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After learning that I had secured a place in the 2008 LOTOJA, I instantly felt justified in making a purchase with a hefty price tag: a Garmin Edge 305.

Now if I can only figure out how to make it work for me, instead of vice versa.

Nearly a month ago, I applied for a spot in the 2008 LOTOJA, a bicycle race from Logan, Utah, to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Ever since submitting the application, I've been on proverbial pins and/or needles waiting to see whether I would be given a spot to ride in the race this coming September.

Today, I received an email congratulating me on receiving a spot in the race. I couldn't be more excited. Not only did I get in, but everyone else who applied in our teams received a spot to ride, as follows:

* TEAM VCBO "CUTTERS" (FULL RACE) *

1. Tim Valentiner
2. Justin Brown
3. Tyler Smith
4. Zack Hackett
5. Jer Valentiner
6. Steve Baxter
7. and myself, Mike Drechsel

* TEAM VCBO "MIGHTY CUTTERS"" (4-PERSON RELAY) *

1. Christianne Valentiner
2. Niels Valentiner
3. Mallory Lake
4. Katie Drechsel

* TEAM VCBO "IT CUTTS BOTH WAYS" (2-PERSON RELAY) *

1. Daniel Dansie
2. J. Ray Milliner

It looks like things couldn't have gone better for our teams! Excitement Level: HIGH to QUITE HIGH.

Radiohead has long been one of my favorite bands. I think it was my brother James who first got me hooked on this stuff.

I was checking iTunes earlier for some music and stumbled upon this gem of an idea. Radiohead is allowing fans the opportunity to play around with one of the tracks, Nude, from their most recent album, "In Rainbows." I don't fancy myself able to do anything spectacular with the raw materials of this song, but I LOVE the idea of letting the common folk have a shot at remixing the track into something hopefully unique and unexpected. The full details are available on the iTunes Radiohead Remix page or you check out the Radiohead Remix website for more info and for a chance to listen to some of the work that's being done with this music.

After significant practice and familial moral support, I’ve bettered my previous score from this to a new high of 107667 and a world rank of 147. Beat that if you dare!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to kick a ball around your office trying to get the ball to land in a trash can that you place in increasingly inaccessible locations? Then have I got a treat for you. Check out Binball Wizard!!! [DISCLAIMER: Michael Drechsel will not be held responsible for any diminished productivity that may accompany engaging in a game of Binball…you’ve been warned.]

NB - My best is 90752 and my global rank is 13781…for the time being.