Dedicated to George Tenet and Fat Tony..
Monday, April 30, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Fishhead Video!
Yes, he was a fishhead
Unstable as a waterbed!
Note that left-to-right is slightly downhill, hence the speedier movement in that direction. :)
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Fun Scoot About The 'Hood
Clothes are drying, and Kroger's just a few miles away. Let's rock!
Heh... Tony's frozen pizza, bungeed to the back rack. Sixer of SNPA under the seat. Vroom!
There and back in under 30 minutes, and that was even with a five-minute chat with a dude who wants to get one. Everywhere I go, people ask. I had a dude come up to me at McD's this morning, asking about it. Now, he works close to me, lives close to me, and weighs at least 65 lbs. more than me. I had to waive him off the Vino... I told him I'm looking to upgrade soon, and got his phone number, as he still seemed interested, even when I told him how slow it was with a 200 lb. geek on the back of it.
Yes, my friends, the time of scooters is upon us.
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Heh... Tony's frozen pizza, bungeed to the back rack. Sixer of SNPA under the seat. Vroom!
There and back in under 30 minutes, and that was even with a five-minute chat with a dude who wants to get one. Everywhere I go, people ask. I had a dude come up to me at McD's this morning, asking about it. Now, he works close to me, lives close to me, and weighs at least 65 lbs. more than me. I had to waive him off the Vino... I told him I'm looking to upgrade soon, and got his phone number, as he still seemed interested, even when I told him how slow it was with a 200 lb. geek on the back of it.Yes, my friends, the time of scooters is upon us.
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Prodotto Autentico
Too purty outside to stay inside, regardless of the impending laundry deadlines (I have two loads washed... can probably get at least 2-4 more done today, and then that'll be everything I have to wear, right?). So... what to do?
Jump on it!
Vroom! Vroom! Heh... it sounds like a chainsaw, but it's fun to scoot around the 'hood on it, nonetheless. I'm gonna head to Kroger, bungee a frozen pizza to the back, and get six SNPA. That's the life.
I've only put 45 miles on it since I bought it almost two weeks ago. Of course, my practical boundaries are Charlotte Avenue to the south, and White Bridge Rd. to the east, and the Cumberland River to the west.
Let's go see where we can go between laundry loads...
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Jump on it!
Vroom! Vroom! Heh... it sounds like a chainsaw, but it's fun to scoot around the 'hood on it, nonetheless. I'm gonna head to Kroger, bungee a frozen pizza to the back, and get six SNPA. That's the life.
I've only put 45 miles on it since I bought it almost two weeks ago. Of course, my practical boundaries are Charlotte Avenue to the south, and White Bridge Rd. to the east, and the Cumberland River to the west.Let's go see where we can go between laundry loads...
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Lean Mean Kitty Machine
Enjoying the 86.5°F weather. Now, to put clothes in the dryer, and scoot about the 'hood!.
Sunday Checklist
- Do 50 loads of laundry. Okay, I exaggerate... but 5/1, they're closing the laundrette for at least 11 days, to remodel and re-equip it (and it sorely needs this). I doubt I have enough clothes to wash and be able to wear to work through that time, but hey.
- Load and run the dishwasher.
- Pick up a bit around the condo, so sittenpretty won't think I'm completely depressed and unable to pick up around the condo. :)
Tall order for a short man.
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Three Seconds Later
... he's pawing at the door to be let in. He's just fascinated by the door. And the food scoop.He's a little clown.
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Saturday, April 28, 2007
Funny Angle Curly
I thought I had it set for "macro," but judging from the focus, I think maybe not! Looks like Curly through a fisheye lens....
Motivated To Photographate
... and love on the cows, this weekend.I'll snap out of it. In fact, I'll go ride the scooter now just to prove it.
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Friday, April 27, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Dear Upset Asshole
... who lives in my condo complex,
I know it's really a drag to be driving behind a street-legal scooter that has a top speed of 30 mph on level ground, but if you check into Tennessee law, you'll see that they don't register vehicles and issue license plates for vehicles that aren't allowed to use the public thoroughfares (see Tennessee code 55-8-101(34), which states: "'Motorized bicycle' means a vehicle with two (2) or three (3) wheels, an automatic transmission, and a motor with a cylinder capacity not exceeding fifty cubic centimeters (50cc) which produces no more than two (2) brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the vehicle at a maximum design speed of no more than thirty miles per hour (30 mph) on level ground. The operator of a motorized bicycle must be in possession of a valid operator's or chauffeur's license, and shall be subject to all applicable and practical rules of the road. A motorized bicycle may not be operated on a highway of the interstate and defense highway system, any similar limited access multilane divided highway, or upon sidewalks (emphasis mine);").
Guess what? Annex Avenue is none of the above exceptions.
Buddy, I pay my taxes just like you do, and have as much right to use the streets of Nashville as you do. If for some reason you're in a huge hurry on Annex Ave. (speed limit 35 mph), and you're behind me, briefly toot your horn, or flash your lights and wave, and I'll probably pull over and let you pass.
Pull your car in front of me, and get out again, cussing and telling me what I can and can't do is not likely to end well for you, next time. It almost didn't, this time. The law is on my side, and I don't take shit from people who act like entitled assholes.
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I know it's really a drag to be driving behind a street-legal scooter that has a top speed of 30 mph on level ground, but if you check into Tennessee law, you'll see that they don't register vehicles and issue license plates for vehicles that aren't allowed to use the public thoroughfares (see Tennessee code 55-8-101(34), which states: "'Motorized bicycle' means a vehicle with two (2) or three (3) wheels, an automatic transmission, and a motor with a cylinder capacity not exceeding fifty cubic centimeters (50cc) which produces no more than two (2) brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the vehicle at a maximum design speed of no more than thirty miles per hour (30 mph) on level ground. The operator of a motorized bicycle must be in possession of a valid operator's or chauffeur's license, and shall be subject to all applicable and practical rules of the road. A motorized bicycle may not be operated on a highway of the interstate and defense highway system, any similar limited access multilane divided highway, or upon sidewalks (emphasis mine);").
Guess what? Annex Avenue is none of the above exceptions.
Buddy, I pay my taxes just like you do, and have as much right to use the streets of Nashville as you do. If for some reason you're in a huge hurry on Annex Ave. (speed limit 35 mph), and you're behind me, briefly toot your horn, or flash your lights and wave, and I'll probably pull over and let you pass.
Pull your car in front of me, and get out again, cussing and telling me what I can and can't do is not likely to end well for you, next time. It almost didn't, this time. The law is on my side, and I don't take shit from people who act like entitled assholes.
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Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Curly On The Rail, Again
I need to take some cat photos, I know... been tired, out-of-sorts, not-so-fresh....
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Played Out
Yep. They've had a big, fun, active day. They's plumb wore out. Lumps of unconscious fur, they is..
SunBob CatPants
What a great place for a nap, eh?
This little beggar's been crying for bacon, all morning. I don't dare get near the stove... he damn near wants to climb me!.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Friday, April 20, 2007
The Birthday Boy
... just mere moments ago.Now, to scoot off to get beer and toilet paper (oh yes -- we are celebratin'!)...
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Happy Birthday, L.E.!
One year old, today!
The first time ever I saw him... I busted him out, immediately..
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Yes, He Was A Fishhead
"... he rode a li'l motor-scooter..."
"... they thought he was a neuter, yeah!"So, yes -- I do look like a douchebag on this thang, goin' 10mph up a hill. But still, you have to admit... IT BEATS WALKIN'!
UPDATE: This here YJ50RA is actually a Vino Classic... 2004, not 2003, so, a better deal overall than I originally thought!
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Morning Cats (For A Change)
Curly, in front of Dad's sexy knee.
LarryElvis, behind Dad's sexy behind..
Monday, April 16, 2007
May Be A Vino In My Future
So what if I look like a douchebag going 35 mph on this thang? Beats walkin'!.
Today's Boys
Following me out onto the 71°F balcony. Curly got a whole bunch of fur removed via wire brush, just now..
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Peace in the Valley
See, it's not all rough-n-tumble. Here they are, enjoying this windy Sunday, indoors..
Rampant Guptaism
Seriously, I don't think Dr. Sanjay Gupta stands a fart's chance in a windstorm of living to 100. If CNN keeps mentioning his shitty program every 90 seconds, someone will kill him just so they don't have to hear about it anymore.
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Curly's Revenge!
For those who remember this one from a few days back, as you can see, it's tit-for-tat at the Kat Kondo..
Gravy Cat
It started out in the floor, then I moved it higher so as not to step on it. He wasn't done, yet. I have a hillbilly Siamese!.
Scooter Update
The guy that has this traded e-mails with me. He still has it, and offered to meet up closer to Nashville, which tells me this might be a motivated seller. And two of you kind folx have contacted me to offer some financing, which makes me blush. :).
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Scootermania
Okay, the story so far: The Thursday after Election Day, I bought this here Chinese Death Machine -- a Ymoto Vortec 150cc 4-stroke air-cooled scooter. Actually, I traded my 1997 Ford Mustang convertible for it (it had ~107K miles on it, and needed a bit of work to be optimal... it wouldn't pass emissions inspection, for one thang). Problem being, no insurer could find data on the scooter, and hence would only offer liability insurance on it. So, when it got stolen in early February, I got to eat the loss, and no longer had any transportation (other than my feet, and my Vandy ID, which would get me free bus rides all over town).
So, having saved up $2500 in the meantime (it's amazing how easy it is to save money when you can't get out anywhere to spend it!), I'm on the lookout for another scootey-scoot. Here's two local options:
2003 Yamaha Vino, 49cc 2-stroke air-cooled. Lady at Vandy has this for sale. It's silver, 3K miles, and described as "mint." No additional equipment mentioned.
Seller wants: $1500
NADA average retail: $1095
kbb.com suggested retail: $1195
I spoke to the seller on the phone last week, and told her the info I'd gained online about its value, and said if it were mint-perfect, I'd offer $1100, tops. She balked. However, her ad is still running online, so I suspect I need to take another run at her.
Pros: It's a Yamaha, and they make great bikes. It'll be insurable. This is also the 2-stroke version (last year they made the 2-stroke for the U.S.), and on the used market, they're somewhat in demand, as they're reportedly easier to work on, and easy to modify to get speeds of up to 50 mph (stock, top speed is about 35 mph).
Cons: Unmodified, it would be difficult for me to stay with traffic flow for parts of my commute on this scoot. I have about a mile of 40-45 mph speed limit travel between here and work. Also have to remember to add 2-stroke oil to mixing tank (it auto-mixes the gas and oil).
2001 Honda Reflex, 249cc 4-stroke liquid-cooled. Someone in Cookeville has this advertised on a local classified board. No response to my e-mail queries, yet. The ad says this one also has only 3K miles.
Seller wants: $3500 OBO
NADA average retail: $2765
kbb.com suggested retail: $2990
Pros: Honda makes a good bike, too, and this would be insurable, as well. Plenty of power, here... capable of interstate speeds, although I do not plan to do any interstate travel.
Cons: Even if I strike a deal, I'm unlikely to have all the cash for this (although I may have options there), plus registration and tags. I'd have to get a ride to Cookeville, and ride back on the scoot if I made a deal.
So... these are the preoccupying thoughts for me this weekend. Comments?
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So, having saved up $2500 in the meantime (it's amazing how easy it is to save money when you can't get out anywhere to spend it!), I'm on the lookout for another scootey-scoot. Here's two local options:
2003 Yamaha Vino, 49cc 2-stroke air-cooled. Lady at Vandy has this for sale. It's silver, 3K miles, and described as "mint." No additional equipment mentioned.Seller wants: $1500
NADA average retail: $1095
kbb.com suggested retail: $1195
I spoke to the seller on the phone last week, and told her the info I'd gained online about its value, and said if it were mint-perfect, I'd offer $1100, tops. She balked. However, her ad is still running online, so I suspect I need to take another run at her.
Pros: It's a Yamaha, and they make great bikes. It'll be insurable. This is also the 2-stroke version (last year they made the 2-stroke for the U.S.), and on the used market, they're somewhat in demand, as they're reportedly easier to work on, and easy to modify to get speeds of up to 50 mph (stock, top speed is about 35 mph).
Cons: Unmodified, it would be difficult for me to stay with traffic flow for parts of my commute on this scoot. I have about a mile of 40-45 mph speed limit travel between here and work. Also have to remember to add 2-stroke oil to mixing tank (it auto-mixes the gas and oil).
2001 Honda Reflex, 249cc 4-stroke liquid-cooled. Someone in Cookeville has this advertised on a local classified board. No response to my e-mail queries, yet. The ad says this one also has only 3K miles.Seller wants: $3500 OBO
NADA average retail: $2765
kbb.com suggested retail: $2990
Pros: Honda makes a good bike, too, and this would be insurable, as well. Plenty of power, here... capable of interstate speeds, although I do not plan to do any interstate travel.
Cons: Even if I strike a deal, I'm unlikely to have all the cash for this (although I may have options there), plus registration and tags. I'd have to get a ride to Cookeville, and ride back on the scoot if I made a deal.
So... these are the preoccupying thoughts for me this weekend. Comments?
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