Should I get a Bikepacking Trailer?

On By Rick McIn cycling, travelLeave a comment

Tempting.

BEST of the bunch right now seems to be the BURLEY COHO XC SINGLE WHEEL SUSPENSION CARGO TRAILER.

I love the kickstand. It holds up the bike, as well.

Hike-a-bike will be tougher, for sure. I might want to avoid steep hills. This adds 20 pounds to your total weight. When cycling, however, you don’t notice the weight.

Expensive at U.S. $500. As little as $350 if you get a deal.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Here’s a HIKER who was initially dubious of whether he’s want to add this to his gear shed. Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

The Rags of Time by Peter Grainger

On By Rick McIn booksLeave a comment

Book 6 of the police procedural series featuring DC Smith, the aging cop who refuses to retire. After his wife died, he wants to keep busy and relevant.

After a few weeks off for minor knee surgery, the old man returns — grumpy.

He is feeling his age, both physically and mentally and that he no longer really fits in, even his sense of humour is subdued …

Goodreads

I read these books for Smith’s humour.

Therefore this was the least satisfying of the series, so far. Smith was too grumpy to be amusing.

ODESZA – Light Of Day (feat. Ólafur Arnalds)

On By Rick McIn musicLeave a comment

Odesza are genius.

They are increasingly finding ways to marry electronica with real instruments and passionate vocals.

Collaborations.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Lord Edgware Dies by Agatha Christie

On By Rick McIn books, human rightsLeave a comment

“… ingenious crime puzzle and a still more ingenious solution …

Wikipedia

Published 1933, this was the last of Christie’s books to be openly antisemitic.

She used the “N” word, too, in many of her books.

It gives us an indication of when racism started to become unfashionable in British pop culture. Part of the backlash against Hitler.

Mexico – James Taylor

On By Rick McIn music, travel, travel MexicoLeave a comment

“Mexico” was the opening track of his 1975 album Gorilla. …

Graham Nash and David Crosby sing backup vocals.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

It’s been covered by many, many others. Jimmy Buffet OFTEN. 😀

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. Jimmy and JT.

Northern Spy by Flynn Berry 

On By Rick McIn booksLeave a comment

A producer at the BBC and mother to a new baby, Tessa is at work in Belfast one day when the news of another raid comes on the air.

The IRA may have gone underground in the two decades since the Good Friday Agreement, but they never really went away, and lately bomb threats, security checkpoints, and helicopters floating ominously over the city have become features of everyday life.

As the news reporter requests the public’s help in locating those responsible for the robbery, security footage reveals Tessa’s sister, Marian, pulling a black ski mask over her face.

The police believe Marian has joined the IRA, but Tessa is convinced she must have been abducted or coerced …

Amazon

I was impressed at how skillfully this book is constructed.

Well done, Flynn Berry.

LIBBY App – Listen to Library Audio Books

On By Rick McIn books, product endorsementsLeave a comment

I listen to audio books pretty much every day.

Though I have an Audible account (12 books / year) I spend far more time on the Libby app. I’m coming up to 500 audio books borrowed, so far.

I can read 2-3 books a week at 150% normal speed.

Once I put a popular book on “HOLD” — wait time does seem to be increasing. So I recently added a second library to the app. Now I can put up to 60 books on hold: 30 for each library.

Bottom line … I LOVE THE LIBBY APP.

And I do donate to the libraries.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Murder in Mesopotamia by Agatha Christie

On By Rick McIn books, TVLeave a comment

Murder in Mesopotamia (1936) is set at an archaeological excavation in Iraq.

Hercule Poirot happens to be close when an astonishing (far-fetched) murder occurs.

It’s typical Christie. A cast of characters all of whom MIGHT be the killer. A surprise ending.

I liked best Nurse Amy Leatheran who tells the tale.

Click PLAY or watch a snippet of a TV adaptation on YouTube.

Silent Parade by Keigo Higashino 

On By Rick McIn booksLeave a comment

I’m still captivated by the unique Japanese murder mystery books of Higashino.

Surprising. And fascinating.

This is his 4th book featuring ‘Detective Galileo‘, actually Dr. Manabu Yukawa — a physicist and college professor, who is known for his intelligence. He collaborates with the police when they can’t solve a crime.

The accused in a case of murder is found not guilty. Lack of enough evidence.

He returns to mock the family knowing he cannot be charged again.

In fact, this is the 2nd time in 20 years he was accused of murder and found innocent.

DCI Kusanagi worked both cases and is frustrated that the assumed killer is free. He asks Detective Galileo for help.