2019 Stampede, FIIO M3K, and other shit

This time last year I broke my leg, was in a hospital bed, and I just had surgery which put metal posts into my right leg to stabilize it. I would wear that steel frame for 6 days, until I had my open reduction surgery. They literally put a bunch of screws and steel into my right leg. And now, a year later, I am recovering pretty good.

Unfortunately my left knee is now very tender at times. At one point it was excruciating, almost like  a sword was being driven down into the top of my knee. I have to get an ultrasound of my knee next week. I likely wore out the joints when I broke my leg and had to favor the weight to my left leg for almost 4 months.

I picked up a FIIO M3K digital audio player recently, because I gave up trying to find the apple ipod I lost a few weeks ago. This device is neat, it's has a very high quality digital to analog converter chip, along with a dedicated amplification section for both channels. The only thing I do not like about the device is the touch screen. It took a while to figure out how to use it, but for what I need I think it will do fine.

Because my knee was killing me that day, I went for the company function but had to bail and get to the doctor for some relief. I gave my 4 drink tickets to a co-worker and limped off to the C-train ramps.

The Calgary Stampede is facing increasing heat from animal treatment advocates. Recently 3 animals were put down due to injury in the chuckwagon races. I don't believe any of the animals owners would intentionally injure them. I could live with a Stampede without calf roping or horse racing. They could substitute bull riding with other types of sporting events. But people forget this is a big business, many families depend on these seasonal events.

For good bull riders can make several hundred thousand dollars a year - and usually in US dollars. I've been to many PBR and other bullriding events; to me they're nothing special.  What is the point in riding a bull for 8 or 9 seconds? I get that it requires skill to ride a bull for that long. But really, what are you going to bring to your resume when you mention having the ability to ride a bull for 10 seconds? Tight glutes?

Yeah.

Stampede ends tomorrow, and the city will be furiously busy trying to clean up the puke and urine before the Monday morning commuters arrive.