tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189740102024-03-18T09:22:45.321-07:00 WRITE ENOUGH!Welcome to <b>WRITE ENOUGH!</b>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.comBlogger2307125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-29932947352120796812024-03-18T02:30:00.000-07:002024-03-18T09:22:13.741-07:00Pooky Park Puppets Pursue<div style="text-align: center;">This creepy, funny 1950s theme park parody has been around since January, but it's an interesting sample of what can be done using AI. Here are the ingredients used by <a href="https://geektyrant.com/news/nightmarish-ai-generated-commercial-for-a-1950s-theme-park-where-giant-puppets-chase-people " target="_blank">Meme Dream Machine</a>:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Script: ChatGPT</div><div style="text-align: center;">Photos: Midjourney</div><div style="text-align: center;">Video: PikaLabs, Runway </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"></span></span><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ryNtckMT49M?si=vbX8cG0aaBHduk2i" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryNtckMT49M" target="_blank">Meme Dream Machine</a><br /></p>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-48083669327456430532024-03-15T03:00:00.000-07:002024-03-15T09:42:28.788-07:00Escape from New York Listed as Documentary<div style="text-align: center;">Strange are the ways of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Watch and learn.</div><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p6qFHxlkWiw?si=aP-z_bFVqLdQBKDp" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6qFHxlkWiw&list=PLqsFXsEZbwKHJhFtHvGLIBFPTn54XGz18&index=5" target="_blank">Jest Videos</a><br /></p>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-56053251935983073902024-03-13T10:00:00.000-07:002024-03-13T15:52:01.050-07:00Dien Bien Phu 70th Anniversary<p><i> (A repost from 2006, noting the battle which marked the start of America's journey into the Vietnam War.)</i><br /></p><p>
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/263/1869/1600/lpvietnam.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/263/1869/400/lpvietnam.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
Today marks the 52nd anniversary of the Viet Minh attack on the French garrison at Dienbienphu — a remote valley in northern Vietnam near the border with Laos. The Viet Minh were an umbrella group of Vietnamese nationalists under the leadership of communist Ho Chi Minh. They had been fighting the colonial French, and other Vietnamese nationalist groups, since 1946.<br />
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The French viewed their position in a flat valley surrounded by hills as an offensive base. From there they would venture out and cut the Viet Minh supply lines, preempting an attack on Laos. As a result of this outlook, the garrison never out-posted the hills. They'd be attacking and, besides, it was impossible for the Vietnamese to haul any significant artillery up there. <br />
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Unaware of French opinion, the Vietnameses went ahead and hauled heavy artillery up onto the hills along with daunting amounts of anti-aircraft guns. On March 13, they let loose a barrage, followed by a human wave attack that engulfed a French strong point manned by crack Foreign Legionnaires. The fight was on.<br />
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For the next several months, while peace talks droned on in Geneva, the Vietnamese strangled the French. All French supplies had to come by parachute. The planes—many flown by American contract pilots— braved intense flak dropping their cargo. As the garrison was compressed, the drop zone grew smaller. Food and ammunition ran short. Meanwhile, generous supplies from nearby communist China—including American ordinance captured in Korea— enabled the Viet Minh to bombard their opponents at will.<br />
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Despite horrendous casualties, the Viet Minh seized one French strongpoint after another. Finally, on May 7, 1954, it ended. The French surrendered. Over 10,000 men marched into captivity, many of whom died in Viet Minh prison camps. French colonial rule in Vietnam and Laos ended. In 1955, Vietnam was partitioned into a communist north and a non-communist south along the 17th parallel. <br />
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Now back to running and writing stuff.</p><p> </p>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-39833846664128879972024-03-11T03:00:00.000-07:002024-03-11T13:14:12.759-07:00Shingle Shot Reaction and More<p>Stopped by the pharmacy last Thursday, received my injection and a warning about possible side effects. My arm ached pretty bad, but nothing life-hampering. But Friday I was tagged with a sharp headache, flu-like symptoms and fatigue. Most of the day was spent rising to go pee, then returning to bed for more restless sleep. Saturday, though better, still found me a bit down.<br /></p><p>Today, I'm just fine. But losing another two running days pushed me over a ledge. Despite <a href="https://writeenough.blogspot.com/2024/03/maudlin-marathon-update.html" target="_blank">my glittering optimism</a> from a week ago, I'm passing on the LA Marathon.</p><p>The "quitting stench" is absent this time. Too little distance running the last five weeks left me feeling that I'd be trashing my bodyfor another medal. I 'm fat with running medals, but not years left in which to run.<br /></p><p>A load was lifted when I withdrew. I've been training since September for the <a href="https://writeenough.blogspot.com/2024/01/pasadena-half-marathon-2024-race-report.html" target="_blank">Pasadena Half</a>, then jumped into training for the full. I over-trained for the half and under-trained for the full. Now I've got a little time to rest and plan my new marathon move. (Sub-five, is what I'm thinking.)</p><p>So that's that. I learned a lot this go around and I'm looking forward to easing back into running once again, grateful I still can</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cb5oakmDRrLsBsWjgPjUr2Ym10cQlk3trxjSVEV_Ea4IvfulNUflaeptXbcl6m2fgIY8MF4ERe_Y1RrurA5rMbbqUC8akHg6v_oxC933ChvONKYcnuncgJhDbGdxGWpsdJPfz9HwbH8XT97ObeRyKuJk44EtixihDSQghkw5KDTd4uDk8mUh6Q/s500/No%20Finish.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cb5oakmDRrLsBsWjgPjUr2Ym10cQlk3trxjSVEV_Ea4IvfulNUflaeptXbcl6m2fgIY8MF4ERe_Y1RrurA5rMbbqUC8akHg6v_oxC933ChvONKYcnuncgJhDbGdxGWpsdJPfz9HwbH8XT97ObeRyKuJk44EtixihDSQghkw5KDTd4uDk8mUh6Q/s320/No%20Finish.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_lo4RwiMbthjyAhPnz8qHf-zIok8YXvP489TwUTrMBzoBYfiFmVj3-sLkEkyYY260rqC9oFmabE6uNuvbhxw3YTHmSWcZclwsMEmsoW-2GgNdqVOvFd6MosJIHMHI_J5PKCpmO9_qAfJG-A2sQpDznr-bSX5krcT__nCI2p48f7YSAJKEIgedQ/s225/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-74644176330962162312024-03-08T03:00:00.000-08:002024-03-08T08:23:53.509-08:00Blacks at Higher Risk for Prostate Cancer<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoXMFWcdNFN1jUuqomN0fkOfDl6zAf8NOEwmlpDGN9-zqFT91TvdtZrIr33rn90pnXxH95DAhwCYqoicQgbdd-Tu-0Dswc1EOITqRCrXxsyrHviN0FirgfaoKk7WjWvPCIbnK5QfGeb6pB8L9OB9q_jZtfuKMeZcI7za4uwlr5sN74mz9ShJFwg/s660/Puzzled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="660" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoXMFWcdNFN1jUuqomN0fkOfDl6zAf8NOEwmlpDGN9-zqFT91TvdtZrIr33rn90pnXxH95DAhwCYqoicQgbdd-Tu-0Dswc1EOITqRCrXxsyrHviN0FirgfaoKk7WjWvPCIbnK5QfGeb6pB8L9OB9q_jZtfuKMeZcI7za4uwlr5sN74mz9ShJFwg/s320/Puzzled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Find out the how and why on this episode of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8rGXfL1VtA" target="_blank">Prostate Cancer: Real Talk</a>. Hosts El and Shay probe the reasons behind increased rates among Afro-American men and what can be done. As a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077ZM4VMD?tag=books2read02-20" target="_blank">prostate cancer survivor myself</a>, I always learn something of interest on this podcast.<br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N8rGXfL1VtA?si=hmADhqODlTlnY3wx" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8rGXfL1VtA" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Prostate Cancer: Real Talk</span></a><br /></p>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-62782298773260609672024-03-06T03:30:00.000-08:002024-03-06T09:08:05.511-08:00What Does Cuteness Attract?<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">Often, it draws the uncute. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rzQLwxNwd1I?si=xFU_EjY2-H5YY9ip" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rzQLwxNwd1I?si=xFU_EjY2-H5YY9ip" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>" target="_blank">Jest Videos</a><br /></p>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-19139816691540538642024-03-04T02:00:00.000-08:002024-03-04T09:24:00.758-08:00Maudlin Marathon Update<p> </p><p> <a href="https://writeenough.blogspot.com/2024/03/maudlin-marathon-musings.html" target="_blank">Last week</a>, I bemoaned the obstacles placed between myself and marathon training. Well, the most difficult is past. Now all that remains to be seen is whether I waited too long, ran too far, in too long a time and tired out my legs.</p><p>Friday, I completed 17.5 miles. That is the farthest I'll venture in training. With the race less than two weeks off, I'm now in my taper phase, lowering long run and weekly mileage and preparing mentally for 26.2. The temperature was cool and windy, perfect for a 10k. Unfortunately, I ran several hours and was chilled to the bone. Possibly, I'll face these conditions again on race day. <br /></p><p>And while my finishing time may not glitter, I overcame one of the worst cases of the quits in 46 years. That's when I under-trained for the Chicago Marathon, then blew it off. And while I eventually<a href="https://writeenough.blogspot.com/2007/10/sweat-home-chicago.html" target="_blank"> ran Chicago</a>, the stench of quitting lingered long after the event. </p><p>So I made myself run on Friday. Having done so, there's no reason not to complete the LA Marathon. Damn the street sweepters! <br /></p><p>More soon. 👈<br /></p>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-78436743681056194842024-03-01T03:30:00.000-08:002024-03-01T09:59:49.833-08:00Maudlin Marathon Musings<h3 style="text-align: center;">Illness Takes Its Toll </h3><div style="text-align: left;">Ten days of coughing and a slight fever hacked into my training. I ran yesterday and found myself considerably slower than before Father Sickness gripped me in his long mucousy fingers. Only 18 days remain before the marathon and I've yet to complete my longest run. I should be tapering now and not attempting to squeeze in 16 miles this week, then 12 next week, then into race week. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I believe I'll attempt the 16 and see how much time it takes. There's a middle ground between a leisurely pace and huffing and puffing to avoid the street sweepers. I'll see what the very near future holds.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfS6NjoOe6H3s5Gioth2dvC0WFLbNRyqy8MfaeRN-PCpCjdeuZxXwoAvv2-yIIiFFPPZnmnqRB_TXs0zJU11ED-d81cLEbi3wIaWtqbuEtTzYqn0x2iyxl3mX_wOCHpKEjk-AXrwujtka4ibQ1m5DxEQRwmixfs8ll46nZUrd01I0Vtwgb_0CLaA/s569/street-sweeper.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="569" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfS6NjoOe6H3s5Gioth2dvC0WFLbNRyqy8MfaeRN-PCpCjdeuZxXwoAvv2-yIIiFFPPZnmnqRB_TXs0zJU11ED-d81cLEbi3wIaWtqbuEtTzYqn0x2iyxl3mX_wOCHpKEjk-AXrwujtka4ibQ1m5DxEQRwmixfs8ll46nZUrd01I0Vtwgb_0CLaA/s320/street-sweeper.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rubicon.com"><span style="font-size: x-small;">rubicon.com</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-24833928501956771982024-02-28T03:00:00.000-08:002024-02-28T03:00:00.142-08:00The Saga of Paul Rugg<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">Once he was here, now he is there, traveling from sea to shining sea. Gone from the Once-Golden State to a peninsula with water on three sides (as peninsula's are known for). And yet, there is a quiet pride in Paul's decampment. Watch and learn more.<br /></p><p>
</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VISby4W7_88?si=msQxvk5zxZYObe0G" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><span> <span> <br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VISby4W7_88" target="_blank">Paul Rugg's Froynlaven </a> </span></span></p>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-89644530614721158702024-02-26T03:00:00.000-08:002024-02-26T09:35:27.811-08:00English Ditched from CA Ballot<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3XfN50jshns?si=_aVtuMtqMCREh5Td" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XfN50jshns&list=PLqsFXsEZbwKHJhFtHvGLIBFPTn54XGz18&index=4" target="_blank">Jest Videos</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Strange doings take place in a decaying state.<br /></div>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-50038347176238826772024-02-23T04:30:00.000-08:002024-02-23T08:29:20.061-08:00Screenwriter Talks on Orwellian DEIA Rules<h2 style="text-align: center;">Yes, DEI with an A added.</h2><div style="text-align: center;">YouTube Channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmE-FtkTPcQ" target="_blank">Film Threat </a>invites on a working Hollywood writer to explain the death of quality now inbound with Amazon Prime's new extensive mandates for script Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and ACCESSIBILITY. (<a href="https://www.societyfordiversity.org/what-is-diversity-equity-inclusion-dei" target="_blank">The Society for Diversity</a> provides pithy definitions.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A small spoiler:</b> I think the hosts and writer miss the point. They keep pointing out how none of the Inhuman Resource mandarins enforcing the rules have any Hollywood experience. That's a feature, not a bug, with DEIA. Since the point is perpetual friction between squabbling child-like victim groups with government as Daddy, then the less experience you have in a trade, the better. You won't be sidetracked by any lingering memories of craft or excellence. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I do agree there will be a boom in the indie film market. Stories that appeal to the human condition, and not boilerplate Maoist shit screeds, will triumph in the end. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Check it out.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hmE-FtkTPcQ?si=SgY9b38JZk9AIFfP" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmE-FtkTPcQ" target="_blank">Film Threa </a></p>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-20437860557130395312024-02-21T03:00:00.000-08:002024-02-21T08:26:06.794-08:00My Writing Schedule. v2<h2 style="text-align: center;"> What now, big talker?<br /></h2><p>Eleven years ago, I was working <a href=" https://writeenough.blogspot.com/2013/05/what-writing-has-been-like-lately.html" target="_blank">this hard</a> to build an ebook empire. So where is it? Still in boxes and boxes of first drafts, waiting for the author to stop screwing around and finish.</p><p>A few points: I didn't break each project into small enough pieces, so that completing it in bite-sized chunks wouldn't feel so daunting. </p><p>Also, I failed to periodically assess my progress. Too much time on outlines? Not enough? Why did I allow procrastination to torpedo such excellent headway?</p><p>A finished first draft is an accomplishment, but only an initial step in the final product. I took the easy path of parking the draft "just for a bit" and starting on new projects, then "allowing them to simmer."</p><p>When it comes to writing, I excel at conning myself to avoid the hard work of pressing on. <br /></p><p>I'll do it again if I'm not careful. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplJ7Y_DlD8LlaAacQ_ZZsZq0aRVxtIFdyWsD0fhstlMvXe4ICflNKn0pEcNdiTuS2w92895ojvscObrvjQmp4JlLE4FYNr3yGlcMdWi36G_SJ1jQxZCbHUOHnki9wkktvyDd3ceNZkcrttbJWI62tusIj3gH1TTgoQSbRTqO_jvIl-stIgZAo3Q/s2560/AdobeStock_255040780-scaled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplJ7Y_DlD8LlaAacQ_ZZsZq0aRVxtIFdyWsD0fhstlMvXe4ICflNKn0pEcNdiTuS2w92895ojvscObrvjQmp4JlLE4FYNr3yGlcMdWi36G_SJ1jQxZCbHUOHnki9wkktvyDd3ceNZkcrttbJWI62tusIj3gH1TTgoQSbRTqO_jvIl-stIgZAo3Q/s320/AdobeStock_255040780-scaled.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cbtpsychology.com/productivity-procrastination/ " target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">CBT Psychology</span></a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-4409967194408282362024-02-19T02:30:00.000-08:002024-02-19T09:39:46.005-08:00Disney and Mossad Interrogate Hamas<h2 style="text-align: center;"> War Forges Strange Partnerships<br /></h2><p style="text-align: center;">If the Mouse is determined to make woke flops, then someone, somewhere will spot a hidden advantage in such films. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZJD9-H0Vcps?si=KNoH6HAlNI5QchrH" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJD9-H0Vcps&list=PLqsFXsEZbwKHJhFtHvGLIBFPTn54XGz18&index=3 " target="_blank"> Jest Videos</a></p>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-31913987634929181692024-02-16T03:30:00.000-08:002024-02-16T09:47:23.079-08:00Plump Info-Rich Author Blog <h2 style="text-align: center;"> Publishing . . . and Other Forms of Insanity</h2><p>Since I'm hot this week on <a href="https://writeenough.blogspot.com/2024/02/joining-rebel-alliance.html" target="_blank">author stuff</a>, here's<a href="https://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> a great trove of writerly information</a>. Erica Verillo's super blog answers the questions on most author's minds: whose buying and how much do they pay per word? That said, there are links for agents looking for writers, literary contests, resources and more. And Erica updates this every month. Every month! I'm lucky to post twice a week.</p><p>Swing by Publishing . . and Other Forms of Insanity and sup from a bottomless cup of gratis info for authors, poets, and those eager to join their ranks. You could do worse, so don't. </p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="474" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVLKpsnBajKzJ6MV59dePnrebbXYc5_jQWvXx_AJkT082QSLUrOjQXa6x46ugNXJ71EkawC_0iM-W8qPAvyAkuanwMc16EiaxOSSRpskWO-U_ZocRFl7MNq8EuauwbEdEUiAXQvjwOXmaz_N4D3vyOXToxUaYDiVINImwJt-NFe4J5JEyt9V4Mw/w400-h194/th.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://medium.com/@Reedsy/30-inspiring-writing-quotes-from-famous-authors-ca601bfa5915" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Reedsy</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-66581737857801136372024-02-14T04:00:00.000-08:002024-02-14T07:48:38.751-08:00Ash Wednesday Meets Valentine's Day<h2 style="text-align: center;"> Curious</h2><div style="text-align: left;">Perhaps, but it's a trick of the calendar and not by design that the penitential season of the Catholic Church and the day devoted to things romantic align. How might a fellow like me cope? Perhaps I'll present my beloved a box of candy with an ash cross over the See's logo. If it doesn't work out, I'll be fine as these two days won't merge again in my lifetime. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="474" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxj3KWnrWNs7pr9LE4ZV6yGPprhYqKe-rVvSr34hyphenhyphennwZBbNYmtZ2SuZdmaaKHYRKlQj-Btuco6P0fX3ws9ObvmRyVgUV2OXsyruLFT1idcEyNJ7XrO7IcLzCs78twGM22YC18dTaAgsWM0eTAxLFc2SgGCwjQ8u-BNfNWNN2nDGgfK4XYZQYsxw/w198-h200/th-1.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="198" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://clipartbest.com"><span style="font-size: x-small;">clipartbest.com</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxj3KWnrWNs7pr9LE4ZV6yGPprhYqKe-rVvSr34hyphenhyphennwZBbNYmtZ2SuZdmaaKHYRKlQj-Btuco6P0fX3ws9ObvmRyVgUV2OXsyruLFT1idcEyNJ7XrO7IcLzCs78twGM22YC18dTaAgsWM0eTAxLFc2SgGCwjQ8u-BNfNWNN2nDGgfK4XYZQYsxw/s478/th-1.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em;"> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="474" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyy43hrl2G99ExdyOpjuZS0CndKsHeOFNKdzAKW-sD817yIW_X7sxnH6tpPtkZmXXycHpzPdm_tZIrfQbx0KE4sADKn8xxlqEUs8TWs2OE7ke2g5w9aRoWAjyHpWP7ZG_dgIXa_Jz0WwLk0OTDMQklhJusZdveWKEhkdQe8aLXSmFR6XANyUg9FA/w200-h133/th-2.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://demcyapdiandias.blogspot.com/2014/12/sees-candy-chocolate-sweet-treats-for.html " target="_blank"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Life's Perceptions and Inspirations</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-68671972519027607742024-02-12T03:00:00.000-08:002024-02-12T10:15:23.793-08:00Joining the Rebel Alliance<h2 style="text-align: center;">The Force is Strongish With This One <br /></h2><p>The only force here is the force of knowledge. Having allowed my membership to lapse, I've just rejoined the <a href="https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/" target="_blank">Alliance for Independent Authors</a>. If you're self-publishing—like me when I stop surfing crime videos—starting out as a poet or author, or a seasoned pro looking for a little love, then the Alliance can help. Free info on writing, marketing, agents and contracts. </p><p>I receive nary a cent for my advocacy, but I wish I did.</p><p>There are different levels of membership. Give it a look. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqKAlqGniDl900mqsuQxMIOYux9yVksWbAOM5HYQ6LpbTb7EDd_RMCurvF2W_UoMZM9LE0WKgDpIT3q8kYxS6nqxwrSvTMLUd3bMcJf1VuUXMVsuoYpUJLVGD2Qo5MMheqD6YKGwRxwcaB7WZacsCbjAwTxzuTMovtHvd-ukP3JTl2uy_QhdtBQ/s185/author-badge-109x185.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="109" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqKAlqGniDl900mqsuQxMIOYux9yVksWbAOM5HYQ6LpbTb7EDd_RMCurvF2W_UoMZM9LE0WKgDpIT3q8kYxS6nqxwrSvTMLUd3bMcJf1VuUXMVsuoYpUJLVGD2Qo5MMheqD6YKGwRxwcaB7WZacsCbjAwTxzuTMovtHvd-ukP3JTl2uy_QhdtBQ/s1600/author-badge-109x185.png" width="109" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-7929457097479168922024-02-05T04:00:00.000-08:002024-02-08T16:50:51.076-08:00'Male and Pale is Stale' Leads to 'Flop Busters'<div><div><p> </p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Dream Factory Now a Nightmare for Some <br /></h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjCKLhZCOoTCMI4UBpTccGJHI52T4syeSmdfxBm1EFnLR6KqtppeLvkOBd3pEIuks243lNgOOu5TBpMNX7yW_Q9P1kcTzIJwoJoy-nkEQhyphenhyphenjCs45o65yp7PS-OL8whYUIG9D5QqBW94j1koLuWCtu8HTUyXEFglvNYjxVxd9piu69ixBD1ljFXg/s1734/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-04%20at%201.55.55%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1734" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjCKLhZCOoTCMI4UBpTccGJHI52T4syeSmdfxBm1EFnLR6KqtppeLvkOBd3pEIuks243lNgOOu5TBpMNX7yW_Q9P1kcTzIJwoJoy-nkEQhyphenhyphenjCs45o65yp7PS-OL8whYUIG9D5QqBW94j1koLuWCtu8HTUyXEFglvNYjxVxd9piu69ixBD1ljFXg/w400-h191/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-04%20at%201.55.55%20PM.png" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">h/t: <a href="https://ace.mu.nu/" target="_blank">Ace of Spades HQ</a> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An anonymous member of the Writers Guild of America has posted an open letter to the guild pointing out the hazards of <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-diversity-equity-and-inclusion" target="_blank">DEI</a>. (A more nuanced defintion<a href="https://wyclif.substack.com/p/thought-bubble-why-dei-is-bad-even " target="_blank"> here.</a>) Said writer posted the letter to a movie critic site called <i><a href=" https://filmthreat.com/news/male-and-pale-is-stale-responses-to-an-open-letter-to-the-wga/" target="_blank">Film Threat</a></i> instead of the entertainment industry press. <br /></div><p></p><p>The letter speaks of a climate of fear smothering Hollywood as the top-down push for DEI is resulting in discrimination against white males and the hiring of writers for no other reason than the color of their skin or sexual preferences. This leads to the production of expensive 'flop busters' such as <i>The Marvels</i> or the latest Indiana Jones.</p><p>Sadly, animation—<i>South Park </i>excepted—was gobbled up by DEI years ago.<br /></p><p>There's more in the open letter. Also, if you must watch video, check out YouTube Channel <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVAOuUs-WKk&list=WL&index=2 " target="_blank">Film Threat'</a></i>s take on the subject. </p><p>The clash between enforced DEI and productivity is being waged across many industries. Now Hollywood must choose between the illusion of fairness and product quality, in addition to appeasing the Chinese.</p><p><i>South Park</i> best summed up the effects of DEI on creativity: <br /></p></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Language Warning)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9vJDcCcANnU?si=1_5pDSx_Qs5VcM-D" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vJDcCcANnU" target="_blank">Joke Lol</a><br /></div>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-18294688339024841462024-02-04T11:47:00.000-08:002024-02-04T14:07:53.923-08:00Congrats to the U.S. Olympic Marathon Team<p> </p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Screwy Qualifying System Leaves Men's Third in Doubt <br /></h2><p>Yesterday, Olympic hopefuls crowded the start line in Orlando, Fla. for a shot at being one of six American runners representing the nation at this summer's games in Paris. <a href="https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/39451404/fiona-okeeffe-sets-women-us-olympic-marathon-trials-mark" target="_blank">And the winners are:</a></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Men</h3><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Connor Mantz - 2:09:05</li><li>Clayton Young - 2:09:06</li><li>Leonard Korir - 2:09:57</li></ul></div><p>Imagine you apply for a job, go through a tough selection process, then get told: "You're hired. Welcome aboard, unless we find someone better." </p><p>Such is the case with Leonard Korir. Mantz and Young already ran automatic qualifying times under the magic number 2:08:10, begging the question of why bother with marathon trials if somebody somewhere else who didn't compete against the same field can just wander in with the correct time and snap up your spot. (Granted, you won't find many 2:08 marathoners wandering around the 50 states, but it's the principle of the thing.)</p><p style="text-align: center;">Leonard Korir hoping no 2:08's show up. <br /></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKR1uFbGfPWFja-PZ-4k3l4rwpSw50AqlvURZjpI3MhDpsECRVtkoqxG1kpJUAPHRbOMAcrtNRmcxbr3IDEs88zqI8iqNLpfHKINk8W3IxNndL8TJDog7HhnlQZNeNbkZb8GEtB9s8CKZo3ObN5OrEvwbY-pxk24R1Kyfkjl2yu8tJzjj7qRxh_Q/s700/646767_full.webp"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="700" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKR1uFbGfPWFja-PZ-4k3l4rwpSw50AqlvURZjpI3MhDpsECRVtkoqxG1kpJUAPHRbOMAcrtNRmcxbr3IDEs88zqI8iqNLpfHKINk8W3IxNndL8TJDog7HhnlQZNeNbkZb8GEtB9s8CKZo3ObN5OrEvwbY-pxk24R1Kyfkjl2yu8tJzjj7qRxh_Q/s320/646767_full.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.runnerspace.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=44531&do=news&news_id=588230" target="_blank">Dyestat</a></span><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;">O'Keeffe Breaks U.S. Women's Record</h2><h3 style="text-align: center;">Women</h3><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;">Fiona O'Keeffe - 2:22:10</li><li style="text-align: left;">Emily Sisson - 2:22:47</li><li style="text-align: left;">Dakotah Lindwurm - 2:25:31</li></ul><p>In the corny simplistic women's race where the first three finishers go to Paris, O'Keeffe rocked the house in her marathon debut. A debut, an Olympic qualifying record, and summer in Paris.</p><p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpr-cq76BfFn4p6vs65Rj8iBRe1ZINICe1qnvxZzQbzWXjzsPdSg_-EK3QRSx0_svleLlPzzPBRmg-RpIhlK2vHazHIvcaH7bngefyfl8o8Z1FucvgIY_mEl7a2u2xjbOqmBq4asaVQCcqKKz8v5__kbcbHKcMb2rz9jDNg-EDgcCs_0-Yq0JUg/s540/img_1871-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="540" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpr-cq76BfFn4p6vs65Rj8iBRe1ZINICe1qnvxZzQbzWXjzsPdSg_-EK3QRSx0_svleLlPzzPBRmg-RpIhlK2vHazHIvcaH7bngefyfl8o8Z1FucvgIY_mEl7a2u2xjbOqmBq4asaVQCcqKKz8v5__kbcbHKcMb2rz9jDNg-EDgcCs_0-Yq0JUg/s320/img_1871-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://mycirclestory.com/index.php/2024/02/04/fiona-okeeffes-olympic-triumph-record-breaking-marathon-win-secures-paris-2024-spot/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My Circle Story</span></a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> Maybe she'll be joined by Leonard Korir. <br /></p><p></p>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-27193591098985276512024-01-31T03:00:00.000-08:002024-01-31T09:21:15.439-08:00Another Marathon Looms on the Horizon<h2 style="text-align: center;">L.A. at Last! </h2><div style="text-align: left;"> Almost twenty years ago I set out to run the <a href="https://linktw.in/ltmdya" target="_blank">LA Marathon</a>. After quitting cigarettes and training several months, I encountered <a href="https://linktw.in/kotzXv" target="_blank">Team in Training</a>. As things developed, I wound up running the <a href="https://linktw.in/dOVYZC" target="_blank">Honolulu Marathon</a>. But LA remained a goal I thought I would snag in a few years. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now I'm finally on track to scratch it off the race list. I've got 45 days to train and no particular goal in sight other than, say, finishing in 5:15. I'm looking forward to enjoying the race, supping upon the city's energy, and hanging up another finishing medal. More soon. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUzNikmdfEpSfnUcfqhR9zPMMDs1RT_zCt9rtfrTzocGcB0vwIFn7Pe3IN0dzBxDPOeLbDnucD_IG5L8sYYSY8FjrYRYxJQ5EyWQUQ2QPvbqVyEKIjabUd1lT7grIbdgsyxIs084j4-GFq0nMkAFmcqWzA5XViTv4SJd7GPpUD7TsfwaOOKtm_w/s570/Course-News_1024x1024.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="570" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUzNikmdfEpSfnUcfqhR9zPMMDs1RT_zCt9rtfrTzocGcB0vwIFn7Pe3IN0dzBxDPOeLbDnucD_IG5L8sYYSY8FjrYRYxJQ5EyWQUQ2QPvbqVyEKIjabUd1lT7grIbdgsyxIs084j4-GFq0nMkAFmcqWzA5XViTv4SJd7GPpUD7TsfwaOOKtm_w/s320/Course-News_1024x1024.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.qwant.com/?client=ext-firefox-sb&t=images&q=Los+Angeles+Maraton&o=0%3ACEB28AC8CCB66D62CC2B2395DCE1BC7450903B4D" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">McCourtFoundation</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <br /></div>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-48223322137037901712024-01-29T04:00:00.000-08:002024-01-29T04:00:00.196-08:00SCTV Yellowbelly Still Delivers the Laughs<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nf9PTd6kxWQ?si=dW01esl9q_cAMccO" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://linktw.in/oNMgRl" target="_blank">vagabond</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Time passes but certain comedy bits never fade. Observe the late John Candy portray the biggest coward in the Old West. <br /></div>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-32214081536542561392024-01-22T11:40:00.000-08:002024-01-22T11:46:15.295-08:00Pasadena Half-Marathon 2024 Race Report<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xRB-TNfAm7DvGwoT0YsiNrWGvAsFnje0QhPFZhYFew_bPrH9zGu5ky0-e-i-O8N5UPbNJr4FK2JLUjbxXjNAkWYNtfvV6JuteVbLTBIc-ybJE3jZG6Jaov-LKBV2hwrjIiBzFnFWUQ_4G_BH-9OGIKjZ4kyEbnn-50f-S-71s-puH4YmnHSSfw/s120/images-1.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="117" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xRB-TNfAm7DvGwoT0YsiNrWGvAsFnje0QhPFZhYFew_bPrH9zGu5ky0-e-i-O8N5UPbNJr4FK2JLUjbxXjNAkWYNtfvV6JuteVbLTBIc-ybJE3jZG6Jaov-LKBV2hwrjIiBzFnFWUQ_4G_BH-9OGIKjZ4kyEbnn-50f-S-71s-puH4YmnHSSfw/s1600/images-1.jpeg" width="117" /></a></div> I expected and prepared for a wet, chilly race. I expected parking to be a hassle . I expected to lumber in just under 2:45. None of my expectations were met.<p></p><p>In past Rose Bowl races, I've been caught in traffic jams, sometimes spending 40 minutes inching toward parking, then scrambling to the start line. Today, I left home at 4:30 AM and was parked by 4:56. Then I napped for an hour and twenty minutes. Around 6:15, I ambled over to gear check, figuring I had plenty of time to hit the bathroom then warm-up. But gear check took longer than expected, and the usually long Port-a-Potty lines seemed even longer. I emerged with enough time to loosen up my joints, but not enough to squeeze a few surges. </p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Gun Time</h3><div style="text-align: left;">At <a href="https://linktw.in/bbezSq" target="_blank">last year's marathon</a>, i started too far back. As a 5k race launched before the half, I used the time to push forward into the half-marathon crowd; wriggled, squeezed, 'excuse me'd my way as far forward as doable. Then I waited, running in place as the clock passed the 7 AM start time. Finally, we began. Because there were over nine-thousand runners, it took a bit for the humanity brick to loosen. Eventually, I crossed the timing mat and away.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><h3>To the 10k Mark</h3><div style="text-align: left;">Started climbing to exit the arroyo. Since the Rose Bowl area is one of my training locales, the terrain held no surprises. Plus running the hills around my home prepared me well. I used the Galloway run/walk method, walking one-minute for every six minutes run. So I angled over to the right, making myself less of an obstacle. A group called Kids Run LA were afoot like coyotes at a dog show. (I covered the hazards of loose children in my <a href="https://linktw.in/liqYeg" target="_blank">Pomona report.</a>) But there weren't any strollers or dogs weaving through the runners, so I was grateful. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENKotNBsmnKTtkbgNgb0xoooZAGMpWVTKxg_f9wkS3TWP40wsjZxO-RT0zcJBgeoTkSsWascg2rArj1Sq8rkZ11vSCP6FBCro_sAy796jA3G85wsIcZYXtW_FloN-rCrpboseleP2z8M4HxuWA2uhOToYw04v-De1ukwrf516mrCqAOjaQXFyVg/s121/images.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="121" data-original-width="103" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENKotNBsmnKTtkbgNgb0xoooZAGMpWVTKxg_f9wkS3TWP40wsjZxO-RT0zcJBgeoTkSsWascg2rArj1Sq8rkZ11vSCP6FBCro_sAy796jA3G85wsIcZYXtW_FloN-rCrpboseleP2z8M4HxuWA2uhOToYw04v-De1ukwrf516mrCqAOjaQXFyVg/s1600/images.jpeg" width="103" /></a> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Around mile 3m we were running east on Colorado Blvd. The lead half-marathoners were already on their way to the finish line. Around mile 5, I ingested part of a sugary GU packet, then realized there were no water stations nearby. I only carried Gatorade, since I hadn't tested any of the race's electrolyte drink and didn't wish to be surprised. Water is best for GU, so I held off until the next station. At this point, I'd passed several pace groups, aiming to reach the 2:45 crowd.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><h3>Last Half </h3><div style="text-align: left;">Between mile 7 and 8, I passed the first 2:45 pace group. It must be a popular finish time, because there was a second pace group up ahead. That became my next goal. Catching them in mile 8, I considered hanging with the group, but was feeling energetic, so off I went. Descending back down into the arroyo for a finishing loop around the Rose Bowl, I checked my watch. I'd been moving faster than I thought. Picking up the pace, I sped around the familiar asphalt, crossing the finish line inside the Rose Bowl in 2:32:14. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">If 'd paid more attention to the time, I might've adjusted my pace earlier and notched a sub- 2.5 hour finish. Nevertheless, I was happy with my effort in splendid distance running weather. No rain and the temperature in the low 60s.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><h3>Now What?</h3><div style="text-align: left;">The LA Marathon in mid-March. I won't set a pr, but it's an event on John's run list. I really don't race that much. Once in 2023 and twice in 2022. In a way, it becomes easier to loose exercise momentum if you're only stepping out a few times a year. I can do better and shall. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wobO2f6RnETCWUIjZ_-_Y2ZtQSdMoSBI1wSz9rAnXNhJMbLI31NHqj3d7QKIPqPU0CDdi4-ezUKu8qMl0S9kb_Hgw7aHaGu_1Lly-_X4zr2qWLx33r4v7Rsujfjrpb30ga5W49gLtTQqt2DEFzjxhe4xKSa_wKqDdsqaO-d7GAUlcfmPc0uhmg/s697/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-21%20at%2012.17.58%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="697" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wobO2f6RnETCWUIjZ_-_Y2ZtQSdMoSBI1wSz9rAnXNhJMbLI31NHqj3d7QKIPqPU0CDdi4-ezUKu8qMl0S9kb_Hgw7aHaGu_1Lly-_X4zr2qWLx33r4v7Rsujfjrpb30ga5W49gLtTQqt2DEFzjxhe4xKSa_wKqDdsqaO-d7GAUlcfmPc0uhmg/w400-h250/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-21%20at%2012.17.58%20PM.png" width="400" /> <br /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></div><p></p> <p></p>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-32395964375758063482024-01-22T03:00:00.000-08:002024-01-22T03:00:00.267-08:00Rayond Chandler: Hot Dames and Cool Metaphors<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><h2></h2><h2></h2><h2><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sBOETDM_YOM?si=xR1Yyuiu3HEXgm4v" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </h2></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://linktw.in/CrRfhX" target="_blank">John P. McCann Channel</a><br /></div>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-59424714352785502772024-01-17T03:00:00.000-08:002024-01-17T09:07:24.586-08:00Half-Marathon Fever Grips Me<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS-PBsMnJmaGt_z7xm-pTrneSUtjQxWmiuo5_fwq2rrmf4s_O9D_z72-lALYOUK4SSRSGZkM9fiV8WHX5gyA8cO-AVAbFIXMCJdEuQ95kVzsbbXUnyLYypqPYvdcfqpkAGbub3GHJjbmezgDv29T2oDkwRDlEkRSs3BmZUkgsFidIJM4tCf3HrQ/s187/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-14%20at%201.11.51%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="157" data-original-width="187" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS-PBsMnJmaGt_z7xm-pTrneSUtjQxWmiuo5_fwq2rrmf4s_O9D_z72-lALYOUK4SSRSGZkM9fiV8WHX5gyA8cO-AVAbFIXMCJdEuQ95kVzsbbXUnyLYypqPYvdcfqpkAGbub3GHJjbmezgDv29T2oDkwRDlEkRSs3BmZUkgsFidIJM4tCf3HrQ/s1600/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-14%20at%201.11.51%20PM.png" width="187" /></a></div><p>Enough complaining about my sad preparation. <a href="https://linktw.in/vYcQLp" target="_blank">The race is upon me.</a> On Sunday I will run my first half-marathon since, oh, 2007? I reject all my negative thoughts and embrace the challenge. The Rose Bowl has been my training ground for over 20 years. I'll be on home turf.</p><p>My goal: break <strike>2 hours and 30 minutes. </strike></p><p>Make that 2 hours and 45 minutes. I double-checked my times. There's no way I could hold the above pace for 13.1. That's a half-marathon fever error</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38XrBwhke4V0qpYynAOnqqVsFN1-kCQfUCm24zFlyy7sEGIFIFOyXrlAt-ZwN3-06xI64bGv5jEfgV7v2mykNe6tcU7sMxm0-sfq8QBm_UJaPXZ03sqIDoAhmPW57BH-rZ9jJjc2Zg2iD-_eB9SKwfcEFCXKKo-QlwdkdFB8IYsY63tLFZur9Hw/s1162/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-14%20at%2012.35.26%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="1016" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38XrBwhke4V0qpYynAOnqqVsFN1-kCQfUCm24zFlyy7sEGIFIFOyXrlAt-ZwN3-06xI64bGv5jEfgV7v2mykNe6tcU7sMxm0-sfq8QBm_UJaPXZ03sqIDoAhmPW57BH-rZ9jJjc2Zg2iD-_eB9SKwfcEFCXKKo-QlwdkdFB8IYsY63tLFZur9Hw/w350-h400/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-14%20at%2012.35.26%20PM.png" width="350" /></a></div><br /><p></p>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-72605303656458928102024-01-15T04:30:00.000-08:002024-01-15T04:30:00.127-08:00Central Florida ComicCon Invites Old Friends<h2 style="text-align: center;"> RUEGGER, RUGG TO CFCC </h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"> </h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnvMa22BEW9NH49JhphMhx5nwsONyTL_MUu9InWjT77wWz-cTmfp3XRnrBk6nFEnSaLRt4Ch9NefBopZA1pWNGT8xm_JmQpvAPnN66cPBrthMGy83DgjRIq76qxOPBAo2d2eezyITQqrJAZxTq8yh8lvO_PvoAr2mDObYq4wuraPYqfY7gbxjrA/s235/23%20CFCC%20Guest%20Announcements-T%20RUEGGER.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="235" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnvMa22BEW9NH49JhphMhx5nwsONyTL_MUu9InWjT77wWz-cTmfp3XRnrBk6nFEnSaLRt4Ch9NefBopZA1pWNGT8xm_JmQpvAPnN66cPBrthMGy83DgjRIq76qxOPBAo2d2eezyITQqrJAZxTq8yh8lvO_PvoAr2mDObYq4wuraPYqfY7gbxjrA/s1600/23%20CFCC%20Guest%20Announcements-T%20RUEGGER.webp" width="235" /></a></div></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.centralfloridacomiccon.com/" target="_blank">As Lakeland, Florida USA gears up for their big comic con</a>, old Warner Bros. chums Tom Ruegger and Paul Rugg prepare to meet their public. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Come this Saturday, Januray 20th, these animation legends will host a panel entitled (and I quote):<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Ultimate Animaniacs and Freakazoid Panel</h3><div style="text-align: left;">Tom Ruegger and Paul Rugg talk about the making of Animaniacs and Freakazoid and take questions from the audience in this panel for the Ultimate Animaniacs and Freakazoid fans!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Don't miss it! (I'll miss it, but then I was there.)<br /></div></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffDs42YuunwZXVMz94IbKMfQrYxlmoUT6SArT2Qhj4PdOXIdpm80eLLQf9q-2I0lpO_joJFTSxG2oFUycdgGjI2_k8ShbTsuItYB5OxmilokJIoN2IuTJ3WiH4wafPpBlJ1OntFC6mN8pXiPuMPlYG6WDOOgcYXhgGhSzHXrjwlDjoiKk6Oh1OA/s235/23%20CFCC%20Guest%20Announcements-P%20RUGG.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="235" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffDs42YuunwZXVMz94IbKMfQrYxlmoUT6SArT2Qhj4PdOXIdpm80eLLQf9q-2I0lpO_joJFTSxG2oFUycdgGjI2_k8ShbTsuItYB5OxmilokJIoN2IuTJ3WiH4wafPpBlJ1OntFC6mN8pXiPuMPlYG6WDOOgcYXhgGhSzHXrjwlDjoiKk6Oh1OA/s1600/23%20CFCC%20Guest%20Announcements-P%20RUGG.webp" width="235" /></a></div><br /> </h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h2>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18974010.post-58135323706345615292024-01-14T09:46:00.000-08:002024-01-14T09:49:18.693-08:00MCRD 52 Years Later v.6<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkNYdoYZDh_37O6i8xGK1eTS0Jog8iTK2rudN5cku2IiPilcpbf2ttBf8BhlN-zNL5IYhrREJDBSDuT7-Iy69YZAyY6AKsswHrBGoy-6ACNEoIAqQEH_QJZpa53yXRyO9JkfekNJcw9iYmD3wpwqPt2tALG4yCuOKhYqTbOjdpsK33qrgzFB5AQ/s474/th-8.webp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="474" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkNYdoYZDh_37O6i8xGK1eTS0Jog8iTK2rudN5cku2IiPilcpbf2ttBf8BhlN-zNL5IYhrREJDBSDuT7-Iy69YZAyY6AKsswHrBGoy-6ACNEoIAqQEH_QJZpa53yXRyO9JkfekNJcw9iYmD3wpwqPt2tALG4yCuOKhYqTbOjdpsK33qrgzFB5AQ/w200-h200/th-8.webp" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OYnS5HMmHgRiZap62SSBsLGO2KfJ61Ms_PEBFmmUrjBoyEVgIivnuptRnAY1YEsCD8kX5vwE1mYOAzYL8gc_ehT3o4ksVEiK_jHeYyTtPvNOcmMWeddg-pitZ-ukEyUtvlQCdw/s1600/764_yellowfootprints.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OYnS5HMmHgRiZap62SSBsLGO2KfJ61Ms_PEBFmmUrjBoyEVgIivnuptRnAY1YEsCD8kX5vwE1mYOAzYL8gc_ehT3o4ksVEiK_jHeYyTtPvNOcmMWeddg-pitZ-ukEyUtvlQCdw/s400/764_yellowfootprints.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mcleague1058.org/membership.html">USMC League</a></td></tr>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
MCRD San Diego Back in the Day</h2>
Everything must begin somewhere. And in the United States Marine Corps,
my enlisted tour commenced with yellow footprints. Drawn on the asphalt
of the <a href="http://www.marines.com/operating-forces/presence-detail/-/presence/detail/pres_loc_sandiego">recruit depot</a>
with heels close together and toes angled out to 45 degrees, they are
where I, along with seven other guys from our suburban Chicago
neighborhood, stood to begin military service. Then we marched
somewhere, boxed up our clothes and mailed them home, coming to the
realization that our new life would be different from drinking beer
behind a bowling alley.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/Vietnam-War">The Vietnam War</a> was winding down, at least for the United States, though the North Vietnamese would launch a <a href="https://argunners.com/easter-offensive-vietnam-1972-stunning-in-its-magnitude/">huge attack</a> against South Vietnam toward the end of March as we conducted infantry training at <a href="http://www.military.com/base-guide/marine-corps-base-camp-pendleton">Camp Pendlelton</a>.
(In September, now a Private First Class, I would find myself in an
Army hospital called Camp Kue on Okinawa, sharing a ward with American
advisors who'd been wounded helping the South Vietnamese forces stop the
communists.)<br />
<br />
In 1991, I visited the footprints on a vacation to San Diego with my girlfriend. (Now My Fine Wife or MFW.)<br />
<br />
In 2002, I stood on a hill in Vietnam called <a href="http://www.vietvet.org/jhconthn.htm">Con Thien</a> with a Vietnamese guide who told me about the obliteration of his village by <a href="http://www.airspacemag.com/flight-today/b-52-just-keeps-flying-180953933/">B52s</a>, bombing the <a href="http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/vietnam/nva.htm">NVA</a> advance.<br />
<br />
In 2008, I was back at MCRD <a href="https://writeenough.blogspot.com/2008/06/staying-classy.html">finishing up a marathon</a> with <a href="http://www.teamintraining.org/">Team in Training</a>.<br />
<br />
But on a Friday night, January 14, 1972, I stood on yellow footprints. Oh, right before we boxed up our clothes, this happened:<br />
(The following scene is rather accurate, except there's no C&W music. Just buzzzzzzz.)</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/futq_Lrayes" width="560"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">h/t: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=futq_Lrayes">amp1776</a></div></span>
<br />
Note 2020:<br />
<br />
On this 48th anniversary of my enlistment, I pay my respects to Tom Poto
and Steve Lovell, two of my comrades who are no longer with us. RIP,
bros. Hard to believe we were once young together.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Note: 2021</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Yikes! 49 years ago; one removed from a half-century. I'll write no more on the subject.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Note: 2022</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">NOW
50 years have passed. I remember being hung over with a shaving cut on
my right cheek that bled most of the day. Grisly forshadowing. Ah,
well. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Alas,
another comrade passed on. Gary Burke, who I'd known through grade
school and high school, died last November. We'd only recently gotten
back in touch. He was a great guy and a man's man. I pray for his soul
and that God may ease the hurt in family and friends.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwTaalTQgg4w47f_slbpz4eZZuKvOYNQ2QI2feInNnIH6eD209TBpBnbGjYP3ELY7t9jHR2Eu6XxW2KyetOqyyhw6UVAcT4mkZBXckzRLhOATJBZj4Lwz0UQlkIRqI6x-8pLZeHIFSBAfzXpQQovQKw6Z4iBuyI-olPS8d8Rvo9CxMFN3gnY/w159-h244/IMG-0201.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="159" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: xx-small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Note: 2024</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a link to the <a href="https://writeenough.blogspot.com/2017/01/standing-tall-on-yellow-footprints.html" target="_blank">original post</a>, identical to this one except for all the BTWs and a USMC logo. Nothing much to add this year except that our military is at a lower point today than it was in the waning days of Vietnam. Why serve a country that is deemed racist to its very roots and can't even officially identify a woman? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gary Burke was in college and decked a cop. At his trial, he was invited to select between jail and joining the military. Since I and others were enlisting, Gary decided to accompany us in our youthful adventure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the swearing in ceremony, I was still drunk from the night before. I wouldn't really get any sleep for about two more days.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div></div>JP Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10658125562780560983noreply@blogger.com0