Radio Humperdoo 6930 Khz USB North American Shortwave Pirate Radio

Received this neat eQSL from Radio Humperdoo - broadcasting "under the influence" for a reception report I sent them over the weekend.  It's a Halloween inspired theme (and from the email message, a new design for them). 

It's that time of year again, which mean more Halloween themed pirate broadcasts :D

Thanks Radio Humperdoo!

National Chess Day - 2018!

Who knew that the second Saturday in October is National Chess Day!!  Pretty Cool :D

Apparently, it goes back to the administration of President Gerald Ford - he announced it on October 9, 1976 and designated its observation for the second Saturday in October.  Today is its 42nd anniversary. 

I'm going to try and play a game online (at RedHotPawn) to celebrate :D

Phil McCarthy Completes Run Across the USA at City Hall - in 49 Days!!

Phil McCarthy finished his epic run across the United States at City Hall this afternoon.  It took 49 days, 7 hours and 55 minutes!  He began his run in San Francisco on August 21st and it ended on the steps of City Hall, here in NYC.  Well, technically, it ended about a dozen miles later - in the surf on the beach at Coney Island!

Congratulations Phil!!!

Interestingly, Phil's finish came just a month shy of the 10 year anniversary Marshal Ulrich's finish of his 52 day run across America back in 2008 (which I was also lucky enough to attend)!

Here's Phil in his own word :D

2018 Paine to Pain Trail Half Marathon: Race Photos & Results

My 4th consecutive Paine to Pain is in the books!  It was Nick's 11th(!!) - Eric recognized him, and the other runner, at the start as having lined up for all 11 editions of the race!  Weather-wise, the 100% humidity made for some tough going.  On the bright side, last year we had the same 100% humidity, but on and off rain as well!  But the weather didn't take away from another great day on the trails!  As always, this is a fantastic event.

One of my favorite moments was coming off the trail and heading uphill on the small road portion that connects the course to the next trail head - and hearing Green Day's "Know your Enemy" cranked out by the roadside band.  That was pretty great.

As for the race, I did not get off course in Saxon Woods like I did at the course preview 2 weeks ago.  But even with no bonus miles, I still missed a sub-2 hour finish (2:02:50).  I'll blame that, conveniently, on the brutal humid conditions - haha!  The 10 miler I ran yesterday may have also contributed my less than fresh legs.  Although that run did include parts of the course - and I took a few pre-race pictures (you might say).  I especially like the one in front of the row of empty porta-johns (echoing Eric's similar shot when they were delivered to the site last week).

I include a couple of the memorials to Thomas Paine, which most runners don't have the opportunity to see (as they are located up the road, on North Avenue).  A descendent of Thomas Paine was ran the race as well.  He began a hour before the official start.  Very, very cool - and a gave him a shout out when I caught up to him.

Here are the preliminary race results from the race website.
I'll add a link to the photos as well, when they're posted.

2018 Paine to Pain Packet Pickup at Westchester Road Runner

A tie-dyed colonial is this year's tee shirt for the Paine to Pain Trail Half Marathon!  Although I will say we did get a soft-reveal at the course check two weeks ago :D


This will be my 4th consecutive Paine to Pain - and, counting course checks, my 7th time running the full course.  I run the southern portion of the trail system often as part of my weekend training runs.  I'm looking forward to getting a refresher on the northern trails (clearly needed, it seems, given the bonus mileage in Saxon Woods I added during the course check - haha).


If you're at the race on Sunday, say hello!