Nothing.

Now that we have that matter handled, let's move onto other sorts.

Regardless of the fact that swap meets tend to be a summer type of activity, in these parts, we have a winter swap coming up this weekend in San Francisco's Dolores Park;

Assuming the entire Bay Area hasn't been washed away by the current deluge, it should stand to be a good time, and if I play my cards right, I will be there with a broad selection of goods in tow as well.

Following a day of beer drinking and two wheeled deals, it would only be right to take in a rock show, and it just so happens that our friends from The Worship of Silence will be engaging in just such an activity;

Should you find yourself in interested in attending said musical performance, be sure to remember a set of ear plugs. The first time I ever them there was a girl nearby, covering her ears and cowering.
It's like standing next to a plane taking off, but with drums.

Or maybe she just didn't like the music.

From Reggie I recently go this email that I would like to share with you now;

"Hey Stevil,

Cheers,
Reggie"

The subject line of the email said "this video seems perfect for you".

I don't know whether to take that as a complement, or the most profound kind of insult, but either way, he was right.

Then in regards to notable dates, from down unda' comes this email sent in from Aussie Mudrat;

"G'day Stevil,

with your newly cleaned inbox this may just reach you in time to celebrate in the appropriate fashion. 25 January, not only being the day before Australia Day, is also the 75th Anniversary of canned beer going on sale in the world (in the US no less).

I'm sure you know how this information must be treated. - Can in hand, lamb on BBQ.

Cheers

Aussie Mudrat"

In a perfect world it would be shared with those cats in the video, smashing things and chopping bananas, but as it stands, I might just have to make due without.
Rest assured, I will come up with some way to properly recognize this very important day.

From time to time I find myself in the very privileged position to be let in on the first wave of industry news and information. Make no mistake, I don't take this privilege lightly, and when I can, do my best make it digestible for consumption.
Case in point is this email I received to the office of El Capitan Sporty Pirate ;

"I quit."

Truly, within the realm of planned obsolescence that is the bicycle industry it's almost refreshing that someone has had the foresight to just take the planning out of the equation and go straight for the obsolescence. The farther that our realm of bicycles and bicycle design spreads to the masses, the more regularly we'll see applications of pure delight such as this. I for one welcome all comers to bestow such visions of inspiration on our ilk, as you never know when you're going to need something with which to build a fire.

And as far as the brake lever goes, you could always nail it to a wall and hang some wet towels from it.

There is good news on the bicycle racing front as well that I was clued into by Nick ;

"Steve,
Unsure if you monitor USC, however -

'CYCLO-CROSS
Beginning with the 2010/2011 Cyclo-cross season, all riders lapped in an event will receive a final placing, regardless of when they were lapped.
Another new cyclo-cross-related regulation now specifies that feeding is not permitted in USA Cycling-sanctioned cyclo-cross races unless specifically authorized by a chief referee.'

They are trying to stop all beer hand ups!! Can't blame em. CX is a very serious sport.

-Nick"

Well, as the old adage goes, when beer handups are outlawed, only outlaws will take beer handups."

(Photo taken from Recycled Cycles Racing and used without permission... Also soon to be a disqualifiable offense.)

I look forward to receiving, as well as providing a good number of disqualifications in the coming season.

I'm ok with THE MAN tightening these particular thumb screws, though the next thing USA Cycling will tell us is that there is a ban on ruining the race for everybody, and that my friends, is something that I refuse to stand by and allow to happen.

From Ghostship Matt , I got this reminder;

"This girl really likes Pig destroyer."

Indeed she does, and god bless her for it.

Interestingly, or perhaps not, the rain is coming down so hard right now that I am actually afraid for my life, and that of the wiring in my house, so it is with this note that I am going to pull the plug on today's installment.

Here is to Wednesdays, faulty wiring, and avoiding power surges that wipe out your entire hard drive.

Happy Hump Day. Get to humping.