prospect park

the more I think about it, the less I like this plan

Wheel quandary

I recently bought a Powertap laced to a Mavic Open Pro on Serotta forums. The seller was extremely nice, even surprisingly offering to pay shipping. Get the wheel, and there is a pretty large spot right at the wheel junction that has obviously been filed, fairly sloppily, leaving some sharp edges.. Reached out to seller who basically says "oh, that spot. that spot is fine, that's just where it was filed, doesn't affect anything." First of all, a little pissed because seems clear to me and everyone I've shown it to, that it is definitely deserving disclosure when selling. Few questions for the peanut gallery? Do I still ride it? Mixed opinions on the safety involved. Just replace the rim and be happy that with that 80 bucks pissed away, it is still a good deal? Say something publicly on the feedback thread?

Christian McBride - Conversations with Christian, Mack Records

I often get review copies of cd’s sent to me. Reviews I do not publish elsewhere will appear here.

Christian McBride - Conversations with Christian

Mack Records

One of my least favorite expressions is “a good problem to have.” It ranks right up there with “it is what it is” as being a discussion ender. Christian McBride (bass) suffers from having too many interests, and way too many friends. Good problem to have, right? Well, sort of, but it depends. In this case, for one thing, it depends on intended usage. I liken this project to a hybrid bicycle. Being a bicycle snob myself, that is not necessarily a good thing. However, I have mellowed in my old, old age, and have grown to accept that some people at some times will, in fact, find the hybrid to be the perfect thing for them, as opposed to the worst of both worlds, as I have always considered it to be. Take this all with a grain of salt however, as I issue the following sincere disclaimer. Christian McBride is, hands down, the man. His tone is undeniably gorgeous, his facility is light years beyond anyone else’s. He plays the upright as if it were a tiny toy in his hand, and is capable of doing whatever he wants on the instrument, which is an absolute joy to listen to, and he is that, always an absolute joy to listen to. This is probably partially what accounts for all those friends. However, this is where the trouble starts, where the hybrid comparison begins. This project would probably be great dinner party music for a certain set, and it is true that McBride’s bass and the duo format gives a bit of a thread throughout. Unfortunately, the styles are all over the place, and I think even the casual listener would be hard pressed to not find preferences pop up instantly. That’s fine, often there are tracks one prefers on any CD, but this project is that to the nth degree. Being a traditionalist, I loved several tracks. The Dr. Billy Taylor and the Hank Jones cuts are sublime, and make me want more. There are several others including the Hargrove, Ron Blake, and Russell Malone tracks as well. But I will probably not be putting the CD on often, as it is not worth it to me to skip over the Sting and the Dee Dee Bridgewater tracks. Nothing against those phenomenal musicians, but as opposed to what Ms. Bridgewater insists incessantly on her showcase, it ain’t my thing.

Guilty?

I got another ticket on my bike recently. The police officer and I argued about whether it should be for running a red light or being outside of the bike lane. I am writing in my not guilty plea, as I am moving and don't want to fly back to go to court.

Here is a quick recounting:

I was on 23rd street, turning left on to 1st avenue. There was (surprise) a large truck at the entrance to the bike lane, so I swung wide, took a lane, look up and see a cop looking at me. We make eye contact and he yells at me to "come here," so I did. He says "do you know what you did" and I say, "do you mean not riding in the bike lane?" He says "yes". I say I was on my way to it, but have a right to the road as a truck (which I now point to) is blocking the bike lane. He says, "you also ran the red light". I say "that one" pointing to 23rd st. "no i didn't" and he says "no, this one" pointing to the one we are standing under (24th st), which I still hadn't passed through. And that is what he ticketed me for.

EARTHQUAKE!

ALTITUDE TENT!

I find it hysterical that this is for sale on NY Velocity.

http://nyvelocity.com/content/2011/altitude-tent-great-condition-1400