US Speedskating Championships 2010 & Bruce Connor

The US Speedskating (LT) Championships are underway in Salt Lake City, with great photos and commentary as always by Andrew Love at his blog Zen & the Art of Speedskating (see right column for a link).

I've mentioned Bruce Connor in an earlier blog, but looked at the results from SLC and must express awe and amazement at his 500m time of 00:38.90 at a pressure meet! I can't go that fast in a car! Bruce is within hairbreadths of men less than half his age! Way to go!

Thank you, Bruce, for continuing to inspire those of us who've been around the block a few times! I've never met you, but appreciate the inspiration.

I hope your turn comes to be highlighted to the Colbert Nation!

Auld Lang Syne

Just a note to look back on the old year, and to welcome the new:

For the old year, a poem:

“Forever in your Debt” by Kirk Jones

"Guím maith dhóibh siúd a shéid an ghaoth
agus iad uilig a stiúir an bád
thugamar linn é i gcoinne an trá
bead buíoch thar lá mo bháis "

With thanks to those who blew the wind,
And those who sailed the ship,
We sailed it tight against the tide,
And I shall be forever in your debt.

For the new year:

"What next? Ah. What a splendid question."

-William Kennedy, O, Albany! New York: Viking Press, 1983

To everyone, a Happy New Year, and to each of you 365 wonderful answers to Kennedy's "splendid question"!