We(?) The People

I typically shy away from political discussions. 1. On a whole I'm uneducated on the topic(s). And 2. It's difficult to not assume that someones opinion stems simply from a high level of pre-determined bias surrounding an Issue (especially in a campaign year). So you've chosen candidate A. Now everything candidate B says is preposterous. I see this in almost everyone I talk to.

And so each campaign year I endeavor to find answers, dig deeper and only get frustrated by the media blitz and ensuing bias. But in my recent attempt to go after the true focus/philosophy of each party I've been relatively encouraged. For the first time in my life I'm putting more attention into each campaigning party instead of it's candidates.

Now sadly I think there are still some pretty major compromises that have to be made in choosing either candidate. But I feel I've made some pretty significant ground in my understanding.

So here's a question. Could you vote for the candidate in one party (based on a belief that there stance is beneficial for the current national situation) but be more disposed to the other party (in general)?

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Living North

Living North from Joshua Talbot on Vimeo.

Over the last two years I've been archiving bits of video. Mostly of the boy but a few random odds & ends. If I can offer one piece of advise it would be to take as many pictures (and videos) as you can. Our visual journal has been a major source of inspiration. There are so many small moments in life that are overpowering. Moments that define you simply by partaking in them. And typically (for me) it's not until I look back on these that I realize how amazing they are. So dust off that camera and get outside!

Soundtrack - Greg Laswell - How The Day Sounds

p.s. Be sure to watch the very end.

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O La Langster

The Langster is here. This is a beautiful bike, lightweight and a lot of fun. Rode it to work yesterday. Clocked in around a half an hour so not that much different from the geared roadie. I'm going to remove the rear brake and replace the pedals with my clipless SPDs. Pictures to come. And he needs a name. Any suggestions?

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Ewan-tastic!

A few weeks ago the boy started kindergarten. Now to some extent this is old hat for the Talbots. Some of you might remember that he went to preschool last year. And rode a bus for crying out loud! But something about kindergarten is exciting. The thought that he might hang out with some of these kids for the rest of his life is amazing. I moved a lot as a kid so to some extent I missed out on that. Book fairs, picture day, packed lunch & field trips. Here we go!

And he also started Soccer! Another exciting first. He did great interacting with his coach, dribbling the ball and staying relatively focused. It's an indoor soccer field so to say it was hot is an understatement. It was a furnace. We were hot just sitting on the bleachers. All the kids looked like their heads were going to pop. But we emerged from the fire victorious. Sweaty, dirty but victorious. This week should be cooler.

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shirts are cool

hey peeps.

I've been working on a series of t-shirts for my good friend The Czar. With all the web work I do it's a lot of fun doing a project as tactile as a t-shirt. Check um out!

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Any day now

I've worked up enough trade for my MASI. It's been ordered so just waiting for the call. Riding to work has been great. I can't think of a better way to start and end the work day.

But I'm dealing with a bit of a commuters challenge:

1. The Shoulder Bag doesn't really handle the weight of the laptop. I'm working from home a few days a week so lugging it is a necessity.

2. The Backpack is irritating the titanium plate on my collar bone.

So if anybody has any suggestions on a superior bag (messenger, backpack or otherwise) I'm all ears.

Received this from Mr.Black. (I think the trouble in posting was due to the links) Thanks man!

"I know that they are pretty trendy but I got one because of how amazing they are. The Chrome bag has the best shoulder strap of all of the bags I have looked at when I was searching for a good bag. I had a grade 4 shoulder dislocation and my bag hasn't bothered it one bit. Plus you can order the chrome bag for either shoulder if you want to, that way you could put it over your good shoulder. Super easy quick adjustment on the shoulder as apposed to those plastic things on the timbuk2 bags. I could really go on and on but I will stop. Little spendy but lifetime guarantee. Here are some messenger bag companies that I know of.

Chrome

R.E.Load

WIG

Seagull

Mer

Hope that this helps."

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back in the saddle!

I got sign off from the doc today to get back on the bike! I know I sound like a total bike nerd. But it's something I've really started to enjoy in the last few years. And I'm no gym guy. So the lack of activity gets me feeling sluggish. And being dependent on the gas guzzler for the work commute is also lame. But I'm back in the saddle! Let's see how well I transition after not riding for 10 weeks.

*Update: Slipped out for a lunch ride. Really hot and I'm really out of shape. But so good to be riding. I'll sleep well tonight.

And if you haven't yet, check out the band The Republic Tigers (via Brent). Something kind of late 80's/Tears for Fears about them that I really enjoy. And speaking of this, I've noticed my musical taste solidifying. Not that I don't like new bands. I'm constantly finding new music that's top notch. But my scope for bands outside my preferences is narrowing. But I'm wondering if we go through seasons where we seek more change than others?

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MASI on the hoizon?

I've been doing a bit of freelance for a local bike shop. Nothing fancy but a lot for fun. And doing the work for trade. It was with this trade that I was hoping to get this. But alas, all sold out. It was a particular model made only for 08. But the shop also carries a very slick looking MASI . Double Butted CrMo Steel w/ Track Dropouts, Lugged CrMo Steel Fork & 15T Fixed Cog w/ Lock Ring & 16T Freewheel. This would be a great commuter bike for the 8 flat miles to work. And just looks like a lot of fun.

And healing well. Slow, but well. I've been ditching the pain meds because they make me too sleepy. Makes for a bit of discomfort but nothing unbearable. Getting anxious to be "normal" again. Got on the trainer this morning. Stiff and out of shape. But need to do something before the boys get a leg up on me. And a big thanks to Kelli & Dave for lending me the trainer!

Recently purchased In Rainbows - From the Basement. A live video performance of Radiohead's new album. Mucho Goodo. Watching the band perform live renditions that are just as good (if not better) as the studio album reaffirms their talent and skill. Really amazing stuff.

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Just an Update

Things are well. The shoulder is on the mend. The most important thing right now is keeping it as stationary as possible. The last thing I want is those little pins gettin' the wiggles. And although not a horrible injury (as far as injuries go) I'm getting anxious for healing. I miss wresting with Ewan, riding the bike and you know, lifting cups of coffee. I feel like the pouty kid in the window watching the other kids play as summer passes him by.

But enough of that...

I'd like to dido Mr Black's comment on new music. Some good listening in the playlist.

We stopped by the bike shop the other day and this got me drooling. We talked about picking up a bike for Nadia sometime soon. They had some pretty slick road bikes for kids as well. Look for team Talbot in next year's Tour of France!

My Birthday is just around the corner. 33. Nice solid number. Visually bold, even. the kind of numeric that would look good on shirt. And the same number as Walt's club. Maybe they'll let me in?

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J-Bot 2.2

I will be hence forth be called J-Bot. And will say affirmative instead of yes.

This electronic message has been posted to notify sentient flesh beings that J-Bot is recovering well from previously noted skeletal structure upgrades.

J-Bot 2.2 // End of line.

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