in general big box stores going bankrupt in California, from San Francisco to San Diego, leaving commercial malls completely empty. Lost of revenue and unemployment rising.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Danilo Di Luca Was Unstoppable

Di Luca was firing in today's stage 10 of the Giro d'Italia 2009. He was simply...unstoppable! It was a great gift to my eyes to see him fly away from everybody else. He pedaled away with that kind of passion and energy that you only get to see every 4 or 5 years, more or less.
Remember Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, Marco Pantani, Lance Armstrong? Well, Danilo Di Luca reminded me of all of them today.
Thank you, Mr. Di Luca, for a fantastic stage win. Well deserved. My hat is off to you, sir.

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION, after stage 10

1. Danilo Di Luca (ITA), LPR Brakes, 44:00:11
2. Denis Menchov (RUS), Rabobank, at 1:20
3. Michael Rogers (AUS), Columbia-Highroad, at 1:33
4. Levi Leipheimer (USA), Astana, at 1:40
5. Franco Pellizotti (ITA), Liquigas, at 1:53
6. Carlos Sastre Candil (ESP), Cervelo, at 1:54
7. Ivan Basso (ITA), Liquigas, at 2:03
8. Thomas Lovkvist (SWE), Columbia, at 2:12
9. David Arroyo Duran (ESP), Caisse D'epargne, at 2:35
10. Gilberto Simoni (ITA), Serramenti, at 2:58
11. Christopher Horner (USA), Astana, at 3:24

18. Lance Armstrong (USA), Astana, at 5:28
19. Damiano Cunego (ITA), Lampre-N.G.C, at 5:31

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Commercial And Housing Depression In Southern California

Los Angeles, California, the city that gave so much to many, the city that made angels envy its beauty and wealth, the city that was as prosperous as the Roman Empire was at one point...is dying, is crying, is looking abandoned and empty.
It is sad, very sad to see how little by little the cities of the United States are shading away.
Detroit is a ghost town now. Is California heading that way?
I sincerely hope not.

Video Final Kms Giro D'Italia Stage 8

Today's winner was Kanstantsin Siutsou -Team Columbia-. Danilo Di Luca fought hard to keep the pink jersey, especially when he was under attack by Levi Leipheimer and Michael Rogers while climbing the Sotto Collina, Colle del Gallo and Bergamo Alta. Di Luca had great support by his cycling team LPR and they pulled the attacks back.

"Off of Gallo and to Bergamo Alta I knew what it would take to stay clear and win. I had 20 seconds for the descent to the city centre. I gave it all in the final kilometres into town," said Siutsou.

“I hope he [Levi Leipheimer] is here to win it. That’s the point from day one. He’s got a real good team around him. We had seven guys in the final group,” Chris Horner said.

"Pedro Horrillo (Rabobank) crashed out of the race on the descent of the Culmine di San Petro and was flown to a nearby hospital. It was apparently a truly horrific crash — he shot completely off the road and into a deep, rocky ravine; rescuers needed 20 minutes to retrieve him. Team officials say he is in a medically induced coma with a broken femur and knee, several broken ribs and a punctured lung, plus head and chest trauma." -VeloNews reported

General classification after stage 8

1 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini                                 33.13.35
2 Thomas Lövkvist (Swe) Team Columbia - Highroad                                     0.13
3 Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia - Highroad                                      0.44
4 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana                                                       0.51
5 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank                                                       0.58
6 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas                                                          1.14
7 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team                                              1.24
8 Christopher Horner (USA) Astana                                                    1.25
9 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas                                                   1.35
10 David Arroyo (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne                                               1.49
11 Gilberto Simoni (Ita) Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli             2.09

21 Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre - N.G.C.                                              3.37
25 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana                                                      4.39

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Dennis Menchov Wins Stage 5 Giro D'Italia

UPDATE 15:15 hrs

Menchov, the "Sleeping Giant", "The Killer", both nicknames fit him perfectly. He is awesome and can show us the kind of stamina that he has whenever he wants and whenever he thinks it's time to attack and leave everybody behind.

He was just fantastic today. Nobody was expecting him to win this stage. I am happy for him. Well deserved!

Danilo Di Luca wears the maglia rosa today, taking the pink jersey away from Lovkvist.

“Today was very hard and I knew it was one of the most important stages in the Giro. It was long, hard and steep, so it was important to be strong today,” Di Luca said. “It’s great to be back in the maglia rosa. I wanted it yesterday, but I knew if I could finish with the bonuses, I would be in pink. Our team is motivated to defend it.”

Lance Armstrong just couldn't keep up at the end and pulled back. I think that is practically impossible for him to be on the podium of the Giro. He was in 5th and 6th place the last two stages and today he ended in 22nd place, 3:34 minutes behind Di Luca. And tomorrow is going to be a killer leg stage cyclists, 248 kms and they will be entering Austria. I don't think that Armstrong will be able to stay in 22nd place nor advance after tomorrow. It must be really hard to race the Giro after he just broke his clavicule few weeks ago. I gotta give him a lot of credit for doing what he's doing. In my eyes he [Armstrong] is a winner already.

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION after stage 5

1. Danilo Di Luca (ITA) LPR Brakes Farnese Vini
2. Thomas Lovkvist (SWE) Team Columbia - High Road at 0:05
3. Michael Rogers (AUS) Team Columbia - High Road at 0:36
4. Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana at 0:43
5. Denis Menchov (RUS) Rabobank at 0:50
6. Ivan Basso (ITA) Liquigas at 1:06
7. Carlos Sastre Candil (ESP) Cervelo Test Team at 1:16
8. Christopher Horner (USA) Astana at 1:17
9. Franco Pellizotti (ITA) Liquigas at 1:27
10. David Arroyo Duran (ESP) Caisse D'epargne at 1:41
11. Gilberto Simoni (ITA) Serramenti Pvc Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli at 2:01
12. Yaroslav Popovych (UKR) Astana at 2:30
13. Tadej Valjavec (SLO) AG2R La Mondiale at 2:36
14. Laurens Ten Dam (NED) Rabobank at 2:41
15. Kevin Seeldrayers (BEL) Quick Step at 2:49
16. Rafael Cardenas Felix (COL) Barloworld at 2:55
17. Joaquin Rodriguez (ESP) Caisse D'epargne at 3:01
18. Thomas Rohregger (AUT) Team Milram at 3:15
19. Marzio Bruseghin (ITA) Lampre - N.G.C at 3:16
20. Gabriele Bosisio (ITA) LPR Brakes Farnese Vini at 3:21
21. Damiano Cunego (ITA) Lampre - N.G.C at 3:29
22. Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana at 3:34
____________________________________________________________________

The "Sleepining Giant" Dennis Menchov wins today but the maglia rosa goes to Danilo Di Luca. It seems that Lovkvist is third. Cunego comes in about 2:30 back. Armstrong finishes, in about 3:00 minutes off of the winner's time.

These are preliminary and breaking news results. The only thing sure is that Dennis Menchov won this stage.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS: (at the arrival)

1. Denis Menchov (Rus), Rabobank
2. Danilo Di Luca (I), LPR, at 0:02
3. Thomas Lovkvist (S), Columbia, at 0:05
4. Ivan Basso (I), Liquigas
5. Levi Leipheimer (USA), Astana

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Social Security And Medicare Health In Jeopardy

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner announced Tuesday, May 12 2009, that the financial health and strength of Social Security and Medicare, are in jeopardy and "have worsened in the past year because of the severe recession."

OK, and the purpose of the announcement is...? Like we didn't know that already.

What are we going to do to fix this problem now?

Danilo Di Luca Wins Stage 4 Giro D'Italia

UPDATE, 08:55 hrs -

RESULTS AT ARRIVAL

1. Danilo Di Luca (Ita), LPR
2. Stefano Garzelli (Ita), Acqua & Sapone-Caffe Mokambo
3. Franco Pellizotti (Ita), Liquigas
4. Mauricio Soler (Col), Barloworld
5. Gilberto Simoni (Ita), Serramenti PVC
6. Levi Leipheimer (USA), Astana
7. Thomas Lövkvist (Swe), Columbia-Highroad
8. Ivan Basso (Ita), Liquigas
9. Denis Menchov (Rus), Rabobank
10. David Arroyo (Spa), Caisse d'Epargne

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION after stage 4

1. Thomas Lövkvist (Swe), Columbia-Highroad
2. Danilo Di Luca (Ita), LPR
3. Michael Rogers (Aus), Columbia-Highroad
4. Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr), Astana
5. Levi Leipheimer (USA), Astana
6. Lance Armstrong (USA), Astana
7. Franco Pellizotti (Ita), Liquigas
8. Damiano Cunego (Ita), Lampre-NGC
9. Marzio Bruseghin (Ita), Lampre-NGC
10. Carlos Sastre (Spa), Cervelo TestTeam

UPDATE, 08:40 hrs

Garzelli got second.
Pellizotti third.

______________________________________________________________________

That's it! Great win by Danilo Di Luca today. Soler put a good fight and Jens Voigt was Mr. Breakaway today. Di Luca didn't pedal...he flew! What a man, what a cycling stud.

Keep checking back my blog for the latest updates, photos and final results!

Stage 4 Giro D'Italia On Action

08:26 hrs
BRAVO DI LUCA!!!! Di Luca wins the stage!

08:22 hrs
2 kms to go. Lance has some problems!!

08:20
That's it for Jens!! Ahhhh...CAUGHT!

08:18 hrs
3 kms to go for Voigt. Will he get caught? Bellotti already was.

08:15 hrs
Lance Armstrong is right off the back of the group

08:11 hrs
5.7 kms to go. Voigt strong!

08:09 hrs
Jens Voigt is Mr. Breakaway!!!

08:07 hrs
Jens Voigt GOES FOR IT and tries to go ALONE in the attack! Bellotti on his wheel.

08:00 hrs
Voigt is 9 kms from the finish. Bellotti is onto something and keeps on going.

Going on right now. Only 11 kilometers to go! Looks like Lance Armstrong might wear the maglia rosa today!!!!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Alessandro Petacchi Wins Stage 3

UPDATE, 10:49 hrs PDT

"I pulled off a number today, I went truly strong on the climbs and had good sensations. I stuck with the front runners and took a great sprint over Farrar. Above all, I am happy because after those climbs it was not easy." Petacchi said.

Farrar took the maglia bianca of best young rider.

Christian Vande Velde, captain of the Garmin-Slipstream cycling team, couldn't avoid a crash and tried to continue but the pain was unbearable. He had to be taken away in an ambulance.
I hope he recovers soon.

UPDATE, 08:51 hrs PDT

Lance Armstrong moved up to # 5

General Classification:

1. Alessandro Petacchi (ITA) Lpr in 8:50:06
2. Tyler Farrar (USA) Grm in 8:50:14 at 0:08
3. Michael Rogers (AUS) Thr in 8:50:24 at 0:18
4. Thomas Lovkvist (SWE) Thr in 8:50:24 at 0:18
5. Lance Armstrong (USA) Ast in 8:50:37 at 0:31
6. Danilo Di Luca (ITA) Lpr in 8:50:46 at 0:40
7. Yaroslav Popovych (UKR) Ast in 8:50:50 at 0:44
8. Levi Leipheimer (USA) Ast in 8:50:50 at 0:44
9. Andriy Grivko (UKR) Isd in 8:50:51 at 0:45
10. Francesco Gavazzi (ITA) Lam in 8:50:58 at 0:52
11. Filippo Pozzato (ITA) Kat in 8:50:59 at 0:53

16. Damiano Cunego (ITA) Lam in 8:51:06 at 1:00
23. Carlos Sastre Candil (ESP) Ctt in 8:51:13 at 1:07
24. Ivan Basso (ITA) Liq in 8:51:17 at 1:11
26. Christopher Horner (USA) Ast in 8:51:24 at 1:18
27. Denis Menchov (RUS) Rab in 8:51:26 at 1:20
29. Gilberto Simoni (ITA) Sda in 8:51:30 at 1:24
32. Mark Cavendish (GBR) Thr in 8:51:35 at 1:29
33. David Arroyo Duran (ESP) Gce in 8:51:35 at 1:29
139. Fabian Cancellara (SUI) Sax in 8:56:01 at 5:55
142. David Zabriskie (USA) Grm in 8:56:11 at 6:05

____________________________________________________________________

Great finish by Alessandro Petacchi today in the Giro d'Italia! Kept us all excited and with our hearts pumping to the max.

Petacchi wear the maglia rosa. Mark Cavendish just to weak at the end and couldn't keep up. Lost time and the pink jersey.

1. Alessandro Petacchi (LPR)
2. Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Slipstream)
3. Francesco Gavazzi (Lampre)

OVERALL Classification after stage 3

1. Alessandro Petacchi (LPR)
2. Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Slipstream) at 0:08
3. Michael Rogers (Columbia-Highroad) at 0:18

Keep tuned for later updates, photos, more results and general classification.

Alejandro Valverde Barred By Antidoping Agency

This is just in. Alejandro Valverde has been barred by the Italian Olympic committee's anti-doping tribunal from competing in Italian soil for the next two years according to the news agency ANSA via Agence France Presse. The reason, they found a reason to conect him with the Operacion Puerto blood doping case.
I hope that this problem doesn't impede Valverde from competing this year in the Tour de France. I love this guy. He is a very good cyclist.
Send you my best wishes and my support, Ale!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Chris Botti And Lucia Micarelli

KPBS aired today in San Diego this special with Chris Botti, a fantastic American trumpeter who imprints angelical music notes every time he plays the trumpet. I enjoy his art very very much and want to share a little bit of it with you. Please relax and listen with your open heart and soul.

Alessandro Petacchi Wins Stage 2 Giro

UPDATE - 10:54 am

Alessandro Petacchi wins today's stage but Mark Cavendish still leads the Giro and wears the maglia rosa. Will he [Cavendish] be able to keep the pink jersey tomorrow?

Overall (after 2 stages)

1. Mark Cavendish (GBR), Columbia-Highroad, 4:04:03
2. Mark Renshaw (AUS), Columbia-Highroad, at 0:14
3. Michael Rogers (AUS), Columbia-Highroad, at 0:14
4. Thomas Lovkvist (SWE), Columbia-Highroad, at 0:14
5. Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR), Columbia-Highroad, at 0:14
6. Tyler Farrar (USA), at 0:16
7. Alessandro Petacchi (ITA), Team L.P.R., at 0:16
8. Christian Vandevelde (USA), at 0:20
9. Bradley Wiggins (GBR), at 0:20
10. Lance Armstrong (USA), Astana, at 0:27

13. Tom Danielson (USA), at 0:33
14. Danilo Di Luca (ITA), Team L.P.R., at 0:36
18. Levi Leipheimer (USA), Astana, at 0:40
22. Filippo Pozzato (ITA), at 0:49
27. Denis Menchov (RUS), Rabobank, at 0:52
33. Damiano Cunego (ITA), Lampre, at 0:56
40. Carlos Sastre Candil (ESP), at 1:03
45. Ivan Basso (ITA), Liquigas, at 1:07
49. Jose' Haedo Juan (ARG), at 1:09
51. Christopher Horner (USA), Astana, at 1:14
57. Gilberto Simoni (ITA), Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni, at 1:20
66. David Arroyo Duran (ESP), Caisse d'Epargne, at 1:25
92. Fabian Cancellara (SUI), at 1:40

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Ale Petachi wins second stage of the Giro d'Italia in 3:43:07 hours. This is breaking news, friends, Petachi just crossed the finish line few minutes ago so we don't have the total classification yet. In the meantime, this is all we have.I will be updating the blog with results later on. Keep posted.

1. Alessandro Petacchi (I), LPR, 3:43:07
2. Mark Cavendish (GB), Columbia-Highroad, s.t.
3. Ben Swift (Aus), Katusha, s.t.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Mark Cavendish Wears Maglia Rosa

Team Trial competition is over. Columbia cycling team performed very well. Great ride and fantastic speed and form. Mark Cavendish is wearing the pink jersey. He's having a terrific cycling season, my friends. He won the Milan-San Remo 2009 and now the maglia rosa. Way to go, Mark, way to go!

Team Trial Final Results - May 9

1. Columbia - Highroad 20.5km in 21.50 (56.3kph)
2. Garmin-Slipstream, at 0:06
3. Astana, at 0:13
4. LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini, at 0:22
5. ISD, at 0:27
6. Team Katusha, at 0:35
7. Rabobank, at 0:38
8. Liquigas, at 0:40
9. Lampre-NGC, at 0:42
10. Team Milram, at 0:49
11. Cervelo TestTeam, at , at 0:49
12. Barloworld, at 0:54
13. Team Saxo Bank 0:55
14. Caisse d'Epargne 0:58
15. Bbox Bouygues Telecom, at 1:01
16. Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni, at 1:06
17. Quick Step, at 1:14
18. Xacobeo Galicia, at 1:19
19. Acqua & Sapone, at 1:21
20. Silence-Lotto, at 1:22
21. AG2R La Mondiale, at 1:35
22. Fuji-Servetto, at 1:39

Friday, May 8, 2009

Introduction Video To Giro D'Italia 2009

This is a great video. It contains an analysis about the favorite pro-cyclists to win this Giro d'Italia, their troubles, scandals and expectations/probabilities to get on the podium. Ivan Basso, Alberto Contador, Di Luca, Leipheimer, Lance Armstrong, Carlos Castre...who's your favorite?

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Financial Recession Easing VS Deepening

US Government Broken, Most Americans Believe
Is this a chick flick?
VIDEO of US unemployment
Banks lose money Foreclosures soar
Economic Recession VS Economic Recovery
US REAL unemployment numbers
US homeless on the rise

UPDATE, October 12, 2009
"Who would have told us 5 years ago that the US dollar was facing its demise and decline as a world reserve currency?
I am not an economist, but the recent global financial events have forced me to learn and educate myself about financial issues, critical monetary decisions by the Federal Reserve that have been destroying the economy of the United States and its currency, one horrendous mistake: the printing of the dollar to bailout companies and markets that should have failed long time ago."

Read the full article here

UPDATE, September 10, 2009
All this data is current and up to date. Lots of media and economists say that the recession is over and that we now have a jobless recovery.
Judge for yourself:

1. Media official unemployment rate 9.7% ------------------------- Real Official unemployment rate 16.9%

Total number of American currently not working, 15 to 25 million people, depending on the percentage you use to calculate, the media or the real unemployment.
Total unemployed, plus all marginally attached workers, plus total employed part time workers, economic reasons, as a percent of the civilian labor force plus all marginally attached workers.
Article continues here --> Is The Recession REALLY Over?

UPDATE, August 10, 2009

By Keith B. Richburg and Ashley Surdin

Washington Post Staff Writers
Monday, August 10, 2009; 2:29 PM

NEW YORK -- As states across the country grapple with the worst economy in decades, most have cut services, forced workers to take unpaid days off, shut offices several days a month and scrambled to find new sources of revenue.
The good news is that much of the pain this year has been cushioned by billions of dollars of federal stimulus money that has allowed states and localities to avoid laying off teachers, prison guards, police officers and firefighters.
The bad news is that for the next fiscal year, beginning July 2010, the picture looks even more bleak. Revenue is expected to remain depressed, even if the national economy improves. There will be only half as much federal stimulus aid available, and many states have already used up their emergency reserves.
Complete Article Here

UPDATE, June 28, 2009
"The Great American Bubble Machine"

UPDATE, June 19, 2009

"The real unemployment numbers are quite different from those ones that the media and the Government agencies let us know. They are much higher and they are expected to get worse in the months to come, some analysts say." ~Livingstrong

Unemployment And Financial Reality

UPDATE, June 15, 2009 -
President Barack Obama says that he wants "the Fed to oversee the biggest financial players and to give the government the power to unwind and break up systemically important companies."

Good bye, Capitalism.

Welcome, Fascism

UPDATE, June 8, 2009 -
"The Worst Is Yet To Come", says Howard Davidowitz, chairman of Davidowitz & Associates.

UPDATE May 29, 2009 -
General Motors shares are trading at 75 cents!
Crime rises in an alarmingly way in the USA

Chairman of the Federal Reserve Ben Bernanke w...

UPDATE May 20, 2009 -
What about all those Ghost Malls in California? Is that reality or just a figment of our imagination?

UPDATE May 19. 2009 -
Commercial And Housing Depression In Southern California. More reality?

UPDATE May 13. 2009 -
Now, THIS is reality.
____________________________________________________________________

After reading my post and watching the videos please tell me who you believe, Ben Bernanke...or reality?

Living Strong And Healthy Blogger is a blog dedicated to analyze and comment on all issues that affect our well being in a positive or negative way, so we can change what ever is hurting us and enhance what makes us better human beings.
Exercising and eating properly are not the only two factors that keep us healthy and happy. Having a healthy society, a healthy and strong economy, healthy relationships, healthy attitudes, an education, pets and nature, etc, etc, are also factors that contribute to our living and our health.
That is why you will find this blog different from other blogs that talk only about fitness and wellness.

What is going on right now in United States is inconceivable and horrendous. And all these lies and corruption can harm our society and our future, not to say our own precious health.

That is why I wanted to talk today about this terrible discrepancy that I notice in what the Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress Tuesday May 5th and the reality that the United States is living right now.

Ben Bernanke told Congress that the economy may be bottoming out finally. Listen to him.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Now, please read the following, it is really scary and we all need to be well informed.

"Tent cities and shelters from California to Massachusetts report growing demand from the newly homeless. The National Alliance to End Homelessness predicted in January that the recession would force 1.5 million more people into homelessness over the next two years. Already, "tens of thousands" have lost their homes, Alliance President Nan Roman says.

"We're hearing from shelter providers that the shelters are overflowing, filled to capacity," says Ellen Bassuk, president of the National Center on Family Homelessness. "The number of families on the streets has dramatically increased."

"We're seeing a change in the population. … We're seeing a lot more that are just plain losing their jobs and their homes," says Sheila Lopez, chief operating officer of the charity. "A lot are either job-ready or working but have lost their home because they were laid off, or their apartment, and now can't go to work because they're not shaven, they're not clean, they're living in a car, or they're living on the street."

• In Santa Barbara, Calif., 84 men and women sleep in their cars, trucks or recreational vehicles in 17 parking lots around the city, says Jason Johnson with the New Beginnings Counseling Center, which runs the RV Safe Parking Program.

"People's last refuge has become their vehicle," Johnson says.

So, again, who do you believe, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke...or reality?