Winter, Part II
In case you missed it earlier -
This morning superstar CNN meteorologist Bob Van Dillen said that today would probably be the coldest day this winter, but neither that warning nor the previous night's minor frostbite on my ear deterred me from biking into work. The extreme cold makes for a different pattern of frost on my goatee, looks almost like rice noodles. I took a photo when i got into work and sent it into CNN in the afternoon. If you look closely, you can see my bike reflected in my glasses. Coincidentally, i always wear a bike helmet when i ride into work - i took it off before taking this shot because it was a bit tight (i don't normally wear two head coverings).
A little bit after i sent the photo to CNN, i got a phone call from them (which i ignored) and then an e-mail. I called them back, was asked a few questions, and a few minutes later the photo appeared on the frontpage of CNN.
It's funny that i was shaking much more when i saw that frontpage than when i got into work this morning.
The results of my photo on CNN:
Maybe this will make those guys who yelled at me yesterday "get a car!" think twice.
By the way, for anyone who considers traveling far outside in the cold, i've been doing this for a few years, i'm used to it, i know what to wear, i know my body's signals for "too much". Be careful when playing with extremes.
My biggest disappointment was that we couldn't get a hold of my father while my photo was still up. Oh well. Throughout my life he's been in various newspapers and quoted by various news organizations, i was hoping he'd see my brief moment of fame (sure i've been in a couple other places as well but nothing this big). Maybe Newsweek can quote me in their rag - "it's getting a little chilly" - then we will have both appeared in the same 'zine.
Ok, now back to the regularly modest francisco.
This morning superstar CNN meteorologist Bob Van Dillen said that today would probably be the coldest day this winter, but neither that warning nor the previous night's minor frostbite on my ear deterred me from biking into work. The extreme cold makes for a different pattern of frost on my goatee, looks almost like rice noodles. I took a photo when i got into work and sent it into CNN in the afternoon. If you look closely, you can see my bike reflected in my glasses. Coincidentally, i always wear a bike helmet when i ride into work - i took it off before taking this shot because it was a bit tight (i don't normally wear two head coverings).
A little bit after i sent the photo to CNN, i got a phone call from them (which i ignored) and then an e-mail. I called them back, was asked a few questions, and a few minutes later the photo appeared on the frontpage of CNN.
It's funny that i was shaking much more when i saw that frontpage than when i got into work this morning.
The results of my photo on CNN:
- Rex actually leaped out of his chair and ran around telling my co-workers (thanks Rex! i could only yell expletives).
- Kirsten's friend in New York called her up and asked if it was me on cnn.com - was the first she heard of the story.
- my brother assumed i hacked CNN.
- the 107.1 radio station told viewers to check out the local on cnn.com
- i've received a number of e-mails from strangers about it.
- my co-workers handed me a number of printouts of the frontpage.
- my favourite was this IM Rick sent me: it just so happens i was walking out of work the other [day] with a coworker and he remarked, "i bet frisco isn't riding his bike now." "oh, i'm sure he still is," came my response. he was sitting right next to me when i got your text. "hey, ed... remember what you were saying the other day?" I'm glad my consistent stubbornness doesn't let anyone down.
Maybe this will make those guys who yelled at me yesterday "get a car!" think twice.
By the way, for anyone who considers traveling far outside in the cold, i've been doing this for a few years, i'm used to it, i know what to wear, i know my body's signals for "too much". Be careful when playing with extremes.
My biggest disappointment was that we couldn't get a hold of my father while my photo was still up. Oh well. Throughout my life he's been in various newspapers and quoted by various news organizations, i was hoping he'd see my brief moment of fame (sure i've been in a couple other places as well but nothing this big). Maybe Newsweek can quote me in their rag - "it's getting a little chilly" - then we will have both appeared in the same 'zine.
Ok, now back to the regularly modest francisco.
Labels: cycling
posted by francisco at 2/05/2007 10:07:00 PM
5 Comments:
I forgot to mention that i have much admiration for those folks that have to work outdoors during these sub-zero days - in particular the recycle, garbage, and park employees.
1. Amazing
2. you have a mac?, thought you were linux/unix-man
1. Thanks!
2. At its core, Mac is unix now! (and i've a number of computers i use at work, you're correct that my main one is unix)
That totally owns!
Props.
Hi Francisco, Lincoln from Ohio. I was in Toledo yesterday and saw the Ann Arbor exit sign. I thought, "that blackant guy isn't cycling in this..." You tha man.
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