Tour of Ireland 2010 Cancelled due to Crisis

The logo/picture of the TOUR of IRELAND says 2009...because there is no logo made for 2010. The Tour of Ireland 2010 has been suspended due to financial difficulties.

"Despite significant commercial and public sector funding, economic conditions have meant that the additional investment required to make the event viable has not been forthcoming in time for this season," race organiser, Alan Rushton, said.

I am definitely going to miss it this year. It's such a wonderful 5 day procycling race that I always look forward to follow. The organizers say that they hope they can get enough sponsors and financial investors for next year event.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish they accomplish what they want and need for the realization of this fantastic race in 2011.

Ivan Basso Wins Giro d'Italia 2010

Riders got the PINK CARPET treatment

Ivan Basso was the best, no doubt. He wins this year's Giro d'Italia at Verona with a mediocre Individual Time Trial but with enough time ahead to win the race. He showed total strength on the climbs this last week and that is what put him on the pink jersey.

This is what Ivan Basso has to say about the Giro:

"I think this Giro win is the best one because I fought for the pink jersey right to the end," Basso said.

"I crashed on the stage to Montalcino and then there was the disaster of the stage to L'Aquila, when I lost time. I honestly thought I might not win. Arroyo was very strong and rides for a strong team. It caused us a lot of problems but we fought back with pride and did everything right to win."

The following statement is what makes me love Basso. He's such a down to earth person and a high class cyclist who respects his teammates.

"I have to thank my teammates yet again. Especially Nibali who finished with me on the podium. He'll win the Giro one day."

This is what Ivan Basso has to say about the Tour de France:

"I'll ride the Tour, but I don't know if I'll be fantastic. But I won't go just to make up the numbers," Basso said.

"Contador has dominated the Tour in recent years, but I've improved a lot. I've got to believe I can do a great Tour and that's my goal. I didn't ride a lot of races before the Giro because I wanted to peak for the Giro and the Tour. It's worked so far. Now I can only hope it will work at the Tour too."

FINAL CLASSIFICATION -After stage 21- VERONA ITT

1 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Doimo 87:44:01
2 David Arroyo Duran (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 0:01:51
3 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Doimo 0:02:37
4 Michele Scarponi (Ita) Androni Giocattoli 0:02:50
5 Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team 0:03:27
6 Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana 0:07:06
7 Richie Porte (Aus) Team Saxo Bank 0:07:22
8 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Cervelo Test Team 0:09:39
9 Marco Pinotti (Ita) Team HTC - Columbia 0:14:20
10 Robert Kiserlovski (Cro) Liquigas-Doimo 0:14:51
11 Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini 0:17:10

See you next year, Giro d'Italia!

World Citizens One World Government

Proud, what are you proud of?

1.Are you proud of your nationality, your citizenship, your skin color, your language?

2.Or are you proud of what you have accomplished in life like finishing your college/University degree, BA, PhD, MD, Masters; are you a great athlete who has overcome physical difficulties, are you a polyglot, have you helped humans, animals and pets and saved them from pain and sorrow; are you a happy mother/father who has raised compassionate well mannered children, do feel complete as a human being?

I am not a patriotic person, never been. Why should I feel proud of something that I did not choose. I never chose to be born in my native land. It was my parents decision, not mine.
But it was my decision to go to University and finish and get my degree. THAT I am very proud of. And many other things, but I wanted to mention one to make my point across.

Probably, many of you might disagree with me, and you have the absolute right to do so. Many of you are probably patriotic and that is wonderful. We are all different, thank goodness, and that is what makes the human race so interesting.

But, if I'm not patriotic, does that mean that I want a world government? No. I don't like governments, at least, not the ones that govern the world right now. They like wars, fighting, corruption and killings. But dreaming and wishing is allowed.

I like what the CREDO OF A WORLD CITIZEN that has been published on the World Government of World Citizens Webpage stands for. It sounds beautiful. But I have a big problem with Garry Davis wanting to be President of the World. Thank goodness he only got 585 votes back in 1986 when he run for mayor of Washington, DC. And I have a problem with this because I don't want a world dictator. World peace sounds wonderful, but not under the rule of one world government, not under global dictatorship.
I prefer to achieve peace in the globe by respecting the laws of each country, their culture, their uniqueness. When we learn to accept each other's differences, respect each other's possessions and freedoms, and when we all collaborate to stop hate and murder, then and only then, we would achieve world peace..........I know, I know, dreaming is free, AND the Giro d'Italia is almost over, so...just random thoughts.



CREDO OF A WORLD CITIZEN

A World Citizen is a human being who lives intellectually, morally and physically in the present. A World Citizen accepts the dynamic fact that the planetary human community is interdependent and whole, that humankind is essentially one. A World Citizen is a peaceful and peacemaking individual, both in daily life and contacts with others. As a global person, a World Citizen relates directly to humankind and to all fellow humans spontaneously, generously and openly. Mutual trust is basic to his/her lifestyle. Politically, a World Citizen accepts a sanctioning institution of representative government, expressing the general and individual sovereign will in order to establish and maintain a system of just and equitable world law with appropriate legislative, judiciary and enforcement bodies. A World Citizen brings about better understanding and protection of different cultures, ethnic groups and language communities by promoting the use of a neutral international language, such as Esperanto. A World Citizen makes this world a better place to live in harmoniously by studying and respecting the viewpoints of fellow citizens from anywhere in the world.

Road ID Cycling Bazooka Commercial

Image via Wikipedia

I truly do not like this commercial. What is it with the "bazooka" thingie?!
You know, I DO NOT LIKE to relate gun shooting language/expressions with cycling, and it is not because I am against the right to own arms legally, no, I am not, but cycling is not about carrying bazookas, come on, it is about living, breathing life, prolonging lives, it is about LIVINGSTRONG, breaking apathetic barriers, not about killing.

I do like the ROAD ID products. I actually own several items of them because they are useful and high quality, and I will definitely continue to purchase them. I just happen to dislike this particular TV commercial. I ask myself, where in the world does Bob Roll train? Is that such a dangerous place that he needs to carry a "bazooka" with him?!
Please, let's not promote killing in cycling. That is why I am so against Alberto Contador hand-gun shooting "celebration" signature at the finish line. It is disgusting.

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Funny Cycling Commercials

This is one funny cycling commercial. I promise you will laugh.



Human Power...go Lance!



This commercial is so funny.

Texas Rangers Baseball Team Files for Bankruptcy

The Texas Rangers Baseball Team is filing for bankruptcy. Billionaire, Thomas Hicks, couldn't sell the team and was forced to file for Chapter 11 this morning in the Court of Fort Worth, Texas, with a 100 to 500 million dollars debt. OUCH!

This famous team was bought in 1989 and George W. Bush invested the "miserable" amount of 600 thousands dollars. In 1998-1999 the team was sold to Tom Hicks and Bush walked away with a $15 million dollar profit. Hillary Clinton had put some money too back in 1989 but she only made 200 thousands dollars profit ten years later.

US Greece Spain Are in Debt Risk

By Candice Zachariahs

May 24 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S., Spain and Greece are among developed nations whose borrowings put them in a “ring of fire” amid sovereign debt concerns, said Pacific Investment Management Co., which runs the world’s biggest bond fund.

The company is investing in emerging markets that will benefit from high savings rates, the absence of debt bubbles and a greater capacity for government spending, said John Wilson, head of the Australian unit of Newport Beach, California-based Pimco, in an e-mailed statement today. The fund manager is targeting bonds including those in Brazil, Mexico and Russia and retaining holdings of inflation-linked Australian debt, he said.

“While the support declared by European leaders and the International Monetary Fund quelled concerns of sovereign risk spreading, Greece’s ability to refinance near-term debt remains a risk,” said Wilson. “Other developed countries in this ‘ring of fire’ are Ireland, Spain, France, U.S., U.K., Italy, Portugal and Japan.”

Policy makers across Europe are discussing how to bring members of the currency union back into line after widening deficits culminated in a sovereign debt crisis that forced them to put together a 750 billion-euro ($938 billion) emergency aid package to calm markets.

The average euro-area budget gap will widen to 6.6 percent of gross domestic product this year from 6.3 percent in 2009, the European Commission forecasts.

Australian Rates

In Australia, the benchmark interest rate is likely to rise to 4.75 percent or 5 percent by year-end, Pimco said. The Reserve Bank of Australia may “settle for a lower neutral” rate of 5 percent from 6 percent before the global financial crisis, Pimco said.

“We’re emphasizing intermediate maturities where rates aren’t as likely to rise as quickly as shorter-term issues,” Wilson said. “We’re also tactically gaining exposure to the one-year markets when investors price in too many rate increases.”

Swaps traders are betting RBA Governor Glenn Stevens will raise its benchmark interest rate by eight basis points over the next year, according to a Credit Suisse AG index. That’s down from bets on 69 basis points of increases over 12 months on May 5, a day after the RBA increased it target cash rate to 4.5 percent.

Pimco also holds more AAA tranches of Australian residential mortgage backed securities than benchmark indexes it follows would indicate, Wilson said.

The company is a unit of Munich-based insurer Allianz SE and it managed some $1 trillion of assets as of Dec. 31.

To contact the reporter on this story: Candice Zachariahs in Sydney at czachariahs2@bloomberg.net

SOURCE

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American Alfalfa Sprouts Recalled Infected with Salmonella

This is just too much. The US poverty and amount of financial resources invested in health and food safety is getting lower as we speak and it is reaching dangerous proportions. United States has officially become a third world country. Very very dangerous for the consumer.

Since the American economy has been going downwards, thousands of their products, products made in the USA, are either defective or contaminated with dangerous bacteria. And it is one after another.

There have been dozens of medicines (Tylenol amongst others) and medical devices produced in the United States that have been recalled, dog food, cat food (unfortunately hundreds of pets died due to this problem), cilantro, green onions, lettuce, Taco Bell, salami, pepperoni, Italian sausages, baby toys, peanuts, peanut butter, Nestle products (sweet chocolate, cookies), milk,  even defective American automobiles.
The latest product recalled: ALFALFA SPROUTS INFECTED WITH SALMONELLA.

Remember the flavor enhancers infected with Salmonella only this past March in thousands of processed foods?

"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a recall of a common flavor enhancer that could be contaminated with salmonella bacteria.
The product, called hydrolyzed vegetable protein or HVP, is potentially in thousands of food products, including soups, sauces, chilis, stews, hot dogs, gravies, seasoned snack foods, dips and dressings. HVP is manufactured by a Las Vegas company."

I stay away from American products made in the US. I still consume American products that are made in Mexico or Latin America. It is just quite dangerous to expose myself, my family and my pets health to the consumption of these very poorly fabricated products.

United States used to be one of the best quality producer of things in the world, but now that the Empire is in decadence, the quality of their manufacturing is very low.

American agriculture, food and general manufacturing safety system is dangerously breaking down.

"Caldwell Fresh Foods of Maywood, Calif., is voluntarily recalling all of its alfalfa sprouts marketed under the Caldwell Fresh Foods, Nature's Choice, and California Exotics brands, the company said in a press release Friday.
The firm's alfalfa sprouts have been linked to an outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections in consumers in 10 states, the company said.

As of May 20 and since March 1, 2010, a total of 22 cases of Salmonella Newport infections have been confirmed in Arizona (1), California (11), Colorado (1), Idaho (1), Illinois (1), Missouri (1), New Mexico (1), Nevada (2), Oregon (1), and Wisconsin (2). Six of the cases have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

The sprouts were distributed to a variety of restaurants, delicatessens and retailers including Trader Joe's.
The recalled products are: Caldwell Fresh Foods 4-ounce plastic cups and one-pound plastic bags, and 2-pound and 5-pound plastic bags in cardboard boxes with sticker affixed with the printed words "Caldwell Fresh Foods"; Nature's Choice 4-ounce plastic cups; and California Exotics brands 5-ounce plastic clam-shell containers."- by Marketwatch (linked above)

Lance Armstrong Crashes Abandones Tour of California

Well, it's no surprise that Lance Armstrong crashed. When he had been mad 2 days before (on May 18) at the terrible service provided by VersusTV and then he had to deal with the vicious allegations from Floyd Landis right before the beginning of the 5th stage of the AMGEN Tour of California at Visalia, CA, it's only logical to assume that he was under a lot of stress and probably not totally focused.

Thank goodness Lance will be fine. He was taken to the hospital where he got some stitches on his face and left elbow. The x-rays of his elbow showed no fracture, just a severe contusion.

When we get on our bikes and ride to compete or not, it helps to have our mind problems free, the most we can so we can concentrate on our safety.

My best wishes go to Lance Armstrong and to his teammates of RadioShack. I hope for his prompt recovery.

Lance Armstrong Denies Landis Accusations

Lances Armstrong denies Floyd Landis accusations about doping.

"I'd remind everybody that this is a man that's been under oath several times and had a very different version,'' Mr. Armstrong said. "This is a man that wrote a book for profit that had a completely different version. This is somebody that took, some would say, close to $1 million from innocent people for his defense under a different premise. Now when it's all run out the story changes."

This is the truth:

1. Floyd Landis was caught and proven guilty with blood that came out of testing laboratories positive of high levels of synthetic testosterone in 2006

2. Lance Armstrong's blood and urine has always tested negative.

Floyd Landis Liar Accuses Armstrong

I never liked Floyd Landis since he obviously cheated on the Tour de France 2006. I didn't like the fact that Oscar Pereiro performed so well and deserved to win in a glorious way, but Landis robbed Pereiro from getting the crown by cheating without shame.
Later on, Floyd Landis was caught, his blood tested positive for synthetic testosterone and after a long legal battle he was finally stripped of the 2006 Tour de France title, making Óscar Pereiro the title holder. Landis was not a happy man, so he appealed the decision but lost again and was suspended from participating in any professional cycling for 2 years.

Now Floyd Landis is back, with a poor physical cycling condition and financially broke. He used all the money that his fans donated to him to pay for his legal battles, and the money of his memoir book where he denies he ever doped...is gone too. So now, the greedy liar, admits he always doped during his cycling career and points fingers at Lance Armstrong. Why would he do something like this now, I ask myself, the answer: MONEY.

"I want to clear my conscience. I don't want to be part of the problem any more. Now we've come to the point where the statute of limitations on the things I know is going to run out or start to run out next month. If I don't say something now then it's pointless to ever say it." -greedy liar, Landis said.

McQuaid, president of cycling's governing body, International Cycling Union (UCI), says to reporters:

“All this proves is that he’s a liar: he has stood up in court and denied these things,” McQuaid said. “He’s got absolutely no credibility. I’m annoyed at something like this coming out during the Tour of California."

Declare Independence Bjork Video of the Week.

Oh definitely, this song, lyrics and video are fascinating. Björk is an amazing composer and an out of the world artist. She is unique and speaks her mind. She is someone I admire.
Some people dare to say that 'she's weird', and I wonder why they would say something like that when I understand perfectly where she's coming from and what she wants to communicate with her words and music.

Maybe one needs to be a little 'weird' to be unique, independent, and to walk the path of success far away from the one that the sheeple walks on.

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Canadian Cyclists Horribly Killed by Truck Driver

Reporting the death of cyclists, killed by mad motorized drivers, is always very difficult and sad for me, simply because I am on the road all the time and have a serious love for cycling. But we have to report all these horrific accidents to try to spread awareness all over the world about the existence of city cyclists and how important it is for us to be respected by motorized drivers, pedestrians and police.

The cyclists training the streets of Quebec were members of the Saint-Lambert Triathlon Club. They were training for the Ironman competition  in Lake Placid, N.Y., in July, Dessureault told the CBC's French-language service. The three women who died have been identified as Sandra de la Garza Aguilar, 36, of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Que., Lyn Duhamel, 39, of Boucherville, Que., and Christine Deschamps, 44, of Brossard, Que.
Dessureault, and the two other injured cyclists — both women — were released from hospital on Friday afternoon.

Watch Video

I have been riding the streets of many countries around the globe and I have encountered many dangerous drivers, pedestrians who are disrespectful to us, cities that just because they have painted several bike lanes they -the city authorities- think they are hot on cycling, but the bike lanes are not well designed and do not stop a mad driver from crashing a cyclist if s/he is drunk, angry, on the cell phone or simply distracted.
But I have also encountered many courteous motorists and thousands of kind pedestrians. Some countries in Europe have a much better cycling culture than our countries in the Americas, unfortunately so.

Cycling crashes that end up killing the cyclists by car drivers are very common in all countries. Let's try to create some respect on the roads, some civility,  a world where cyclists and motorists are willing to coexist.

Three Fatal Cycling Crashes in only one weekend in Quebec:

- Friday morning, three female cyclists, members of the Club de Triathlon de St. Lambert, were killed after a pickup truck plowed into them on Highway 112 in Rougemont.

- Saturday night, a cyclist was struck and killed by a car on a rural highway in Val Morin. The motorist faces an impaired-driving charge.

- Yesterday morning, a cyclist in his early 60s was involved in a crash with a car in Trois Rivières. The cyclist was riding against traffic and was not wearing a helmet. The road featured a city bike path but the cyclist was not on it, Trois Rivières police said. Doctors fear he won't survive his head injuries, police said.

"It's very dangerous. The cars drive too fast," said Bruno Marcil, an avid cyclist who travels often along the road. "It doesn't surprise me they got hit, the cars drive so fast here."
The triathlon club said training has been canceled out of respect for the victims.
"They were people that were very determined," Lemyre said. "Most of them were training for the Iron Man (competitions) of Lake Placid that are held in July.
"They're people that don't know discouragement."

Source

Alexander Vinokourov VS Cadel Evans

This year the Giro d'Italia is simply fantastic, full of surprises and cycling crashes, rain, muddy roads, foggy weather, you name it.
We have now 4 all time great pro-cyclists leading the Giro: Vino, Evans, Nibali and Basso.
Cadel Evans is 1:12 min behind Vinokourov in the GC, I wonder if he will be able to stay strong on the next mountain stages of the Giro and get ahead. Who knows. Vino is a tough rider on long steep mountains and he has stated that he wants keep wearing the pink jersey until the very last stage of the Giro. And he might. Vinokourov has proven to be stubborn and strong-willed.

Today's first mountain stage was won by Chris Anker Sørensen (Saxo Bank), 25 years old, who put a good fight on the steepest part of the mountain passing Simone Stortoni (Colnago)10 kms before the finish.

"I’m really really happy. It’s a great victory. This is the first mountain stage of the Giro, which is one of the biggest races in the world. Seven weeks ago I broke my right collarbone, so I wasn’t sure to be here for the Giro. It’s an incredible comeback."-Sorensen said to reporters

“I wasn’t sure the breakaway would stay away. I tried to keep the pace high. Fortunately in the final climb I was fast enough to stay clear.”

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION after stage 8

1	Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana	29:01:26
2	Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team	0:01:12
3	Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Doimo	0:01:33
4	Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Doimo	0:01:51
5	Marco Pinotti (Ita) Team HTC - Columbia	0:02:17
6	Richie Porte (Aus) Team Saxo Bank	0:02:26
7	Vladimir Karpets (Rus) Team Katusha	0:02:34
8	Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone	0:02:47
9	Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre-Farnese Vini	0:03:08
10	Michele Scarponi (Ita) Androni Giocattoli	0:03:09

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Meltup Gerald Celente US Inflation

This is my video pick of the week. A well spent 54:37 minutes. You can learn about economy and how the current corruption is affecting the political and financial stability of many countries in the world.
Try to listen to it with an open mind, THINK FOR YOURSELF and then draw your own conclusions. Remember my constant saying: education, investigation, questioning, curiosity and learning make us FREE.

Hope and Fear do not make us free. Hope and fear are used by the governments of the countries of the world to manipulate the masses. Please, think for yourself...always.

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Happy FDIC Friday 72 Banks Closed

And the list of failed banks keeps on growing, folks. Today, the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) closed four more banks, bringing the total 2010 tally of failed banks up to 72. By this time last year, regulators had closed only 33 banks. The pace has undoubtedly accelerated...I wonder why...Mr. President Barack Hussein Obama, Mr. Timothy Geithner, Mr. Ben Bernanke and the rest of the clan, say that "AMERICA IS IN RECOVERY", and main stream media agrees with them.

Lies, they all lie. But don't take it personally. This kind of manipulation of the news, corruption of the economy, lack of values and honesty, this kind of thievery is going on ALL OVER THE WORLD, not only in the United States. The sad thing is, that millions of people are not aware of what's going on, and that is one dangerous thing. 

BANK FAILURES IN:

2007.......3
2008.......25
2009.......140
2010.......72 en counting...

Banks closed on May 14, 2010:

  Midwest Bank & Trust Company, Elmwood Park, IL
  Southwest Community Bank, Springfield, MO
  New Liberty Bank, Plymouth, MI
  Satilla Community Bank, St. Marys, GA

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Milly England 110 and LIVINGSTRONG

This lady is absolutely admirable. Milly England is 110 years old and still living strong. The secret for her longevity? "You got me", she says.

"At her birthday party Saturday night at the Bridgewater Senior Center, where England has been a regular whist player for the past 13 years, she delighted the crowd of well wishers with her steady stream of one-liners and jubilant laughter.
As dignitary after dignitary presented her with one proclamation after another, England quipped with a playful grin, “Anyone want to buy one of these? I’ve got a stack of them.”
She’s feisty, dynamic and expressive.
When she talks she jabs the air with her finger, not out of frustration but obvious enthusiasm." -Rebecca Hyman reports.

England’s certainly not one to brood over things she can’t control. She said she’s not afraid of dying one day.
“Forget it. You go, you go. They died before you and they’ll die after you,” she said.
“Live for today and do the best you can.”

Personally, I am trying to stay healthy and always looking for new ways to extend my life spam and the ones around me. And stories like this one certainly help to keep in mind that we can live a long strong healthy and independent life.

“Everything’s broken. My knees, my neck, my hips, my shoulders,” she said, on her feet, pointing to each one in turn.
One thing that is decidedly not broken is England’s brain, not to mention her determination.
“You’ve got to depend on yourself if you can. There’s nothing like doing it yourself. You’ve got to figure it out if you can,” England said.

Read full article here

Vande Velde has Successful Surgery on Broken Collar-Bone

Christian Vande Velde fell on the third stage stage of the Giro d'Italia 2010 broken his right collar bone. He just had surgery on Tuesday in Antwerp. The doctors placed a plate with three screws  werp, and his broken right collarbone now is held together with a plate and eight screws.

Vande Velde wrote on his Twitter page that: "Surgery was a success. 8 screws and a plate, I am now bionic on both sides." No carbon clavicle implant though.
His left collar bone has been broken 5 times before. This is the first time he brakes his right one. But this year Vande Velde has suffered nothing compared to what happened to him last year on the Giro: he had 5 fractured vertebrae, he broke a rib and cracked his pelvis in a downhill wreck.

"I wouldn't want to follow him through an airport metal detector," his father, John, said Tuesday.
He laughed. Then he added, "I'm trying to laugh before I cry."

"He made it out of surgery fine," John said. "I talked to his wife (Leah). On the X-ray, it showed that collarbone had an old break that he just let heal. I think he did it when he was a kid, riding in Lemont, and he went down."
"He said they were going real, real fast," John said. "There are these traffic islands all over the place in Holland. He hit the back wheel of somebody else who hit the traffic island, and somebody else hit him."

Vande Velde said he "will do everything I can to be on the start line at the Tour de France."

I wish your prompt recovery Vande Velde. You are on tough son of a gun and a great inspiration for me. Send you my best wishes!

Cycling News 2010 Tuesday May 11

Interesting latest cycling news. Read on.

1. Lance Armstrong will ride the streets of Ballarat

"The Herald Sun World Cycling Classic Ballarat will be held on Sunday, September 26, in Buninyong and will include an elite women's and combine elite/under-23 men's race".

2. Cycling Experience of a Lifetime

"Fans of the Tour of California are in for a once in a lifetime experience when they bid on an incredible auction package from HTC-Columbia, one of the pro teams in the race."

3. Italian Cycling in crisis?

"There is a crisis in generations," he told AFP.  "Even if we have young people who can do good things, we've lost some of our best riders like [Paolo] Bettini [ed. retired in 2008]."

4. Drivers and bicyclists clash on road sharing

"I've had motorists that drive a couple of inches from my elbow, trying to scare me," -said Prof. Peter Furth 

5. Bicycle commuting 101 offered Sunday, May 16

 "In Sunday’s session, she’ll discuss bicycle commuting in Evansville, looking at everything from clothing and equipment to finding and negotiating a safe route to and from work and other daily activities."

6. Sacramento will avoid another BIKE THEFT in the Amgen Tour of California 2010

"The Sacramento Police Department said today that responsibility for securing high-priced racing bikes belongs to the race teams and their host hotels. Nonetheless, the department is taking a more active role, including meeting with all the host hotels to review their security plans, Capt. Michael McCarthy said."

 7. Bike to the Ballpark on Sunday

"City leaders and the Fort Wayne TinCaps are encouraging you to "Bike to the Ballpark" on Sunday, May 16.There'll be extra bicycle parking set up at the stadium. Organizers hope to  raise awareness of Fort Wayne's new biking accommodations."

Giro d'Italia Cycling Crash Pictures 2010

The second stage of the Giro d'Italia 2010 along Amsterdam was fantastic to watch but it was very painful for the riders.
There were proximately 9 crashes total during the second stage. Most of them were massive, others were single ones and others involved 2 or 3 riders. It was unbelievable and frustrating for them. Tyler Farrar fell twice, but that didn't discourage him and won the stage. But Cadel Evans grabbed the pink jersey from Bradley Wiggings who also fell twice.
Exciting stage nonetheless.

TED KING looking sexy!

TYLER FARRAR ON THE GROUND

FILIPPO POZZATO DAMAGED KNEE

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION after stage 2

1	Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team	5:07:09
2	Tyler Farrar (USA) Garmin - Transitions	0:00:01
3	Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana	0:00:03
4	Richie Porte (Aus) Team Saxo Bank
5	David Millar (GBr) Garmin - Transitions	0:00:04
6	Jos Van Emden (Ned) Rabobank	0:00:07
7	Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Doimo	0:00:08
8	Tom Stamsnijder (Ned) Rabobank	0:00:09
9	Marcel Sieberg (Ger) Team HTC - Columbia	0:00:10
10	Matthew Harley Goss (Aus) Team HTC - Columbia	0:00:13

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Giro d'Italia Interesting Facts

1. Also known as Tour of Italy
2. Started on 1909
3. Editions (year competitions) until 2009: 92
4. 1915 to 1918 the Giro was suspended because of HATE (World War I)
5. 1941 to 1945 the Giro was suspended again because of MORE HATE (World War II)
6. First Winner in 1909, Luigi Ganna
7. Only 3 cyclists have won the Giro 5 times: Eddie Merckx (BELGIUM), Fausto Coppi (ITALY) and Alfredo Binda (ITALY)
8. Countries that have won the Giro:
    ITALY ........................ 65 times
    BELGIUM .................... 7
    FRANCE ...................... 6
    SWITZERLAND .......... 3
    SPAIN .......................... 3
    RUSSIA ........................ 3
    LUXEMBOURG ........... 2
    IRELAND ...................... 1
    SWEDEN ...................... 1
    UNITED STATES.......... 1
9. Longest Giro d'Italia: 4,337 km in 1954
10.Shortest Giro d'Italia: 2,245 km in 1909
11.Oldest rider to win the Giro: Florencio Magni at the age of 35 in 1955

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Bradley Wiggins Owns Giro d'Italia Amsterdam

As most of you, fanatic cyclists, should know, the Giro d'Italia 2010 edition 93 has commenced today. It started with a boring 8.4 km Individual Time Trial (ITT) in Amsterdam. The good news though, is that Bradley Wiggins won it and that puts him in PINK!

CHEERS, Wiggings!
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION after ITT -May 8, 2010-

1	Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Sky Professional Cycling Team	0:10:18
2	Brent Bookwalter (USA) BMC Racing Team	0:00:02
3	Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team
4	Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana	0:00:05
5	Greg Henderson (NZl) Sky Professional Cycling Team
6	Richie Porte (Aus) Team Saxo Bank
7	David Millar (GBr) Garmin - Transitions	0:00:06
8	Gustav Larsson (Swe) Team Saxo Bank	0:00:07
9	Jos Van Emden (Ned) Rabobank	0:00:09
10	Marco Pinotti (Ita) Team HTC - Columbia

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FDIC Closes Four more Banks total 68

Total bank failures in 2010 so far, 68.

1st Pacific Bank of California, San Diego, CA
Towne Bank of Arizona, Mesa, AZ
Access Bank, Champlin, MN
The Bank of Bonifay,Bonifay,FL

Complete Failed Bank List

Greece riots, countries default on their debt, REAL unemployment in United States is 16.8%, oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico by US causes environmental and financial catastrophes, Spain, Portugal and Italy finances are fragile and could be next to default. Oh, and what about the 1000 points drop on the Dow yesterday, manipulators of the truth tell us that it was a "computer glitch". Whatever it was it made investor confidence weak. Proof of it was that the Dow dropped 140 points again today. But it could have been just that computer B didn't read well computer A (sarcasm intended).
Anyways, whoever has money invested (betting) on Wall Street Casino at this point in time is playing with fire.

In the meantime, good night to all. I'm ready to go to bed and get my beauty sleep. Gotta get up at 4:15 am to go out for a long bike ride tomorrow Saturday. Four hours on the saddle with at least 11 kilometers on hills. Night night all!

Competitive Cyclists with Less Bone Density

Bone mass loss in the elite cyclists is a fact, but the reasons are not completely understood yet. One theory is that there is an imbalance between bone formation and bone breakdown due to the high-energy cost of stage racing.

If you are not an elite cyclist racer but train pretty hard at high power zones rates and an average of 10 + thousand kilometers a year, you should follow same health recommendations for elite cyclists to keep your bones healthy:
1. Maintain your energy well balance during races and training, specially when work outs extend for long periods of time (2+ hours).
2. Calcium + vit D
3. Follow a well balanced Alkaline Acid diet

"The findings suggest that participation in stage races might not have negative effects on bone turnover if energy intake matches the energy cost of high-intensity racing over several days," said Pam Hinton, associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology. "The results are consistent with the practical recommendation that elite cyclists should match their energy intake to the high energy demands of stage racing."

Competitive and endurance cyclists in general have less bone density than other athletes (ea. marathon runners) and found that bone mineral amounts are lower, which makes them more suceptible to suffer fractures.

"This study measured only the short-term effects of stage racing on bone turnover; future studies should assess the long-term effects," Hinton said.

The study, "Bone formation is increased to a greater extent than bone resorption during a cycling stage race," will be published in Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism. This is the first study to examine bone turnover during a cycling stage race.

The MU Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology is part of the College of Human Environmental Sciences, the School of Medicine and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

Source:
Emily Martin
University of Missouri-Columbia  

Mish SciFi Musings Space Weapons

Mish blogged about an important project that the US Air Force has been involved for quite sometime and which could bring potentially danger to earth.
I just don't understand why scientists let themselves be used by the governments of the world to inflict fear, disease and death upon humanity.
This IS NOT a "conspiracy theory". The US Air Force itself reported on it.

This is what Mish had to say about it. I fully agree with her.

"As reported on Space.com, the U.S. Air Force is testing a space glider and I imagine the little money left for NASA was diverted to this kind of project. It is one thing in a science fiction show to have space craft and weapons to DEFEND yourself from other sentient aliens who have similar technology and there are no provocations, and it is another thing to build space craft to attack right here on planet Earth to provoke hostility one county against another. WOW!"-Mish said.

"I wish people in their personal lives, cities, states, and countries could live in peace and find peaceful solutions to problems, but I guess that is too much to ask. I have always enjoyed Star Trek: The Next Generation because solutions were sought through talk, treaties, meetings, peace, and fighting was usually the last resort. The entire concept of the Federation of Planets was to invite other worlds who desired a peaceful union working together. Of course there were conquering races such as the Klingons and Romulans, but there will always be a force to face that has interests opposed to your own, thus the ability to negotiate peacefully is vital."-Mish concluded

Full article

Greek Violence Riots Bailouts Austerity

Greeks are not happy with the new austerity measures imposed by the money lenders. 120 billion dollars have been agreed to be given to Greece to help them out to pay their debt so they don't have to default. But the citizens of Greece disagree with everything that has been decided for them without their consent and they are rioting and the level of violence is increasing as we speak.


Should this money problems and civil unrest extend to the rest of the PIIGS (Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Spain), Japan, UK and US?
Silly me. I used to be pro-globalization (10-20 years ago) measures, NAFTA and government proposals for universal commercial trade. Now I realize I was so wrong. I admit. It took me years to come to the conclusion that globalization is what has the world trembling.
I hope all countries can find their way out of this trouble without falling into a human calamity. Iceland and Latvia have already been dealing with a horrible financial crisis and defaulting on their debts.

Anderson SC Cyclists Ride of Silence

By Rick Spruill
Posted May 4, 2010 at 7:40 p.m.

ANDERSON — About a dozen cyclists took to the road in Anderson on Tuesday as the Ride of Silence, now in its eighth year, began in North America and rolls across the globe.
The riders, who sat astride recreational bikes, racing bikes, tandem bikes and even a time-trial bike, staged in the parking lot of the Ingles grocery store at 1900 N. Main St.
At 7 p.m., the group, escorted by Anderson police bicycle officers and two Anderson police patrol cars, turned left out of the parking lot and rode southeast along Boulevard in a slow, silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while riding on public roadways.
The ride, about half a mile, ended at the Anderson University campus, where a memorial service was held in memory of those lost.
Chris Phelan, a cyclist from Dallas, Texas, organized the first Ride of Silence in 2003.
By 2009, there were more than 300 rides throughout the United States and around the world, including in Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, the British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama and Spain, according to Angela Stringer, Anderson county public information officer.
Riders who participate in the free event are asked to ride no faster than 10 mph and remain silent.
Some wore black armbands in memory of someone who died in a bicycling accident; others wore red armbands in honor of someone who has been injured in a bicycling accident.
Stringer said the ride also raises awareness of the fact that bicycles have as much right to the roads as motor vehicles.
“Unfortunately, there are far too many people who have lost a loved one or friends in a tragic bike accident,” Stringer said. “Many drivers are not aware that bicycles are legally required to ride in the streets and roads, not on sidewalks. We hope this event will help motorists remember to keep our roadways safe for all traffic, including pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists. Our message is ‘Share the Road- for everyone’s safety.’
Nancy Richmond, a tri-athlete from Anderson, said she logs about 3,500 miles each year on her bike.
She said that, although she lives in Anderson, she rides the roads in and around Pendleton, where there is less traffic and there are more bicyclists on the road.
“Drivers are a little more aware of our presence in that area,” she said.

Source

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