Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in Niblik's LiveJournal:

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Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008
11:27 pm	Republicans, Palin, and teen pregnancy I find justice being served when the vice presidential Republican candidate has a daughter that is 17 and pregnant. That justice: The Republicans getting what they deserve for the failed "Abstinence Only" form of birth control. Abstinence being taught to people all the way up to the age of 29. Yes, that's right, 29. Add to that the fact that 95% of Americans have had pre-marital sex. The number of teen pregnancies is on the rise. The number of pregnancies outside of marriage is on the rise -- sure, some of them might get married; but, the bun was in the oven before the vows were given. The justice: A failed social policy that attempted to legislate morality -- "Abstinence Only". Rather than full sexual education that might teach these people how to.... oh, I don't know.... use a condom!? Sure, condoms may not be 100% effective. Even so, condom use would do the world a lot of good and reduce a lot of sexually transmitted diseases. (Comment on this)
Monday, September 1st, 2008
6:38 pm	Bee Sting! After living in this bee infested place for 16 months, I have finally been stung by a bee. As that happened over 30 minutes ago, I think I'm good. I am not allergic to bee stings. Or, at least, I was never allergic to bee stings when I was a child. I was allergic to wasp stings. I managed to get the stinger out within 30 seconds. I then went and grabbed an antihistamine. The sad part is, I feel good. Which, I was not expecting to feel for another 2-4 days. (Comment on this)
Tuesday, August 26th, 2008
11:43 pm	Bleepity Bleep Bleep Bleep It would seem that LJ and LJ friends entries are blocked at my new job. (Comment on this)
Wednesday, August 20th, 2008
10:56 am	Cover Letter Basics A Cover Letter is a basic "quickie" introduction. Something to entice the other person to actually read your resume -- and, hopefully, to entice them into giving an interview. This has almost been completely replaced by an Objectives section at the top of the resume. As I have seen people wondering about Cover Letters so much that it is not funny.... I, personally, don't use them. I never have. I have never needed to. I don't even have a college degree. I've been working as a corporate computer professional since 1995 (or earlier). My general opinion of Cover Letters is that they are "cold calls". A Cold Call is a call given to someone that is not soliciting for services. These are the telemarketers that give us phone calls asking us if we want aluminum siding (and we live in an apartment). A Cold call, in this case, is applying to a company in the "old school" manner of pure formality where they may or may not have a position where your services are required. Since the 90's, almost every place there is has an application process that is online. As I am in the computer field, this is always the case. I would hate to think of working some place, doing InfoTech (IT) for them and they have no basic forms available online. All government agencies should have an online presence. All education institutes, too. However, I did learn Cover Letter skills a long time ago. Typing class is good for that. Please find the proper format for this (I think Word probably has a template now days). The Basics (Generic): Your Contact Information (name, address, etc - as in writing a formal business letter) Employer Contact Information (name, address, etc - as in writing a formal business letter) Salutation (Dear Mr./Ms. Last name - leave out if no contact is available) Body of Cover Letter - keep it short. Short. Short. Short. First Paragraph - Position applying for. -Mention the position and where the job was found -if being referred, mention the person's name Middle Paragraph - how your skills match the job -What you have to offer -match qualifications to the job -one line summary of resume and fitting it to job (I have a lifetime experience in field (computers for me), and would be a good addition to the company for that reason) Final Paragraph - Why you should be selected for an interview -Make a punch here. The above should have sold you already. This is the kicker. -Simple conclusion, Thank them for considering you. Complimentary Close -"Respectfully yours," Signature -Handwritten (if mailed) -Typed beneath handwritten cc/Resume (indicates that a Resume is attached) The basic format done for a generic cover letter -- avoid these. If you have to actually write a cover letter, craft it for the target company! CONTENT Step 1: Research the company. This just got me my new job - does help that I worked there 10 years ago. It also helps that I know the third company involved from growing up with them. That does not mean finding negatives. That does not bring publicity articles. Find out what the company does to make money! Find out how you can aid the company in making money! For governmental positions - Find out what that department does. Mention this, VERY BRIEFLY e.g. I have read that your company makes widgets. I am a master crafter at creating widgets. That would be a tough sell. The why was left out. e.g. I have read that your company makes the best widgets in the world. I am a master crafter at creating widgets and would consider it an honor and privilege to work for your company. I bring 50 years of widget experience - from beginning widget resource gathering to completed widget distribution. That right there is likely to get you a job making widgets. This is why company research is important. This will show interest in that company. A basic knowledge of what the company is doing. Step 2: Know yourself Discover what it is that you actually offer. Sell it! This is a "pimp" yourself moment. e.g. I have read that your company makes the best widgets in the world. I am a master crafter at creating widgets and would consider it an honor and privilege to work for your company. I bring 50 years of widget experience - from beginning widget resource gathering to completed widget distribution. I have won a wide variety of awards in creating new widget designs. I won the year 2000 award for creating the widget of the millennium. Step 3: Conclude e.g. Your company produces the best widgets in the world. My background as a master crafter of widgets provides me with 50 years of experience to bring to your company. I ask for a few minutes of your time so that we can further explore what I offer your company. Please contact me at email-address@email.com or 123-555-1234 to arrange a time. I look forward to hearing from you and appreciate the opportunity to apply and be considered for position at your company. Finally: The key to a cover letter is to demonstrate enthusiasm for the position. A quick glance sheet of paper designed to offer forth why someone should read a resume and schedule an interview. Again.... I have never used cover letters. I usually demonstrate enough enthusiasm when I want a job that I get the job. Due to my particular job market being the technical market, I am usually sought after rather than having to apply for positions. I may change that, though. I am an incredible manager. I have lots of people telling me I should do management. I have led teams to success levels that have never been accomplished before (or after). Even so, I have never had to review a cover letter, either. I have been involved in interviewing people for positions on my team. I also have a copy of "Cover Letters that Knock Them Dead" at home, and "Resumes that Knock Them Dead". I haven't used those in over 10 years, either. But, they are there. The best reference on Resumes is from www.manager-tools.com http://www.manager-tools.com/sample-resume/ http://www.manager-tools.com/podcasts/Sample_Resume.pdf While a 1 page resume is an ideal, I have not converted mine to 1 page.... yet. I did get it down to 2 pages back in January; but, that version is not ready for prime time, yet. (Comment on this)
Friday, August 15th, 2008
11:32 am	I've been watching too many X-Files? And so have these guys?! "Big Foot" body: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/08/14/bigfoot.body/index.html (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Wednesday, August 13th, 2008
2:46 pm	I need a drink now The paper work is done. The cowboy rides off into the sunset.... On his way to his next great adventure! Yep, I landed the better job, 3 month contract-to-hire is what was proposed. They did state just a 3 month contract when I interviewed. However, a recruiter that called me the day after the first recruiter called had stated that it was contract to hire. Either way. I needed that position and got it. After all of the filing of the paper work everywhere, I want a stiff drink and to pass out. During all of this, a thought did occur to me. There really are "two" Americas. I went in and filled out my paper work in 30 minutes. I know the legalese, the standard clauses, and the way corporations like to limit their liability. I also realized I actually knew what was in the contract, too. When I was done, I had a smoke. As I was having that cigarette, I got a realization. Most people are not taught how to do that -- fill out the paper work for a job, understand the clauses mentioned, and actually be done with it in 30 minutes. Sure, some might be able to get all of that filled out in that amount of time -- but they don't understand it. I am in a very different world than most other people. I also understand how different societal aspects apply to social-dynamics (interfacing with people). That no one teaches that, either. About the best reference manual that can be gotten on that subject is from Dale Carnegie, How To Win Friends and Influence People. Corporations spend thousands on sending their employees to Carnegie seminars (even Dilbert's author, Scott Adams, was sent to these when he was in a corporation). I am truly beginning to grasp that far too many people have no idea about what they can get away with. Anyway... I could use a drink. I normally don't drink; but I really could use a drink right about now. (Comment on this)
Friday, August 8th, 2008
12:34 pm	When it rains... it pours! I have confirmed that I have good odds of a contract to hire position here in Houston for a good bit more money. I know the person making the hiring decision! My interview there is on Tuesday. But! I got called to the Major Leagues! That's right! Major League status! I have a confirmed contract to hire phone interview to go do what I do for the big kahuna! I would have to figure out what to do with my stuff if I were to pick up and move to the Seattle area. Would I? As a college friend of mine does work there (we were like family when I was in college -- I knew his mother, his father, his brother... and had even spent time at their family home).... Both offers are very tempting. Very very tempting. I do think I may take the job here in Houston. Believe it or not, the pay is better. However, going PRO for the big guys does have to be considered. I feel like I was in minor league baseball and got a call to go play in the major league! I have no idea what I will decide. Getting out of Houston would have its advantages. Staying in Houston for more money would have even greater advantages. To top all of that off, if I do stay here, I finally found the place I will be moving to. I figure 500-650 a month rent savings will feel good no matter what I do! Fortunately, I will know more after my phone interview with the big kahuna on Monday and my in person interview on Tuesday (where they are likely to offer me the job that day -- as they did to a friend of mine). No matter what, I will not leave Houston until I have gone to see Twisted Sister on the first! All of this does create a logistical problem that does have easy and feasible solutions. As I won't be signing the new lease until after all of the interviews are over, I am safe enough there. If I stay in Houston, I get to sign a new lease and move -- and can pay movers. If I am crazy enough to go to work for the big kahuna, I will have to quickly pack everything I own -- and set aside what I need to live and work. Likely store everything, drive up there with the required work stuff, find a place to crash out, work -- and then plan a trip back to throw everything on a truck and carry it to Seattle. Whew, glad I just went through the steps of how all of that will work out. I can't believe it! I got a phone interview with the big kahuna company of all computer software! Disclaimer: for non-disclosure reasons, I try to NEVER list any corporation I work for. Safer for them, safer for me -- and avoids any and all potential litigation that could arise if I were to actually list them. sub note: sometimes it is easy to figure out who I work for and after so many years devoted to JPMC and the way they outsourced my spot to 3+ guys in another country.... I don't feel much obligation to guard against disclosure information for that company. Yes, a going away package is a nice pay off. Giving my job to people that can not do it -- just pisses me off. (Comment on this)
Wednesday, August 6th, 2008
10:23 pm	Twisted Sister The Price - Twisted Sister How long I have wanted This dream to come true And as it approaches I can't believe I'm through I've tried, Oh, how I've tried For a life, yes a life I thought I knew Oh it's the price we gotta pay And the games we gotta play Makes me wonder if it's worth it to carry on Cause it's a game we gotta loose Though it's a life we gotta choose and the price is our own life until it's done Time seems to have frozen, But the mind can be fooled As the days pass I discover Destiny just can't be ruled Hard times, Oh, hard times, For the prize, yes the prize, I thought I knew Oh it's the price we gotta pay And all the games we gotta play Makes me wonder if it's worth it to carry on Cause it's a game we gotta lose, Though it's a life we gotta choose And the price is our own life until it's done Oh it's the price we gotta pay And all the games we gotta play Makes me wonder if it's worth it to carry on Cause it's a game we gotta lose, Though it's a life we gotta choose And the price is our own life until it's done Oh it's the price we gotta pay And all the games we gotta play Makes me wonder if it's worth it to carry on Cause it's a game we gotta lose, Though it's a life we gotta choose And the price is our own life until it's done -- Memorial Day, 9/1/2008, I will be going to see Twisted Sister in concert! (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Monday, August 4th, 2008
2:09 pm	Bleep Bleep Bleep This kind of sucks, I have to stay home tomorrow :( The office is closed. (Comment on this)
10:13 am	This might be a MUST HAVE "This Shirt is NOT Black" http://www.snorgtees.com/thisshirtisnotblack-p-329.html?osCsid=51ad273f23ddec0d8a97fade79600aff (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Friday, August 1st, 2008
9:58 am	Paine'd I was recently assaulted with the normal Christian rhetoric that evolution is fake. Then I got inspiration. I thought like Thomas Paine. Evolution is summarized as "survival of the fittest". Traits that are beneficial to survival are reproduced and passed on to the next generation. Many people find Christianity and religion to be beneficial to the survival of the fittest. These teach how to function better in society, be a more wholesome individual, offers tons of networking and socialization. They can actually benefit survival. Christians teach evolution in their actions -- by marrying within their religion, raising their children to be Christian, and trying to pass that trait onto others that do not have it ("converting the heathens" as they say). If evolution was not real, then Christianity would have died out over a thousand years ago. If evolution was not real, then the Bible would not list out familial lineages in the Old Testament. Now, if Christians really and truly wanted to stop teaching Evolution -- they would stop trying to pass Christianity to the next generation! (Comment on this)
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008
9:18 am	Texas - Wind Turbines It would seem that China is the only one beating Texas for wind turbine electricity generation. http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/07/28/wind.energy/index.html Add those windmills to one of the first nuclear plants in far too many years (in the US), and Texas will be off of a LOT of the fossil fuels. All the better to sell oil, natural gas, and gasoline to everyone else! (Comment on this)
Monday, July 28th, 2008
1:16 pm	Seeds - reference, Seeding After a nice Zen motorcycle ride, where my mind let go and I enjoyed the silence that was there. I got to discover how my father did some of the Time tricks. Yes, I really did. The originating reference for these things is Biblical, as are many of the things my father sort of taught. Not Biblical in the Christian sense, but the Bible is just where a documented reference of the event is located. The general concept from the Bible is, "You reap what you sow." There are plenty of scriptural references about different effects of this. A rather prophetic few I just found when looking for a good Reap/Sow passage: Job 4:8 Even as I have seen, Those who plow iniquity And sow trouble reap the same Ecclesiastes 11:4 He who observes the wind will not sow, And he who regards the clouds will not reap. Hosea 8:7 They sow the wind, And reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no bud; It shall never produce meal. If it should produce, Aliens would swallow it up. Looking at those.... and knowing how this works.... does not bode well for the Future. The methodology of this is to drop "seeds". I am reminded of the story of Johnny Appleseed. A man that took off walking and planting apple trees along his path so there would be apple trees on his return trip. These "seeds" can be anything. From a bit of sorrow. To a breath of despair. From a pleasant smile. To a fragrance in the air. ( cutting for length ) (Comment on this)
Thursday, July 24th, 2008
8:36 am	Rain Pants This is where I would like to say, rain gear PWNS! Specifically, Rain Pants FTMFW!!!!! For some reason, likely the hurricane (Dolly) that is far to the south, we actually have rain this morning in Houston. I tried waiting the extra 15 minutes just to see if it would clear some. It cleared enough for me to go put my rain pants on. I arrived to work a bit on the hot & sweaty side. Thankfully, new "man-stink" scent helps with that. Other than that, I am dry. (Comment on this)
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
1:35 pm	They left this out Shepherd of Hermas http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd-lightfoot.html They really should have kept this book of the Bible IN the Bible. Although, if they had, people would have been clued in about churches. People would have also had too many of the answers "given". I have only been through the Visions and Mandates. I hope to have the Parables read before I leave work. Yes, this book was actually in some of the earlier versions of the Bible. This book of the Bible actually answers why my father never had me baptized. That was a great question of mine over the years. My father had been raised Catholic. He later became a Southern Baptist minister. When he met my mother, he was a Deist. I can probably (and actually) count the number of times he went to church in my lifetime. Not quite on one hand (weddings/funerals, you know). This book also answers a LOT of the How It Works details that I had to piece together for myself over the years. Disclaimer: I am not a Christian. I may be a Deist. I am a Taoist. Studying (or reading) things like this interest me. Kind of like when I discovered I was a Taoist. I remember that reaction quite well, "A billion other people think like I do in this world!" (Hey, that number might be up to 3 billion now. -- or more, if one actually considers that Zen is like the Japanese version of Taoism.) ( verses I liked ) "Ask and Ye Shall Receive" and how that saying actually works! 1[39]:4 Do thou therefore cleanse thy heart from all the vanities of this life, and from the things mentioned before; and ask of the Lord, and thou shalt receive all things, and shalt lack nothing of all thy petitions, if thou ask of the Lord nothing wavering. 1[39]:5 But if thou waver in thy heart, thou shalt surely receive none of thy petitions. For they that waver towards God, these are the doubtful-minded, and they never obtain any of their petitions. 1[39]:6 But they that are complete in the faith make all their petitions trusting in the Lord, and they receive, because they ask without wavering, nothing doubting; for every doubtful-minded man, if he repent not, shall hardly be saved. 1[39]:7 Cleanse therefore thy heart from doubtful-mindedness, and put on faith, for it is strong, and trust God that thou wilt receive all thy petitions which thou askest; and if after asking anything of the Lord, thou receive thy petition somewhat tardily, be not of doubtful mind because thou didst not receive the petition of thy soul at once. For assuredly it is by reason of some temptation or some transgression, of which thou art ignorant, that thou receivest thy petition so tardily. This has a much better example in the movie Fright Night. The head vampire turns to Peter Vincent the vampire slayer (whom is holding a cross) and lets out a wicked laugh. "You have to have FAITH for that to work on me..." I try to explain it to others with a saying I got somewhere. It gets stuck in my head in my father's voice, so I might have actually heard it from him. Mind and heart, bub. Mind and heart. When the mind and the heart work together, all things can be accomplished. The following is good regarding sorrow (and anger). 2[41]:1 "Hear now, senseless man," saith he, "How sorrow crusheth out the Holy Spirit, and again saveth it. 2[41]:2 When the man of doubtful mind sets his hand to any action, and fails in it owing to his doubtful-mindedness, grief at this entereth into the man, and grieveth the Holy Spirit, and crusheth it out. 2[41]:3 Then again when angry temper cleaveth to a man concerning any matter, and he is much embittered, again sorrow entereth into the heart of the man that was ill-tempered, and he is grieved at the deed which he hath done, and repenteth that he did evil. 2[41]:4 This sadness therefore seemeth to bring salvation, because he repented at having done the evil. So both the operations sadden the Spirit; first, the doubtful mind saddens the Spirit, because it succeeded not in its business, and the angry temper again, because it did what was evil. Thus both are saddening to the Holy Spirit, the doubtful mind and the angry temper. 2[41]:5 Put away therefore from thyself sadness, and afflict not the Holy Spirit that dwelleth in thee, lest haply He intercede with God [against thee], and depart from thee. 2[41]:6 For the Spirit of God, that was given unto this flesh, endureth not sadness neither constraint. ( more quotes (and I may add more from the Parables as I get to them, behind the cut) ) (Comment on this)
Monday, July 21st, 2008
10:27 am	That Sucks One of the most beautiful places I ever wanted to live is up for lease. The place is a duplex/townhouse. 2 bed room, 2 bath, 1 garage parking, 1 covered parking. All utilities (including washer/dryer), water covered in rent. When I originally saw the place, I thought 1400/month was too much. Although, it would have been worth every penny of it. The only problem is that the place is really in the city -- good neighborhood within the city; but we're talking IN the city. Very quiet, too, for being in the city. I was hoping that the cost of rent had gone down. I mean, it has been at least 3 years since I saw the place originally. I wouldn't want to pay 1400/month; but, that is practically what I am paying now. Sadly, it is now 1625/month. That sucks! :( I could probably manage the cost. However, I could probably find something for half that price a lot closer to the beach. I also forgot to ask how much they wanted for deposit. The place is walking distance from my all time favorite coffee shop. I have always love that neighborhood. The dilemma sucks. There or the beach. I think I will take the bike and ride around that neighborhood looking for other places to rent. I might manage to find something better. EDIT: Yes, this means the "great apartment search" is ON! I will be looking for a new, less expensive (or incredibly kick ass) place to live. (Comment on this)
Sunday, July 20th, 2008
4:00 pm	TTFN TTFN "Ta Ta For Now" I think this originally links back to Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. The reason the quote got picked up by me was a movie in the 80's (Witchboard, I believe... with Tawny Kitaen in it). I have completely forgotten the psyhic's name, though. Psychic: "Ta Ta For Now" (questioning look or a "what?" was given to the psychic) Psychic: "Just a little psychic humor!" Thus, somewhere along the way it was changed to "Ta Ta For Now... just a little psychic humor!" Of course, abbreviated with "ttfn" and the "just a little psychic humor!" gets cut in abberviation. (Comment on this)
Saturday, July 19th, 2008
10:03 pm	Joss Whedon, 'Nuff Said http://www.drhorrible.com/index.html Starring: Neil Patrick Harris Felicia Day Nathan Fillion That has to be one of the most interesting (and entertaining) shorts I have seen. I had thought that "The Guild" ( http://www.watchtheguild.com/ ) was the best. Just freaking impressive. Felicia Day. Working with Joss Whedon! Schmoozing it up with Neil Patrick Harris & Nathan Fillion! (2 Comments |Comment on this)
1:59 am	WE ALL LIVED! A friend of mine and myself went motorcycle riding tonight. Him and his wife were on his bike leading the way and I was in "staggered" formation behind them to the right. A staggered riding formation of motorcycles is done in one lane -- as two motorcycles can fit in one lane. The staggering is a means so that both motorcycles are not side by side. This is a practice we have done several times. Tonight, we went down to Galveston. Our intention was ride some (Galveston is about 40 miles from Houston) and go to a restaurant and watch ocean while chit-chatting. Galveston is also on the Gulf of Mexico -- the immediate beaches at Galveston are not the prettiets, head south along the ocean highway over the toll bridge and the good beaches can be found. All the tourist areas (restaurants/etc) are located in Galveston, though. Traffic along the "sea wall" is a four lane road with a middle turn lane. We were heading to a place that would be on the left, so we are on the inside of our side of the two lane. My friend closest to the center and I was on the outside (staggered) of that inner lane. A GSXR (suzuki motorcycle) pulls up alongside me in the far lane out. No problem. Friendly enough guy. I notice he was cruising the "sea wall" (sea wall is a term used in Galveston because the road that runs along the ocean is on a cement reinforced wall and above the ocean -- the wall was built to reduce damage from any storm surge). I see that Mr. GSXR ("gixxer") is showing off because his left hand is not on his handle bar (clutch = left hand). Usually the clutch hand stays near/on the clutch (without engaging the clutch) during traffic (or engaging the clutch a lot for shifting a lot as stops/slows happen). My mind goes, "yep, he's down here posing" Now, the Sea wall offers parking for the beach in the form of parallel parking. There is also a nice extra wide sidewalk (bikes, roller bladers, even bicicyle carts). Thus, on one side, the tourist stuff exists. Two lanes. One middle turn lane. Two more lanes. Parallel parking. Large sidewalk. Drop off to sand. Ocean (Gulf of Mexico). From out of nowhere, a ("black" ?) white pickup truck jumps off of the sidewalk, through a blank space in parallel parking, right into the GSXR. I got to watch as the GSXR sort of explode in front of me leaving debris on the road. The truck was driving so recklessly, it pulled out of that gap directly into an oncoming traffic lane -- and went the wrong way down that lane. Yep, he was going the wrong way. BAM, he slammmed right into the back of that GSXR. The GSXR was thrown sideways at my friend's bike. My friend manages the recovery. Him and his wife go down but at a slower rate. The GSXR ends up being under my friends motorcycle. His motorcycle's oil pan was ruptured -- at the least. Now the puzzling part. I should have rolled straight on top of that GSXR as it was thrown into our lane from an angle. Then it should have thrown a few pieces of itself at my friend and his wife. My friend suffered a gash in his leg - he went for stitches. His wife, unharmed. Me, unharmed. My motorcycle took no damage. I rode over only one small bit of debris (if that). The truck took off and kept on going. The adrenalin is wearing off, finally. I keep almost falling asleep while attempting to write this. I did just half-doze for a few moments. I will post this and re-read it tomorrow to see how it sounds. The important things: We all lived! My friend had to have stitches in his leg. His wife was uninjured. His bike died from an oil leak (all the oil drained out pretty fast - not pretty). I lived, no bike damage. The GSXR rider lived -- his bike was "disintegrated". He suffered a bad gash would on his knee. His arm and hand were torn up pretty good. He probably had a mild concussion. But, he was conscious and aware -- even trying to sit up. The truck was running from another accident it had had -- by riding on the side walk. The driver of the truck was found -- he crashed the truch into his house because he was trying to park around bakc and hide it. (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Friday, July 18th, 2008
5:43 pm	Beer run! After having a kind of bumpy ride and realizing I should take my motorcycle in to have it checked out, I did that today. I took it in and got a new front tire and an oil change. I did not think anything was wrong and did not have them really check anything out. Turns out what felt wrong was how bad the front tire had gotten. The great news, no new tires until next year. The OMFG news -- that front tire has been making my ride less smooth for well over a month! At least now I know what it feels like when tires are wearing down too much. I was going by tread depth - which is, technically, what you are supposed to go by. I will continue to go by tread depth and when my ride starts being less smooth -- change that sucker! (Comment on this)