2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA Review

A new bike with sporting intentions, but absent from the revolutionary technology of a race or winning pedigree is easy to overlook. Enter GSX1250FA 2011, a semi-new Suzuki superlatives lack of publicity, but the essential qualities that make a competent bike, that is, performance and enjoyment at an affordable price.

The GSX1250FA Suzuki motorcycle rider demanding a place in a sport bike to the line of highly specialized or sport-touring heavy emphasis on the latter part of the title compound. In addition to its standard equipment anti-lock brakes, GSX1250FA is elemental in its construction and built to be mounted anywhere and at any time by a rider who appreciates the versatility of hyperbole.

Stripped of his nickname Bandit 400 Bandit used since the introduction of the United States in 1991, GSX1250FA also differs from its predecessor in terms of full-fairing cosmetics. Updates include less obvious heavier fork springs and rebound stronger, and radiator fan to compensate for the additional loss of air flow total body coverage.

Although the changes are minor, the new machine using the plastic profile to attract the interest of riders familiar with previous versions bare quarter fairing as well as those who have no knowledge of the nomenclature of the latest GSX. And when those who have already rejected the villain of the opportunity to test the GSX1250, they will be caught by the manners of the bike, universal performance.

The engine GSX1250FA is certainly one of the best qualities of the bike. With a maximum torque of V-Twin Towers (72.3 lb-ft at just 3500) GSX throw the corners with a robustness that belies its modest 92.6 hp at 8800 rpm Dyno figure. The abundance of low-end power increases the usability of the real world and ensures that you never left want, when you run a high ratio or who need emergency power passes. It should be noted that so pleasant and easy to use as a fuel-injected 1255cc inline-four is planning his trip, we were hoping at least one of the three-digit horsepower figures.

A striking attribute is its ability to handle GSX1250FA, especially given its low-tech and tubular steel frame Dry weight 567 lbs. It is not Jenny Craig poster child, but the guns of the GSX manage your weight well and easily maintain the rear wheel faster, lighter bikes driven by pilots. Competing models like the new Yamaha FZ1 1000 Kawasaki Ninja and are lighter and better handling, but these bikes to play devil's advocate, an operator GSX1250FA conducted with the joy of ignoring the problem of the weight of the bike .

As capable as the GSX is the cannon, which is the road miles as comfortable as a summary or neighborhood long distance road trips. The ergonomic design is comfortable, with plenty of places to rest your legs and feet for a wide superbike handlebar moderate. The suspension is well balanced on the side of a seat comfort while luxurious. Only in the canyons, brakes and becomes aggressive when the weight of the bike at times exceeds the suspension, but otherwise the bike fork 43 mm and rear shock are only made GSX.

The throttle response from Suzuki fuel injection system is flawless double butterfly, the correct delivery controlled application of energy to any diet, and a clutch offers a combat zone for the range of pitches without any problems. The triple-disc brakes provide a lever GSX very firm and comments to halt the decline GSX with confidence. Adjustable brake and clutch to suit a variety of hand sizes.

GSX is the ABS system is a component of cycling the most advanced technology, but if a crisis occurs, it is a system that works quietly in the background. I do not book the brakes a few times to confirm the existence of the system was more than just stickers on the front fender. The system sends a thrilling sensation familiar with the handle when activated, but stop the bike with authority. Equipped with ABS as standard, GSX1250FA differs in its class.

For those who love to travel, new full-filler, provides extra protection from the elements of the old brush-band finally different. However, style points are considered as most aftermarket motorcycle guards lower back ordered at the end of 1990 as the flagship model in 2011. Faced with the GSX-R derived from the lighthouse is stacked very much in vogue. Gusts to become a windshield hit 5-foot-11 frame around the middle of the chest clean, non-turbulent airflow. Suzuki also offers a tour geared more to the windscreen and 37-liter box at the top and tough, lockable and detachable saddlebags, which can turn into a sport-touring rig GSX great sport.

The headquarters of the GSX1250FA offers a height adjustment in two positions, changed from 31.7 to 32.5 inches, but changing the seat on the board to another level is more complicated process of adjusting the height of the seat I have ever met . You want to choose the most appropriate level and leave the seat in this position.

In addition to the child seat to the test, not the GSX has two great rarities of the future owners to comply. The first is a central support. Yes, add a little weight and may limit cornering clearance when the bike is loaded with passengers and crew, but this feature is essential for lubricating and adjusting a chain every time you are away from home.

Subtlety is a couple of other locks helmet under the seat. I do not know why manufacturers are making this just adding a modern bike a lot, but I'm tired of having to wear a helmet in a restaurant that would be perfectly safe to connect to the bike. Thanks, Suzuki, use common sense and include this feature in the GSX1250FA.

The dashboard is clean and easy to read and includes a digital window at hand speedometer, another feature absent on similar models.

Accountant to $ 11,599 MSRP, GSX1250FA is inexpensive, especially when considering the ABS is included. If you're launching a new bike that the departure between the dedicated sport-tourer and sports GSX1250FA standards should find a list of considerations. Its biggest selling point is its engine, which produces an engine such as energy when and where needed, the use of easily exceeded our expectations.

So if you can swing a test at your local dealer, gives the GSX a chance. You will probably be as surprised as us.

2011 Yamaha FZ8 Review

Yamaha FZ8 powerful but manageable enough to make his grandfather, R1, blush with pride.

As a final recipient Yamaha repli-racer heritage, in line-779cc Four is that some of the most striking technologies Yamaha Sport, to be used in everyday life, sports standards.

DNA FZ8 has its roots in the Premier Sports Yamaha, the YZF-R1. FZ1 motor current is derived from the pre-R1 crossplane. The new offspring will inherit R1-FZ1 inspired the perimeter frame is alloy, the chassis geometry, some engine components as well as many design elements of the compact and efficient motor.

Since we have already covered most of the technical details FZ8 a preview in our article we will focus on the reasons to believe this bike Yamaha is a good idea now, and how it is to ride.

Why is there

Yamaha says, after market research, has decided to bring the past to the Euro-FZ8 is only in the United States and Canada span the gap between 600cc 2011 1000cc sport bikes and street-oriented - but now that the half brushable Finally , a series of 8 siblings Fazer Canadian and Euro only.

Since 2005, "sports bike", including hyper-sports, sports bikes and sports tourers, are composed of about 20% of all U.S. motorcycle sales, Yamaha, says, second only to cruise ships, which constitute over 40% .

In exploring the demographics in these times of recession, Yamaha preview of gold in a trend of buyers who want a do-it-all sports. Some of these buyers will replace existing motorcycles, or trading up from smaller bikes, but also suggest a decrease of 9% in those who seek to add an extra bike in the stable.

53 Among the preferences of buyers looking for Yamaha, high on the list was the price positioning rider feasible, movement of large enough, color and design, size, easy to touch your feet on the ground, light and agile handling, fuel economy, and more.

In summary, the mission was to create a bike that is versatile and economical than ever, leaving passengers with sporting inclinations have their cake and eat it too.

After sampling an FZ8 for nearly 130 miles, over highways from canyons of the city, we would say that this new machine could probably do the trick.

How it works

Depending on whether you feel like a kind glass half full or half empty person, you can say FZ8 feels like 600 - but the power of the strongest 750 - or you could say it's like a detuned, FZ1 lighter.

But while the 12.0:1 compression of the FZ8, share engine fuel injection housing FZ1 architecture, basic stroke and 53.6mm, it is incorrect to call it a smaller version of 11.5:1 compression sleeve FZ1 mill.

For starters, the FZ8 four valves per cylinder is brand new, as its short lift and duration camshafts and intake funnel new - 125mm in length for cylinders 1 and 4, and 150 mm in length for cylinders 2 and 3 - to contribute to broaden its range of power.

Along with the throttle body 35 mm - 10 mm narrower than the FZ1 - These features improve torque while providing a respectable high-end technologies.

Yamaha demand for energy, but the FZ8 is the maximum and minimum 11,500 mill would peak around 105 hp and 61 lb.-ft. of torque when measured at the crankshaft.

By the way, the crankshaft is the FZ1, but weighs 30% less, that Yamaha says it will further speed quickly, while a positive effect on treatment.

 

How? Although the weight of the FZ8 is 467 pounds-stop is only 20 pounds lighter than his older brother, Yamaha, said reducing the inertia of the crankshaft can be discerned in the way the bike transitions from side to side . Along with a narrower tire on the rear of 10 mm, said he FZ8 Yamaha 50 pounds lighter. We had an FZ1 for comparison, but less than the FZ8 has an agility that contrasts with its mass.

An overlap is also designed to be as accessible as possible. Coupled with a 32.1-inch seat height identical Yamaha said narrowed behind at 4.5 gallons fuel tank and front of the rider's seat is just to help small jigs to the ground.

FZ8 driving position is a bit 'aggressive FZ1, but still pretty neutral and functional. The control rod is 5 mm forward, when the platforms are more than 15 mm and rear 10 mm lower.

And while the Yamaha has taken the trouble to deal with less weight, surprisingly, a 6 feet, 5 inches motojourno that was reported along the path, we had no discomfort either.

Even the display of unwanted stuff is its ability to function. Start-up is imminent, when it is deposited uniformly minimum of about 1100 rpm labeled analog tachometer, who lives next to the digital display speed, fuel, temperature and distance information. (At night, the backlight will be red.)

Turning on the gas produces an immediate response, the engine and its smooth power characteristics that are resistant to fall even as a beginner on the wrist. Torque supplied by a clutch - with less fiber and the metal plate that the FZ1 - along with a light clutch lever, the commitment to a snap for users.

FZ8 is a 17-inch Bridgestone Battlax BT021 sport touring tires - 120/70 front and 180/55 at the rear - was developed specifically for this, and to promote a predictable properties.

They range from 57.5 inch wheelbase sporting a 51/49, weight bias front / rear. The package is supported by a non-adjustable 43 mm KYB forks and preload-adjustable shocks, each with 130mm of travel.

It pulls down the road, or folders through the canyon of the wavy S-curves mile after mile, the installation works.

Travel riders was about 150 pounds more than 250 Even if no one griped too much sleep, it should be noted that the FZ1 is fully adjustable suspension. We think this would have been nice too FZ8 - but $ 2,000 less, this is one of the planned trade-offs. Riders wishing to refine the FZ8 can still do it old-fashioned way, by changing the fork springs and oil.

And really, the delivery is not really a problem. While the sources are not particularly firm, management just became a little less than inspiring confidence in my 185 pounds, more acute when more speed, charging hard through the rough pavement or patch repairs.

This ability to take what comes mainly because of the chassis FZ1. The aluminum frame built on large-perimeter and curved aluminum swing arm to keep everything in line of the horizon tilts the PEG high-angles, inspiring the riders to keep dipping deeper and faster.

The chassis is welcome given FZ8 engine is on average a little runner and is a powerful tool that you do not have to fast forward as an Indy car in a hurry, as you do with a 600 cc supersport

Although I admit a little 'anxiety about riding a strict OE sport-touring tires in a cool climate - and if I were, I would spend, sticky sport tires only the margin more power - no slipping during Stone Bridge Riding the busy, even running on a track was just average quality bows sprayed by snow showers.

And what a corner or 6-speed gears are well matched to engine power. FZ1 FZ8 transmission differs only lower than the final report and a lower gear before - which is, however, reported 74 mph hit the bouncing the rev limiter.

Sprint, the road 100 mph, and then there is a big problem, even if we try to see how high we can climb. Similarly, reverse thrust with 310 mm discs to capture a piece four-piston front and 267 mm rear disc is easy and predictable, regardless of the speed of the wheel.

4-in-2-on-1 with a catalytic converter, stainless steel exhaust with silencer Shorty obscured in style, radiating a powerful but suitably muted note. This is particularly true for the upper range, where - milder than the cameras or not - a snarl family is narrow in-line four-way pipe to the switch as a result of warp drive.

Miss the FZ1 is more than half fairing, the FZ8 is a limited protection against the elements, but the wind speed blocking reduces the need for more coverage, at least this time. Yamaha offers $ 129.95 in darkened polycarbonate screen (not tested), which can help, if desired.

Conclusion

If a race superior to the repli-racer has made no other motion was to create a technology rich storehouse ready for the task of re-bikes like Yamaha's ultimate revelation of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle.

And for now, the $ 8.490 FZ8 is essentially in a class by itself. It offers 80% more torque at low and mid-range bike that does liter - instead of something like 55-60% typical for a poor 600 supersport. It is as agile as a 600, but the work area of ​​several thousand rpm lower will be easier to go to all these parties close tolerance inside.

Of course, with adjustable suspension and limited a bit heavier than the uber-competitive 600 Super Sport, it's not really a direct opponent, but simply a competitive alternative for riders looking for an artist very talented.

In terms of displacement, the FZ8 best lines with parallel twin 798cc BMW F800R, we recently tested. Although not compare back to back, the FZ8 feels more powerful than the BMW $ 9,950. In terms of power, Triumph Street Triple 675cc is probably a close game, as is its $ 8899 MSRP

Under a steady hand, you should get 40 mpg or better - Yamaha says it has seen 201 miles on a full tank - and should be slightly less to ensure that the $ 10.490 FZ1. It costs only $ 1,000 more than FZ6R while a generation ahead in performance and technology - especially its frame and swingarm.

Other optional accessories FZ8 includes a frame mounted on center stand ($ 189.95) protection pads ($ 129.95), engine guards, steel ($ 199.95), a passenger in the seat cover cover ( $ 229.95) Bolt Grab bars on the passenger ($ 119.95), a lower cover ($ 219.95) covers the radiator, ($ 99.95), tank bag ($ 89.95) and much more.

Unfortunately, the most useful options - ABS - as offered in Europe are not available in the U.S.

Offered: Raven (black) this year alone, says that Yamaha is now shipping FZ8, and met an enthusiastic reception of U.S. retailers who have pre-ordered an undisclosed amount, which, however, is a Yamaha reps happy. They say that the assumption is that this is a bike that should be sold.

After collection of heavyweight versatile, we can certainly see why it may be.

Interested in learning more about FZ8

2011 Ducati 1198 SP Review

Conclusion

Dorsoduro 1200 is everything you ever wanted to about 750, which was not there. Motor 1200 has received all the wealth I always try for the V-Twin. And 'order, the bike is now 100% pure fun. Dorsoduro 1200 is better in all areas of 750, and traction control to prevent serious palpitations corners out of a throttle opening of the large high-lean. Although a large capacity seems to be much smaller than the BMW HP2, for example. Compared to the true supermoto, it's big and heavy, but surely you knew already, so no point on appeal. Due to the fact that it has cooled, and a security feature reliable, robust, and useful, I am inclined to say that, Dorsoduro 1200 could be a commuter city, the best choices in 2011.

Coupled with strong teams of 1198, the SP added all the bits of the former S-1198 (Ohlins suspension and Marchesini forged wheels), plus a clutch, quick shifter Ducati, Ohlins TTX (T36PR before) and a tank aluminum fuel. It costs $ 21 795, only $ 200 more than the old version S

What is the Italian sport bikes, a word rarely collides with the value. But the basic model of the Ducati 1198, MY2011 version has an added value to the proposal.

For the same price paid $ 16 495 in 2010, the base of 1198 now comes with traction control, Ducati, Ducati Ducati Data Analyzer Shifter fast as standard equipment.

The former S 1198 replaced this year, the new SP review here. R $ 39.995 in 1198 Races removed from the collection in 2011. Who does not want to hang with a 1198 R Superbike homologation special, because the production numbers were minuscule, according to Ducati.

Also in the range is the new Ducati 848 Evo, as we try recently famous Imola circuit in Italy. The 848 has raised more power and better brakes

Italian dream date

So we had a historic Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, new pair of sessions on board the 848 EVO. Much more power than the 600cc Supersport and excellent body similar to that of the SP 1198, 848 towing a substantial buffer around the race course.

Although the drive shaft 140 horsepower is more than enough, the SP 1198 will add 30 horsepower party - the SP to maintain the development of the engine in 2010, so that the SP is equipped with two rear wheels 147 hp of 1198 has seen the S we tested last year.

However, the mountain of the couple that caught our attention, while taking positions in Imola, because the front wheel is rotated regularly from the terrace with about 87 foot-pounds of torque to the rear wheel deaf. The 1198 is an extra 350cc of grunt in the 848 can not be ignored, which catapulted violently every turn and make the 848 seem weak in comparison.

And when you accelerate, you will appreciate the new Ducati quick. It uses a micro-switch gear, which provides a brief interruption of the spark / fuel at full throttle upshifts without strumming the dip switches. This is not only convenient for the driver, but also reduces the transfer time of just 80 ms, 230ms, 65% reduction in the duration.

DQS worked perfectly on my toes, even if a runner at the event said it is not as good as a dynojet quick shifter unit. The quality of the passages Ducati gearboxes are one of the least common than large estates of his motorcycle, which facilitates DQS skillfully. The base 1198 may also receive this upgrade.

Also making a debut in the SP is a welcome back-torque limiting slipper clutch from the previous version of R. Beat Imola chicane many typing downshift slipper discovers that much work. This is a huge benefit when riding a double major in this way, the race course, as the two great pitchers sometimes overwhelming amount of compression braking, which can cause the rear wheel hop during downshifts. None of this drama SP.

Another Update SP-specific is the addition of an aluminum tank - a rarity among the motorcycles - the 1198 R. It is not only trim more than 2.5 lb, it also has greater capacity - up to 4 from a small, 1 gallon to 4.75 gallons usable. When a supposedly dry weight of only £ 370, undercutting the basis of SP 1198 with 7 kg and is 2 pounds lighter than the previous 1198 S.

SP Dynamic Management is assisted by its lightness, forged aluminum wheels, something not available in base or 1198 848 forged wheels weigh less than a typical cast aluminum wheels, and speed control of AIDS and compliance with the suspension - as well as important improvements racing wheel.

In the brake system is the 1198 piece Brembo calipers, 330mm discs, but even and fall of the Duke so strong that any two-wheeled device, especially for high speeds generated at a racetrack. Nothing less than stellar.

Conclusion

The 20-minute session, I was on board the MS 1198 has been a wonderful tease. The standard 1198 is light enough to satisfy most anyone's passion for Italian sports bikes, and SP just makes the experience more special.

There is so much power on tap, front and satisfactory constantly pawing the air, accelerating up to third gear, and slipper clutch immensely facilitate high rpm downshifts. For all the time, is blessed with Ducati Stout typically track race chassis and brakes great.

SP in 1198 is a machine both brutal and gentle, able to generate laughter is like nothing else out there. And for those who can afford unique experiences, the CWS did not disappoint.

Spiritual Sunday #26: Contemplation

For more Spiritual Sunday posts, I recommend that you wander over to the website of Charlotte and Ginger, who host the Spiritual Sunday meme.

Because I do not blog on Sundays -- keeping it as the sabbath, a practice started by Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) -- I use older posts (forgotten perhaps but hopefully still interesting) from one or another of my blogs that seem appropriate for this meme. It seems to work to bring out the older posts that many have not read before or ones from other blogs I maintain that readers of 100th Lamb may not know about.

This week I felt prompted to share the first post on my Modern Mysticism blog: Contemplation. I hope you enjoy reading it.

Wishing you a peaceful Sunday!

Michael Gerard "Mike" Tyson

Michael Gerard "Mike" Tyson (born June 30, 1966) is an American boxer gave Already Pensions. Tyson is the former Undisputed heavyweight champion holds the World Record title as cheap as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA IBF heavyweight world title inexpensive, 20 year-old WHEN ia, 4 months 22 days old cheap. Tyson wins

WITH his first 19 professional fights knockouts, WITH prayer Twelve rounds of them occurred in the first round. He won the WBC title in 1986 after defeating Trevor Berbick in the second round by TKO. ON In 1987, Tyson added the WBA title by defeating IBF cheap James Smith And Tony Tucker. He is a heavyweight boxer simultaneously TO Only individuals holding a degree cheap unify the WBA, IBF WBA cheap.

In 1988, Tyson became lineal champion Michael Spinks when he dropped in the first 91 seconds of the fight. Tyson managed to retain World Heavyweight Championship nine times, including victories over Larry Holmes and Frank Bruno. Tyson lost the title to the 42-to-1 underdog James "Buster" Douglas on February 11, 1990, in Tokyo, Japan, by knockout in round 10. "Mike" continues in his attempt to regain the title, he beat Donovan Ruddock twice in 1991. Tyson then scheduled to take Undisputed heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, but pulled out due to injury.

Tyson was convicted of raping Desiree Washington, in 1992 but released after serving three years. Which he was sentenced to six years in prison after release from prison in 1995, he was involved in a series of fights back. In 1996, Tyson won the WBC and WBA title after beating Frank Bruno and Bruce Seldon with knock-outs. Once stripped of the WBC, WBA crown Tyson lost to Evander Holyfield in November, 1996 by 11th round TKO. Their 1997 rematch ended when Tyson was disqualified for biting part of Holyfield's ear.

Tyson fight for the World heavyweight title at age 35 in 2002, losing by knockout to Lennox Lewis. Tyson retired from professional boxing in 2006 after he was knocked out in consecutive games against Danny Williams and Kevin McBride. Tyson declared bankruptcy in 2003, despite receiving more than U.S. $ 30 million to several fights and $ 300 million during his career. Throughout his career, Tyson became famous for his ferocious and intimidating style of boxing and controversial behavior both inside and outside the ring. Tyson deemed to have become one of the heavyweights that are better than all the time. He is ranked 16 in the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.

Saturday Evening Post #9

Elizabeth Esther runs a meme in which on the first Saturday of the month bloggers select their favorite post of the month and share it with other bloggers. The links are posted at Esther's site: The Saturday Evening Blog Post. It has been almost six months since I have participated. Too much travel. Too much work. Too much busyness. Moreover, I realized in looking through my June posts that there was little to choose from for this Saturday Evening Post. Time to settle down for a long weekend (thank God) and catch up on life -- and blogging! Here is my selection for this month: Sinning Differently.

A blessed Saturday to all of you.

7 Quick Takes Friday #61

See more 7 Quick Takes Friday contributions at Jennifer Fulwiler's Conversion Diary.

I have not posted for quite some time to the 7 Quick Takes Friday -- for a month, give or take a week or so, it would seem. So, this week I figured I would pull out the most salient of the experiences of the past weeks.

1. Burying Biseh. The little cat who purred like a trible (for those familiar with Star Trek, the original series) and whom we brought back from Jordan five years ago for our grandson Nathaniel was hit by a car recently. Biseh, which means "cat" in Arabic, had wandered around our campus in Amman as a feral cat for some time when I found students kicking her, so Donnie and I adopted her. Bringing her back was quite easy. Surprisingly, for a feral cat, she slept peacefully all the way home under my plane seat. Nathaniel quickly bonded with her and loved the way that she became overexcited when she was petted and began to make high-pitched rumbling sounds (just like the tribles on the Star Trek episode, "The Trouble with Tribbles"), so he was quite distraught, so our son Shane let Nathaniel decide what we should do with Biseh's body. Since Shane and family live in a rented house, Nathaniel decided he would like to bury her under our tree and come visit her often. So, that is what we did, and that is what he does.

2. Meeting little tigers at a birthday party. Noelle and her roommate (who moved in after Ray died) recently adopted two tiger-striped kittens (orange tabbies, one each). One is named Angel, and I forget the name of the other one. (No, it is not Devil!) Not long after Ray, Noelle's husband of ten years, died, her cat, Prince Shadow, died. It was definitely not a good year for her last year. So, it is good to see that she has found a diversion and a way to love again, even if it is one of the smaller of God's creatures.

3. Old Mission stuff. Once a year Old Mission has a fiesta to raise money for various projects and needs. The Mahlou family is always one of the cleaning crews. We were the first crew this year because I had quite a surprise for that day. A few days earlier I got a call from a mutual friend who told me that the woman, Lida, with whom I had often stayed when I was doing consults in Uzbekistan in the 1990s, was in town, her first visit ever to the USA. She and her granddaughter and local relatives came to the fiesta, so for once I only worked for one shift and then enjoyed a very special day with a very special friend. (For more details, see my earlier blog about this: Our Amazing Modern World.) The following Sunday (last Sunday) was confirmation for the 16 kids who were in my catechism class last year. As is traditional, the bishop came for the confirmation, and the kids in my current class, hosted the cake and strawberries that were served in the mission gardens after Mass.

4. A threatening visit. Our office had quite a threatening visit from headquarters last week. An inspection team came for the purpose of deciding which of our branches/programs would be closed because of lack of money. (Yes, the economy is hurting us, too.) We all prepared assiduously, rehearsed our presentations multiple times with the CEO coming around and murder-boarding all of us senior leaders. We showcased our products and our people and opened the door to all our activities. Following our wonderful CEO's non-defensive attitude, we welcomed the team hospitably, and even held a very nice formal reception upon their arrival at the CEO's home. Well, by the end of the week, they said our programs were all super and they would look elsewhere for budget cutting. Yes!

5. Picnic with an enemy. I invited one of the people in our Washington office to a BBQ at our new home while he was visiting here with his family. We have had to coordinate closely over the past 18 months. Prior to that, he had worked here locally (about three years ago), and he and I were not on good terms. Actually, I was on okay terms. However, he and his supervisor did not like me much because I always "seemed to get [my] own way" when we disagreed on how things should be done. Essentially, I was simply concerned that my trainees got the best possible training, and I did know more about that particular kind of training than the two of them did -- but they were unwilling to admit that, did not have particularly good ideas for the training, but felt the need to "win" at all costs. In leaving the BBQ, my colleague noted, emotionally, how wonderful it had been to work together the past 18 months! I love it when enemies become friends -- and breaking bread together never hurts!

6. On Monday, I went up against our CEO's new staff action coordinator. I need to replace my assistant who is leaving on Tuesday, and the new SAC was unwilling to replace him. I would need to jump over him and go to the CEO if he did not budge, but first I had to deal with him. He spent an hour demeaning me, arrogantly making comments about what I do or do not need (he has not been introduced to any of my programs; he cannot possibly know what I need and do not need), pointing out that I was a poor leader because I had not replaced my assistant (but he is the one standing in the way of my replacing him; I pointed out that he was being disingenous, calling me out for not replacing him when he would not let me replace him; he stopped the berating for a minute at that, mainly, I think, because he did not know the meaning of disingenous), and otherwise trying to demonstrate that he was the #1 person for making decisions about what goes on in our organization (i.e. trying to wear his boss's position -- not the first time I was to encounter that this week). I really wanted to deck him, but fortunately there was a table between us! The bottom line is that I won, and the paperwork for my assistant has been submitted to headquarters -- but I am still trying to determine at what cost. At a formal ceremony yesterday, the SAC deliberately snubbed me. Not that I care, but it will be a long two years (the length of his appointment here) if we cannot work this out. While I would like to take aim at him, I guess I am going to have to do what I tell my junior managers to do: learn to love him since he, too, is God's child. Yeah, really, somewhere inside is that God-seed. I wonder how long it will be before I can remember this without deliberately reminding myself. I guess this requires more loving impossible people!

7. Insubordinate subordinates. Usually, I have no problem with subordinates, but this week something went really, truly awry, and I spent most of the past two days trying to bring peace back to my small part of the world. First, my budget manager submitted the budget changes for the remainder of the year without consulting with me; in doing so, he made some major decisions about expenditures and priorities that differ from what my philosophy is and decisions would have been. I had to pull the budget back, which, of course, embarrassed him. I also had to counsel him about not putting himself into my position, i.e. not wearing my hat. He argued for the decisions he had made, but I ultimately had to tell him that my opinion is the one that had final sway. He pouted but made the changes. Later, he wrote me a note of apology and promised to "stay in [his] lane" in the future. I hope this is a watershed experience because he has, at times, intimidated some of my senior managers by implying that he is speaking for me when he is not. Second, likewise, one of the center directors who works for one of the senior managers who works for me often intimidates his employees by referring to a personal friendship between him and me, implying that if they are not happy with his leadership, that is just too bad because no matter what I will be supporting him because of our personal friendship. I have counseled him on this before, noting that one must earn respect on one's own authority and that his orientation is very different from the servant leadership approach that I advocate. (Managers who are not familiar with servant leadership concepts might like to read some of the literature on the topic. This link contains a list of a number of helpful books: servant leadership books on Amazon.) The most blatant recent (yesterday) thing he did was to move, without asking, into the office beside me even before my deputy had finished packing out. He talked my deputy into letting him move in because his office was being remodeled. However, there is an office in another part of the building where his employees are located, but he prefers to rub elbows with the senior managers, which he is not, and that creates more problems between him and his employees. I had to tell him to move out, to move into the office with his employees, and, on Tuesday, the person will be serving temporarily as my deputy will move into that office. Meanwhile, yesterday his employees posted a sign on their office door that said, "la bastille." Obviously, he has created a hostile working environment, so now next week I am going to have to gather them all together along with the center director's supervisor (who works directly for me) and see if I can restore a reasonable working atmosphere. Sheesh!

And to make matters worst, at the end of a week that started not all that well (with my accidentally bringing a small, fliptop can of cat food [instead of tuna] for lunch and ended not all that well (with employees fleeing "la bastille" by none of those in that center showing up for work today), I picked up some fruit at our local grocery store this evening, and the bill came to $6.66. Not that I am superstitious!

Wishing you all a great weekend, including the upcoming Fourth of July holiday for those living in the USA.