Please Don't Touch the Art

Club Animals

2010-01-13T22:49:00.000-05:00

Club Animals: ><

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_peF3g9JB2v0/SwNKpMrCRYI/AAAAAAAABso/iTSr5DaaJ4M/s1600/-1.jpg

DEATH BEAR

We all have someone or something we would rather just forget. Things fall apart. Love hurts. Dreams die. But when you summon Death Bear to your door, you can rest assured that help has come. At first you may be intimidated by his stature and color (7 feet tall with a hard, black bear head, black jumpsuit, and black boots), but absorbing the memories of others is a dark art, and Death Bear must present himself appropriately for this solemn duty. Death Bear will take things from you that trigger painful memories and stow them away in his cave where they will remain forever allowing you to move on with your life. Give him an ex's clothes, old photos, mementos, letters, etc. Death Bear is here to assist you in your time of tragedy, heartbreak, and loss. Let Death Bear help you, and absorb your pain into his cave.

Saturday, February 13th, 2010
and Sunday, February 14th, 2010
Serving all Brooklyn only
Text 347-742-2293 for an appointment
Free

JetBlue | Sample Sale - Today only

2009-11-19T12:51:00.000-05:00

JetBlue | Sample Sale - Today only

Tons of deals here today. Most flights from NYC are about $50 each way. Black out dates are around the holidays, but if you're heading out before or after, this is a sweet deal.

Hipsters discussing Cyclocross

2009-11-16T14:51:00.000-05:00

Hipsters discussing Cyclocross

Breaking: House passes historic health bill - 220 to 215

2009-11-14T16:11:00.000-05:00

Breaking: House passes historic health bill - 220 to 215

The House of Representatives passed legislation for the first time Saturday night that would provide health coverage to almost every American after nearly a century of false starts and un-kept campaign promises.

The final vote was 220-215. In all, 219 Democrats voted to approve the measure in a largely party-line vote, with 39 Democrats voting no. One Republican supported the bill, Rep. Joseph Cao (R-La.).

The bill has a steep cost – both in dollars, $1.2 trillion, and political capital – but Democrats hailed its passage as the next chapter in a governing legacy that produced Medicare and Social Security.

eBay buyer totally torpedoed my confidence in the human race.

2009-11-06T11:41:00.001-05:00

I just sold this wheel on eBay:

HED Bastogne Clincher Front 700c C2 - eBay (item 200399251578 end time Oct-28-09 06:42:17 PDT)

For brevity sake, here is the listing description:

NEW HED Bastogne

C2 rim technology

You're bidding on a new HED Bastogne 700c C2 clincher front wheel. This wheel is laced 3x with Titanium spokes for cyclocross. This wheel would be a great front to test out the new tubeless technology coming out for cyclocross or road racing.

Specifics:

C2 23mm rim width
Alloy braking surface
Clincher rim design
Titanium bladed spokes
Alloy nipples
28h rim
HED designed sonic hub

Skewer not included.

Shipping is $15 anywhere in the lower 48.
$26 to Canada plus import taxes and duties.

Feel free to ask me about this wheel. Thanks!

THE STORY:

So, this guy buys the wheel right away. Great. One less wheel in my apartment. A few days later I get an email saying this:

hale111359: Received the wheel today. This is not a HED Bastogne wheel as shown on the HED site. It is way heavy, 810 grams instead of 651, wrong hub, and hub binds when installed. The only thing Bastogne about it is the sticker, which is not correct per the web site. Please process a refund including return shipping.

At this point, I didn't even think that he had not read the description. I assumed he was thinking that I had sold him a used wheel. This wheel was new, never ridden so I responded:

What are you talking about? It was a wheel directly from HED. Its
never even been ridden.

hale111359: You advertised the wheel as a HED Bastogne Front 700c clincher C2. Go to the HED website and pull up that wheel. Other than the rim, please tell me what about the wheel matches. And yes, the hub binds and does not spin freely when mounted.

At this point I know I'm in for a shit storm. This guy just referenced a 2010 product off HED's website that does not resemble the version of the wheel I had sold him. The hub issue was simply him over tightening the skewer, which I have found a lot of people do. He followed up before I could respond with:

To be fair as a follow up, I was able to free up the hub and it spins freely.

After this, I was like, "Well, if he can figure out how to loosen his skewer, maybe he's not a total idiot." So, I started down the path of stating facts as succinctly as I could,

To be accurate, please refer to the images that were posted with
this auction. The wheel you now have are the images that were
posted. Standard build Bastonges are radial front - this was a
custom build 3x with Ti spokes. It is exactly what was posted in
the auction. You are correct that this wheel is not a standard
build, but it is a HED Bastogne Clincher front 700c C2 wheel. It
is the buyer's responsibility to read the auction posting and view
the images posted. It is a HED Bastogne built by HED for me
this year.

hale111359: Why did you not state that it was a special custom build ? Are you saying it is the buyer's responsiblity [sic] to determine if the seller is engaging in misleading advertising ? Please show me where HED describes this wheel as you have it built ? They don't that is the point. As you title the item, one should be able to assume it is what the manufacturer advertises without doing comparitive investigation to find out the deception.

Uh oh. This guy has never had anything custom built, nor can he read. He also can't see pictures. Maybe he bought the wheel using a string and can listening to modem clicks to determine what he was looking for. Either way, I'm now faced with a guy who is convinced I mislead him and who has never had a custom product (or possibly even knew it was possible to get?).

Sir, please go back and read the item description. The item you
bought is exactly what was described. HED does make wheels to
spec for sponsored riders and special dealers. This was outlined
in the description of the item. Your argument is based solely
upon the title of the auction, which cannot describe in full the
details of the product.
FYI: All wheel manufacturers will oblige special builds for riders
if you call them directly.

This seemed like a good response, no? No.

hale111359: I am sorry you see it that way. The average person does not know this. No where did you say this was a build different than offered to the general public buyer. It is unfortunate I will have to take this to a paypal dispute. You will not win it because your add was misleading by ommision. Neither of us will have the funds for a period and you will not have a wheel to resell. I wish you would reconsider the refund, it would make it easier for us both.

Well, I'm sorry you never learned to read! Average people can read, right?! I am still at a loss for how he thinks my post was misleading?

So, I retort:

Sir, the description is as follows:
You're bidding on a new HED Bastogne 700c C2 clincher front
wheel. This wheel is laced 3x with Titanium spokes for
cyclocross. This wheel would be a great front to test out the new
tubeless technology coming out for cyclocross or road racing.

How is this NOT what you have in your hands? And you say that
I left out something in the description, did you not read this
sentence, "This wheel is laced 3x with Titanium spokes for
cyclocross." Further more, did you NOT look at the pictures
provided? EVERYTHING was given to you and you chose not to
completely read and understand the auction as described. There
is no misleading, omission or oversight on my end. You did not
read the auction OR look at the images!

Admittedly not the best customer tone, but c'mon.

hale111359: You claim there was not room in the title which is misleading, yet you were capable of putting it in the title of your other listing for the rear wheel. Listing 200399250686. I have a copy of this listing for the dispute/claim. I am sorry it will come to this.

This is the title:

HED Bastogne Tubular 700c C2 for Cyclocross

And here is the convo:

Me:

"Whats the difference about the listing for the rear wheel?"

hale111359: You state HED Bastogne Tubular 700c C2 for Cyclocross. HED has no tubular or cyclocross wheels in this line shown on their website.

Oh shit. I now realize what kind of guy he is. No common sense. Nothing in that brain assigning deductive reasoning. Just someone that reads headlines on the newspapers and thinks hes an informed voter.

I cried for a bit knowing my eBay feedback would forever be subject to tarnish because of a complete idiot.

Fine. Just send me back the wheel.

What did he do? Kept the wheel and left negative feedback.

FUCK YOU HALE111359!!! Let him know you love him, too: http://myworld.ebay.com/hale111359/

Edward Burtynsky - Art Profile and Schedule - New York Magazine

2009-10-19T18:02:00.000-04:00

Edward Burtynsky - Art Profile and Schedule - New York Magazine

"Edward Burtynsky makes beautiful art of horrible places: a nickel mine whose tailings turn a river blood-red; a dam project that bleaches every bit of color out of the landscape. His “Oil” photographs take us through steel pipelines, immense ships, desolate desert fields, and the spidery highways of Los Angeles. They’re gorgeous as abstractions—but there’s nothing abstract about the infighting they portend. — Christopher Bonanos"

JetBlue | Sample Sale

2009-10-15T14:33:00.000-04:00

JetBlue | Sample Sale

Flights from $39 today. Of course there are exceptions and details, but its mad cheap and your first checked bag is free.

Until the Snow Ends: Gloucester Day 2 Lap 1 Seat Cam

2009-10-05T17:01:00.000-04:00

Until the Snow Ends: Gloucester Day 2 Lap 1 Seat Cam

Craigslist’s Missed Connections as Art - Bits Blog - NYTimes.com

2009-10-01T13:39:00.000-04:00

Craigslist’s Missed Connections as Art - Bits Blog - NYTimes.com

I think Lizzy Cross (www.lizzycross.com) or Lee Walton (http://www.leewalton.com/) would make good use of this material.

YTMND - Breakup Letter, Dramatic reading

2009-09-30T00:17:00.000-04:00

YTMND - Breakup Letter, Dramatic reading

I'm sorry, but every time I hear this I bust a rib laughing to this. Everyone should hear this.

Man sues BofA for "1,784 billion, trillion dollars" - Yahoo! News

2009-09-29T10:47:00.000-04:00

Man sues BofA for "1,784 billion, trillion dollars" - Yahoo! News

The Mad Men Animated GIF You’ve All Been Waiting For -- Vulture

2009-09-28T16:13:00.000-04:00

The Mad Men Animated GIF You’ve All Been Waiting For -- Vulture

Somewhat gross, but entertaining. Vulture is going gore this week, I suppose.

"At last, some talented person from the Internet has turned the most shocking moment from Sunday's Mad Men into an animated image. (Warning: minor spoilers ahead!) We've watched it play at least 200 times and would like to make the following observations: Obviously Paul Kinsey's reaction is the best and this GIF will almost certainly be his Emmy clip next year. When Harry Crane realizes he's about to be sprayed with mowed foot, he actually opens his mouth wider. Also, who is the guy on the far left who looks a little like John Hodgman? Have we ever met him before? Why does he not seem all that bothered by what's just happened? Don't you get the impression that he's actually thinking about finishing his piece of cake? Clear your schedule, then click to see this thing in action."

JetBlue | Sample Sale

2009-09-28T15:38:00.000-04:00

JetBlue | Sample Sale

Really good deals here if you book today. Some flights are only $29.

Echappe Equipment Team Outfitters � News Feeds for Echappe Equipment

2009-09-16T21:48:00.000-04:00

Echappe Equipment Team Outfitters � News Feeds for Echappe Equipment

Echappe Equipment has quickly become known as an innovative bicycle company that aims at providing a unique service, race wheel rentals, at a price that is affordable to individuals. The feedback that we continually receive only reinforces the notion that cycling is an expensive sport and that Echappe helps ease the burden. While race wheels is one of the first big expenses that jumps into a person’s mind, there are a number of other areas where people incur the exact same problem. This reason is why Echappe Equipment continues to evolve and find new ways to help cyclists and triathletes alike. Echappe Equipment, with this idea in mind, has created Echappe Team Outfitting. We are providing teams with a “one-stop shop” where they can get race and training wheels, Shimano groups, and top-quality Belgian cycling clothes. There is no longer the hassle of talking with multiple sponsors, tracking down different orders, and trying to coordinate when everything will arrive. In addition, when all these products are order through Echappe Team Outfitting everyone is eligible for a 15% discount on their entire order. Let us handle the logistics, streamlining the process, and allowing people to relax in the off-season – as it should be!

About New York - Universal Health Care Could Chop Unaffordable Hospital Bills - NYTimes.com

2009-09-13T17:41:00.000-04:00

About New York - Universal Health Care Could Chop Unaffordable Hospital Bills - NYTimes.com:

"Some people are worried that the proposals for universal health coverage are a form of socialism. The standard American hospital bill is already a powerful instrument for redistributing income. Typically, hospitals’ list prices, like those Ms. Halley was charged, bear no resemblance to what is actually covered and paid by private or government insurance. So only the uninsured, like Ms. Halley, are actually asked to pay those amounts."

FromKeetra - Just between you and me.

2009-09-10T13:40:00.000-04:00

FromKeetra - Just between you and me.

Echappe Equipment :: Cyclocross Carbon Pass

2009-08-31T19:19:00.000-04:00

Echappe Equipment :: Cyclocross Carbon Pass:

Race Ready carbon tubular passes start at $200.

Cyclocross Alloy Passes can be found here.

Gear up for 'cross season with the best bang for you buck with a Cyclocross Season Pass. Available from $100 for alloy tubular rims. Let us take care of the hassle of mounting tubulars for you!
Remember that all Passes can be fully credited towards a final purchase of anything Echappe Equipment carries.

*July-September 23rd Deal for 'cross!! - Purchase a Shimano drivetrain set up for 'cross that includes one crankset, derailleur set and shifters and get one free race wheel rental!

** Added bonus: Those who purchase their cyclocross kits from Echappe's NS Sportswear line will be eligible for up to 5 more free rentals."

Residents at Hyannis Port mourn death of their neighbor, Ted Kennedy

2009-08-26T13:02:00.000-04:00

Residents at Hyannis Port mourn death of their neighbor, Ted Kennedy

Its nice that he got to see the Newsweek magazine coverage of him before he died. All his work will hopefully pay off soon enough.

Resort sponsors prize for best overall crit and 'cross racer at Interbike next month - VeloNews

2009-08-24T15:47:00.000-04:00

Resort sponsors prize for best overall crit and 'cross racer at Interbike next month - VeloNews

I'm betting on Adam Myerson.

PGA shows Tiger isn't invincible - Golf News - FOX Sports on MSN

2009-08-17T00:44:00.000-04:00

PGA shows Tiger isn't invincible - Golf News - FOX Sports on MSN

Wow. Tiger lost. And he lost by sliding down the steady ladder that he built. Loss of concentration? Loss of nerves? Or did he just get tired? Either way, good round for YE Yang today! He played it well and he left the way i think all sports greats should- on top.

""Rematch?" Yang said when asked about meeting up with Woods again, "Never again. I would like to stay as the guy who won over Tiger at the PGA Championship and that's it. No re-dos.""

Giro di Crap

2009-06-22T18:54:00.000-04:00

I hate stupid stage races. While I'm complaining, let it be known that I'm complaining about being bumped from 15th overall to 16th overall. Not a huge deal, but the bumping is from my placing in the TT going from 13th to 14th, which was a 2 second difference. The problem being that Eric Schildge who appeared in front of me (he did get a number of time bonuses) was 12 seconds behind me in the TT.

What did I learn? That I better learn to get time bonuses. Dammit.

Dialing in those new wheels: Tips for gluing Tubulars and reducing pulsation � News Feeds for Echappe Equipment

2009-06-18T20:24:00.000-04:00

Dialing in those new wheels: Tips for gluing Tubulars and reducing pulsation � News Feeds for Echappe Equipment

Posted a little something about reducing "pulsation" feeling when gluing tubulars...

Also just noticed that the banners for the blog have disappeared when I upgraded the Wordpress account... sweet.

The Associated Press: Plane lands safely in NJ after pilot dies

2009-06-18T17:22:00.000-04:00

The Associated Press: Plane lands safely in NJ after pilot dies

Echappe Equipment :: June 17th, 2009 Update

2009-06-17T14:26:00.000-04:00

Echappe Equipment :: June 17th, 2009 Update

Weekly updates are ready!

Making stuff

2009-06-12T09:51:00.000-04:00

Our (and Your) RISD � Blog Archive � Lynch is Outstanding

RISD sculpture major Casey Lynch got his work into the ISC and was awarded the Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award for 2009. Pretty awesome.

Its always nice to see RISD people getting along well. LinkedIn has provided a pretty good feedback into what the RISD crowd has been accomplishing in the art and design world. I'm always interested to see how broad of a reach the RISD alum have over contemporary culture.