Import the songs into iTunes: Insert the CD, and wait for iTunes to show the songs in the CD, and then click on "Import." The songs will automatically create a Library of songs within iTunes. Once a library is created, if you now connect the iPod to your computer, iTunes will automatically transfer the songs to the iPod. Of course, you can also download music from the Internet with iTunes. There is a PC as well as a Mac version of iTunes. The CD that comes with the iPod has both versions, but it's a good idea to update the application every now and then. For iTunes to do all that, you must set its "Preferences." There is something else about the iPod, and soon other products: Some car stereos (look at the Crutchfield catalog) are iPod ready, while others require an optional electronic box. If you use one of these radios and have an iPod, you no longer need a CD changer. All you have to do is to connect the iPod to the radio, or to the control box, and the radio's display show the songs being played. You can scroll to whatever song you have in the iPod from the radio display. If you have 10,000 songs in your iPod, you can drive across the US listening to your music. The control box, keeps the iPod's battery fully charged. Other companies should jump on this technology any time now.

"Hi, guys. Are you still frustrated to hunt a trustworthy Blu-ray ripper on Mac to rip or edit Blu-ray movies to mp4, wmv, avi, mov, mpg, etc. workable to iPod/iPhone/PSP/Zune, etc.?" No.

Thanks for the information. I'll look into those sandals. I've been looking at clipped shoes with recessed cleats and there's one by Garneau that's more conducive to walking. They're just so expensive!!! I understand the concept of clipped shoes but the clumsiness in my far outweighs any benefits of power. I already bike at a solid clip (14+MPH avg on hills for extended rides) so I'm not really looking for the power. I know it helps in the long run. If I decide to pick up racing, I'll adjust my gear. For the time being, it's just for health reasons and endurance building. I've got a few pairs of shoes I can use that have firmer soles. I think that will help with the numbness. I tend to do one long ride per week because of farm equipment and general commuting traffic. My shorter rides are about 10 miles and the sneakers are fine for that.

Jenn and I rode to the Oklahoma FreeWheel, and then rode FreeWheel together in 2012. I had gotten a divorce the year before. She was heading to a divorce. Well, all that was done, she met Curtis. I ride with Mel all the time, and Mel knows both Jenn and Curtis too. I found out, Jenn was getting married in August. She would not let anyone know more than that. I friended her son, and pumped him for info. I was planning on flying there. Mel got wind of it, and said, he wants to be a wedding crasher too. Thus, we drove down together, had a BLAST, crashed the wedding which was a BLAST, and had a BLAST on the way home. Curtis (groom) told me before Jenn came down, we were the BEST surprise we could ever have done for Jenn. More pictures will follow. For some reason, I could not post one today. I was out of town yesterday and most of today. Did not see this post till now. :) More to come Moni