Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate......

Khan gets khrazy

2012-02-21T08:45:00.000-06:00

Two upcoming runs and Hyperfocus for you...

2012-02-20T21:34:00.000-06:00

UAH Spring 10K

Rocket Run 10 Miler

I currently plan on doing both...

30ish years ago (warning: slightly edgy video, but you have to click play first) and NRC docs for 2/11-2/18/2012....

2012-02-18T22:14:00.000-06:00

There were plenty of things for which I had a large margin of improvement. I wasn't really fond of most physical activity and I loved food (plenty of it) and that resulted in a nearly inevitable status of ballooning up...

At 41ish, I am getting better at some of those things. As an example, I'm leaner and meaner (but not really mean) than ever before (post boot camp is a close second). I can run a fair distance and I'm looking to double that by the end of this year. I occasionally partake in some physical challenges of varying degrees of difficulty/silliness and areas of endeavor. Witness last weekend or the time I successfully completed the "gallon challenge". However, one thing I'm still fairly bad at is roller skating. I woke up to do an arm workout with an old high school buddy this morning. After chilling at home for a few hours afterward, I went out for a brief 4.5 miles just to keep the blood pumping. The same high school buddy and his family thought it would be fun to go roller skating in the afternoon. It definitely was, but...

I STILL SUCK AT SKATING!

If I practice, I'm sure I will improve. In the meantime, I had multiple (re)introductions to the floor. At least I'm pretty good at falling and I'm sure I provided some measure of comic relief...

Plus, I still have great taste (I know, totally subjective) in music...

Exhibit 1 - Armin van Buuren presents Gaia - J'ai Envie de Toi

Exhibit 2 (the slightly edgy one) - LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It

NRC docs for Browns Ferry for the week of 2/11-2/18/2012

Now looking forward to some P90X2 Yoga with Ric and Tony Horton in the morning...

Brief weekend recap; Happy Valentine's Day; Obligatory NRC ADAMS stuff from last week

2012-02-14T00:00:00.006-06:00

So, I'll start by saying that this past weekend was MOST EXCELLENT! It all started on Friday with a fairly uneventful drive from here to Greensboro, GA. By the time we arrived, it was pretty much time to crash to be ready for what turned out to be the most physically challenging event I have ever particpated in. It was awesome to have someone else out there running. Thanks and congratulations, Shawn. Additionally, it was utterly cool to have someone else who ended up running along most of the course and taking some great pictures along the way (not to mention running in the half marathon the next day). Thanks (and also congrats), Tina. I won't go into too many specifics about how rough the TM course was. One of my biggest challenges was being VERY cold. Example?

Further Saturday Tough Mudder pix from Georgia can be viewed here.

After that was done, it was about noon GA time and we set out for Birmingham, AL. By the time we were all set up in the hotel room, it was dinner time. Tasty food. Beyond that, a few e-mails and it was time to crash again. Another early and colder morning (at least there was no water involved) set the mood for Sunday morning's little 2-2.5 hour romp through Birmingham. The women I was there to run with did a SUPERB job! Personally, I was just happy to have finished. My knee was killing me. Congrats and/or thanks to all parties involved in running/being there (Shawn, Tina, Sarah, Stephanie, Michael)!

After the drive home, I had to drive into Huntsville to meet Suzanne at her parents' house. We had planned to go have a nice dinner (early Valentine's since I have odd hours this week) at Bonefish Grill. Dinner was great and capped off by a serious dessert from their "Specials" menu. CHOCOLATE CREME BRULEE!!! That was truly some excellent dessert.

Speaking of the above:

Happy Valentine's Day

A special Valentine's shout-out to Suzanne!

On a drier note, here's what the NRC posted in ADAMS about Browns Ferry the week of 2/4-2/11/2012:

About to embark on one heck of a weekend...

2012-02-10T13:31:00.000-06:00

Tough Mudder Georgia Saturday followed by the Mercedes Half Marathon Sunday...

Please wish me luck!

Last weeks additions to ADAMS for Browns Ferry; Bow Wow 5K

2012-02-05T08:38:00.000-06:00

Not too much of import added to ADAMS regarding Browns Ferry last week:

Here are links to the results of the Huntsville Botanical Garden's Bow Wow 5K from 2/4/12. I thought it was kind of funny that they mangled my last name (Mefenlf - probably my bad since I filled out the entry form by hand) and made me 10 years younger...
Overall and By age group

Download 'Live Happenings - Part III' by Dead Can Dance

2012-01-31T15:13:00.002-06:00

Top ten legislative items searched on THOMAS, compiled on 1/29/2012 from weekly usage statistics

2012-01-31T06:32:00.001-06:00

via http://thomas.loc.gov/home/topten/topten_20120129.html

NRC ADAMS documents for Browns Ferry 1/21 - 1/28/2012

2012-01-30T02:58:00.002-06:00

Happy birthday Mom!

2012-01-27T00:35:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday!

NASA - Day of Remembrance - #NASADayofRemembrace

2012-01-26T08:16:00.000-06:00

NASA - Day of Remembrance

Columbia - Husband, McCool, Anderson, Chawla, Brown, Clark, Ramon

Challenger - Scobee, Smith, Resnik, Onizuka, McNair, Jarvis, McAuliffe

Apollo 1 - Grissom, White, Chaffee

State of the Union #SOTU

2012-01-24T20:00:00.002-06:00

Whether it's Barack (or W or Slick Willy or George HW or the Actor (RIP), for that matter), a SOTU in an election year is just another stump speech full of grandiose visions without much of a basis in reality...

Top ten legislative items searched on THOMAS, compiled on 1/22/2012 from weekly usage statistics

2012-01-24T17:59:00.000-06:00

Quick list of weekly NRC stuff for Browns Ferry, gotta get ready for night shift

2012-01-21T15:14:00.002-06:00

Fortunately, SOPA and PIPA are on hold for right now. I don't engage in the voracious downloading that the RIAA or MPAA seem to have lobbied the sponsor and co-sponsors of these bills to try and put into law. However, I figure with as much as the industry has spent lobbying since pre-DMCA, they could have innovated and embraced technology to make it work more towards their own ends. By the way, here's a SOPA LOLcat...

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Quick political stab here...

Some members of the right seem to be coming out in support of Gingrich although he's had a history of infidelity. I try not to judge much one way or the other, but let's not forget, Gingrich was one of the leaders in the impeachment proceedings against Bill Clinton based, at least in part, on his indiscretions.

Now There’s a Congressional Record App for That

2012-01-19T22:15:00.001-06:00

The Congressional Record App is presented by the Library of Congress. It was an initiative of the House leadership under the guidance of the Committee on House Administration.

Visit our blog, In Custodia Legis, for more information on the new iPad app.

While I'm at it, say NO to PIPA! #StopPIPA #PIPA

2012-01-18T19:54:00.002-06:00

Please tell your Congress member no to SOPA! #StopSOPA #SOPA

2012-01-18T19:50:00.000-06:00

Stop SOPA and PIPA!

2012-01-18T10:53:00.007-06:00

If you've checked out Wikipedia today, you have probably seen the blackout page. Wikipedia is not alone in the blackout or opposition to SOPA/PIPA. Here's the info page on why Wikipedia chose to engage in the black-out. Wikipedia and other sites have great write-ups on why SOPA/PIPA are so potentially harmful, so I don't need to bother writing why these pieces of legislation are CRAP!

Thought about running a 5K or a 10K but not sure how to start?

2012-01-17T00:11:00.000-06:00

The Fleet Feet Huntsville's Next Steps 10K training program starts March 7. The training actually begins the week after and aims to have you ready for the Cotton Row 10K at the end of May. As described on the page where you sign up, the Next Steps training runs start at three miles. If you're not ready for that, check out the No Boundaries Program. This one aims to have you ready for a 5K. There are multiple events and available times associated with the No Boundaries program, so check it out...

Oops for teacher; "Bad foreign policy"; Gov spending; NRC stuff; A little fun...

2012-01-14T21:57:00.001-06:00

First, just a quick story of silliness. I'm glad this teacher is no longer responsible for molding young minds.

Now, further consideration of "dangerous foreign policy"...

I've said it here before and I'll probably say it again. I've heard multiple parties talk about Ron Paul and his "dangerous foreign policy" and I often disagree. I find it slightly disturbing that many of the current breed of Republicans either forget or are willing to look past a couple of things that happened during the Reagan era. The "State Sponsors of Terrorism" list began in December of 1979. Iraq was one of the inaugural states on that list. Several years later, Iraq was removed to make it eligible for US military technology. The same "devil in charge" when the list began was still in charge. The only difference? Iraq was in the midst of a war with those wascally Iwanians. OK, so we armed one dangerous party that presumably hadn't changed its MO very much. Cut to the mid-80s. I won't rehash the gory details. I'll just say two words and give a brief synopsis. First, the two words: Iran-Contra

Synopsis: Boland amendment said that we couldn't make funds for the Contras. Iran went on the "State Sponsors of Terrorism" list in 1984. Someone in the Reagan administration (presumably Bill Casey, then head of the CIA) comes up with the bright idea of sending arms to Iran via an intermediary and using the proceeds of the sales to fund the Contras. Ironically, the intermediary was Israel.

Personally, I find it more dangerous (to our national interest and frankly, that of Israel) that we armed two of the most dangerous countries in that region of the world just because both were problematic but killing each other and that one of the parties involved is still a serious problem for the region and the world and, if all the hype is to be believed, on the verge of attaining nuclear weapons.

On a tangent, but still applicable, there was much fear of what would happen back in the mid-90s when India and Pakistan proved they were nuclear states. We're still here...

Now a little about government spending...

One, if not more, of our local media outlets ran the story a couple of days ago about a recent study that claims to show that smoking marijuana is not as bad for your lungs as smoking cigarettes. That got me wondering how much taxpayer money was used. Details?

Another interesting .gov website I found while running through various information outlets. http://www.usaspending.gov/ Note: Not currently loading as of 2119 1/14/12

NRC items for Browns Ferry 1/7 - 1/14/12

Reminder for anyone who might be interested, the NRC is having a public meeting at Browns Ferry on 1/26/12.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Defender

2012-01-09T21:08:00.001-06:00

NRC docs for Browns Ferry 12/31/11 - 1/7/12; Viva socialism; SR Butler Winter Homecoming 2012

2012-01-07T20:50:00.000-06:00

I popped this up on my Facebook wall earlier today. I figured I'd post it here just because it's so disgusting...

Any of you SR Butler grads who haven't seen it on Facebook

Winter Homecoming 2012 - http://www.facebook.com/events/336103536408547/

Description: As part of the continuing celebration of 60 Years of Class at Butler High, the S. R. Butler High School Alumni Association partners with S. R. Butler High in hosting a winter homecoming for Butler High Alumni. The day of events include Alumni gathering for a Butler Rebel Basketball game and Fifth Period Social. The Alumni Pep Band will perform and Special Alumni will be recognized. Please set aside the evening in your calendar and stay posted for details. GO REBELS!!

Unfortunately, that's a hella run weekend for me! I can't go, but any Butler alumni reading this (who haven't seen it on Facebook) should check this event out...

Happy 2012 everyone! and start 2012 right ; Fairly tasty recipe

2012-01-01T00:00:00.004-06:00

May your 2012 be a GREAT year!

For those of you in the Huntsville area who have resolutions (or not) regarding exercise/weight loss in 2012, you might be interested in coming out for the Huntsville Track Club's 1/2/4 Mile Concurrent New Year's Fun Runs. 2 PM at the Huntsville Jaycee Building (Old Airport Fair Grounds).

We had a little neighborhood get-together last night and earlier in the day, I still wasn't sure what I was going to take. I decided on Honey-orange Broccoli Slaw. The recipe was quick and easy and tasty. Here it is:

1 package (12-ounce) broccoli coleslaw mix
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1/3 cup raisins
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp orange juice
4 tsp grated orange peel
1/4 tsp salt

Directions

1 Combine the broccoli coleslaw mix, the almonds, and raisins.
2 Whisk the honey, olive oil, and orange juice. Stir in the grated orange peel and salt.
3 Add to coleslaw mix; toss to coat.

NWS: Tornado paths for 1974, 2011 match

2011-12-28T08:38:00.000-06:00

NWS: Tornado paths for 1974, 2011 match

NRC docs for Browns Ferry for 12/17 - 12/24/2011; Happy birthday

2011-12-27T16:45:00.002-06:00

I was slow in putting up the NRC ADAMS docs for Browns Ferry last week. C'est la vie!

Here's a way to say happy birthday (via song from my Myspace artist profile) to your FB friends. Just click share (Facebook) and select "Share on a friend's wall/timeline".

Find more artists like Vejadu at Myspace Music

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T05:48:00.002-06:00

Up On A Housetop - Dancy Style - aka Trance On A Housetop

2011-12-22T11:16:00.001-06:00

Find more artists like Vejadu at Myspace Music

Quickie Christmas song - Silent Night

2011-12-20T20:09:00.002-06:00

Hey, if it's not your cup of tea, sorry!

Find more artists like Vejadu at Myspace Music

Forgotten over the weekend - NRC additions to ADAMS for last week; Rudolph Run results

2011-12-19T17:00:00.001-06:00

One document added to ADAMS regarding Browns Ferry last week:

ML113470430 - Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant - Notification of Inspection and Request for Information for NRC Problem Identification and Resolution Inspection.

Rudolph Run 2011 results
Overall
By Age

19 years ago today....

2011-12-19T04:52:00.000-06:00

Suzanne and I got married. I love you!!!!!

Happy
Anniversary
Suzanne!!!

Browns Ferry docs 12/3 - 12/10/11; Etude in Acido Electro

2011-12-11T19:39:00.000-06:00

Find more artists like Vejadu at Myspace Music

Happy birthday, Suzanne!

2011-12-11T00:00:00.009-06:00

Happy birthday, Suzanne!

'Live Happenings - Part II' - Dead Can Dance

2011-12-06T08:03:00.002-06:00

NRC docs regarding Browns Ferry 11/26/2011 - 12/03/2011; Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

2011-12-04T09:19:00.000-06:00

Find more artists like Vejadu at Myspace Music

An electronic take on the Star Spangled Banner

2011-12-02T21:04:00.001-06:00

Find more artists like Vejadu at Myspace Music

Quickie here...

2011-12-01T23:00:00.001-06:00

Find more artists like Vejadu at Myspace Music

NRC docs in ADAMS for Browns Ferry week of 11/19-11/26/2011; Sign up for the Tough Mudder, if you dare...

2011-11-27T20:35:00.000-06:00

If running through the mud in the cold isn't your thing, I ask that you please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project on my behalf.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:56:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

My latest "arrangement"; Krispy Kreme results; NRC docs for Browns Ferry the week of 11/12-11/19/11

2011-11-21T22:46:00.000-06:00

Find more artists like Vejadu at Myspace Music

2011 Krispy Kreme run - those who met the challenge
2011 Krispy Kreme run - those who did not meet the challenge
2011 Krispy Kreme run - Corporate team results
2011 Krispy Kreme run - Community team results

Supercommittee
FAIL!

NRC docs placed into ADAMS regarding Browns Ferry 11/5 - 11/12/2011; Huntsville Half Marathon

2011-11-12T16:06:00.000-06:00

The results of the Huntsville Half Marathon are up. Here are the overall results and here are the results by age group. Great morning for a run!

It's the first instance of 11:11 on 11/11/11

2011-11-11T11:11:00.003-06:00

That is all!

Remembering ALL who serve(d) - Happy Veteran's Day!

2011-11-11T00:00:00.001-06:00

From Art

And people think that the Feds should own the healthcare system....

2011-11-09T14:15:00.000-06:00

Just another data point on why I'm skeptical of the Federal government being able to do much. Sure, we didn't have an emergency, but the Feds were going to do their national EAS test today. The EAS system has been around since 1997 and was preceded by the Emergency Broadcast System (1963-1997). There were plenty of media outlets where initial appearances are that the test didn't work. Keep in mind, this was a government system that has essentially been around for nearly 50 years.

FAIL!

The challenge (I was unsuccessful) and one great pic of family....

2011-11-06T19:33:00.000-06:00

From Nov 6, 2011 part 2

Today is the day. I will try to do one of the most utterly ridiculous things that I have ever tried to do...

2011-11-06T08:31:00.002-06:00

It's name.... the "Dare to be Great"!!!

For the time being, I will just say that it is 21 scoops of ice cream (for a total of 11 pounds of the stuff) and an additional 2 pounds of toppings.

In one hour...

Pictures (sorry, no potential aftermath pictures) to follow later....

Wish me luck!

Some new pix; Browns Ferry docs for the past week posted in ADAMS

2011-11-05T20:57:00.000-05:00

NRC docs for Browns Ferry 10/22 - 10/29/2011; Lots of pictures from the Spooktacular 5K

2011-10-31T21:28:00.000-05:00

Many pictures (plus the results) of Saturday's Spooktacular 5K can be viewed here...

NRC docs for BFN for LAST week (10/15 - 10/22); Book'n It for Priceville 10K; A surprise...

2011-10-25T21:42:00.002-05:00

Here are the documents that NRC placed in ADAMS regarding Browns Ferry for the dates 10/15 - 10/22:

I was exceedingly stoked to break the 50 minute mark for a 10K run this past Saturday. The overall results are here. Speaking of runs, there's a little 5K run in downtown Huntsville this Saturday called the Spooktacular 5K. Come run or walk! You can even wear a costume! I'll be dressed up...

Check out this marsupial I heard walking around my front door last week...

From 2011-10-20

Super day for a run and NRC docs for Browns Ferry for the past week

2011-10-15T20:13:00.000-05:00

The Liz Hurley Ribbon Run was GREAT. The weather was superb and it was amazing to see such a huge turnout of runners and spectators all in support of what is essentially a singular cause. From my own personal standpoint, it was also a great run because it was the fastest I have ever done a 5K. The results are posted at HTC's results page.

NRC documents regarding Browns Ferry placed into ADAMS from 10/08/11 - 10/15/11:

I haven't even really started to think about who I'd like to see as the next President...

2011-10-11T09:56:00.001-05:00

I was half-heartedly watching the news the other day and caught a little snippet of Herman Cain being interviewed on CBN. I don't know a lot about Cain, but if the little part of the interview I heard was any indication, I probably won't be for him.

The interview got to the point of asking about the media's "gotcha" questions. Cain's response?

“When they ask me who’s the president of Ubeki-beki-beki-beki-stan-stan I’m going to say, 'You know, I don’t know. Do you know? And then I’m going to say, 'how’s that going to create one job?'”

I understand that his focus might be primarily toward the United States and bettering the economy. That's great. He might even be able to accomplish great things. That is, of course, assuming that Congress is not as deadlocked and ineffective as they have been for the past ten to fifteen years. The last part of his statement is absolutely right, but that's never the point of those gotcha questions in the first place. Here's what leads to my unease with his answer:

First, from a psychological standpoint, it's very likely that the questioner already knows the answer. Next, here's more of his statement regarding the same question:

"Knowing who is the head of some of these small insignificant states around the world, I don’t think that is something that is critical to focusing on national security and getting this economy going."

This part of his response is, again, correct. However, he seems overly willing to dismiss these "small insignificant states" and their potential importance to foreign policy issues. Additionally, by seeming to, perhaps jokingly, stress the utter unimportance of these countries by referring to "Ubeki-beki-beki-beki-stan-stan", he's already on a footing to demonstrate to a potential foreign partner in business or national security or other foreign issues that they don't mean as much as other countries.

NRC docs for Browns Ferry 10/1 - 10/8/2011 AND 2011 Fleet Feet Monte Sano 15K results

2011-10-08T21:44:00.000-05:00

The race results from this morning are posted (at the results page on http://www.huntsvilletrackclub.org/):

Overall
Age Groups
Age Records
Picture of winners

I guess I did OK, but I sure as heck shouldn't have had such a sore calf with that pace. Hopefully these will help speed the recovery...

I'm not NORMALLY a "Hey, it's the last minute to do ______" kinda guy.....

2011-10-07T09:02:00.000-05:00

I'd totally forgotten that the Fleet Feet Monte Sano 15K takes place tomorrow.

After the Knology folks come to hook us up today, going down to Fleet Feet Huntsville to register will be one of those items I need to take care of today...

If, by chance, you are feeling charitable and desire to donate to one or more worthy causes...

2011-10-06T22:36:00.000-05:00

Please check out any of these links:

The Huntsville Hospital Foundation (via the 8th Annnual Liz Hurley Ribbon Run)

The Georgia & Alabama Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation

I'm participating in the 5K runs for those listed above. Unfortunately, I can't make the St. Louis MG (Myasthenia Gravis) Walk in November, but I will certainly donate in memory of my aunt Pat. If you would like to donate to my cousin's team for that, please visit the following link:

In Memory of Pat Kuhl

Browns Ferry docs for the past week - Results from last week's Elkmont 10K

2011-10-01T23:00:00.001-05:00

Docs placed in ADAMS for Browns Ferry 9/24/2011 - 10/01/2011. * items = interesting to me

As a reminder, if anyone out there is interested, the NRC is having a public meeting AT Browns Ferry on Monday.

10/03/2011 - 1 PM - Browns Ferry Training Center auditorium - Results of the first phase of our 95003 inspection

At some point this past week, the results of the Elkmont Lion's Club Rails to Trails 10K were posted @ huntsvilletrackclub.org.

For what it's worth, the dinner described in my previous post was GREAT!

What's for dinner? Artichoke Mushroom Lasagna - via tasteofhome.com

2011-10-01T19:08:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

* 1 pound sliced baby portobello mushrooms
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 2 cans (14 ounces each) water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and chopped
* 1 cup chardonnay or other white wine
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
*

SAUCE:
* 1/4 cup butter, cubed
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3-1/2 cups 2% milk
* 2-1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
* 1 cup chardonnay or other white wine
*

ASSEMBLY:
* 9 no-cook lasagna noodles
* 4 cups (16 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

Directions

* In a large skillet, saute mushrooms in butter until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add the artichokes, wine, salt and pepper; cook over medium heat until liquid is evaporated.
* For the sauce, in a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese and wine.
* Spread 1 cup sauce into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Layer with three noodles, 1-2/3 cups sauce, 1 cup mozzarella and 1-1/3 cups artichoke mixture. Repeat layers twice.
* Cover and bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, 15-20 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting. Yield: 12 servings.

Improvijazzation Nation, Issue # 118 - http://rotcodzzaj.com/wordpress/?page_id=1623

2011-09-25T00:06:00.000-05:00

Improvijazzation Nation, Issue # 118 - Check it out. I double dog dare ya!!

NRC docs for BFN 9/17 - 9/24/11 - BEER (and football) - Elkmont Lion's Club Rails to Trails 10K - maybe more...

2011-09-24T16:55:00.001-05:00

First things first... Here are the documents that have been entered into the NRC's ADAMS site regarding Browns Ferry for the past week. I've denoted what I consider most interesting with a *.

I ended up going to the store to fetch a rotisserie chicken earlier this afternoon. I figured that since football is all the rage this time of the year, I'd grab a few brews. One of those I bought that I had never seen before is Guinness Black Lager. Not bad! The other one I bought is Paulaner Salvator Double Bock. Info for that one can be found here. I have yet to try it.

I ended up missing the first quarter so I could flail about in our cul-de-sac to kick the hacky sack for a bit. No biggie! Beer's good!

Today was the 7th Annual Elkmont Lion's Club Rails to Trails 10K. What a beautiful morning to get out and run! I hope to do this in the future. Besides, I had my personal best (50:01) for a 10K. Here's a map of the course...

Elkmont Lion's Club Rails to Trails 10K

Find more Runs in Elkmont, AL

Y'all have a great rest of the weekend!!!

Browns Ferry additions to the NRC's ADAMS for 9/10/11 - 9/17/11

2011-09-19T20:16:00.000-05:00

Little slow on the draw, but fun took precedence this weekend. Here's what the NRC posted in ADAMS regarding Browns Ferry last week:

The aftermath...

2011-09-16T17:16:00.000-05:00

From Aftermath

I am truly amazed @cherrygarcia #schweddyballs...

2011-09-13T05:04:00.000-05:00

I did the midnight shop-for-staples run and what did the Athens Wal-Mart have? Ben & Jerry's newest creation... Schweddy Balls! Schweddy was an awesome (if not slightly off-color) skit on Saturday Night Live and I'm sure this flavor of ice cream will live up to the good name of Ben & Jerry.

We're down to days before the Warrior Dash. I can't wait! Then a little canoe action on the 18th. The weekend after that, there's a 10K in Elkmont for the benefit of the Elkmont Lion's Club. I think the next week and a half will be pretty fun...

REMEMBER ... and NRC documents regarding Browns Ferry from 9/3/11 - 9/10/11

2011-09-11T21:50:00.000-05:00

Today was, as we are all aware, the 10th anniversary of 9-11. We will not forget!

Two documents regarding Browns Ferry were posted to the NRC's ADAMS site over the last week. Here they are:

As I'm still resting my leg, today was a decent day to paddle around...

2011-09-07T18:01:00.000-05:00

Just a little over 4.5 miles - no pictures - 1.5 hours

View Paddling 9-7-11 in a larger map

NRC docs for Browns Ferry 8/27/11 - 9/3/11 and...

2011-09-03T16:12:00.000-05:00

Items I've marked with a * are the ones I found most interesting.

Well, not far from going in for night two (of four) of the night shift. Last night wasn't overly bad from a standpoint of being tired. Heck, I even got home and ran 4.5 miles. However, I think I'll take a running break tomorrow for a little extra snooze time and a chance to nurse a sore calf...

Some fall and winter things to look forward to...

2011-08-31T20:24:00.000-05:00

There are several events/activities that I am looking forward to (most likely running or doing) this fall and winter. Here are some of them:

Taking out the kayak/renting a canoe with friends
Warrior Dash Tennessee - 9/17/2011
8th Annual Liz Hurley Ribbon Run - 10/15/2011
2011 UCP Krispy Kreme Challenge - 11/19/2011
Tough Mudder Atlanta, GA on 2/11/2012
Mercedes Half Marathon 2012 - 2/12/2012

This is not an all-inclusive list...

You can download the pics from this slideshow at https://picasaweb.google.com/112864142527452410375/20110828

2011-08-28T16:38:00.000-05:00

NRC documents for Browns Ferry 8/20/11 - 8/27/11

2011-08-27T10:16:00.001-05:00

8 miles this morning

2011-08-21T12:34:00.002-05:00

8 mile loop

Find more Runs in Athens, AL

1:01:49 + weekly NRC docs

2011-08-20T19:16:00.001-05:00

The Sprint Tri results are in. I think I could have done better, but I was still pretty close to the time I expected...

NRC Docs added to the NRC's public documents website from 8/13-8/20/2011:

The three most interesting docs (my view) are numbers 1, 3 and 4. I wonder if any of our local media will attend the public meeting in Atlanta on 8/30 to hear about the NRC's 95003 inspection at Browns Ferry...

Lo and behold, the day of the Edward Jones - Huntsville Sprint Triathlon is here...

2011-08-20T04:51:00.002-05:00

I start at 0708! Should be fun!!!

Gorgeous afternoon to get outdoors and knock out 5 miles

2011-08-18T18:31:00.000-05:00

5 miles - West on Newby

Find more Runs in Athens, AL

I probably would have been better off doing this in the morning, but it's difficult for me to head out the door early enough and get to work on time...

Quick little 4.5 miler knocked out for the afternoon...

2011-08-15T16:07:00.000-05:00

Map:

4.5 miles via Cambridge

Find more Runs in Athens, AL

Or video (requires Google Earth browser plugin)

4.5 miles via Cambridge and more runs in Athens, AL on MapMyRUN. Find run

NRC docs for Browns Ferry 8/6/2011-8/13/2011 AND Brooke Hill 5k 2011 results

2011-08-14T15:37:00.000-05:00

Results from the 2011 Brooke Hill 5K can be found here. I was fairly pleased since I knocked two minutes off of my time since last year...

Nice start to a Sunday morning

2011-08-14T10:24:00.001-05:00

8 miles

Find more Runs in Athens, AL

Brooke Hill 5K was fun...

2011-08-13T10:06:00.000-05:00

Huntsville Sprint Triathlon next week!

Brooke Hill Run 5km

Find more Runs in Decatur, AL

I'm sure they'll post the 5K results later today or tomorrow sometime...

Weekly top 10 on THOMAS

2011-08-10T10:17:00.002-05:00

Top ten legislative items searched on THOMAS, compiled on 8/7/2011 from weekly usage statistics

S. 365 - [112th] - Budget Control Act of 2011
H.R. 2480 - [112th] - Administrative Conference of the United States Reauthorization Act of 2011
S. 627 - [112th] - Budget Control Act of 2011
H.R. 1981 - [112th] - Protecting Children From Internet Pornographers Act of 2011
H.R. 2693 - [112th] - Budget Control Act of 2011
H.R. 4646 - [111th] - Debt Free America Act
H.Res. 384 - [112th] - Providing for consideration of the bill (S. 365) to make a technical amendment to the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002
H.R. 2560 - [112th] - Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011
H.R. 2715 - [112th] - To provide the Consumer Product Safety Commission with greater authority and discretion in enforcing the consumer product safety laws, and for other purposes
H.R. 2553 - [112th] - Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011, Part IV

Just a friendly reminder/PSA...

2011-08-07T19:35:00.000-05:00

The final Tuesday night Cross Country Run put on by the Huntsville Track Club is this Tuesday night. Weather permitting, I plan on being there!

NRC documents posted to their public document library from 07/30/2011-08/06/2011

2011-08-07T18:24:00.000-05:00

I provide no commentary about these. They are just a quick way to access information regarding Browns Ferry for interested folks primarily in the North Alabama/Southern Tennessee area or anywhere else. As always, the Licensee Event Reports are fairly interesting.

I loves me some Hybrid!

2011-08-05T10:50:00.000-05:00

HYBRID : Blind Side : Released 29 August by Hybridsoundsystem

This was just from the storms the other night - NWS: 15,000 lightning strikes hit during storms

2011-08-05T09:24:00.000-05:00

NWS: 15,000 lightning strikes hit during storms

Forgot to do this over the weekend - NRC docs for Browns Ferry 7/23/11 - 7/30/11

2011-08-01T19:09:00.003-05:00

5K = done

2011-07-30T09:27:00.001-05:00

It was good to see plenty of folks out running in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Alabama.

I wasn't quite satisfied with just 5K AND I felt guilty about eating 1-1/2 large pizzas last night, so I went and ran an extra four miles after the fact.

Hopefully the rest of the day will be as nice as it was this morning (albeit slightly warmer)...

Sweet day to be on the water

2011-07-28T17:27:00.000-05:00

Arrowhead Landing(ish) portion of Limestone Bay at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

Top ten legislative items searched on THOMAS, compiled on 7/24/2011 from weekly usage statistics

2011-07-25T17:01:00.000-05:00

Great morning for five miles...

2011-07-25T13:20:00.001-05:00

5 miles - West on Newby

Find more Runs in Athens, AL

NRC documents for Browns Ferry - 7/16/2011 - 7/23/2011

2011-07-24T13:07:00.002-05:00

Stayed below 80F the whole time and traffic wasn't bad...

2011-07-24T12:47:00.000-05:00

A run mapped on 02/26/2011

Find more Runs in Athens, AL

via Athens News-Courier - History festival to teach kids about the Civil War

2011-07-20T06:52:00.000-05:00

History festival to teach kids about the Civil War

NRC docs for Browns Ferry 7/9/2011 - 7/16/2011

2011-07-17T22:06:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a LONG day...

2011-07-17T12:19:00.000-05:00

CASA's Mud Volleyball tournament all day (thanks to All on our team, all the other teams, the organizers and EVERYONE else who made the day possible and great fun) followed by a mad scramble to clean up a little bit and make it on time for the HTC Twilight 5K And 1-Mile Fun Run. I missed the start by about 3m20s, but the officials let me go ahead to run. I was not at all fast, but it wasn't overly bad for a day in the sun/mud. Here are the men's results from the Twilight 5K.

Since I was covered in mud much of the day, I figured that would be near prime practice in getting ready for the Warrior Dash (Manchester, TN - September 17). That led me to make two (separate) laps around the Athens High School running path between some of our games.

There was also the mud covered (me and the sack) footbagging. I'm sure that was entertaining to watch...

Krispy Kreme Challenge 2011 - November 19, 2011 - 8AM

2011-07-13T15:30:00.000-05:00

Route - http://routebuilder.org/4jb

Info - http://www.ucphuntsville.org/news/krispy-kreme-challenge-2011

I will likely be there. How about you?

23rd annual Mud Volleyball Tournament set for Saturday

2011-07-13T11:22:00.000-05:00

23rd annual Mud Volleyball Tournament set for Saturday

NRC docs for Browns Ferry, Try Famous Joe's Pizzeria, Atlantis launch

2011-07-08T19:26:00.000-05:00

New(ish) pizza place in Madison, AL.... We tried Famous Joe's Pizzeria for the first time tonight. Mighty fine pizza!!!

Great launch of the Atlantis today. Kind of sad to see the end to the Shuttle program....

Happy 4th of July, America!!!

2011-07-04T00:00:00.010-05:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

For a more educational consideration of July 4th/the Declaration of Independence, check out this page (and several of the following pages) for a draft of the Declaration before it was official...

2011 Chick-fil-A Charity 5K results posted AND NRC docs for Browns Ferry for the last week (6/25/11-7/2/11)

2011-07-02T16:37:00.000-05:00

Race awards
Overall results
Results by age group

ML11171A037 - Browns Ferry, Units 1, 2 and 3, BWRVIP-25 Core Plate Bolt Stress Analysis.

ML11171A038 - NEDO-33632, Rev. 0, "Browns Ferry (Units 1-3), Core Plate Bolt Analysis Stress Analysis Report."

I was stoked today when I heard...

2011-06-27T21:16:00.001-05:00

that the results of the Barbarian Challenge had been posted.

Now, I'm looking forward to the Huntsville Sprint Triathlon and the Warrior Dash (Tennessee).

I'm also hoping the weather stays clear for tomorrow night's run in Huntsville.

Other interesting stuff...

Here are some pretty recent CRS reports from the FAS website.

Added @ 9:28 PM

Forgot these:

CASA Mud Volleyball 2011 - July 16

2011 Chick-Fil-A Charity 5K - July 2

Huntsville Track Club Twilight 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run - July 16

NRC documents for Browns Ferry 6/18/11 - 6/25/11

2011-06-27T04:55:00.001-05:00

My Greek(ish) spin on tuna salad....

2011-06-21T19:07:00.000-05:00

1 medium cucumber, chopped (I use seedless)
2 cups red onion, finely chopped
1 cup Greek vinaigrette salad dressing (I used Kraft Greek vinaigrette)
4 ounce package feta cheese (I used a garlic & herb feta)
2 11 ounce foil packages of tuna fish
Black pepper and oregano, to taste
Sandwich material of your choice (wrap, bagel, bread, pita, lettuce leaf)

Combine first six ingredients in large bowl and mix well. Spread on your choice of sandwich. Or not...

This makes at least five or six good wraps for me. Sorry I'm not perfectly exact...

Enjoy!

Top 10 weekly legislative items on THOMAS

2011-06-21T04:09:00.000-05:00

H.R. 2112 - [112th] - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012
H.R. 2055 - [112th] - Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012
H.R. 1540 - [112th] - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
H.R. 1473 - [112th] - Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011
H.R. 1380 - [112th] - New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act of 2011
H.R. 2161 - [112th] - IDEA Act of 2011
H.R. 3590 - [111th] - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
H.R. 4173 - [111th] - Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
H.R. 3200 - [111th] - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009
H.R. 1249 - [112th] - America Invents Act

- via http://thomas.loc.gov/home/topten/topten_20110619.html

NRC docs for Browns Ferry for the past week

2011-06-19T20:18:00.002-05:00

To all you dads out there (particularly mine)....

2011-06-19T00:00:00.005-05:00

Happy Father's Day!!!

From dads 60th