bluesbuffett

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Cogito sumere potum alterum

For those who didn't continue with Latin to HSC level, this means " I think therefore I'll have another drink". Rather witty, and quite apt. Rene Descartes is famous for his "Cogito ergo sum" ie I think therefore I am. Monty Python later modified his quotation in their Philosophers Sketch to I Drink therefore I am.
Now I don't want to get into the whole philosophical/mathematical argument here, or else we'd be swamped with Modus tollens (proof by contrapositive) and then it's a short step to maths logic and logical assertions. No thanks.
My point is that it seems to me that Sydney seems to embrace this aphorism (albeit unknowlingly) through its very cultural roots. I suppose we could start with the Rum Rebellion of 1808 to showcase our obsession with alcohol (I know, it wasn't really the reason for flicking Bligh, but it's a good story).
Anyway... IMHO, there's nothing as relaxing as a quiet glass or two of chilled white, consumed (in an air-conditioned house) while watching a solid Wallabies win, having completed an excellent 18k run and then a solid weights session. Or so they say.
running
Another good week. 78k in 6 runs.
* Mon 12/06 (holiday!) 17k home/M7 to Quakers Court shops; weights
* Tue 13/06 8k absolutely freezing 6am run Clean Streets
* Wed 14/06 rest day
* Thur 15/06 10k Clean Streets (civilised afternoon run)
* Fri 16/06 10k work/M7 lunchtime
* Sat 17/06 18k home/M7/Rooty Hill; weights
* Sun 18/06 15k home/M7/Woodcroft
the latter two runs were point to point, followed by a lift home from Mrs BB, who has had a rough week, with viruses and some injury. At least she hasn't had Go Girl sneak up on her again!
On track for another solid k's month.
books
It's back to the reliable Paul Doherty, and The Year Of The Cobra (egyptian mystery). Solid.
music
Nothing too exciting, although 10cc fans will rejoice to learn Look Hear (1980) and Windows In The Jungle (1983) are soon to be re-released on CD - after an initial run in the early '90s. I've got the order in.
Interesting to see that the new coolrunning software seems to have DOB info automatically populated - if you don't want it displayed, you need to disable it as an option. So I've been seeing how old everyone is!
I know Tesso (http://tessooooo.blogspot.com/) and I share the same year: along with... no, I'd be telling!

"Exit, stage left"

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Is time a continuum for People Like Us ?

"What then is time? If no one asks me, I know what it is. If I wish to explain it to him who asks, I do not know" : Saint Augustine.
Although, judging by Plu's recent mega Blog Summary, he does, and indeed feels that 3 weeks without an entry constitutes MIA. I disagree, and would tend to side with ex-British PM Disraeli:
"But what minutes! Count them by sensation, and not by calendars, and each moment is a day. "
Nevertheless, it' s time for an update.
running
May saw a solid effort, with a record 294k month. Included were three West Mets, of which I have waxed lyrical about two. Macquarie Hospital 27/05 was the horror course which wasn't so bad. A cruisy 9.45 min 2k, with Son completing in 8.17 min. I am finding the West Mets pleasant, as a long run in the morning means the k's are up for the day, and I can relax and watch S go hard.
Yesterday's West Met 7 at Smithfield was just one of those days : an early 15k meant no pressure to run; coupled with showers and cold winds, the course wasn't inviting. However, S needed a hit-out, so away we went. Finished in 9.23 min, and almost jogged the last 100m. S did 8.14 min. Both were good times, as times overall were slower due to the heavier conditions. Saw Beth at the start - hope to see how she went in the 4k. The Blacktown 10k Finish photo on her blog looks inspiring (http://bethroidruns.blogspot.com/)
Today was a comfortable 16k, home along the M7 to end up at Woodcroft Lake. Then the showers started up, so it's DVD afternoon time.
Recent musings have led me to conclude that my life revolves around running. Earth shattering. This is the time of year when I check the forecast nightly, to decide what I'll wear in the morning, or even if I can run at lunchtime. Lately, it's been the latter, with the M7 getting a good workover.
Melbourne last week saw two good runs, with Yarra and Yarra/Tan early morning sessions. Even got a "go coolrunner!" call at the Tan, and stopped for a quick chat.
When considering the beauty of winter, I see it in running terms. Heavy rain and strong winds may be the essence of Brontean literature, but they make me want to stay indoors and read their novels. I'm happy now with cold, windless days around 18 degrees.
Still, with the coolmax gear, tights and gloves (plus rainjacket for when it belts down), I'm almost set. If only there was a coolmax ear warmer. Caps are great but they don't warm the aural regions, and beanies make me look like I'm really on the run.

books
Steven Saylor's Gordianus collection "A gladiator dies only once" is in process, along with various local history books. It's fascinating to see how old the Hills area really is. Apart from the obvious Vinegar Hill battle, it's interesting to realize Toongabbie was the site of the third attempted farm. Didn't last long, but then again, neither did Farm Cove.

music
No new CDs to speak of. Currently Manhattan Transfer is in the car, with Pastiche (1978) doing the rounds. Interesting to note that the group took its name from John Dos Passos' 1925 book of that name.

The good news is that "Allo "Allo series 1 and 2 is out on DVD and we're working through them. History Of The World is released next week - at last. "It's good to be the king. "