From http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/55066637.html
WASP-18b orbits incredibly close to its host star, circling just 1.4 million miles (2.2 million km) from its surface. From such a ringside seat, the planet's star-facing hemisphere broils at an estimated 3,800°F (2,400K).
What has Hellier's team scratching its collective head is not that WASP-18b is so hot (it's too dense to simply evaporate), but instead why it exists at all!
Here's the conundrum: With roughly 10 times the mass of Jupiter, it's hefty enough and close enough to raise a significant tidal bulge on the star. And because it orbits in just 22½ hours, faster than any other confirmed hot Jupiter and much faster than the star spins, this tidal interaction is likely dragging the planet inward to its doom — and fast.
The Earth-Moon system is a good example of such a tidal yin-yang. The Moon likewise raises tides in Earth's oceans, and their mutual attraction transferring angular momentum between them. However, because the Moon orbits much more slowly than Earth turns, the tradeoff is gradually pushing the Moon away from us (1½ inches, or 38 mm, per year) and our day is ever-so-slightly getting longer (0.2 second per century). But in the WASP-18 tidal dance, it's the other way around — the planet is spiraling inward, and the star's spin is speeding up.
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Monday, 24 August 2009
Friday, 21 August 2009
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
more spacey stuff
http://home.exetel.com.au/bmgoau/space/008_1561b2.html
Open it in a new window. The controls are google-earth-ish, you can zoom in and out, and move around ...
I believe it's a composite from the Hubble telescope. Very nice :)
Open it in a new window. The controls are google-earth-ish, you can zoom in and out, and move around ...
I believe it's a composite from the Hubble telescope. Very nice :)
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Thursday, 13 August 2009
life
Isn't it just ... hey?
24 Hours later i sit here again. Head and heart full. Little more tired, yet somehow at peace. Baby is getting better, slowly. But i only care that she is indeed healing.
Read Steppenwolf again last night. So forgive me for being a little distracted. Reality is a blunt object sometimes. "Life is only a tragedy because we are so caught up in it, to the gods it is nothing more than a particularly brutal comedy" - dunno who said that, too tired too google it, but it's good.
Humour is the thing, the smile. At oneself primarily, of course. And through that lense the rest of creation. I find it particularly encouraging to find the universe no more twisted and fucked up than my silly self, misery loves company ;-) But the lens is the thing. Somehow that is so. I am suddenly reminded of being a photographer, where you have the ability to take something that other people do not notice, and create a statement, that stands alone for all time. How YOU perceive the universe is more important than the universe.
I'm running off on a tangent, but so be it. The old story of his version, her version, and the truth is commonly repeated, but the truths inherent are pervasive. When people hold beliefs, and u nderstandings, the universe moulds into those. Thought, word, action. Something like that. And when people have in incorrect view they act wrongly. And they will still justify that belief, and take it as the universe because for them it is. Wisdom overcomes these limitations, and understands the role of the self in colouring and changing the world. At this point, a certain clarity is achieved, a view that is shared by men across time.
The crux is this though. Life is sad. That is the truth as i see it. Not terminally, and certainly not always overwhelmingly, but definitively, it is. For us humans at least. I cannot say why it is so. But us humans, who created this sadness, are able to instantly transform it into the most beautiful spectacle. Oh it is so clear how easy to live, to laugh, to love? And yet ...
I read Terri's blogpost this morning, and instantly resonated. For her a small quote from The Steppenwolf. Hermine speaks of how right animals are, more so than men.
"Well, look at an animal, a cat, a dog, or a bird, or one of those beautiful great beasts in the zoo, a Puma or a giraffe. You can't help seeing that all of them are right. They're never in any embarrassment.They always know what to do and how to behave themselves. They don't want to impress you. No play acting. They are as they are, like stones or flowers or stars in the sky. Don't you agree?" I did. "Animals are sad as a rule," she went on. "And when a man is sad - I don't mean because he has a toothache or has lost some money, but because he sees, for once in a way, how it is with life and everything, and is sad in earnest - he always looks a little like an animal. He then looks not only sad, but more right and more beautiful than usual."
I need to log off. My son is waiting to be collected from school, he is feeling unwell. And people ask why i never plan my life, or at least pretend to. Still, it's a good day for a short walk. Last night was a good night to be out, the wind caught my soul and gave it a good view of the surrounds. Stars were bright too.
peace and love
24 Hours later i sit here again. Head and heart full. Little more tired, yet somehow at peace. Baby is getting better, slowly. But i only care that she is indeed healing.
Read Steppenwolf again last night. So forgive me for being a little distracted. Reality is a blunt object sometimes. "Life is only a tragedy because we are so caught up in it, to the gods it is nothing more than a particularly brutal comedy" - dunno who said that, too tired too google it, but it's good.
Humour is the thing, the smile. At oneself primarily, of course. And through that lense the rest of creation. I find it particularly encouraging to find the universe no more twisted and fucked up than my silly self, misery loves company ;-) But the lens is the thing. Somehow that is so. I am suddenly reminded of being a photographer, where you have the ability to take something that other people do not notice, and create a statement, that stands alone for all time. How YOU perceive the universe is more important than the universe.
I'm running off on a tangent, but so be it. The old story of his version, her version, and the truth is commonly repeated, but the truths inherent are pervasive. When people hold beliefs, and u nderstandings, the universe moulds into those. Thought, word, action. Something like that. And when people have in incorrect view they act wrongly. And they will still justify that belief, and take it as the universe because for them it is. Wisdom overcomes these limitations, and understands the role of the self in colouring and changing the world. At this point, a certain clarity is achieved, a view that is shared by men across time.
The crux is this though. Life is sad. That is the truth as i see it. Not terminally, and certainly not always overwhelmingly, but definitively, it is. For us humans at least. I cannot say why it is so. But us humans, who created this sadness, are able to instantly transform it into the most beautiful spectacle. Oh it is so clear how easy to live, to laugh, to love? And yet ...
I read Terri's blogpost this morning, and instantly resonated. For her a small quote from The Steppenwolf. Hermine speaks of how right animals are, more so than men.
"Well, look at an animal, a cat, a dog, or a bird, or one of those beautiful great beasts in the zoo, a Puma or a giraffe. You can't help seeing that all of them are right. They're never in any embarrassment.They always know what to do and how to behave themselves. They don't want to impress you. No play acting. They are as they are, like stones or flowers or stars in the sky. Don't you agree?" I did. "Animals are sad as a rule," she went on. "And when a man is sad - I don't mean because he has a toothache or has lost some money, but because he sees, for once in a way, how it is with life and everything, and is sad in earnest - he always looks a little like an animal. He then looks not only sad, but more right and more beautiful than usual."
I need to log off. My son is waiting to be collected from school, he is feeling unwell. And people ask why i never plan my life, or at least pretend to. Still, it's a good day for a short walk. Last night was a good night to be out, the wind caught my soul and gave it a good view of the surrounds. Stars were bright too.
peace and love
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Last Night
I spent in the pediatric ward of a local hospital. Suffice to say i was tired enough to get a short, yet deep sleep. The kid needed drugs. Painkillers. Lots. By 3AM the hospital had finally quietened down, and the nurses looked relieved.
So friday evening she had a sore mouth, this is the three year old girl, Jody-fae. We assumed that she had bitten her mouth, as she had before, and she confirmed this. Bit her lip. *shrug*
Saturday it was still sore, and by sunday we were administering our own first aid, panado, etc. Sunday night there was a visible ulcer, obviously not good, and the pain was becoming more constant. The good daddy, on monday morning took her to the doctor, since no, this cannot be allowed to continue.
He assured us that it was a viral infection aligned with the flu she had recently been suffering with, too. Medication home. Next day even worse, so the good mommy runs off this time. Since by now, Jody-fae is in constant pain, and is now refusing to eat or drink.
Doctor says that she must be admitted to hospital, or else dehydration becomes a factor. The doctor then prescibes the INCORRECT diagnosis code for our medical aid, and when i phone the medaid get told they will not admit.
By lunchtime wifey was in an emergency ward. Child is screaming constantly, is slightly feverish and refuses anything to drink, or even bodily contact, like holding her hand. Trust me, ER was the right place :(
By four o'clock, when i arrived, they had started (!) and by about six we had shoved needles into her, suppositories up her arse (she doesn't like them either) and nothing had changed. She was admitted and taken upstairs to await blood test results. By ten PM we saw the doctor start her rounds in the ward.
Herpes.
From some arbitrary medical site: (http://dermatology.about.com/cs/oralherpes/a/oralherpesbasic.htm)
Fever Blisters and the Herpes Simplex Virus
Fever blisters are caused more often by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) than herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). As a matter of fact, more than 85 percent of the world's population has been infected with HSV-1. These infections follow the usual course of herpes simplex virus infections in that the first outbreak is usually more painful and lasts longer than recurrent infections.
Fever Blisters - Primary Infection
The first time the skin in or around the mouth comes in contact with the herpes simplex virus; the outbreak occurs inside the mouth -- on the gums, tongue, and throat. This is called gingivostomatitis. This first infection occurs most often in childhood, and the highest incidence of infection occurs between 6 months and three years of age. Children get pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and may have difficulty swallowing. These symptoms last for about a week and resolve spontaneously. Children with gingivostomatitis are at risk for dehydration if the pain keeps them from drinking fluids. Water-based popsicles are sometimes used to provide hydration and pain relief.
On monday morning the doctor missed this, and by last night (tuesday?) the child was convulsing with pain, screaming constantly, and still with nothing more than a suppository for comfort. The total idiocy is beyond me. I was SO angry, SO fustrated and frankly pissed off.
I'm home now, taking the day off, tomorrow too. Going back later to keep her company. And safe. The fucking hospital swopped her at birth, not the same hospital, but a private one too. So no, she is NEVER alone.
I'm going to curl up in a sunny spot and sleep. They didn't have coffee there, and um just getting over the withdrawal symptoms. Maybe by tonight i can buy her a chocolate :D As i understand her world view, going with daddy to go buy a chocolate at the shops rates as the bestest thing that is possible. I'm good with that. Although i guess the vending machine will be an interesting diversion. By the way, what's with that? Vending machines full of coke (any colour you like) and chocolates. Yay for health, leastways no cigarettes being sold. Chocolate, it's not a DRUG is it? *wicked grin*
So friday evening she had a sore mouth, this is the three year old girl, Jody-fae. We assumed that she had bitten her mouth, as she had before, and she confirmed this. Bit her lip. *shrug*
Saturday it was still sore, and by sunday we were administering our own first aid, panado, etc. Sunday night there was a visible ulcer, obviously not good, and the pain was becoming more constant. The good daddy, on monday morning took her to the doctor, since no, this cannot be allowed to continue.
He assured us that it was a viral infection aligned with the flu she had recently been suffering with, too. Medication home. Next day even worse, so the good mommy runs off this time. Since by now, Jody-fae is in constant pain, and is now refusing to eat or drink.
Doctor says that she must be admitted to hospital, or else dehydration becomes a factor. The doctor then prescibes the INCORRECT diagnosis code for our medical aid, and when i phone the medaid get told they will not admit.
By lunchtime wifey was in an emergency ward. Child is screaming constantly, is slightly feverish and refuses anything to drink, or even bodily contact, like holding her hand. Trust me, ER was the right place :(
By four o'clock, when i arrived, they had started (!) and by about six we had shoved needles into her, suppositories up her arse (she doesn't like them either) and nothing had changed. She was admitted and taken upstairs to await blood test results. By ten PM we saw the doctor start her rounds in the ward.
Herpes.
From some arbitrary medical site: (http://dermatology.about.com/cs/oralherpes/a/oralherpesbasic.htm)
Fever Blisters and the Herpes Simplex Virus
Fever blisters are caused more often by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) than herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). As a matter of fact, more than 85 percent of the world's population has been infected with HSV-1. These infections follow the usual course of herpes simplex virus infections in that the first outbreak is usually more painful and lasts longer than recurrent infections.
Fever Blisters - Primary Infection
The first time the skin in or around the mouth comes in contact with the herpes simplex virus; the outbreak occurs inside the mouth -- on the gums, tongue, and throat. This is called gingivostomatitis. This first infection occurs most often in childhood, and the highest incidence of infection occurs between 6 months and three years of age. Children get pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and may have difficulty swallowing. These symptoms last for about a week and resolve spontaneously. Children with gingivostomatitis are at risk for dehydration if the pain keeps them from drinking fluids. Water-based popsicles are sometimes used to provide hydration and pain relief.
On monday morning the doctor missed this, and by last night (tuesday?) the child was convulsing with pain, screaming constantly, and still with nothing more than a suppository for comfort. The total idiocy is beyond me. I was SO angry, SO fustrated and frankly pissed off.
I'm home now, taking the day off, tomorrow too. Going back later to keep her company. And safe. The fucking hospital swopped her at birth, not the same hospital, but a private one too. So no, she is NEVER alone.
I'm going to curl up in a sunny spot and sleep. They didn't have coffee there, and um just getting over the withdrawal symptoms. Maybe by tonight i can buy her a chocolate :D As i understand her world view, going with daddy to go buy a chocolate at the shops rates as the bestest thing that is possible. I'm good with that. Although i guess the vending machine will be an interesting diversion. By the way, what's with that? Vending machines full of coke (any colour you like) and chocolates. Yay for health, leastways no cigarettes being sold. Chocolate, it's not a DRUG is it? *wicked grin*
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Perseid meteor shower
Ok, after the last rant, something to smile for.
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/about/pressreleases/3513246.html
"The Perseid meteor shower, an annual celestial event beloved by millions of skywatchers around the world, returns to the night sky this coming week. But moonlight will interfere somewhat with the view.
Sky & Telescope magazine predicts that the Perseid shower will reach its peak late on Friday and Saturday nights, August 11-12 and 12-13 (for viewers in North America). The rate of activity should pick up after midnight until the first light of dawn.
You'll need no equipment but your eyes. The moonlight in the sky will hide the fainter meteors, and so will artificial light pollution, but the brightest meteors should still show through."
Not visible from SA, and the southern hemisphere. Bt it's happening nonetheless. While we're at work ... *chuckle*
Fuck the USA
News 24
Durban - US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton met with South African President Jacob Zuma on Saturday in a bid to improve strained ties with the country.
So they send the bitch. Local news is full of her doings *spit*
Come to get land for a military base they say. Right. THIS is worth throwing a petrol bomb for. Fuck the US, and it's military, and stay the FUCK off my land.
Durban - US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton met with South African President Jacob Zuma on Saturday in a bid to improve strained ties with the country.
So they send the bitch. Local news is full of her doings *spit*
Come to get land for a military base they say. Right. THIS is worth throwing a petrol bomb for. Fuck the US, and it's military, and stay the FUCK off my land.
Friday, 7 August 2009
Touchable holograms
Check this out: http://www.alab.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/~siggraph/09/TouchableHolography/SIGGRAPH09-TH.html
Mid-air displays which project floating images in free space have
been seen in SF movies for several decades [Rakkolainen 2007].
Recently, they are attracting a lot of attention as promising tech-
nologies in the field of digital signage and home TV, and many
types of holographic displays are proposed and developed. You can
see a virtual object as if it is really hovering in front of you. But
that amazing experience is broken down the moment you reach for
it, because you feel no sensation on your hand.
Our objective is adding tactile feedback to the hovering image in
3D free space. One of the biggest issues is how to provide tactile
sensation. Although tactile sensation needs contact with objects by
nature, the existence of a stimulator in the work space depresses the
appearance of holographic images. Therefore some kind of remote-
controllable tactile sensation is needed. That is achieved by our
original tactile display [Iwamoto et al. 2008]. The following paper
explains the technologies employed for a “Touchable Holography.”
Mid-air displays which project floating images in free space have
been seen in SF movies for several decades [Rakkolainen 2007].
Recently, they are attracting a lot of attention as promising tech-
nologies in the field of digital signage and home TV, and many
types of holographic displays are proposed and developed. You can
see a virtual object as if it is really hovering in front of you. But
that amazing experience is broken down the moment you reach for
it, because you feel no sensation on your hand.
Our objective is adding tactile feedback to the hovering image in
3D free space. One of the biggest issues is how to provide tactile
sensation. Although tactile sensation needs contact with objects by
nature, the existence of a stimulator in the work space depresses the
appearance of holographic images. Therefore some kind of remote-
controllable tactile sensation is needed. That is achieved by our
original tactile display [Iwamoto et al. 2008]. The following paper
explains the technologies employed for a “Touchable Holography.”
Thursday, 6 August 2009
War crimes charges against SA citizens
News 24
Selected quotes:
" ... The Palestinian Solidarity Alliance (PSA) and the Media Review Network (MRN) are listed as complainants in an affidavit, called the Gaza Docket, handed to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation..."
" ... "The evidence contained in the Gaza Docket indicates overwhelmingly that war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed by the Israeli Defence Force during Operation Cast Lead and there is prima facie evidence.... which indicates that South African citizens and/or residents are implicated in the commission of these crimes," a memorandum reads..."
" ... It is supported by around 3 500 pages of evidence, including evidence by Human Rights Watch on the "brutal military onslaught on Gaza by the Israeli Defence Force"..."
" ... "We do have damning evidence that there are individuals, South Africans, who are serving in the Israeli defence force and that is a violation of our own internal laws but also a violation of international laws," ... "
" ... He added it was South Africa's duty and responsibility to take actions against the "apartheid state of Israel"..."
*applause*
I'm going to be watching this carefully.
EDIT: News 24
A response from the Jewish Board of deputies in response the the charges against a certain Davd Benjamin:
" ... "This amounts to little more than a clumsy attempt at manipulating the Judiciary for partisan political purposes," the organisations said in a statement..."
But now, most clearly it is illegal for a south african citizen to serve in a foreign military. More so that not only were they serving, but was serving in what has been clearly identified as genocide.
So much as those ex-soldiers were arrested in Zim a while ago for planning some or other coup, these guys need to face up to their actions. And south africa should NOT beome a haven OF ANY SORT to mercanaries or foreign soldiers or criminals.
PS. I noticed Justice Richard Goldstone on the advisory panel for the investigation int the Gaza Genocide, although (apparently) neither Israel nor Gaza fully co-operated with his enquiries.
Selected quotes:
" ... The Palestinian Solidarity Alliance (PSA) and the Media Review Network (MRN) are listed as complainants in an affidavit, called the Gaza Docket, handed to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation..."
" ... "The evidence contained in the Gaza Docket indicates overwhelmingly that war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed by the Israeli Defence Force during Operation Cast Lead and there is prima facie evidence.... which indicates that South African citizens and/or residents are implicated in the commission of these crimes," a memorandum reads..."
" ... It is supported by around 3 500 pages of evidence, including evidence by Human Rights Watch on the "brutal military onslaught on Gaza by the Israeli Defence Force"..."
" ... "We do have damning evidence that there are individuals, South Africans, who are serving in the Israeli defence force and that is a violation of our own internal laws but also a violation of international laws," ... "
" ... He added it was South Africa's duty and responsibility to take actions against the "apartheid state of Israel"..."
*applause*
I'm going to be watching this carefully.
EDIT: News 24
A response from the Jewish Board of deputies in response the the charges against a certain Davd Benjamin:
" ... "This amounts to little more than a clumsy attempt at manipulating the Judiciary for partisan political purposes," the organisations said in a statement..."
But now, most clearly it is illegal for a south african citizen to serve in a foreign military. More so that not only were they serving, but was serving in what has been clearly identified as genocide.
So much as those ex-soldiers were arrested in Zim a while ago for planning some or other coup, these guys need to face up to their actions. And south africa should NOT beome a haven OF ANY SORT to mercanaries or foreign soldiers or criminals.
PS. I noticed Justice Richard Goldstone on the advisory panel for the investigation int the Gaza Genocide, although (apparently) neither Israel nor Gaza fully co-operated with his enquiries.
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Date synchronicity
Did you know that on August 7, 2009?
At 12hr 34 minutes and 56 seconds the time and date will be
12:34:56 07/08/09
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
At 12hr 34 minutes and 56 seconds the time and date will be
12:34:56 07/08/09
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Pig on the wing
Damn, it isn't every day i find a column this good. Chris McEvoy is the guys name, and this column was very well said.
From: Channel 24
"... And do I even need to mention alcohol? Booze is such a brainless, poisonous life-fuck of a narcotic that it makes tik, heroin and all the rest seem about as dangerous as a particularly weak cup of Earl Grey tea. More than half of all road deaths and (reported) cases of domestic violence (give or take a percentage or two) are directly linked to alcohol. Dop kills way more people than all the scary illegal narcotics combined. But a good drink (in other words, three or seven drinks, in SA-speak) is an obligatory component of almost any leisure activity. Sports, braais, the festive season, dating and divorce all seem so meaningless without booze that, as a non-drinker, I barely have reason to ever leave my house..."
"... Meanwhile, epidemiologist Tom Jefferson is quoted in Spiegel Online as saying that the scare is nothing more than the result of the pharmaceutical industry licking its lips at the prospect of a profitable pandemic..."
Wild applause from the peanut gallery.
From: Channel 24
"... And do I even need to mention alcohol? Booze is such a brainless, poisonous life-fuck of a narcotic that it makes tik, heroin and all the rest seem about as dangerous as a particularly weak cup of Earl Grey tea. More than half of all road deaths and (reported) cases of domestic violence (give or take a percentage or two) are directly linked to alcohol. Dop kills way more people than all the scary illegal narcotics combined. But a good drink (in other words, three or seven drinks, in SA-speak) is an obligatory component of almost any leisure activity. Sports, braais, the festive season, dating and divorce all seem so meaningless without booze that, as a non-drinker, I barely have reason to ever leave my house..."
"... Meanwhile, epidemiologist Tom Jefferson is quoted in Spiegel Online as saying that the scare is nothing more than the result of the pharmaceutical industry licking its lips at the prospect of a profitable pandemic..."
Wild applause from the peanut gallery.
My Biker Code
I ride purely, and only, because it is fun.
I ride because I enjoy the freedom I feel from being exposed to the elements and the vulnerability to the danger that is intrinsic to riding.
I do not ride because it is fashionable to do so.
I ride my machine, not wear it. My machine is not a symbol of status.
It exists simply for me, and me alone. My machine is not a toy. It is an extension of my being, and I will treat it accordingly, with the same respect as I have for myself.
I strive to understand the inner workings of my machine, from the most basic, to the most complex. I will learn everything I can about my machine, so that I am reliant upon no one but myself for it's health and well-being.
I strive to constantly better my skill of control over my machine. I will learn it's limits, and use my skill to become one with my machine so that we may keep each other alive. I am the mistress, it is the servant. Working together in harmony, we will become an invincible team.
I do not fear death. I will however, do all possible to avoid death prematurely.
Fear is the enemy, not death. Fear on the highway leads to death, therefore I will not let fear be my master. I will master it.
My machines will outlive me. Therefore, they are my legacy. I will care for them for future bikers to cherish as I have cherished them, whoever they may be.
I do not ride to gain attention, respect, or fear from those that do not ride, nor do I wish to intimidate or annoy them. For those that do not know me, all I wish is for them to ignore me. For those that desire to know me, I will share with them the truth of myself, so that they might understand me, and not fear others like me.
I will never be the agressor on the highway. However, should others mess with me, their aggression will be dealt with in as severe a manner as I can cast upon them.
I will show respect to other bikers more experienced or knowledgeable than I am.
I will learn from them all I can.
I will not show disrespect to other bikers less experienced or knowledgeable than I am.
I will teach them what I can.
It will be my task to mentor new riders, that so desire, into the lifestyle of the biker, so that the breed shall continue.
I shall instruct, as I have been instructed by those before me. I shall preserve and honour traditions of bikers before me, and I will pass them on unaltered.
I will not judge other bikers on their choice of machine, their appearance or their profession. I will judge them only on their conduct as bikers. I am proud of my acomplishments as a biker, though I will not flaunt them to others. If they ask, I will share them.
I will stand ready to help any other biker that truly needs my help. I will never ask another biker to do for me what I can do for myself.
I am not a part-time biker. I am a biker when and wherever I go. I am proud to be a biker, and I hide my chosen lifestyle from no one.
I ride because I love freedom, independence and the movement of the ground beneath me. But most of all I ride to better understand myself, my machine and the lands in which I ride, and to seek out and know other bikers like myself!
I ride because I enjoy the freedom I feel from being exposed to the elements and the vulnerability to the danger that is intrinsic to riding.
I do not ride because it is fashionable to do so.
I ride my machine, not wear it. My machine is not a symbol of status.
It exists simply for me, and me alone. My machine is not a toy. It is an extension of my being, and I will treat it accordingly, with the same respect as I have for myself.
I strive to understand the inner workings of my machine, from the most basic, to the most complex. I will learn everything I can about my machine, so that I am reliant upon no one but myself for it's health and well-being.
I strive to constantly better my skill of control over my machine. I will learn it's limits, and use my skill to become one with my machine so that we may keep each other alive. I am the mistress, it is the servant. Working together in harmony, we will become an invincible team.
I do not fear death. I will however, do all possible to avoid death prematurely.
Fear is the enemy, not death. Fear on the highway leads to death, therefore I will not let fear be my master. I will master it.
My machines will outlive me. Therefore, they are my legacy. I will care for them for future bikers to cherish as I have cherished them, whoever they may be.
I do not ride to gain attention, respect, or fear from those that do not ride, nor do I wish to intimidate or annoy them. For those that do not know me, all I wish is for them to ignore me. For those that desire to know me, I will share with them the truth of myself, so that they might understand me, and not fear others like me.
I will never be the agressor on the highway. However, should others mess with me, their aggression will be dealt with in as severe a manner as I can cast upon them.
I will show respect to other bikers more experienced or knowledgeable than I am.
I will learn from them all I can.
I will not show disrespect to other bikers less experienced or knowledgeable than I am.
I will teach them what I can.
It will be my task to mentor new riders, that so desire, into the lifestyle of the biker, so that the breed shall continue.
I shall instruct, as I have been instructed by those before me. I shall preserve and honour traditions of bikers before me, and I will pass them on unaltered.
I will not judge other bikers on their choice of machine, their appearance or their profession. I will judge them only on their conduct as bikers. I am proud of my acomplishments as a biker, though I will not flaunt them to others. If they ask, I will share them.
I will stand ready to help any other biker that truly needs my help. I will never ask another biker to do for me what I can do for myself.
I am not a part-time biker. I am a biker when and wherever I go. I am proud to be a biker, and I hide my chosen lifestyle from no one.
I ride because I love freedom, independence and the movement of the ground beneath me. But most of all I ride to better understand myself, my machine and the lands in which I ride, and to seek out and know other bikers like myself!
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
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