There's an old saying that resounds with apt relevance in regards to our little journey through life. The cliche in question would be "god only gives you as much as you can handle". Well apparently he puts a lot of stock in our ability to persevere. Mere days out of a laborious labor and just re acclimating ourselves to familiar surroundings and poor little Izzy developed a nasty case of stomach virus. How nasty may you ask? Suffice to say this years tax return purchase of the heavy duty floor and upholstery cleaner turned out to be a WISE investment! It works particularly well at cleaning up after an aborted attempt at a diaper change on the front room sofa! If they ever require an alternative means of propulsion to lauNch the next generation of NASA space craft into orbit? Just line up a cadre of infants on the Crawler on all fours after a Texas chili "all you can eat" cook off!
LORD!
Now it's a chore to keep Izzy away from Miranda.
Needless to say in reverence to her condition,and lack of sleep she has had the run of the TV for the last three days. And we are currently on season 4 of Sponge Bob.
For the second time.
And do you think the relationship between Sponge Bob and Patrick is a commentary on ambiguously gay relationships?
And just what was involved in the copulation between Mr krabbs and Pearls mother?
These are the questions the arise in the desperate attempt to maintain one's sanity!
ANYWAY!
Another hip and snazzy day at the ol' shoppe! Finally found a good home for the old Murray MTB to a man that shared my respect for it's durability! Also built a real sharp looking Tony Hawk MTB, that sold in between the walk from the Dungeon to the show room floor, so sorry no pick. I DO however have a couple sweet pics of the Diamondback MTB we put together as well as a SPIFFY Mongoose 29'er! Yep! You heard right! We have FINALLY got in a 29'er!!! So many have sought after these,so "there ya go!"
Thanks also to the regular slew of repairs gracing our bike rack. Thanks for the trust! And also we extend hearty gratitude to the many folks who just "discovered" us today. And yes, you are right it is a "good thing" that someone is doing what we do. We are happy we get to be the doers!
Alright, I had best sign off as i think the next wave of baby interuptus is upon us!
Night!
Had the classic Bill Cosby skit running through my brain each time I glanced outside at the torrential downpour today! But my heartfelt kudos to all the brave souls who apparently said enough was enough and choose to tread in it anyway. We were SWAMPED today! Sold the gorgeous Genesis right off the bat. The young man was waiting for us to open! Also sold the Murray to a very wise young man who was QUITE surprised just how cheap it was! The ladies cruiser found a good home as well toa young lady who has long been searching for one. No kidding? These things are few and far between! Also did a mess of buying today as well! Couple new banger material, a soon to be nice Trek commuter and our first 29'er in some time, this one a newer Mongoose. Finished up a sweet looking Diamondback MTB and I'd love to show you a pic...but I can't. Was just way to rainy and windy to try and take one. Will try tomorrow.
Well, wish there was more to blather on about...but I got nothin'
Ya'll have a wonderful night, I'm going on baby duty!
Night!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
The kiddo's are coming, the kiddo's are coming!!
As if Momma and Daddy's stress levels weren't peaking enough, the dreaded 2 month onslaught of "I'm bored"s and "there's nothing to do"s and the all time favorite"stop touching me"s!!!
Have I said before how much I appreciate my job?
Now begins the joy of higher food bills, light bills, Sponge Bob and Avatar on continuous loop via Net Flix. Not to mention the nightly sessions of PTSD therapy for Momma.
Did I mention How much I APPRECIATE my job?
ANYWAY!
Today was a continual deluge of flooding rains so needless to say we were a tad bit slow. Did manage to move the sweet AMX MTB we had out for all of 10 minutes, but also put out a sweet looking Genesis dual shock MTB, as well as pick up a plethora of new goodies the sweetest being a gem of a Diamondback MTB. A special shout out to Uncle Chip who brought in a sexy sweet Bicentennial Schwinn Continental in from "Uncle Chip's Garage"! Fully refurbed and a mechanic gem! Paint's all original but a little rough so we placed it out at a mere $130.00!! Check online for what other places are charging for the same condition, same vintage. Shocking!
Well tonight is our traditional "Move up a grade and celebrate by shoving as much toxic snacks into your system while simultaneously watching as much animated crap on TV until you slip into a glucose induced shock and pass out " night.
So as I hear the sounds of classic Spiderman coming from the back room, I best be off before the best seats in the house are spoken f
Well bless my wife for trying to spare my feelings...well for a while at least. As we were sitting haveing our morning coffee today we were replaying the life changeing events of the last few days. it was in this moment of recent nostalgia she filled me in on some of the happening that transpired while I was going back and forth from hospital to home. One event in particular was a real source of humor for her. After Miranda finally arrived and we were shuffled from operating room, to recovery and she was settled in. As she rested I left for home briefly to check on the goings on before returning to bed down with angi on the fold out couch. I stopped briefly at the nurses station as they were changeing shifts and informed them I would be returning for the night and could they please bring me bedding, then left. As one of the nurses came into the room later to deliver the bedding, and to take Angi's vital she casually inquired "who was that man leaving earlier? The babies Grandfather?"
OK...I get IT! There's gray hair in my beard!
They also were not to shy to inform us that we had been the "oldest" delivering parents they had in the hospitalfor some time.
Oh THANK YOU somuch for THAT little bit of trivia!
It isn't bad enough realizing i will be raising teenage girls when I am in my SIXTIES!!
ANYWAY!!
That's not why we are here!
I have a pet peeve I wish to lament about.
I'm sure you are all aware with few exceptions Hollywood is not best known for it's originallity. When something is popular they bleed it for all it's worth. As an example remember the EXPLOSION of Sci-Fi space epics after the premiere of Star Wars? Or Super-hero genre after the "out -of-left-field" Blade, or more recently the unfortunate glut of sexy teenage "monsters" and their dimwitted, love struck human compatriots after Twilight?
No. This reality is unfortunate but expected. What really gets my goat is the BLATANT plagiarizing of an idea, or concept, or caricature and labeling it as ones own, with not even so much as recognition of that creators inspiration. ESPECIALLY when it is by a medium more wide spread and "excepted" then some of the less respected ones. In particular animation and comic books.
Yes among many I could list two stick very deep in my craw. The first lesser violation would be the cinematic vivid and exceptionally beautiful (but woefully unimpressive story) "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow" Not only did this film blatantly rip off Marvels Nick Fury, agent of shield ( Angelina Jolie playing the part of the crusty eye-patched officer in charge of the impressive heli-carrier) but they also stole LIBERALLY from the classic Max Fleisher animated masterpieces of Superman cartoons. Don't believe? Check out this preview for the film and it's earlier fore bearer...
And that's not even the worst of it! In the special DVD release of the film (back when the put bonus features on the things) the director did a whole "videomentary" of thanks and acknowledgements of his inspirations in the film and at NO POINT did he credit either Marvel or Max Fleisher!
Shameful!!
And if that's not inequity enough i turn my gaze at one of the most monolithic mega-movie franchises of this generation...
Harry Potter.
Yes, you heard me right I DARE go there! The brainchild of R.K Rowling this "original" tale of a youthful Wizard swept the world in it's grandeur of a fanciful blend of multi-cultural myths, creatures and legends being met head on by a group of young novice "wizards in training" and the world lauded it as "unique" and original.
Un unh!
Harry hit the scene on June 30,1997 and we haven't looked back. Well almost everyone. But let me take you back a little bit further to 1990 when DC comics in an attempt to reintroduce their audiences to the more mystical side of their universe employed the talents of Neil Gaiman to produce an anthology headlining the various other-worldly,mystical characters . To bring this all into a cohesive story he employed a new character,one Timothy Hunter,a would be teen age wizard who must decide for himself if he will except his destiny as our wolds mightiest magician. He is introduced to and is led through the world's ethereal under layer of the magical, encountering all sorts of weird before ultimately choosing to follow his destiny. Perhaps not a carbon copy of the later more recognized incarnation, but PLEASE check out the similarities below.
First, the iconic Harry Potter.
and now the lesser known predecessor, Timothy Hunter
And yes, Timothy Hunter had a white owl too! His name was Yo-yo.
Someone tell me at any point has Mrs.Rowling given Mr.Gaiman a tip of the hat? A nod? maybe a royalty kick back?
Look, I don't have a problem with someone recognizing a good idea and going with it, but at least give some kudos to the source!
Night ya'll!
Yep back in the saddle again!! and I'm gonna make this one quick as it is now late and we gotta get some sleep while the babies let us! Managed to bang out four new goodies so check out the pic's below and I am off to bed!'
NIGHT!
All in all a good baby!
Although experience has shown us that for the first couple of weeks they sleep soundly then the need for more and more food kicks in and they have you jumping every couple of hours. We have all ready seen today that both Izzy and Mizzy are on the same schedual as they have both awaken at the same time looking for diaper change and bottles. 4 am, 6 am and 11.00 am. and that is unusual for Izzy at this point. Have not figured out whether this is a blessing or a curse.
Speaking of odd hours, should have mentioned this here earlier as I did post a notice in our store window, but as momma needs her recovering time, and the kiddo's are still in school we will be opening Monday through Thursday this week from 2.30-7.00 pm, so daddy can do day care, then be replaced by Elijah so I can be bike building daddy again! Friday we go back to regular schedule.
Thanks to our friend Mrs. Kari for the clandestine drop of pastries, bread and clothes this morning (great having a friend that works at Panera Bread!)
Well Mizzy is stirring again so I am off,will talk more about the plethora of bikes I'm sure to build this afternoon!
G' day!
As with so many of the good things in life they hardly ever work out the way you plan, but the results are still spectacular!!!
As our usual night progressed last Thursday we finished watching our nightly dose of Net Flix then headed off to bed around quarter till midnight. Nestling down in bed on the verge of full fledged dreamland Angela gave me a gentle nudge and matter of fact informed me "Steven, my water just broke"
Well being the seasoned pros we are there was none of the traditional hulla ba-lou you see so many times in the comedic missteps of expecting parents, rather it was a calm accumulation of all the necessary items for the birth. As we had originally planned for a home birth I quickly encased the mattress in plastic, lay out all the needed paraphernalia all the while time the contractions on Angi's handy dandy little stop watch app on her phone. As the contractions came closer and closer we put the call into the midwife that it was time. Eventually showing up at 4 am (i don't envy her her hours) the monitoring and waiting game began.
I'll stop here to express just how lucky I am to have such a strong wife. I eat a Mexican dinner and I think I have a problem passing it! WOW! 20 hour of straight labor but unfortunately to no avail. Just couldn't get the little girl to pass. As 24 hours of labor is the cut off point before a doctor becomes involved, and as she was intermittently passing out from exhaustion she decided that it was unfortunately necessary to head for the hospital. Once there, drugs installed the prognosis again changed. There was no way she was going to be able to deliver in enough time as the babies heart beat was dipping, an emergency C-section was needed.
I am not ashamed to tell you, I was scared. I tried to hide it, but even through her haze of exhaustion she saw it, and was comforting ME! As I said, I am very lucky to have this woman!
So,encased in gown hat and mask I went in to sit with her while the "major procedure" was conducted. Here again, she had to comfort me. Even though the medication they put her under was making her upper body quiver uncontrollably. Once Miranda was out there was what seemed like an excruciating eternity until we finally heard her cry.
In the end though they are both doing wonderful, thank god! And she is by far our biggest baby yet (thanks to angi quitting smoking a year and a half ago!) Weighing in at 9 pounds 2 ounces, and measuring 23 and half inches! Angi says she is every bit the spitting image of me. I just hope she outgrows it!
Thanks to all the great folks at the shop and all our families and friends for all the kind words and prayers!
Now it's time for me to head back to the hospital!
Night!!
I would have to imagine that most people lives are not only influenced by personal events and accolades but more profoundly defined by them. Try as I may though I can't think of any event (or scarce achievements) that holds more influence on me, nor defines me more succinctly then the lives of my children.
Forgive me my sentimentality as it would appear to run against the "grain" of my character, but none the less "there it is".
In the heat of all that is unfolding in our little world, with the weight of it seemingly crushing us beneath it it merely took little Izzy uttering her first sentence to me to send all those worries scrambling for cover. A simple question "you have baddo for me?" but her success made all else seem trivial.
Well for anyone keeping score, no Miranda has still NOT made her appearance, and we find our selves at the cutoff point. Tomorrow marks two weeks overdo, and we have an appointment with the doctors to determine what to do next. Suffice to say neither Momma nor I like the possible choices. I still have my hopes though that by some miracle she will go into labor tonight and all will be right in the world.
Here's hoping!
OK, on to business.
We did open today although given the absence of humanity in the plaza, probably should have stayed in bed. Did manage to put out three new rides though (pic's below) for the days to come. Sweet riding (albeit slightly worn in appearance) classic ladies Columbia, a "like new" Mongoose,and a nice little 24" ladies "Daily banger Special" so check 'em out and enjoy!
See ya soon!
"she might not look like much, but she's got it where it counts" ONLY $60.00!!
MONGOOSE XR-75
ONLY $90.00
LADIES 24" "DAILY BANGER SPECIAL!!"
ONLY $60.00!!!
Much to the chagrin of my over taxed and haggard wife, little Miss Miranda has NOT made her grand entrance as of yet! Now pushing 10 days late. But that has not necessarily been the reason for my absence here, that's due more to pushing to get goodies out, for once the blessed event occurs the boys will be running the show up here for a couple days at least as I bond with the new baby (translation: Mom sleeps and I am on baby duty because I like my man parts where they are) and they are going to need stuff to sell. And Ooo do we have some goodies! Grant you, more then half the stuff we have put out over the last four days has already sold we still have enough for the discerning veloist aficiando! The chief amongst them being a real one of a kind (well at least REAL unique around these parts! ) A VERY kind gent was doing some garage cleaning and in an wonderful gesture of kindness bestowed upon us a project that had been languishing in the dusty resides for over 5 years. A 2000 Canonndale Super V 700 sx! Mere words cannot describe this beauty. A single tube front fork, hydraulic brake, sealed bearing, 27 speed, rapid fire, air shock GEM!!! FULLY refurbed and capped off with a GORGEOUS set of Michelin's! This beauty sold in 2000 for over $1950.00!!! Check it out!
SWEET!!!! ONLY $430.00!!!
And not to rest on our laurels, we put out a few more then this!
MEN'S 26" IRON HORSE MTB
ONLY $110.00!!
ROYCE UNION MTB
ONLY $85.00!!!!
ALL CHROME MONGOOSE
ONLY $70.00!!
BEGINNER BMX
ONLY $40.00!!!
BEGINNER BMX
ONLY $40.00!!!
And have no fear! Got MANY more we will be banging on tomorrow as well. Nice men's cantilever cruiser in the rack with an old school touring bike in the strip down! So hope to see you all real soon!
And by the by! Here's a REAL cute comic strip a freind of my son's came up with. She to is a Nathan Fillion/Firefly fan. Heres one hint, if you have NO idea who he is check out an episode of Firefly, Castle and watch "Dr. Horribles Sing Along Blog" before reading the strip!
Anyone visiting the shop. on any given day will not only see the accumulation of current projects in the works, but also a number of bikes in various stages of assembly occupying dusty nooks, and grimy corners of the Dungeon. These "Specials" are the unfortunate victims of "Part's Shortage" or just the end result of getting too busy with re-pairs or easier to finish rides, and they slowly fade to the rear recesses of memory.
Until...
Along come a part or series of parts that beg to be mated with their perfect partner. Such was the case with a 66cm Raleigh frame that had been stripped and painted only to be systematically moved from the rack, to the work table, to the secondary bay until finally coming to rest in the confines of the upper shelving. For over a year. Then the other day I picked up a SWEET set of alloy, double wall 700's with sealed bearings and a rear flip hub. On top of that got a nice Origins 8 shorty straight bar. As well as a new set of alloy pedals. WELL! Stopped by the wholesaler and picked up a nice new set of black and blue street tread, and proceeded to pull the ol' Raleigh out of Purgatory and after a good clean down (not to mention paint touch up, thank Heavens I kept some of that metallic blue!) and we got us a PEACH of a ride. And oh yes, she can definitely get out of her own way! This old man took her a few times around the parking lot, each time faster and faster!!!
Woof. I'm outta' shape!
ANYWAY!
Thanks to all the usual busy Saturday repairs coming in to keep us hopping! And to the gent and his dad making the trip in from far points South to grab up the three wheeler, as it SO needed to find a good home (not to mention free up some space!) Also the couple from Bellaire who brought their grandsons bikes in to fix 'em up and ended snagging up the pair of cruisers we had just put out. Also the "tired of walking" sale of the new(ish) 24' MTB.
Again, thanks for a great day and hope to see more of you hold outs next week!
Night'!
SLICK, FAST RALEIGH SINGLE/FIXED CONVERSION ONLY $230.00!!!
HOLY CARP! Has it really been four days since the last blog? You'd think I had nothing to say. (and some of you are saying "have you EVER had anything to say?")
Nope.
Got nothing.
JUST KIDDING! No it's been a humdinger of a busy four days and I thank every and all who have made it so!! (props to Jean Luc) Way many repairs and more and more refurbs then usual too! Guess folks are starting to find out more and more that there is an alternative to expensive repair shops that tell you not to bother and try and oversell you some umpteen hundred dollar "special" sale bike!
PFAH!
Yep, have had four full re-furbs come in just today! And a real special one that tickles the cockles of my heart. Seems a very young and spry Grandmother stumbled upon her old banana seat pea picker stashed away in an attic and decided to have us rebuild it after 20 odd years in captivity for her 10 year old granddaughter. I straightforwardly informed the young lady of JUST how lucky she was to be getting such a SWEET treat, and had best take VERY good care of it! She assured me she would.
Also got a real ego booster of a compliment today. A father and son are working on a three wheeler rebuild together and have to o some modification to the rear end and hit a wall. Some one had then referred them to us stating that "if anyone can figure it out, their the ones" Thanks for the high praise!
Well on the home front, no sign of little Miss Miranda...yet. She seems to be just way to cozy where shes at. The stork was due to drop her off on the 15th, but I guess he hit a head wind and needs more time. Momma is obviously "not amused!"
SO, hurry up and wait!
On to a topic close to my heart, AS PREDICTED the Avengers hit the Billion dollar club as of Monday! It set the record for hitting the milestone faster then any other in the prestigious club!
if I may make another prediction...I think it may oust Avatar from the top spot when the dust clears!
ANYWAY!!
Have pics of four of the five built today, the real sweet Schwinn Hybrid I put together earlier today lasted only about 20 minutes, but the other four are below for you to ogle.
And have many a more goody to put out tomorrow.
So with that, I'm gonna sign off!
SCHWINN CLEAR CREEK HYBRID $95.00
MEN'S 26" MTB ONLY $75.00!!
LIKE NEW 26" CRUISER ONLY $70.00!!!
DUAL SHOCK/FRONT DISC BRAKE MONGOOSE MTB ONLY $85.00!!!
It never fails.
Around our house Mothers Day has become one associated with dramatic events. Both pro and con but always enough to take the focus of attention off "Mom".
This year was NO different! Half way into a relaxing day of just chill time (and cleaning detail for the kiddo's) the drama unfolded!
Seems Izzy is becoming quite the little Daredevil. Nothing new to Mom and I as we have had to endure it through many incantations in the bulk of the clan, but not in one so innocent as little Miss Izzy. Seems with no coaching she has mastered the art of climbing the younger boys bunk beds. Not an endeavor we support mind you! The first time she did it we did the "no-no's" and lectures to the boys to ensure she wasn't allowed alone in the room OR on the top bunk.
A lesson they apparently failed to recall when why playing in their room with all the boys present she scaled the bed once more. This time the top railing was apparently not high enough to keep her falling backwards to the hard tile floor below. Rushing in we found her lethargic and woozy so thanks to our cabbie friend Dave I had her to the ER in about 10 minutes. Thankfully there was no head trauma, nor broken or bruised bones.
You'd think after so many trips to the ER I would have grown a thicker skin but I guess it NEVER gets easy. And the old saying that kids are resilient sure applies for shortly after arriving she seemed to regain her intuitiveness...
and wanted to climb on the counter in the hospital room.
OY! It's gonna be a LONG 16 years with this one!
ANYWAY!
Managed to get a few new ones out on Saturday, and as always just what was needed! Check 'em out below! We'll be seeing you all real soon!
LADIES SPECIALIZED EXPEDITION ONLY $110.00!!
GIRLS 20" 7-SPEED ONLY $65.00!!!
ULTRA SWEET SCHWINN TOURIST COMMUTER 24 SPEED!!! ONLY $180.00!!!
Did something I haven't done since 1983 on Thursday (no, no...I didn't stop hanging out in sailor bars until the late 90's!) went to see a movie in the theatres for a second time! Yes, you guessed it, "The Avengers".
Even better then the first time! I did it for two reasons. First, I know I missed things as i had all the kiddos (save two) with me the first time and my attention was more on the feet kicking, shooshing, and squirming then the whole of the movie. Second, I missed what the Hulk said after he THOROUGHLY kicked Loki's but! So for the gent who came in last week whom had seen the movie as well and who also missed the line as the audience was in uproarious applause, he grunts the words "puny God!"
Again, doing my part for promotion, if you haven't seen it...SEE IT!
ANYWAY!
Last couple of days has been a whirlwind of creative cajoling to get out as much stock as possible, which as always just wasn't enough. Hence why I haven't bothered to post any pics as each one of the six I have built in the last two days has sold quickly, four of them while they were still on the rack! Managed to keep one for the remainder of yesterday, so it's pic is below. Have a REAL nice Schwinn Tourist in my rack now, just waiting on a rear derailleur, and it should be good to go!
Picked up several new goodies as well! Someone opened up the Kiddy bike gate and got a plethora in, as well as a few more banger candidates (always popular!) So today will be more of the same banging and building!
To all you Mothers out there...hope your children and fathers give you a good one tomorrow! 'Cause if you are as special as my Irish princess, you deserve it!
I'm out!
Ever since the presidential election of 2004 I walked away from my addiction for news and current events in complete disgust. Completely jaded by the entire election process, the American conscience and anything judicial, procedural or political I wove a cocoon of indifference around me and bade our country to endure it's self imposed demise. Needless to say I was vaguely aware that in 2008 our country elected it's first African-American president. Whether it be him or any other candidate I did not envy him the wake of destruction he would face having to clean up. So it is with the caveat, that I know very little of his attempts and endeavors save only for the fact that things went from bad to worse. Not unexpectedly so, mind you.
No it's not his political tenure I am here to discuss but a recent statement he said in reference to gay marriage. lets make one thing perfectly clear from the outset. I support gay marriage 110%.. I, my wife and my children have long since felt that homosexuality is not something for us to except, or deal with, or tolerate. It is not a "lifestyle" or a "choice" nor is it something to overcome or be dealt with or "cured" it just is. You may as well ask me to "deal' with heterosexuality or try and "cure" genetics!
If we except the existence of God, and credit him for all creation, it stands to reason through all venues of rational thought that he too created homosexuality. They were born as they are, it's not a learned behavior.
SO it is with a certain sense of outrage (one born from a loathing of political and judicial interference into the lives of us "common" folk in regards to sexuality, reproductive rights and parenting to name a few) that I question his intentions regarding this proclamation. Is it any wonder why he makes this pronouncement a scant few months before an election? What kind of amendment, or law will he endeavor to pass in TRUE support of his alleged support? Or is this merely just more political manipulation to garnish more support for his campaign? Yes some may argue that standing on that side of the line in such a heated topic may be detrimental, but then I think some fail to see the strength of that side. Both politically AND financially.
I tire of our elected officials who take a side not because they believe in it but because it's the side that will win them the most votes. Strength of convictions is not born of convenience but of integrity.
Actions Mr. President.
Not words.
Well call me irresponsible! I have forgotten to post any of the goodies we have put together these last couple days. I'd like to say it's because I've just been to busy, but nah! Just a little addle minded. Amongst the kids bikes put out (sorry, no pics of those) put up a Ross Big Boy, a ladies cruiser and a SWEET Fuji League Sports bike. So check 'em out.
On the home front Angi is still VERY pregnant with Miranda due to make her appearance any day now! So prepare for me to just drop off the face of the Earth for a few days, but no worries! The boys will have the shop covered, and I'll be popping up to bang out re-pairs. So for now I'm putting up as much stock to fit the need in preparation.
Speaking of HULK SMASH!! Well...even though he did really steal the movie, I think all the members deserve kudos for the slamming good time they are having with the box office grosses!! They have all ready FAR surpassed the record for biggest opening weekend (207.3 Mill, up against the nearest contender "Harry Potter: TDS" at only 169.mil) They also set the record for the highest grossing Saturday, also the movie to hit 200.ml the quickest, have already done 641. mil worldwide, and are on the track to hit into the billion dollar club (occupied by only 11 other films).
What does all this mean?
Well, not that I'm seeing dollar one, BUT in the eyes of all the decision makers that matter in tinsel town, Avengers is proving once and for all what every fan and maven of comics has ALL WAYS known. Panelology has always been the printed form of film. Comics were meant for the silver screen. Within the last decade they have really made strides at treating it all seriously, and the fans have stood up and shown their appreciation.
Another day coming to a close and I'd like to thank all the folks for coming in. I'd LIKE too, but it was a wee bit quiet today. Not to say we didn't have our fair share of looky loo's but as is becoming somewhat of a reoccurring problem, after yesterday we are a tad under stocked! Oh the boys have helped by getting quite a few kiddo bikes up and running (I have a tendency to focus More on the intricacies of the grown up ones (oh get him! Mr Narcissism!) so it's a blessing. As my frivolities in the theatre last night didn't have us home until 1.30 am (and I have NO clue how those kids were up at 7 am this morning....chipper!) and being so wired Elijah and I (and to her chagrin Momma as well) didn't get to bed much before 3 am. So needless to say I was suffering from draggingassitis! Didn't much get on the stick until around 1.30. Shame on me! Did manage to get out one surprising beauty though! A men's Trek 4300 Alpha MTB. I say surprising because this was one of the bikes we bought in the scrap buy last week that I had the least amount of hope for. Rusted solid components and what appeared to be a SERIOUSLY scuffed up body held little chance. Or so i thought! After stripping it down i took a swipe at the frame with a coarse Clorox wipe and low and behold about 98% of the marks came off!!!!
TALLY HO!!
With the aid of a recently stripped down bike with some real sweet shape components she was rebuilt, we had the technology! And MAN does she ride sweet! 21 speed, Shimano equipped and "shiny"!
Before I head out,
AS PREDICTED! Avengers grossed 80.5 mil opening night, and is on track to shatter the all time record for highest grossing opening weekend of all time! Blowing away Twilight and Harry Potter!
Oh I am SO loving this!
Have a great night folks!
OH NO! the whole project is helmed by the sheer genius of the godlike Fanboy of Fandom, Joss Whedon!
Mind you, I'm just back from the intense emotional experience of this truly phenomenal film going catharsis so I am formulating my impressions into cohesive form as I type, forgive me if it sounds convoluted.
It fills my heart with a tremendous amount of joy and no small sense of vindication for my many years of feeling obligated to repress my fanboy tendencies, keeping my love for the art form hidden from the "Norms" of society. For now the norms sit shoulder to shoulder with me, packed tightly into the lush confines of the newly opened and supremely comfortable Cobb Theatre in Clearwater, reveling in the sheer excitement of this treasured secret they have long denied themselves!
To say Avengers is amazing is a slight. The word does not even represent 1/1000th of it's impact!!
On many points. To be able to create an ensemble cast of not only big name stars but big name heroes that do not jostle for prime exposer but rather coalesce before your eyes into a fully functioning "team" not only in word but in spirit is truly masterful. And the blessed moments of premium Whedonism (for those not up on the vernacular a Whedonism is a specific thoughtful sense of sarcastic wit imparted by Joss) a prime outlet being that of the narcissistic Tony Stark (AKA. Robert Downey Jr.) The inclusion of the tried and true tradition of the Heroes fighting when they first meet prior to realizing they are fighting on the same side was a welcome (albeit expected) treat! All inclusive with hilarity of Marvel-ish banter!
It has been 30 plus year that I have been waiting for Comicdom to produce a truly "Comic Book" movie and in the last decade most from Blade to Dark Knight have come so very very close (until tonight The Dark Knight lead the pack) but it took a true Fanboy director with a keen talent and a love for the medium to do it right, and in every way from first panel to last (and PLEASE stay tuned after the credits for the traditional Marvel Sequel Set-up for the ultimate SHOCK! And if your like all the rest of the moviegoers I had to educate tonight on "Who Was That?" google "The Infinity Gauntlet" and check out the stats on the lead baddie... and that'll give you the breadth and scope of Avengers 2 (due out in '14-'15)) he delivered. This was dripping with so many classic stances, panel angles, action sequences, nuances, one liners, in jokes, character quirks and chemistry that I will have to watch again and again to truly absorb but it will be SO worth it! I could gush and rave, coo and squeal about just how far the bar has been raised this opening weekend but suffice to say if this film is not the top grossing film of all time by the end of opening weekend...I will sit through a back to back Twilight marathon with my lovely wife!
So please, help me out and see it twice!
Last night while perusing Netflix for new shows to become obsessed with I stumbled on a real keeper. Seems BBC did an updated version of Sherlock Holmes called Sherlock. Taking place in modern day England yet retaining much of the original Conan Doyle's canon. Yes I know some snub their noses against modern day revivals of historical classics but hey, Dicaprio did it for Shakespear's Romeo and Juliet!
OK, bad example.
But anyway, they are produced in 3 installments of episodes 1 and a half hours long, and the acting is BRILLIANT with a rapid fire, quick pace (not as much as Robert Downeys version, though) but you are, through creative direction, editing and CGI drawn into the thought process of the intrepid deducer!
Well as fate would have it I was hooked! I delved into the back ground of the lead actor Benedict Cumberbatch and low and behold I was not the only one to recognize his brilliance! Seems he has been cast in the 2013 Sequel to Star Trek as none other then....
You guessed it...
KAHN!!!!
( I wonder if Chris Pine will actually utter that fan favorite primeval cry!)
Needless to say it is HIGH on my to-do list!
ANYWAY!
Twas a relatively quiet day, and as the summer heat is beginning to infringe on the comfort of the Dungeon (no AC of any credible strength in there) were working a little slow come the height of the afternoon.
We must adjust.
Managed to get one out, an old school Schwinn MTB hard tail with some pretty decent Shimano components, and a lightweight frame! So check her out below.
All right, I'm off to enjoy another episode of Sherlock! You all have a great night!
Sometimes going to work affords you the opportunity to make a difference.
Granted we are not Doctors saving lives, or soldiers protecting our population, or Joss Whedon...well just being Joss! BUT in small ways we are allowed whenever possible to do good! Today I got another opportunity to do my T.J. Hooker bit!
a little over three weeks ago a young man stopped in to report the unfortunate theft of his wife's sweet looking Specialized Hardrock. Taken from the confines of their open garage they were understandably perturbed. Anyone in our area knows if you have a bike stolen report it to the police then report it to us. Well today it turned up at the shop, a young man attempted to "trade it in" but as it was distinguishable and in our little black book, we were able to secure it's return. Inform them you are aware it's stolen they quickly admit to the fact that "some dude sold it to me!" and quickly leave.
So Chris and his bride now have it back safe and secure in their (I'm sure) locked garage!
YAY!
On to business.
Managed to put out two new goodies, a killah Workman 3-wheeler and a SWEET old school Schwinn road bike (54cm). Also have another Schwinn MTB in my rack almost there for tomorrow!
SO without further ado, I have an evening of vegetation in store.
OH, and for those keeping track of this moment 47 hours 56 minutes and 22 seconds to "The AVENGERS"
I am in Fanboy ecstasy!
Managed to put out two yesterday amongst the re-pairs. And we thank you all so much for that! I'm really getting quite a rush from all the new folks discovering us via recommendations from friends and acquaintances. It's a great feeling knowing what we do is being recognized and appreciated. And yes to quote a recent visitor "it's high time SOMEONE did it!"
We put out a nice ladies 7 speed comfort cruiser and a fully refurbed men's Fuji road bike. However as is most always the case, the Fuji didn't last more then an hour. Two gents recently located from Gainsville came in and snagged it up. They have spent the last week visiting the majority of other shops in town and in their words had a culture shock! Apparently up in their neck of the woods there are five or so shops similarly doing what we do, but upon arriving here when visiting the other "boutique" shops, when the told the salesman they were looking for refurrbed or used bikes the reaction was a mixture of dismissal or out and out rudeness. Bike snobbery at it's finest.
We thank them for finding us and only wish they could have been spared the inequity of dealing with anything else but TRUE customer service!
Well, I need to get my day started early, so ya'll have a great day and we'll see you soon!
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