The sky is having some technical difficulties

It's days like this I wish I was back in California where it never rains. This is the football practice field; if not for it's crowned design, it would be under water. And the wildest thing of all, we actually have to play a soccer game tomorrow, and you can imagine how brutal the field conditions will be.

oh, I love it...

DIY HMF Racing slip-on exhaust installation

For some reason I feel I have to do a disclaimer beforehand, because I have a feeling somebody's going to follow my step-by-step instructions on how to install their new exhaust. But, by all means, use this method if you like...afterall, it did work! And the bottom line is....it's just a slip-on!

But this is mainly for people interested in doing business with HMF Racing, or considering a new exhaust; I pretty much want to detail all the questions I had going into this, and where I found, or didn't find, the answers, and how this process went. Before purchasing, I did all this research to seek out answers and granted I did find most from searching forums, a lot of people weren't as detailed with their answers.

Dealing with HMF Racing
Let me start by saying I ordered direct from HMF Racing on Tuesday October 13th, and it was in my hands that Monday October 19th. Talk about fast shipping!!! They weren't kidding. And I live out in rural Texas (albeit, it's a college campus), so I imagine if you live near a major city center, then it would arrive even faster than that. On the other hand, they are absolutely BRUTAL with answering email! There is no lighter way to put it. Like I mentioned above, I found a lot of the information from message boards, and forums, but just for piece of mind, I kind of wanted to hear it directly from the dealer. But I know as a consumer, nothing is like a well-written, honest, unbiased, user review! I first heard of this brand of exhaust from reading http://kawiforums.com/, and decided to check it out, and browse their site. I was lurking the HMF site for over 1 month, and then I suddenly noticed they were having a sale, so I jumped on it. I compared prices to all the other Exhaust makers, and it seems like HMF was the right way to go considering my budget. My price was $227 -- which included the exhaust can, and the end-cap; arguably the best deal on any slip-on exhaust out there! Do the research... With that said, I have to give them a 8/10 just because they are horrible with email (some of my questions still have yet to be responded to), but they get extra clout because of the outstanding price, and unbelievable shipping time.

Benito and I with the goods, fresh out the box

Picture of the stock exhaust

Removing Stock Exhaust

Close-up of the stock exhaust. FYI, taking off the stock parts are a cinch. It comes off in two parts; the heat shield, and the exhaust can itself. All you have to do is literally twist/pull it off. Comes off fairly easy with little-moderate effort.

The HMF cans' lead pipe goes over the bike's exhaust, up until the point with it is ridged in the picture. That is approximate 3-4 inches before it reaches its endpoint.

I'd truly say the hardest part about removing the stock exhaust was twisting my semi-but-not-quite-dull Allen wrench on the two (2) smaller screws Lauren is holding. You may have a better experience than I did. They are positioned atop of eachother, and I removed the top one - no problem, but I nearly stripped the second of the screws. That is when I called in Benito, and luckily, he didn't care and just poweredrove that bitch off. No second guessing! I was all careful and ish because I didn't want to strip the screw, and then have the sh*t stuck on there.

Close up of heatshield and the screws that come off the heatshield, also the longer bolt that attaches at the rear footpeg, which is the mount for the stock exhaust. According to HMF, you can use the original parts with the new exhaust, and it will work just fine. I agree, the new parts they send, are identical and may be desired over the old ones, because they look newer and shinier.

Installation of HMF can

Naked. No can. This was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I'll be honest, I had the WD-40 all ready to go because I had a feeling it wasn't going to cooperate; and I learned that from reading others and their experience with this part. Initially, the HMF can goes on, so you feel good about yourself, then it hits a wall. We brought in the WD-40, sprayed lightly around the edges, and inside the can, and after about 3 trial-and errors, switching positions, and using knees and elbows, arms, etc. to try and get it on, we gave it a 3rd coat of WD-40 and Ben got that b!tch on! Whew, I was relieved. I knew it would eventually get on, but it took a good effort to get it there.

In that process, I think we may have threw off the angle of the exhaust pipe because once hte HMF can was on, nothing was aligned right, and we have to "force" the can back into an acceptable position so it would sit where it could be attached to the rearpegs where the stock exhaust sat. This process too a little over 20 minutes alone; mainly because we couldn't really figure out which part went where and so forth.

At this point, I went back online and looked at how other guys mounted their cans, and how they attached their heatshields. Nothing they did seemed to be working with mine. So, Ben and I got creative, and improvised. This is point where I say, you can either "do as I did, or not!" You will be able to see in the following two pictures, we didn't install the heat shield, which nullified the need for a lot of the screws/parts. In the shots, you can see the actualy pipe is exposed. Installation 5/10 because the instructions weren't helpful at all, but in actuality, you don't need them, however, at some points you may have questions but the instructions pretty much say, "remove old exhaust, twist on new one. May require some effort."

Exposed pipe

Ready for a test run.

In the video, you can hear the finished product. Yes, it blows me away how different the bike sounds from the stock exhaust. The sound is incredibly deep and full, and shakes the entire parking garage!

Overall, I am more than satisfied with the product and how the outcome. It was difficult at first, but I truly think anyone can perform this modification. it just takes patience, and a little over 1 hour for the complete process. HMF supplies you with everything you need, except a wrench/pliers, slightly larger allen wrench to remove stock exhaust, and maybe some WD-40 to assist with the twisting and pushing of the new can onto the pipe. If you're not sure what type of company you're going to go with, just keep researching until you know.

And for the most requested question I had, and what you probably have, is "did I rejet the carbs, or shim the carb needles?" and the answer is, "No." Do I plan to? The answer is "No." HMF doesn't require it, although I think they recommend it. But most people, I find, fall into the convincing tone of everyone saying to jet your carbs, or whatnot. The problem I find with that is, most people are complaining of backfire when slowing from high RPMs to low RPMs. I am not experiencing the backfire, as a lot of other folks aren't, but if you are the unfortunate one who had TOO MUCH backfire, and want to get rid of it, then rejetting is suggested for that. From doing my research and reading up on that subject, some backfire isn't bad, therefore, a lot of people are oversenstizing this issue, and spending additional money on jetkits that they don't necessarily have to.

Hope this helps, and feel free to leave questions

Notes from the Field - Journal 2

Time has gone by so fast! When looking at the schedule, I see there is only three more weeks in the season. We are currently 4-1, which is good enough for sole possession of 3rd place in the Southland Conference, and if we beat Texas State (5-0-1), then SFA will be lonely atop of the conference. I haven't started fitting the size of my conference championship ring just yet, but I'm saving a finger, all the while keeping them crossed. I am really excited about the possibilities of winning the Conference, and that is why this weekend (24th & 25th) are so important.


But, back to the Athletic Training perspective. Up to this point, the sort of injuries we've seen are as follows;

• Tear of posterior horn of the meniscus, partial ACL tear, LCL tear
• Syndesmotic ankle sprain
• Peroneal tendon irritation
• Wrist UCL sprain
• Hamstring strain
• Grade I-II quadriceps strains
• among other general illnesses!
  

For most part, I have had the sole responsibilty of deciding treatment options and designing rehabilitation programs for each injury, of course with the consideration of the ACI. The entire process of determining the best options for each athlete, and progressing them through varying levels of intensity has been very exciting. The athletes have responded well to the types of exercises we have been doing, and with the help of Trey, they have stronger confidence in me, and even look to me for advice and opinion.

At this point, I am convinced that Eddie Beltran and I were a good match to work together. He and I gel nicely in the work environment, and have developed a functional understanding of eachother's approaches. I believe our natural working relationship has positively affected the team in regards to the girls being more relaxed and playful around us. Definetely the girls know I'm the more serious one, and I like being viewed that way, with Eddie being the more joking of us two. The girls really feed off him a lot. It is a really good dynamic. Nonetheless, I think it benefits the entire team psychologically when they see the staff as relaxed as we are

There is a huge difference between Year 1 and Year 2 of the program. Being with a specific team for longer than two weeks, obviously, allows for a lot more time for interaction and getting to know athletes personally. Also, I think the best part is being able to work with an athlete throughout their entire injury, and seeing them return to play. In Year 1, one would get a taste of this very feeling, with either being there for the beginning of the injury or while they're returing, but rarely be able witness the entire process.

Regardless of how we finish the season, I have enjoyed my time here tremendously!

Wooden Glasses

Nice! I'd rock these in the winter-time



I don't know what I was Googling, but I came across these during an image search

Pulling the plug on KDNZ? Well, I have something to say

As former General Manager (03-06), I feel sad about this whole ordeal, too, but I also feel angry. So I apologize if this sounds more like a rant, than a comment.

In my heart, I love USF and wouldn't trade my time there for anything, but I don't think the people in positions of power are doing enough to save KDNZ. Period.

There was a ton of work and sweat that went into making KDNZ what it became, at what I believe was its highest point. Not taking away what those accomplished before me, because you all set us up to be successful, but it is frustrating to read that this place is sinking so soon after it was handed over so well off.

When I left, there was a steady LIVE stream of online music, not just a preset playlist that people could click and download. The Mobile DJ Service was very prosperous, often being booked months in advance, and was by far the most visible attribute of the station. I remember presenting the information of doing 54 events in a year, as means to justify our Executive Board stipend raises. Those 54 events were FREE of charge, by the way. We had former students (Jimmy can support this) who would return, and be wowed by what we had accomplished. I remember one Friday we sat in the station and an old student/member came in and reminisced about his old days there, and how the equipment still hadn't changed! But he was amazed to see how far we had advanced.
Also, there were DJ's audtioning to be able to spin in the Harney Plaza during our weekly concert series. There were artists calling in about getting interviews, doing shows, live in-studio performances, etc.

And I know Jimmy P., Tri V., and George E. will remember USF Senate and others, controversial decision not to finance the station's antenna repair proposal. The repair would have costs around $3,700 while the replacement would have been in the $9,000 range. Those were the figures we were quoted, and presented to either ASUSF, SuperFund, or Senate; one of those bodies. We were ultimately denied. As well as Jimmy's personal campaign to bring KDNZ Channel 3 back, once it was shut off-air still for no sufficient reason. Then, mysteriously, some members of Senate (James K. and Casey F.) created the idea for USFTv, which sounded a lot like what we already had in place, but was shut down without any clear explanation. Coincidentally, the creator behind USFTv was a part of those governing organizations. I just think it is "fishy" how the guy heading the A/V Dept. all of a suddent takes our channel off-air, then is unable to provide a reason why. I can't remember his name but he was a red/brown hair guy, and I remember specifically Jimmy and I NOT confronting him because we had gotten word that his wife had recently passed. So we decided to take the heat off for a while. But prior to that, we were hounding his Dept. for answers, and demanding to meet with him, but he was never available.

I'm not suggesting this was a conspiracy to rid KDNZ, but I'm saying I don't think there was enough done to make sure KDNZ was saved. I didn't get the impression then, and certainly not after I left. There were people who definitely had our backs, especially Marci T. finding us multiple advisors, and even arranging lunches with the Jesuits, but we never really felt like we had the University's full support.

After Jason V. aka "Trackademicks" graduated, he handed me a station that was unorganized and chaotic, yet underneath the stacks of papers everywhere and unopened envelopes, was a functional and revenue-generating on-campus club. Next to Campus Activities Board (CAB) and perhaps College Players, KDNZ was second-highest profiting organization. As an Exercise & Sports Science major, not even related to Music/Business/Media in any way, I took the station and dedicated three full years of my life. My Summers were spent in there cleaning, reading old emails, letters from people I didn't know named Howcrio Burley, Patrick Lagreid, etc. which I found to be former GM's like myself. All I'm saying is, I took the station and made it my personal goal to see it succeed, and left it with a worthy successor as dedicated as I was, and I'm sure he did the same after he left, but although I hate to believe it, I just don't think the University has done enough to ensure KDNZ's future existence.

Sad day....

Custom Ninja decals

I had these logos custom made by Chris at DrippinWet.com, just trying to make my Ninja stand out a little more. It was a &!#@ trying to put these things on. You really have to know what you're doing, but if you're careful, anyone can do it. It just takes patience. If you can imagine, of course, the stickers were flat, or in one piece. So, I had to figure a way to get it to adhere to the bike's lower fairings, where there are air vents, without tearing the decals apart. It was a tricky manuever, but I used a box-cutter blade and got it on the first, and only, try. I'll take some close ups so you can see exactly what I am talking about.

Sorry, no how-to with this, but I could post it up anyway. There just won't be any pictures of the process.

DIY Windscreen tinting

Decided it was time for some upgrades to 'ol Mean Green. Been checking out other guys with the smoked-out windscreen, and liked the way it looked. But, if you know me, I'm not about to pay $80 for an aftermarket piece of plexi-glass, when I can do-it-yourself (myself). Did a little research, and consultation (thanks, Maria - who happens to be the same Maria in the art projects waaaayyy below) with my resident Art expert, and got the same look for a cost of

• $8 Rustoleum High-Gloss paint (Hobby Lobby)
• $4 custom Monster logo (eBay)
• Allen Wrench (thanks, Josh)
• Tape (me, I'm an Athletic Trainer, remember?)
• Newspaper, old posters (thanks, Marcus, for not posting up orgs. events in the Village)
• Face-mask (work, from when we had that small H1N1 scare)
• Plastic medical glove (stll, an Athletic Trainer)
• Plastic knife (community kitchen, Village)
• Old Towels (Athletic Training room)

Step 1. Remove the windscreen from your bike. Since I originally had trouble finding an allen-wrench, I thought about painting it while still attached. Ehh, wouldn't have worked out...

Step 2. Do not lose your screws. There are a total of (4), with two of them being longer than the others.

Step 3. Find an open area to paint. Since I live in a college resident hall, I just used the parking garage. I used a small plastic knife to lightly scuff up the inside. Keyword, lightly!!! Then, washed it off with some hand soap, and a squeegee. Those particular steps aren't necessary. In fact, it is recommended to use window cleaner, and an old toothbrush for what I just did.

Notice how there is newspaper covering the front side. Yes, people were stopping and staring, and seeing what I was doing. Especially while I had the mask on =)

Step 4. This is where the screws go. I covered this part with newspaper, too. Probably isn't necessary, but I did it anyway


Step 5. Paint. Which ever type of paint you use, read the instructions for application. I used light strokes side-to-side, holding the can about 8 inches away. The paint went on quite thick from that distance. Yet, had I gone any further, the paint may have gotten all over my jeans. Not happy

Step 6. Stand back and admire. It's recommended you let it sit for about 30min-1hr., but I didn't have time for all of that, so I just applied the second coat after about 10mins. Also, I live in a very humid climate. Even at this time, about 8:30p, it was probably 85 degs. outside.

Step 7. Let it dry. I just placed it in my bathrooom.

Step 8. The next day, pull off the paper and check her out. This was approximately 9 hours later.

Step 9. Ready for a test spin!!!!

Women's Soccer: There's nothing like this! - Journal 1

SFA vs Univ of Houston, which should have been a Home game for us, but instead, turned out to be an Away game because Nacogdoches recieved over 10inches of rain the past few days. So we traveled the 130 miles south to Robertson Stadium, Home of the Dynamo as well, to kick their butts. Nuff said

Prior to this assignment, I knew very little of soccer. I have a feeling that by the end of my time with this sport, which is the seasons' end, I'll be so into it, I will not want it to end. Maybe even buy a jersey. I must admit, soccer is by far the best sport to have as a season assignment. I originally wanted Men's Basketball for my sport; it was first choice, but I am glad I was assigned soccer instead. Truly!

There are many aspects to this assignment that make it, I personally believe, the best assignment. Most important aspect, as Trey Younger, my Head Athletic Trainer, states, "you will be thrown into the flames," which is a figurative way of saying I will get a chance to make decisions on my own, and apply the knowledge I have learned in the classroom, to real-life situations. Other students agree with this particular approach to instruction. Sean Fields and AJ Val Valkenburgh, both whom had heavily-invovled internships over the Summer with the New England Patriots and Texas Rangers Minors respectively, said, "it is something you need," referring to being handed the metaphorical "keys to the ship," and steering it on your own.

And it started from Day 1. Trey literally said, "this is your team, and I will allow you to decide for yourself what to do, and when to do it," of course not without his supervision. But even then, it is not as if he is breathing down my neck at every moment. He made it clear that, "as long as we have an open communicaton," then what you do is fine. Meaning, if there is anything I have a question about, whether it is new treatment methods, or rehab, or questions regarding evaluations; as long as I let him know what it is that I am thinking, then it is fine.

Another thing that makes this the best assignment is the players. When 2-a-days began, I noticed I did not recognize many of the girls from last season. It turns out that over half of the team are 1st year players. We began the year with 32 players. That number decreased to 28 by the end of the first month. Only one of those four involved a player who actually quit the team. It is still unknown as to why exactly she quit, although many speculate it had something to do with her boyfriend (pshh!), but it could have been any number of reasons. In fact, listening to Dr. Jevas' lectures on Psychosocial Aspects of the athlete makes me think if her nagging injury to her quad, coupled with poor performance, and any thing else she had going on personally, could have all played a role in her decision to leave the team, and if we (Athletic Trainers) could have had an influence in that. That is something I think about, but I tend to not let myself dwell on it for too long. It is a questions I may never have an answer to. Ironically, she is one of my residents (I am a Community Assistant in the resident halls), so maybe I can ask her next time we cross.

From a fans perspective, this assignment has been exciting because I have gotten the opportunity to travel, eat with the team, share laughs and stories, and really be a part of the family. From an educational perspective, it has also been fulfilling. To date, we have experienced

• Two grade 1+, 2 inverson ankle sprains



• Three grade 2 quadriceps strains



• Foot contusion



• Three spasming backs



• General knee stress



• Mild concussion



• Wrist sprain



• Possible meniscus (waiting on MRI results)



• Syndesmotic ankle sprain



• ...and other smaller maintainence conditions (tight hamstrings, illnesses, etc.)

I really enjoy the girls and love being around them. I do what I can for them, and try my best to provide them with the best care and service. I do not hide the fact I love this assignment, and it shows.

T'was love at first sight

Went out to the bike this morning, and noticed Kawi had a new friend =)

BurnWatch '09 - Day 20

Significant progress! Soon, maybe in about 1 week, I will remove the dressings for good, and just go out with it uncovered.

Practice shots

Just happen to have the camera today, chilling in my bag. Decided to break it out and get some snaps. This is a really fun team and I am happy to be working with them. The practices are fun and the games are intense. Prior to this assignment, I wasn't much of a soccer fan, if at all, but I have grown to like the sport.

BurnWatch '09 - Day 15

Warning: Cool shots of a burn follows (I'm tired of issuing these warnings)



I'm no dermatologist, but I believe it is healing very well. What I do know for sure is, the first time when this happened to me (when I was 8yrs), I don't remember it healing this quickly.




You can see the skin beginning to form again. This is very exciting. Kind of looks like leopard print, no?

I haven't really done much research on burn treatments; just kind of been relying on my own knowledge and the advice of the nurses at the health center, although I've only gone to see them once. I haven't had any reason to go back and see them. The process is going well and I have had absolutely zero complications. Today was the first day I went outdoors with it uncovered, which was a little nerve-racking, but I didn't worry too much, I was just walking to the parking garage across the road.

I did happen to look up (and by 'look up' I mean Google) images of burns. My exact search terms were 'exhaust pipe burns' and some interesting things came up. More pictures of exhaust pipes, than burns, but I cam across one woman's blog where she is strongly considering surgical procedures to rid her leg of the burns. My take on that is "live with it." Allow it to be a reminder to respect the machines. Although her circumstance is a little different than mine, simply being she appears to be a housewife/mother, and doesn't want the appearance of an 'ugly' scar on her leg. Me, on the other hand, I am a guy. Kind of sexist? Probably not! I'm not implying 'I like scars' because I am a guy, it's just that in my lifetime, I will probably be wearing more long pants than her (easy one), and not subject to social ridicules of "women needing to have perfect skin," therefore, I can get away with having a "cool" scar. Plus, I am a biker, and the way I see it, it's a sort of 'right of passage' thing.

-Silly me

BurnWatch '09 - Day 10

WARNING: Wild shots below (okay, not that wild)




As you can see, it is healing quite nicely. Still, there is some redness toward the center, with the majority of the outer surroundings a healthy pinkish color. That is a positive sign of the skin cells being properly regenerated. I'm not a lizard.



This is a shot immediately after removing the dressings. The above shot is after I washed it and cleaned a little bit of excess gunk off. I just used soap and warm water.




This is also a shot after immediately removing the bandages. I like this shot because it is a good map of just where it is the most sensitive. The center-red portion is the most sensitive, and less, obviously, as you head outward. Also, I like this shot because you can began to see the little dots of skin beginning to return.