ReconRat

I'm still waiting for one or the other to screw up and say or do something incredibly stupid. Plenty of time left for that. Not to mention the media is holding back the big guns for the day before and the day of voting... We'll see... Remember, half (more or less) of everything you hear and read is false. Only half have it right, the other half is wrong. And remember it's not over till all the screaming, crying, threats, suits, claims, counter-claims, investigations, gloating, and pay-offs are done...Which, considering the American political climate, is almost never.

I would never buy a camera on eBay! Despite the tons of stuff I've bought on eBay. At my last airshow, two pros sat nearby, probably shooting for magazines. One had Canon, the other had Nikon. It's just what makes you comfortable, like already said. What you want, comes with using cameras for a while, and gaining experience. Both cameras appeared to have excellent burst capability. And right after that, excellent review and delete of the unwanted shots. Lenses have gotten so much better over the years, with computer design, that a basic auto-focus zoom performs extremely well. Going up one notch to better glass in the lens is a must if affordable. Even if it means buying the next level up body to use it. And from the sounds of it, you're headed toward a long sports lens, and you better keep that in mind when buying the camera. The long lens ability will be the most demanding. Planning ahead is good.

Ok, so I can remember that happening. He was a super hero, and he was OUR super hero. Go USA. Would you want SuperMan there for SuperBoy? Sure. In the Olympics, events like that are events of a century. It seldom, if ever, happens. And on the other hand, I think the Olympics is about current events, not so much about history. Despite all the history behind the event. Wars have been fought and NOT fought, based on the results of Olympic events. It's a showing of the strength of a nation. Another one to remember is Jean-Claude Killy, the Frenchman who won all three skiing events in 1968. The world was impressed. And a favorite, USA hockey team beating the Russian hockey team in 1976. And if you really want history, look up Jesse Owens in the Berlin Olympics in 1936. All these events are like landing on the Moon for the first time, you remember where you were when it happened.

Use these links: http://www.steves-digicams.com/ http://www.dpreview.com/ Check these lists of best cameras: http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/default.asp?view=rating A word of warning: the smaller Nikons, the ones that do not have removable lenses, have a history of lense problems. It's the movement back and forth when they focus and zoom. They jam up, stop working, and break. Best avoided. The bigger Nikons, with auto focus removable lenses, are ok, and are still some of the best available. Any Canon is good to excellent. Check for prices on pricegrabber.com, pricescan.com, and amazon.com because amazon often has free shipping. I usually wind up buying from amazon.com, or newegg.com.

I bought a Canon S3, 12x optical zoom, image stabilization. It will reach out there. It has a sports setting. Works best, I think, if manually set to focus on infinity, for moving objects. Otherwise the auto focus gets confused trying to focus on fast moving stuff. I added tele and wide adapters, lense barrels, and a little side mount flash. Digital is new to me, I used Nikons for years. Film is out. Except for black and white film, which is back in. But anyway, the 12x optical zoom (not digital zoom) with image stabilization are the two features I like the best.

So the guy leading the group wants to see a covered bridge. Which was missing when we got there; don't ask. It's in a valley on a gravel road. Just a short stretch of gravel, some of it deep. Washboard style, and uphill, it wasn't much fun. Stood up on pegs and rode like a cowboy. Front wheel drifting left and right, skidding about. Bouncing up and down on the ruts. We lost half the pack right there. Guess they forgot how to keep the momentum and traction going to get through conditions like that. Dunno, maybe they had to get out and push. They never said what took so long, but they made it out ok.

and the weekend before, around Central Ohio: in addition to the one on I-70 at 256 crash in Heath, rider from Hebron, passenger from Newark lost control and hit fire hydrant, rider dies http://www.nbc4i.com/midwest/cmh/news.apx.-content-articles-CMH-2008-08-03-0006.html crash in Licking county, rider and passenger from Reynoldsburg car turns in front of bike, passenger dies, rider gets run over by second car http://www.nbc4i.com/midwest/cmh/news.apx.-content-articles-CMH-2008-08-03-0019.html Thursday, July 31, on Route 95 in Knox County, Harley hits a cow, passenger dies http://www.nbc4i.com/midwest/cmh/search.apx.-content-articles-CMH-2008-07-31-0017.html Wednesday, July 30, Franklin County, Bike tries to run from speeding ticket and crashes (pic) http://www.nbc4i.com/midwest/cmh/search.apx.-content-articles-CMH-2008-07-30-0008.html and then the one or two North of Columbus a couple of days later...one dies, the other unknown? And then some crash scene photos I saw of an recent unknown crash, South of Columbus in the hills somewhere... Two of these links haven't been listed here before... just sayin' Ride Safe, Ride Defensive, Ride To Live

There was a Raider in front of the Pony on Saturday...omg... This type... ...

I was in Germany and Austria two years ago. There are speed limits imposed automatically when the traffic gets dense. Big overhead freeway type light boards announce the change. As the traffic picks up, the speed limit drops. Not a problem except during rush hours. And they all take vacation at the same time. No, really, all of them. The freeways just absolutely pack up and come to a dead stop at that time of year. I REALLY like the German thing of no passing in the right-hand lane. Never. A very good idea. You never see a semi or truck in the left lane either. Not on the freeway or in the city.

Yeah, ok. But for a computer geek I don't really know much about editing and posting to YouTube. It will take a while. Or maybe I can get one of the other guys to do it for me. Usually a great deal of the footage is wasted stuff. Have to cut it all out, and stitch the pieces together, add music. Got a nice shot of your shifter hanging down.

Yup, was fun. I got a few flicks on the nickel. Didn't turn out too bad. Better than YouTube quality, but won't matter after it's uploaded to YouTube anyway. Too bad the flicks I took the week before didn't work out. I don't know if I want to go try that again, at a high rate of speed, just to make a movie. Maybe with a better camera. Taking flicks and pics while moving is a series of attempts and errors. Oh well.

You're kiddin', right? Asking who that was? That's Ben Spies from Longview, TX...2nd place in Race One, AMA Superbike. 2nd place in Race Two, AMA Superbike. 2nd race near identical, but 6.357sec off leader. Currently leading the points race, Defending and two-time AMA Superbike Champion Ben Spies was recovering from a recent appendectomy. Race One, AMA Superbike: finished 2nd; #1; Ben Spies; Longview, TX; Suzuki GSX-R1000; 19 laps; 1.966 off leader; sponsers: Rockstar / Makita / American Suzuki / Yoshimura / Motorex / Dunlop / RK Chain / VP / Galfer / NGK / Sharkskinz / Showa Team Suzuki website photo http://www.suzuki-racing.com/

I think there is a big gray zone between vehicles and toys. What is a mini-bike, or an electric car for the kids? What would we call a motorized skate board... a car? It's got four wheels. I think the problem solves itself, most of these cheap scoots won't last long, and aren't really repairable.

The official Trunk Monkey website: http://www.trunkmonkeyad.com/

Yeah, the cop saw him do it. That kinda makes it easier to figure out "who" to give the ticket to. Come to think of it... about that same time, somebody had run from a stop, by going between houses and getting away, in that same area. Maybe they thought it was him. Maybe they were right.

Gosh, I used to park on the sidewalk all the time. The only time I got a ticket, I was hiding the bike behind some shrubbery next to a brick wall, on the OSU campus, lol. Didn't care, I kept parking there anyway. While living on campus, a big story about a ticket got around. Guy on Chittenden or similar, would turn, go up the curb, cross the public sidewalk, up his sidewalk, up his front stairs, and park on his front porch. He got a ticket. Duh, we used to do that stuff all the time, always wondered why they picked on him. Maybe we looked first, to make sure the coast was clear.

Geez, Lost... that just ain't right. On her part or the administration. And you can tell them I said so. The correct thing to do: Make a police report. (In the jurisdiction it happened in, at the local PD) Take pictures. Repair the motorcycle. Send her the bill. Have lawyer send letter requesting payment if no response. If lawyer thinks case is good to win, go to court. (Was there a witness, or admission of guilt in front of witnesses, etc) Or variations of the above. The administration... well, it's none of their business. Also known as harassment in the work place. (Also requires, witness, e-mail, something, etc) I wonder what would have happened if her scooter had fallen over on HIS car! I'd say ask the State Attorney General's office, except they have their own problems right now. Still could piss the Boss off royal tho, could even wind up looking for a new job. Fair warning.

In any given chain size, there are different material strengths, and different designs. You should use the master link from the list shown with the specific type of chain. Obviously a lesser strength master link on a stronger chain, will snap the master link rather quickly. http://www.didchain.com/ http://www.didchain.com/specs.htm http://www.didchain.com/install.htm On the other hand, I used to use whatever, and broke chains all the time. A set of 2 full links(clip type), and two half links(clip type) in your toolkit, will usually let you limp home after picking up all the pieces of your broken chain and re-assembling it.

Way to go, Marine. Glad you're back and safe. Thank You for your service. Wonder if you'd stayed a bit longer, if you might have received a "Georgia Campaign ribbon", and the combat pay, of course. Heck, if you were there in the same month of August, you still might get it. Check and see if any of the pilots or transports claimed enemy fire, all on board get combat pay. Ha!

here we go, help from the Ohio DMV website on mopeds; http://www.dmv.org/oh-ohio/other-types.php and an Ohio DMV list of the models considered mopeds; http://www.bmv.ohio.gov/misc/moped_info.htmApparently a moped still needs a plate on it, I didn't know that. And it looks like... if it's not on the list, it's gonna be stuck riding around in the backyard. And I bet there's a law about that too...

There is a "clearance" display to the left when you go in Iron Pony. Some fieldSheer backpack for $39.95. I don't think that is a price break for that. I thought those sold for about that price anyway. Seems to me my 10 buck surplus backpack is just as good. Dunno

It probably is under the limits. Please let your friend know what the Ohio Revised Code rules of a "moped" actually are. CHAPTER 4501: MOTOR VEHICLES -- DEFINITIONS; GENERAL PROVISIONS 4501.01 Motor vehicles definitions. (L) “Motorized bicycle†means any vehicle that either has two tandem wheels or one wheel in the front and two wheels in the rear, that is capable of being pedaled, and that is equipped with a helper motor of not more than fifty cubic centimeters piston displacement that produces no more than one brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of no greater than twenty miles per hour on a level surface. 4511.01 Traffic laws - operation of motor vehicles definitions. © “Motorcycle†means every motor vehicle, other than a tractor, having a saddle for the use of the operator and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including, but not limited to, motor vehicles known as “motor-driven cycle,†“motor scooter,†or “motorcycle†without regard to weight or brake horsepower. (H) “Motorized bicycle†means any vehicle having either two tandem wheels or one wheel in the front and two wheels in the rear, that is capable of being pedaled and is equipped with a helper motor of not more than fifty cubic centimeters piston displacement that produces no more than one brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of no greater than twenty miles per hour on a level surface. 4511.521 Operation of motorized bicycles. (A) No person shall operate a motorized bicycle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking, unless all of the following conditions are met: (1) The person is fourteen or fifteen years of age and holds a valid probationary motorized bicycle license issued after the person has passed the test provided for in this section, or the person is sixteen years of age or older and holds either a valid commercial driver’s license issued under Chapter 4506. or a driver’s license issued under Chapter 4507. of the Revised Code or a valid motorized bicycle license issued after the person has passed the test provided for in this section, except that if a person is sixteen years of age, has a valid probationary motorized bicycle license and desires a motorized bicycle license, the person is not required to comply with the testing requirements provided for in this section; (2) The motorized bicycle is equipped in accordance with the rules adopted under division (B) of this section and is in proper working order; (3) The person, if under eighteen years of age, is wearing a protective helmet on the person’s head with the chin strap properly fastened and the motorized bicycle is equipped with a rear-view mirror. (4) The person operates the motorized bicycle when practicable within three feet of the right edge of the roadway obeying all traffic rules applicable to vehicles. (B) The director of public safety, subject to sections 119.01 to 119.13 of the Revised Code, shall adopt and promulgate rules concerning protective helmets, the equipment of motorized bicycles, and the testing and qualifications of persons who do not hold a valid driver’s or commercial driver’s license. The test shall be as near as practicable to the examination required for a motorcycle operator’s endorsement under section 4507.11 of the Revised Code. The test shall also require the operator to give an actual demonstration of the operator’s ability to operate and control a motorized bicycle by driving one under the supervision of an examining officer. © Every motorized bicycle license expires on the birthday of the applicant in the fourth year after the date it is issued, but in no event shall any motorized bicycle license be issued for a period longer than four years. (D) No person operating a motorized bicycle shall carry another person upon the motorized bicycle. (E) The protective helmet and rear-view mirror required by division (A)(3) of this section shall, on and after January 1, 1985, conform with rules adopted by the director under division (B) of this section. (F) Each probationary motorized bicycle license or motorized bicycle license shall be laminated with a transparent plastic material. (G) Whoever violates division (A), (D), or (E) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. Effective Date: 01-01-2004

Brake Fluid is generally clear, and turns yellow with age, and later brown. Most of the change in color is from absorbing water from the air, the humidity. Brake fluid is hydroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs water. Water in the brake fluid makes the brake feel "spongy". If I found new brake fluid in a can that was yellow, I'd probably throw it out, and try again. Dweezel is right, when the fluid goes down, it's generally from the brake pads wearing down. New pads will bring the fluid back up to it's normal level. Some manufacturers recommend draining and changing DOT 3 and 4 brake fluid every two years. ABS systems need changed more often. Seems like DOT 5 should be changed every year. Not sure. DOT 3 and 4 are glycol/alcohol fluids, or synthetic. DOT 5 are silicone or synthetic. Synthetic never means 100% synthetic for any fluid. It means a blend. DOT 4 is same as DOT 3 with a higher heat range. DOT 3/4 is telling us it's a compatible replacement for either, it's a DOT 4. DOT 5 is the highest heat range, and is generally a light purple color. IF not sure, take a sample, and mix it with DOT 3 or 4, if it turns into a goop that looks like Italian salad dressing, you have a DOT 5 in there. Changing from DOT 3 or 4 to DOT 5, or back, means dis-assembling the entire system and removing the "other fluid". They cannot be mixed together. Seals might be effected by the change of fluid type, it depends on the type of seal material. In aircraft brake systems, mixing the two together can cause a fire in the fluid or brake systems. DOT 5 fluids do not absorb water, which means if and when water gets in there, it finds a place to park, and corrode the metal. Not a good thing in a brake system. Probably the best reason to change DOT 5 every year. So in other words, use what the owner's manual recommends, and change it more often. Changing it when installing new pads, or when the fluid changes color, is also a good idea. Edit: Just noticed the DOT 5.1, which is a glycol/alcohol fluid of even higher heat range. New to me. Not to be confused with DOT 5, the silicone type. Sounds like something I'll be looking into. a reference: http://www.motorcycleproject.com/motorcycle/text/cows-brakefluid.html

I'd seriously look at high quality after-market spring sets. Mostly because Honda is not known for their spring quality, and I'll migrate that over to the other Japanese bikes. Any that I have tried, I've been more than happy with. I have nothing against stock parts, it's one of the best choices. It's just that sometimes there is something better. If it's high force springs, better check the clutch cable, lube everything up, and carry a spare. I used to put a new one on, and keep the old one right there in the same place, tied down, ready to go, if I needed it.