I thought long in hard as to what I should post for my Halloween tribute this year. Maybe something from the Shining, or the Exorcist? In the end I decided to post something from the best Halloween movie of all time:
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Getting Ready For Halloween
I've been away for a while licking my wounds after Mom trounced me in the Fantasy Tour. I'll have to rethink my team for next year. Maybe I can get away with putting the entire Radio Shack squad on my fantasy team . . .
Anyway, Halloween is rapidly approaching. While I don't usually dress up, I do enjoy this time of year and always look forward to it. With a kid like Joseph around you never know what you are going to get for costume ideas. I was also thinking that this year in addition to handing out candy to the trick or treaters, I would also hand out copies of my resume to their parents. You never know who might be hiring.
Last year in honor of Halloween, I posted clips from the Rocky Horror Picture Show and publicly admitted to attending multiple midnight showings of the movie. This year, I'm not sure what to post on Halloween but don't worry it will be good. In the meantime, I want to share the funniest Nike commercial I've ever seen. It was shown during the 2000 Olympics and was pulled by NBC because it either a) scared too many little kids watching the Olympics with their families, or b) it promoted violence against women. Either way, I still think it is pretty funny.
Anyway, Halloween is rapidly approaching. While I don't usually dress up, I do enjoy this time of year and always look forward to it. With a kid like Joseph around you never know what you are going to get for costume ideas. I was also thinking that this year in addition to handing out candy to the trick or treaters, I would also hand out copies of my resume to their parents. You never know who might be hiring.
Last year in honor of Halloween, I posted clips from the Rocky Horror Picture Show and publicly admitted to attending multiple midnight showings of the movie. This year, I'm not sure what to post on Halloween but don't worry it will be good. In the meantime, I want to share the funniest Nike commercial I've ever seen. It was shown during the 2000 Olympics and was pulled by NBC because it either a) scared too many little kids watching the Olympics with their families, or b) it promoted violence against women. Either way, I still think it is pretty funny.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Stage 15 - The Tables Have Turned
What a stage today! Contador has proven himself to be on a different level than anyone esle in this years race. In my opinion, everyone else is racing for second. With the removal of certain spoiled sports from the fantasy teams, we entered this stage with only three points separating myself and Mom. Her team turned it around today and dealt a serious butt-kicking to my now helpless team.
Here are the standings:
STAGE 15
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) - 9 Points + 5 Bonus Points (White Jersey)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Lance Armstrong (Astana) - 2 Points
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto) - 4 Points
Oscar Freire (Rabobank)
Total - 20 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo) - 5 Points
Alberto Contador (Astana) - 10 Points + 10 Bonus Points (Yellow Jersey)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank) - 7 Points
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia) - 1 Point
Total - 33 Points
OVERALL STANDINGS
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck - 22 Points
Tom Boonen
Lance Armstrong - 13 Points
Jens Voight - 8 points
Bernard Eisel - 6 points
Cadel Evans - 13 Points
Oscar Freire - 26 Points
Total - 88 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre - 8 points
Alberto Contador - 49 points
Levi Leipheimer - 15 points
Frank Schleck - 15 points
Denis Menchov
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel - 2 points
Kim Kirchen - 7 points
Total - 96 Points
Here are the standings:
STAGE 15
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) - 9 Points + 5 Bonus Points (White Jersey)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Lance Armstrong (Astana) - 2 Points
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto) - 4 Points
Oscar Freire (Rabobank)
Total - 20 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo) - 5 Points
Alberto Contador (Astana) - 10 Points + 10 Bonus Points (Yellow Jersey)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank) - 7 Points
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia) - 1 Point
Total - 33 Points
OVERALL STANDINGS
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck - 22 Points
Tom Boonen
Lance Armstrong - 13 Points
Jens Voight - 8 points
Bernard Eisel - 6 points
Cadel Evans - 13 Points
Oscar Freire - 26 Points
Total - 88 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre - 8 points
Alberto Contador - 49 points
Levi Leipheimer - 15 points
Frank Schleck - 15 points
Denis Menchov
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel - 2 points
Kim Kirchen - 7 points
Total - 96 Points
Stage 14 - My Personal Protest Against Poor Sportsmanship.
I can't even begin to say how disappointed I am that George Hincapie did not get the yellow jersey today. Big George is my favorite rider of all time and up until this year usually my number one pick for any of my fantasy teams. I am incredibly upset with the team tactics of Garmin today. For them to chase the way they did today shows that they are poor sportsman. I realize that it is a race and that they have to look out for the best interests of the team, but they did not start chasing in earnest until after Hincapie had crossed the line. It was not about trying to protect Wiggins or Vande Velde, it was about making sure that Hincapie did not get the yellow jersey. Very poor form in my opinion.
As long as we were talking about poor sportsmanship, lets talk about the best of the rest sprint between Hushvod and Cavendish. Team Columbia claims that he didn't stray out of his line, and that the barriers were uneven, but in the sprint I watched Mark Cavendish looked over his shoulder at Thor Hushovd and then moved in front of him forcing him into the barriers. Cavendish had no reason or right to do that. The green jersey is not the personal property of Mark Cavendish. Just because Thor was faster today was no reason to push him into the barriers. The race referees apparently agree and disqualified Cavendish's sprint relegating him to last place on the day.
As my own form of protest for the un-sportsman like behaviour today I am removing Mark Cavendish and Christian Vande Velde from my team and am forfeiting all of their points. I would rather loose the contest than have such people on my team. I've talked with Mom and she did not agree with Garmin's tactics today and has requested that I remove Tyler Farrar from her team.
Here are the fantasy results for Stage 14:
STAGE 14
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank)
Total - 0 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 0 Points
OVERALL STANDINGS
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck - 8 points
Tom Boonen
Lance Armstrong - 11 points
Jens Voight - 8 points
Bernard Eisel - 6 points
Cadel Evans - 9 Points
Oscar Freire - 26 Points
Total - 68 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre - 3 points
Alberto Contador - 29 points
Levi Leipheimer - 15 points
Frank Schleck - 8 points
Denis Menchov
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel - 2 points
Kim Kirchen - 6 points
Total - 63 Points
As long as we were talking about poor sportsmanship, lets talk about the best of the rest sprint between Hushvod and Cavendish. Team Columbia claims that he didn't stray out of his line, and that the barriers were uneven, but in the sprint I watched Mark Cavendish looked over his shoulder at Thor Hushovd and then moved in front of him forcing him into the barriers. Cavendish had no reason or right to do that. The green jersey is not the personal property of Mark Cavendish. Just because Thor was faster today was no reason to push him into the barriers. The race referees apparently agree and disqualified Cavendish's sprint relegating him to last place on the day.
As my own form of protest for the un-sportsman like behaviour today I am removing Mark Cavendish and Christian Vande Velde from my team and am forfeiting all of their points. I would rather loose the contest than have such people on my team. I've talked with Mom and she did not agree with Garmin's tactics today and has requested that I remove Tyler Farrar from her team.
Here are the fantasy results for Stage 14:
STAGE 14
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank)
Total - 0 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 0 Points
OVERALL STANDINGS
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck - 8 points
Tom Boonen
Lance Armstrong - 11 points
Jens Voight - 8 points
Bernard Eisel - 6 points
Cadel Evans - 9 Points
Oscar Freire - 26 Points
Total - 68 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre - 3 points
Alberto Contador - 29 points
Levi Leipheimer - 15 points
Frank Schleck - 8 points
Denis Menchov
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel - 2 points
Kim Kirchen - 6 points
Total - 63 Points
Stage 13 Update
I was really glad to see Haussler get the stage win on this one. I always like it when a lead out man gets a little glory. I actually had Haussler marked as potential choice for my team. Anyway here is how things stand after Stage 13.
Stage 13
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) - 1 Point
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank)
Total - 1 point
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 0 Points
OVERALL STANDINGS
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck - 9 Points
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde - 9 points
Lance Armstrong - 11 points
Mark Cavendish- 105 points
Jens Voight - 8 points
Bernard Eisel - 6 points
Cadel Evans - 9 Points
Oscar Freire - 26 Points
Total - 183 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre - 3 points
Alberto Contador - 29 points
Levi Leipheimer - 15 points
Frank Schleck - 8 points
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar - 49 points
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel - 2 points
Kim Kirchen - 6 points
Total - 112 Points
Stage 13
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) - 1 Point
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank)
Total - 1 point
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 0 Points
OVERALL STANDINGS
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck - 9 Points
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde - 9 points
Lance Armstrong - 11 points
Mark Cavendish- 105 points
Jens Voight - 8 points
Bernard Eisel - 6 points
Cadel Evans - 9 Points
Oscar Freire - 26 Points
Total - 183 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre - 3 points
Alberto Contador - 29 points
Levi Leipheimer - 15 points
Frank Schleck - 8 points
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar - 49 points
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel - 2 points
Kim Kirchen - 6 points
Total - 112 Points
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Stages 10,11 and 12. "The Elastic Has Snapped."
Through these flat stages I have managed to increase my point lead over Mom to a nearly insurmountable lead. I think its safe to say that my team can practically coast into Paris now.
Here is the update:
STAGE 10
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia) - 10 points
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank)
Total - 10 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)- 8 points
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 8 Points
STAGE 11
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia) - 10 Points + 8 bonus points (green jersey)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank) - 7 points
Total - 25 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin) - 9 points
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 9 points
STAGE 12
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia) - 3 points + 8 bonus points (green jersey)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank)
Total - 11 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 0 Points
OVERALL STANDINGS
Ryan’s TeamAndy Schleck - 8 points
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde - 9 points
Lance Armstrong - 11 points
Mark Cavendish- 105 points
Jens Voight - 8 points
Bernard Eisel - 6 points
Cadel Evans - 9 Points
Oscar Freire - 26 Points
Total - 182 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre - 3 points
Alberto Contador - 29 points
Levi Leipheimer - 15 points
Frank Schleck - 8 points
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar - 49 points
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel - 2 points
Kim Kirchen - 6 points
Total - 112 Points
Here is the update:
STAGE 10
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia) - 10 points
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank)
Total - 10 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)- 8 points
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 8 Points
STAGE 11
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia) - 10 Points + 8 bonus points (green jersey)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank) - 7 points
Total - 25 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin) - 9 points
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 9 points
STAGE 12
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia) - 3 points + 8 bonus points (green jersey)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank)
Total - 11 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 0 Points
OVERALL STANDINGS
Ryan’s TeamAndy Schleck - 8 points
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde - 9 points
Lance Armstrong - 11 points
Mark Cavendish- 105 points
Jens Voight - 8 points
Bernard Eisel - 6 points
Cadel Evans - 9 Points
Oscar Freire - 26 Points
Total - 182 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre - 3 points
Alberto Contador - 29 points
Levi Leipheimer - 15 points
Frank Schleck - 8 points
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar - 49 points
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel - 2 points
Kim Kirchen - 6 points
Total - 112 Points
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Stage 6, 7, 8 and 9 Fantasy Recap
I've been busy the last couple of days and haven't been able to post so here is the fantasy update to bring the competition between me and Mom up to date. With Cavendish loosing the green jersey I no longer get the 8 point bonus, and Mom is 6 seconds off of collecting the ten point daily bonus if Contador can get into the yellow. I of course hope it will be Armstrong of Andy Schleck earning the ten point bonus in the coming days.
STAGE 6
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia) - 8 bonus points (green jersey)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto) - 2 Points
Oscar Freire (Rabobank) - 9 Points
Total - 19 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)- 7 points
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 7 Points
STAGE 7
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia) - 8 bonus points (Green Jersey)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto) - 1 Point
Oscar Freire (Rabobank)
Total - 9 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana) - 2 points
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 2 Points
STAGE 8
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank)
Total - 0 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 0 Points
STAGE 9
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank) - 8 points
Total - 8 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 0 Points
OVERALL STANDINGS
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck - 8 points
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde - 9 points
Lance Armstrong - 11 points
Mark Cavendish- 66 points
Jens Voight - 8 points
Bernard Eisel - 6 points
Cadel Evans - 9 Points
Oscar Freire - 19 Points
Total - 136 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre - 3 points
Alberto Contador - 29 points
Levi Leipheimer - 15 points
Frank Schleck - 8 points
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar - 32 points
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel - 2 points
Kim Kirchen - 6 points
Total - 95 Points
Mom's team had better come up with something fast. All I have to do is coast to Paris.
STAGE 6
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia) - 8 bonus points (green jersey)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto) - 2 Points
Oscar Freire (Rabobank) - 9 Points
Total - 19 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)- 7 points
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 7 Points
STAGE 7
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia) - 8 bonus points (Green Jersey)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto) - 1 Point
Oscar Freire (Rabobank)
Total - 9 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana) - 2 points
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 2 Points
STAGE 8
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank)
Total - 0 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 0 Points
STAGE 9
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank) - 8 points
Total - 8 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 0 Points
OVERALL STANDINGS
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck - 8 points
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde - 9 points
Lance Armstrong - 11 points
Mark Cavendish- 66 points
Jens Voight - 8 points
Bernard Eisel - 6 points
Cadel Evans - 9 Points
Oscar Freire - 19 Points
Total - 136 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre - 3 points
Alberto Contador - 29 points
Levi Leipheimer - 15 points
Frank Schleck - 8 points
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar - 32 points
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel - 2 points
Kim Kirchen - 6 points
Total - 95 Points
Mom's team had better come up with something fast. All I have to do is coast to Paris.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tour Update - Stage 5
Today was a good day for a break away to stay away and Thomas Vockler pulled it off. The French will be happy that there is a French stage winner this early in the race. Personally, I hope Armstrong wins the stage of July 14 just to spite them.
Here is the fantasy update - After thinking about it last night, I removed Cavendish's bonus points for retaining the green jersey for yesterday. Since there were no sprint points awarded for the team time trial, I felt it unfair. Besides, its not like I need them anyway . . .
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia) - 8 points + 8 bonus points (green jersey)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank) - 2 Points
Total - 18 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)- 7 points
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 7 Points
Overall Standings
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck - 8 points
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde - 9 points
Lance Armstrong - 11 points
Mark Cavendish- 50 points
Jens Voight - 8 points
Bernard Eisel - 6 points
Cadel Evans - 6 Points
Oscar Freire - 2 Points
Total - 108 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre - 3 points
Alberto Contador - 27 points
Levi Leipheimer - 15 points
Frank Schleck - 8 points
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar - 25 points
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel - 2 points
Kim Kirchen - 6 points
Total - 86 Points
Here is the fantasy update - After thinking about it last night, I removed Cavendish's bonus points for retaining the green jersey for yesterday. Since there were no sprint points awarded for the team time trial, I felt it unfair. Besides, its not like I need them anyway . . .
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin)
Lance Armstrong (Astana)
Mark Cavendish (Columbia) - 8 points + 8 bonus points (green jersey)
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank)
Bernard Eisel (Columbia)
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank) - 2 Points
Total - 18 points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)
Alberto Contador (Astana)
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)- 7 points
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R)
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)
Total - 7 Points
Overall Standings
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck - 8 points
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde - 9 points
Lance Armstrong - 11 points
Mark Cavendish- 50 points
Jens Voight - 8 points
Bernard Eisel - 6 points
Cadel Evans - 6 Points
Oscar Freire - 2 Points
Total - 108 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre - 3 points
Alberto Contador - 27 points
Levi Leipheimer - 15 points
Frank Schleck - 8 points
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar - 25 points
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel - 2 points
Kim Kirchen - 6 points
Total - 86 Points
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tour Update Stage 4
I'm watching the replay right now, and am loving every minute of it. I already know the results so I thought I'd post the fantasy update. Please note, since today was a team time trial, every rider on the team is awarded the same number of points. Example: Since Astana finished in first place today, all Astana riders will receive 10 points.
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) - 8 points
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin) - 9 points
Lance Armstrong (Astana) - 10 points
Mark Cavendish (Columbia)- 6 points
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank) - 8 points
Bernard Eisel (Columbia) - 6 points
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank)
Total - 47 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)- 3 points
Alberto Contador (Astana)- 10 points
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)- 10 points
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)- 8 points
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)- 9 points
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R) - 2 points
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)- 6 points
Total - 48 Points
Overall Standings
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck - 8 points
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde 9 points
Lance Armstrong - 11 points
Mark Cavendish- 50 points
Jens Voight - 8 points
Bernard Eisel - 6 points
Cadel Evans - 6 Points
Oscar Freire
Total - 90 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre - 3 points
Alberto Contador - 27 points
Levi Leipheimer - 15 points
Frank Schleck - 8 points
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar - 18 points
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel - 2 points
Kim Kirchen - 6 points
Total - 79 points
Ahhhh . . . the sweet taste of a runaway victory. There is still a lot of racing to go, but as Phil Ligget would say "The elastic has stretched." Another couple of days like this and my team will "snap the elastic". To quote Phil again, Mom's team needs to "dig deep in their suitcase of courage" if they are going to stay competitive.
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) - 8 points
Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Christian Vande Velde (Garmin) - 9 points
Lance Armstrong (Astana) - 10 points
Mark Cavendish (Columbia)- 6 points
Jens Voight (Saxo Bank) - 8 points
Bernard Eisel (Columbia) - 6 points
Cadel Evans (Silence Lotto)
Oscar Freire (Rabobank)
Total - 47 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre (Cervelo)- 3 points
Alberto Contador (Astana)- 10 points
Levi Leipheimer (Astana)- 10 points
Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank)- 8 points
Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
Tyler Farrar (Garmin)- 9 points
Stijn Devolder (Quick Step)
Cyril Dessel (AG2R) - 2 points
Kim Kirchen (Columbia)- 6 points
Total - 48 Points
Overall Standings
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck - 8 points
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde 9 points
Lance Armstrong - 11 points
Mark Cavendish- 50 points
Jens Voight - 8 points
Bernard Eisel - 6 points
Cadel Evans - 6 Points
Oscar Freire
Total - 90 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre - 3 points
Alberto Contador - 27 points
Levi Leipheimer - 15 points
Frank Schleck - 8 points
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar - 18 points
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel - 2 points
Kim Kirchen - 6 points
Total - 79 points
Ahhhh . . . the sweet taste of a runaway victory. There is still a lot of racing to go, but as Phil Ligget would say "The elastic has stretched." Another couple of days like this and my team will "snap the elastic". To quote Phil again, Mom's team needs to "dig deep in their suitcase of courage" if they are going to stay competitive.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Tour - Stage 3 Update
What was supposed to have been a boring stage with a big sprint finish turned out to be much more dramatic. I think today Armstrong demonstrated the edge experience can give a rider. Armstrong always rides near the front and was able to latch onto the breakaway when Team Columbia put the hammer down. His team mate Contador was sitting in the middle of the pack and missed the opportunity. Now Armstrong has a chance to be in yellow tomorrow in Astana pulls off a win in the Team Time Trial.
Here is the fantasy cycling update for today:
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde
Lance Armstrong
Mark Cavendish - 10 Points + 8 Point Bonus (Green Jersey) = 18 Points
Jens Voight
Bernard Eisel
Cadel Evans
Oscar Freire
Total - 18 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre
Alberto Contador
Levi Leipheimer
Frank Schleck
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel
Kim Kirchen
Total - 0 Points
Overall Standings
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde
Lance Armstrong - 1 Point
Mark Cavendish- 36 Points
Jens Voight
Bernard Eisel
Cadel Evans - 6 Points
Oscar Freire
Total - 43 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre
Alberto Contador - 17 Points
Levi Leipheimer - 5 Points
Frank Schleck
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar - 9 Points
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel
Kim Kirchen
Total - 31 Points
As you can see, I've turned the tables on Mom and taken a 12 point lead. Let's see if I can hold the lead to the mountains.
Here is the fantasy cycling update for today:
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde
Lance Armstrong
Mark Cavendish - 10 Points + 8 Point Bonus (Green Jersey) = 18 Points
Jens Voight
Bernard Eisel
Cadel Evans
Oscar Freire
Total - 18 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre
Alberto Contador
Levi Leipheimer
Frank Schleck
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel
Kim Kirchen
Total - 0 Points
Overall Standings
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde
Lance Armstrong - 1 Point
Mark Cavendish- 36 Points
Jens Voight
Bernard Eisel
Cadel Evans - 6 Points
Oscar Freire
Total - 43 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre
Alberto Contador - 17 Points
Levi Leipheimer - 5 Points
Frank Schleck
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar - 9 Points
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel
Kim Kirchen
Total - 31 Points
As you can see, I've turned the tables on Mom and taken a 12 point lead. Let's see if I can hold the lead to the mountains.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Tour Update - Stage 2
Today was a day for the sprinters. And a good chance for me to try and make up some lost ground on Mom. It was a very entertaining stage with a few good crashes.
Today's Results
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde
Lance Armstrong
Mark Cavendish - 10 Points + 8 Point Bonus (Green Jersey) = 18 Points
Jens Voight
Bernard Eisel
Cadel Evans
Oscar Freire
Total - 18 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre
Alberto Contador
Levi Leipheimer
Frank Schleck
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar - 9 Points
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel
Kim Kirchen
Total - 9 Points
Overall Standings
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde
Lance Armstrong - 1 Points
Mark Cavendish- 18 Points
Jens Voight
Bernard Eisel
Cadel Evans - 6 Points
Oscar Freire
Total - 25 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre
Alberto Contador - 17 Points
Levi Leipheimer - 5 Points
Frank Schleck
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar - 9 Points
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel
Kim Kirchen
Total - 31 Points
As you can see, even with the stage winner and the green jersey on my team, I still have a long way to go. Hopefully Tom Boonen will finish higher than 174th tomorrow.
Today's Results
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde
Lance Armstrong
Mark Cavendish - 10 Points + 8 Point Bonus (Green Jersey) = 18 Points
Jens Voight
Bernard Eisel
Cadel Evans
Oscar Freire
Total - 18 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre
Alberto Contador
Levi Leipheimer
Frank Schleck
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar - 9 Points
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel
Kim Kirchen
Total - 9 Points
Overall Standings
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde
Lance Armstrong - 1 Points
Mark Cavendish- 18 Points
Jens Voight
Bernard Eisel
Cadel Evans - 6 Points
Oscar Freire
Total - 25 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre
Alberto Contador - 17 Points
Levi Leipheimer - 5 Points
Frank Schleck
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar - 9 Points
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel
Kim Kirchen
Total - 31 Points
As you can see, even with the stage winner and the green jersey on my team, I still have a long way to go. Hopefully Tom Boonen will finish higher than 174th tomorrow.
Fantasy Tour Results - Stage One
Wow, what a great opening to the Tour. Lance looked really good. A lot like the Lance of old, but he still doesn't have the speed he used to. Astana as a whole looks like they will be the team to beat as long as they can work together. I think my favorite rider today though had to be Yukia Arashiro (Bbox) one of two Japanese riders in this year's Tour. This is the first time ever that Japan has had riders in the Tour (there are two this year). He rode the entire Prolouge with a big grin strething from ear to ear. Clearly having one of the best days of his life.
Here are the results of the fantasy cycling teams Mom was the big winner today.
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde
Lance Armstrong - 1 Point
Mark Cavendish
Jens Voight
Bernard Eisel
Cadel Evans - 6 Points
Oscar Freire
Total - 7 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre
Alberto Contador - 9 points + 8 point bonus (polka dot jersey) = 17 points
Levi Leipheimer - 5 Points
Frank Schleck
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel
Kim Kirchen
Total: 22 Points
Here are the results of the fantasy cycling teams Mom was the big winner today.
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde
Lance Armstrong - 1 Point
Mark Cavendish
Jens Voight
Bernard Eisel
Cadel Evans - 6 Points
Oscar Freire
Total - 7 Points
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre
Alberto Contador - 9 points + 8 point bonus (polka dot jersey) = 17 points
Levi Leipheimer - 5 Points
Frank Schleck
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel
Kim Kirchen
Total: 22 Points
Fantasy Cycling
My mother and I enjoy trying to guess who the winner of various major bike races will be. We have developed this into a full scal game of fantasy cycling for each race. The night before the start we draft our teams from the official start list. We usually flip a coin to determine who gets first pick of the riders. Each team consists of nine riders. Sometimes we bet on whose team will win (I still need to clean the outsode of my parents windows after getting pasted at Paris - Robaix).
The Tour de France is no different, and this past Friday, while the rest of my family was sitting around visiting before watching fireworks, Mom and I were off to one side picking our teams and trash talking each other's picks.
Since the Tour is a three week race, scoring is updated daily based on how the riders finish on the stage. Riders are scored as follows:
1st Place - 10 points
2nd Place - 9 Points
3rd Place - 8 Points
4th Place - 7 Points
5th Place - 6 Points
6th Place - 5 Points
7th Place - 4 Points
8th Place - 3 Points
9th Place - 2 Points
10th Place - 1 point
Bonus points are awarded daily for a team winning and retaining one of the four leader jerseys as follows:
Yellow Jersey - 10 points
Green Jersey - 8 points
Polka Dot Jersey - 8 points
White Jersey - 5 points
Finally, if a rider on a team is caught doping and is disqualified, the team he is on will forfeit all of the points that rider may have earned.
Here are the our teams for this year.
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde
Lance Armstrong
Mark Cavendish
Jens Voight
Bernard Eisel
Cadel Evans
Oscar Freire
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre
Alberto Contador
Levi Leipheimer
Frank Schleck
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel
Kim Kirchen
I will post score updates daily so you can check to see who is in the lead. By the way, there is no bet for this year's Tour. However the winner does get bragging rights for an entire year.
The Tour de France is no different, and this past Friday, while the rest of my family was sitting around visiting before watching fireworks, Mom and I were off to one side picking our teams and trash talking each other's picks.
Since the Tour is a three week race, scoring is updated daily based on how the riders finish on the stage. Riders are scored as follows:
1st Place - 10 points
2nd Place - 9 Points
3rd Place - 8 Points
4th Place - 7 Points
5th Place - 6 Points
6th Place - 5 Points
7th Place - 4 Points
8th Place - 3 Points
9th Place - 2 Points
10th Place - 1 point
Bonus points are awarded daily for a team winning and retaining one of the four leader jerseys as follows:
Yellow Jersey - 10 points
Green Jersey - 8 points
Polka Dot Jersey - 8 points
White Jersey - 5 points
Finally, if a rider on a team is caught doping and is disqualified, the team he is on will forfeit all of the points that rider may have earned.
Here are the our teams for this year.
Ryan’s Team
Andy Schleck
Tom Boonen
Christian Vande Velde
Lance Armstrong
Mark Cavendish
Jens Voight
Bernard Eisel
Cadel Evans
Oscar Freire
Mom’s Team
Carlos Sastre
Alberto Contador
Levi Leipheimer
Frank Schleck
Denis Menchov
Tyler Farrar
Stijn Devolder
Cyril Dessel
Kim Kirchen
I will post score updates daily so you can check to see who is in the lead. By the way, there is no bet for this year's Tour. However the winner does get bragging rights for an entire year.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Lance vs. The French
Ok, so I'm a little late on my updates.
Here is the general reaction of the cycling world when Lance Armstrong announced he was coming out of retirement and was going to start racing again to raise awareness for cancer:
Here is what the French (and Greg LeMond) would have done had Lance Armstrong been standing in front of them at the time of his announcement:
While I seriously doubt Lance can win in July, it is kind of fun to imagine him standing on the top of the podium again. Unless you're French, then you can only cry because you haven't been able to produce a contender for overall victory since Laurent Fingnon.
Here is the general reaction of the cycling world when Lance Armstrong announced he was coming out of retirement and was going to start racing again to raise awareness for cancer:
Here is what the French (and Greg LeMond) would have done had Lance Armstrong been standing in front of them at the time of his announcement:
While I seriously doubt Lance can win in July, it is kind of fun to imagine him standing on the top of the podium again. Unless you're French, then you can only cry because you haven't been able to produce a contender for overall victory since Laurent Fingnon.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A New President
In honor of this historic day and in the hopes for a better future for my children, I post the text of President Obama's inaugural address:
My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land -- a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the fainthearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long, rugged path toward prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again, these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act -- not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions -- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control -- and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort -- even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed -- why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land -- a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the fainthearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long, rugged path toward prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again, these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act -- not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions -- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control -- and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort -- even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed -- why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
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