"The equestrian helmet? Really?"

They're filming a movie at 29th & 10th Ave. near all those garages. Looks like it may have a big name to it because there was a large crew but who the hell cares?

The equestrian helmet? Really? I saw a girl donning one while riding near the Chelsea Piers and had to do a double take. Um, ok... I guess that's fine in the sense that it'd protect your head. But if I think you look odd then there's something wrong.

Not 3 blocks south I looked off to the right and thought of something: If you want to eat on a table that has been a bed for a bum, eat at one of those picnic tables at 16th Street at the Piers. There will be a smorgasbord of leftover dung crums, sweat, ticks, fleas, ripped clothing. Bring the kids and show them what "real" New York is like.

"Kill the ghosts that hide in your soul." -- those are the lyrics I hear (and sometimes repeat aloud). It's the first song off Slash's new solo album and it's sung by Ian Astbury of The Cult (and The Doors). It's becoming a mantra. It's a good starter for a rock album and even though it's probably not meant to have any deep significance, it resonates with me. I think about the past only when I'm on the bike, I largely have no use for it over the course of the day. The past being middle & high school and bits of college. It's not tangible and I no longer need it. It doesn't evoke the same anger that it used to and now that I've resolved some issues at work, a lot of the pent up frustration is gone. Of course, that's not a great thing because I need that in order to ride harder and lift more. Maybe once the Ipod is restored I can tap in to it.

I think anger gets a bad rap. Not proactively letting it out, or at least acknowledging it, is wrong. If you do neither, in my estimation that means you're the person who's going to snap. Use it. You know that guy/girl who is always so mellow and so chill -- trust me there's a riot going on inside that person's mind. It's all trying to squeeze its way through the door at the same time.

This is why I'm more drawn to Henry Rollins and Biohazard. It's extremely intense at times but it is positive. You want proof? Listen to "Inhale Exhale" by Rollins Band off Come In and Burn or to "Salvation" and "Switchback" off Biohazard's New World Disorder. I won't claim to be a mellow guy but the message in the music taught me to open my eyes and see the distractions like I'm in the Matrix. Heavy music that's hateful (or unintelligible, for that matter -- I can take the yelling but if the singer is worse than Max Cavalera, then it's too much) with no motive other than hate and flexing the muscles without brain stimulation is pointless. That's why I can only go so loud with the metal and I avoid rap altogether.

Made the light over at Albany Street and this new schedule works out well for me again.

Thank you for reading.