Explore With Eye-Fi

A new version of the Eye-Fi wireless SD card has been out for a time, and I recently read a review here and was somewhat interested, however the using Skyhook Wireless as a method of geotagging does take some of the cool factor away from true GPS accuracy. Skyhook uses WiFi access point locations to approximate your position, similarly some cell phone services use your wireless signal to triangulate your location without using the global positioning satellites. Both methods get you within a few thousand yards, and can help with directions, but for photo geotagging, true accuracy within feet should be realized.

The feature that Eye-Fi Explore provides that I most see appealing is a 1 year Wayport hotspot access subscription. The original Eye-Fi card that I own, only allows pre-set hot spots to work, and only once you configure them using the provided software. This is fine for travel to frequent destinations where you can program in the access point and have your pictures transfer when you are in range. The trouble is no support for roaming access, when you are in public hot spot locations. Wayport has many public hot spots around the globe allowing your uploads to get transferred without being at your home base.

The usefulness of the Eye-Fi card is mostly realised for me around the house, taking photos for craigslisting sales, and getting shots for my work transferred in the background while I type away has saved a few valuable minutes now and again. If they could just shove a GPSr into this chip I might upgrade.

"For those who tag or organize, for those who blog or share in real-time, for those who need to upload here, there or somewhere else, and all the rest who are simply passionate about managing, sharing and saving their memories, there is now Eye-Fi Explore.
It uploads photos wirelessly to your computer and to the web, of course. But, Eye-Fi Explore also automatically adds geographic location labels to your photos and allows you to upload from more than 10,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across the nation. Your memories will be easier to search and more fun to share with geotags, and you’ll be able to upload them on the go."

My Energy Plan

Watching Fox News this morning, the pundits debated the issue of off shore oil drilling, and congress failing to lift the ban. The ban will expire anyway in a few months unless the Dems are bold enough to vote on a continuation, further cementing our dependence on foreign oil, although they state they are for energy independence (just not OIL independence)

The Democratic line is "we can't drill our way out of the energy crisis" yet they want to penalize oil companies with taxes both on the incentive side as well as profit taxes. The Republicans are not much better, they are so afraid of the environmental special interests, they won't propose anything, much less point out the illogical and outright misinformation that the Democrats keep pushing.

Here is my energy policy, and why it will work:

Make a deal with US oil companies that we will allow off shore oil drilling, and drilling in ANWR provided they agree to hold actual oil production and delivery. In exchange we will not tax there profits nor withdraw tax incentives. This will put domestic oil within reach of our shores in the future, with only a switch needed to be turned on when the need arises. The oil companies will see the future potential of having these reserves online, and there stock prices will soar, while they don't even need to pump a single barrel of oil.

This provides 3 key points of national and economic security:

1. We insure we have a domestic oil supply at the ready baring any future instability in our foreign supply chain such as conflict, embargo, or countries such as china monopolizing supplies.
2. We send a message to the oil exporting nations that we currently want their oil but we don't NEED their oil. This will change the tone of negotiations when it comes to issues like Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the Saudi influence in our foreign policy.
   
3. This will bolster the US economy by creating jobs now, while eliminating uncertainty of our future energy needs without softening our current focus on conservation and alternative fuels.

Additionally this policy makes sound domestic sense. By doing so, have planned for our own future, by the time all this oil is ready to go online and into production we have eliminated our own need for it by conservation and alternatives. We should become an exporter of oil to nations like China and India, improving our trade imbalance that has been a leading cause of our current economic declines.

Unless you ride a bike to work, this issue effects you. China is fast becoming the the largest consumer of oil and energy, and they have none of the hurdles that we face, yet we continue to cripple our own nation as if we alone can save the planet. If we truly wish to be an effective environmentally conscious society, we need to strengthen our country, and demand the same environmental protectionism of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, and Africa. Before we allow the Environmentalists to bankrupt our nation, cripple our defenses, and be bought out by China we must act. Many of the European nations have already embraced offshore drilling, and nuclear energy. Why we have become a follower rather than a leader? Because of people like Nancy Peolosi. If she wants to save the planet, she needs to run for the president of the world, then we can get a speaker that wants to save the Untied States of America!

Crikey!

"I thinks we fractured me coccyx!"

Energy Charts

Perot Charts has compiled a good deal of charts to better educate us on the energy debate. I have previously published outdated data, such as the 2006 chart that lists Mexico as our 2nd largest importer of oil when currently it is actually Saudi Arabia. Take the 13 question energy quiz to see how much you know about our oil debacle. Like the after school message says "The More You Know!"

Rise of The Rock Star Politician

Rise of The Rock Star Politician

Although I doubt anyone reading this will be voting for Obama this year, with the exception of possibly my sister. If you can muster the patience or have a fascination for all things political then you must read the New Yorker write-up on how Chicago formed Obama's political rise. In fact I urge you to do so before you cast a vote. It is a long historical account of who's who, and how BHO grew to be the Rock Star he has become, or more accurately, who he has stepped on and how the seemingly outsider has bamboozeled America into belief of his brand of change. From the the deck stacking of redistricting to win his Senate seat, to gladhanding the right people at the right time and place. Like a blockbuster hollywood super hero remake, Obama has the right make-up, right special effects, and the publicists to become the Rock Star/Super Hero saving the liberals from Bush's evil empire!

Oil Independent

Because the US congress is controlled by those who want you to ride a bike, bus, or walk to work, we will never be energy independent. Congressman Lynn A. Westmoreland has compiled a petition to help you see if your representative is for, or against US oil independence, or are they for continued import of oil, and sending all of our wealth overseas in the form cash paid for foreign oil. Before our country gets owned by the very countries be buy our oil from, we must demand our leaders permit our own oil companies to exploit our own resources. Why we get most of our oil from Canada and Mexico when we have our own oil right here that we could extract if our own government would permit it is insanity.

200 Found and Counting

I just logged 4 of my most recent geocache finds putting me at 204 total found since I started playing. There really hasn't been any goal to hit a certain number but it was a shock that I have been to so many locations. They have taken me to places that I would have never visited had I not started up this hobbie, and it is one of those things that you can pick up and put down depending on your situation. Recently as the weather has improved I have been excited to go hunting and even hid 4 new caches in the last month. If you havn't tried it out before, it can be addicting at first, but eventutally it just becomes something you can do when you are visiting new places. Like a self guided tour of your everyday world.

Fireworks On The Fourth

Fireworks photography rarely works out, considering my small point & shoot Canon SD400, I was satisfied with a few. Oh, and revisit my Panoramio map below, for new photos of Opal Creek.

Happy Birthday USA!

Panoramio Photos

I just signed up for a Panoramio account to share some of my photos around the Google Earth community. Once approved these photos then become results in Google Map searches, and on Google Earth as well. Below are some of the photos & places they were taken that I published. You may have seen these before in my prior posts. Now you can see exactly where they were taken.

Quest For Alternate Energy

Congress was recently spotted on C-SPAN in a search to locate new reserves of renewable fuels.

AEI Syndrome (Alternate Energy Idiot)

All the news pundits that comment on the high price of gas love to bloviate about flex fuel vehicles, electric cars, hybrids and the new hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. What drives me crazy watching all these talking heads, is nobody will actually share the facts about our real energy needs. Surprisingly Bill O'Reily actually shared some facts regarding how the Norwegians, and the French generate much of there electricity with Nuclear plants, (Read here for more on Nuclear) , but sadly we don't dare build another power plant, or dam another river for hydro power. We just sit on our thumbs and hope the energy fairy delivers us from our energy crises with a magic hydrogen wand, or ethanol fountain.

If today it was possible that ALL cars sold were flex fuel, and all existing cars could be converted, there is now way we could produce ethanol quickly enough to make any dent in our energy needs. It would cause ethanol based products to skyrocket in cost, and production of them could not meet demand. We have already seen pricing for animal feed rise and effect dairy and beef prices.

In the same way if you could plug your car in to charge it tomorrow, our power grid could not keep up with demand, we would start burning more coal, and firing up the natural gas back up generators to keep the country from going into a brown out. You think the heat wave rolling black outs in CA were bad?! People! If you don't allow new power plant construction, such as clean coal, nuclear or hydro, where will you get your volts for your wheels?

Now take the Hydrogen fuel cell. Do you just plug it into your homes hydrogen socket? The fuel is not readily available, and it requires energy to create hydrogen gas, revert to my previous paragraph.

Lastly, although "in-town" hybrid cars are more efficient that gas, on the freeway they barely make the grade. When a Prius actually makes freeway speeds, it has to run on gas, getting around 34MPG, you can buy a turbo diesel engine in a better performing car that will last longer and achieve highway MPG nearing 50! Again why the Europeans prefer diesel to petrol.

Don't ge me wrong, I am no euro-liberal, I am just your average American sick of all the talk about alternative energy that is lacking any facts. We need nuclear NOW and more drilling until we get some supply chains built for a diverse future energy grid.

Pass this on to your Prius driving, Salmon worshiping, anti-nuke, greeney weenies, while I go gas up my SUV.

Thank You! Gratitude Campaign

Spread The Word

Iraq Hussain Osama

Happy Mothers Day

Top 10 Internet Babies for Mothers Day - Watch more free videos

Obama Does Comedy

Obama Does Def Comedy Jam - Watch more free videos

Watch For Zombies!

Fire in Mill Town

We came upon a house fire on our way back to the office, post lunch today. A garage or as it looks converted room off the back of this old dilapidated house was ablaze and we were driving by only as the fire department we being called. Five young children, in poorly fitting, dirty clothes and pajamas were in the street (amid a school day BTW) worried about their cats. When asked if anyone was left in the home they said there uncle was still inside. In a panic we yelled and beat on the door to determine if he was going to escape. In a slow labored pace, the heavy and calm man eventually evacuated while complaining of asthma and fatigue. While I tried to tell the children that the animals would find some way to safety on their own, we quickly realized as the vinyl siding began melting off the neighbors home, that the nearby vehicles need relocated or they would become victim to the flames. Just then, the man who had just barely climbed up from his seat to escape was returning into the burning house to retrieve his car keys. One of our brave employees (Jim you know who you are) risked life and heath to climb into the man's bio hazard on wheels, moving it to safety. We also had to alert a neighbor whose vinyl siding was melting off, because her car was too in jeopardy. She 1st moved her car and then returned to the house and evacuated her child to a safer location. Only then did the fire department arrive and began attacking the blaze. Once all life an property were best out of harms way, I ran back to my office to get my camera and shoot. You can see more here. The real story is the kids. I wish I had taken the time to learn the fate of the kids and family. These kids were living in filth, and should have been in school. Life hits you this way at times. My job is providing affordable housing, and right before my eyes, footsteps from my desk, are homeless children with uncertainty as to where they might sleep tonight.

More iPod Touch Toys: PC Remote

iPod Command Central

My iPod touch has become my most valued possession, and to keep in close at hand for the hundreds of miles I drive each month I invested in a ProClip dashboard mount. This gadget & vehicle matched system delivers a perfect custom solution for safely reaching your toys while in transit. My iPod touch is already my portable jukebox, media player, and weatherman, and as soon as the LocoGPS navigation add-on is available it will be my navigation system as well. Unlike an expensive in dash radio, I can pocket my iPod so it doesn't get jacked, and unlike your typical vehicle nav system, my iPod can check the weather and email when a WiFi spot is in reach. If you have not experienced the iPod touch or iPhone yet, im sorry.

Giganoes?

Dominos With 1500 Hard Drives - Watch more free videos

My Eye-Fi Review

As posted earlier I purchased the Eye-Fi wireless SD card for my digital camera. This is one of those items I wish I had long ago, it just became availible in October and I don't know how I missed it until this year. Because I am cheap I shopped for the best deal, and Costco.com provided free delivery and $10 off the $99 MSRP, so $89 poorer my patience had to endure the week it took UPS to get it in my hands. Because I was anxious to learn more about my investment I Google'd for some reviews to see how it worked and how people rated it. Pleasntly surpised most reviewed it favorably, with most of the critics just pointed to the fact that the Wi-Fi transfer speed for your 10 Megapixel photos takes too long. My response to that is, WHY do you need 10MP photos? Are you in the business of posting bullitin board graphics online and plotting out poster size prints of your daily shots? If you are into high quality photography and your camera is a mega expensive digital SLR and you typically need a portable hardrive to backup all your gigantic photos you take, than this is not for you. If you have a pocket point & shoot that used a SD chip, you loath the hassle of locating your card reader or USB cable, and you typically just like to quickly share the latest shots of your kids, adventures, or need to get your ebay photos online, this chip will be just the ticket.

Just like the instructions state, and the reviewers confirm, it takes less than 5 minutes to go from opening the box to snapping photos and having them magically appear online. The one thing I found interesting, is my Picasa web album was getting the photos about 2-3 minutes before my hardrive was. So it is apparent that the card sends the photos to Eye-Fi's system, then back down to your computer. When setting up your card, you do need to create a Eye-Fi account, that concerns in the event they go broke as companies like this often do, will my card become just your ordinary 2GB memory card w/o them to handle my uploads? On the bright side, from my understanding of the service, they hang on to your photos for you until they are safely stored on your computer in the event your computer is turned off. One example where you may want to resort to the old fashoned way of taking photos, is if you have a large assortment of photos you plan to take before you will be near one of your pre-set Wi-Fi upload spots, and then are in a hurry to review them. Because they do take a minute or so each to transfer, if you have 100 shots, it would be much faster to just use the provided USB reader to copy the photos to your hardrive. Since my typical collection of new photos is rarely this many, I would be fine with allowing the chip to do my work for me while I take off my shoes, and watch the evening news.

The choice to invest in this was simple for me, I often take only a few shots each time I power-up my camera, and then I usually want those photos off the camera as soon as I get home. Now with the Eye-Fi chip, the only thing I need to remember is to turn my camera on when I want my pics, and by the time get a chance to sit down, my photos will be there to greet me.

As this is my first night with my new toy, you can be sure I will post some more details on how it is working out in the near future. Now if there was only something to photograph?

Eye-Fi Wireless SD Memory for Digital Cameras

The convergence technology has taken another step in the right direction with this new memory card for your digital camera, the Eye-Fi Wireless Memory Card. This little number eliminates the need to keep track of that cord you use to connect your camera to your computer. It also saves you the process of uploading your photos to your computer and/or your online photo album. If you have a wireless network nearby, and a subscription to one of many online photo album services you can have your photos visible anywhere around the globe without ever touching your PC. I will post my full review when I get mine in my hands, I ordered it from Costco.com for $89 and I should have it by next week! Merry Christmas to ME!

Is Technology Reaching A Turning Point?

Growing up in the late 70's & 80's I was the generation to really experience the first Walkman, watch phones go mobile, and realize the personal computer. Our kids now live in a world where contstant conectivity is the norm. One thing that made the PC as common as a TV in todays homes, was the advent of the computer mouse, introduced by Apple on the Macintosh home computer. Now the mouse is soon to become extinct, and again Apple is leading the way. If you have not yet experienced the iPhone or the iPod Touch, you need to give it a test drive. Multi-Touch is going to fast become the way everyone will prefer to interact with machines, weather your home PC or your home entertainment system. Gone soon will be remotes controls, PC mice, and even buttons on your cell phone. The amazing thing is that the manufacturers for the first time I think I can recall, are well behind on delivering this technology to us. Typically as soon as a new idea could be delivered to market, somone was figuring out how to do so. Currently, all the buzz is about WHEN will multi-touch be available, not IF. So behind, and so delayed is the release of this new technology, home brewed do-it-youself systems are already being published online. The last time I can recall this grass roots desire to go-it alone was when satalite TV was born, and people began building home made dish systems. Public domain software is readily published and I have stumbled upon at least two step-by-step instructions on build your own, multi-touch interface systems. [HERE & HERE] Why this has not yet become a consumer ready product today I can't understand. Until it is, I am holding off on buying a new computer. I would suggest you do the same. Your mouse and standard display will be obsolete by 2009, mark my words. [VIDEO RESULTS HERE]

Flooding in Chehalis, WA

This eerie image was on the front page of today's Oregonian. About center is Washington Home Center, my biggest customer for the homes we build. They suffered flood damage to at least 7 display homes. One of our customer service techs also lost his home.

Paradox Of Our Age

Originally by Dr. Bob Moorehead (Pastor)

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

The real paradox is that as true as these statements appear, they are unfortunatly written by a church pastor who inevitably had to resign due to allegations of sexual assault by church members.
See Snopes for the full scoop.

No Longer Undecided

Chuck Norris Picks A Candidate - Watch more free videos

Goosed

Enjoy these geese for no real reason.

2007 Octoberfest Weiner Races

Daisy, our weiner dog, raced this Sunday at the Mt. Angel, Octoberfest. Again, she failed to beat out the competition. Seen here as the 3rd dog to the right, in the white coat, she was looking like a close 2nd, when she decided to turn back and see who was behind, allowing the 3rd and 4th positions to overtake her. You can see the intensity in my face as I coach her to the finish. Dashound owners are strange folk, myself not excluded. You can find more photos from this years races on my Picasa web albums.

New Camera

My photography had been on hold as I struggled to replace my Canon digital camera. Two weeks ago my daughter dropped my pocket digital and jammed the lense mechanics. The camera had served me so well for both work and play, taking thousands of shots, and having it for about 3 years, I only recently bought a spare battery to extend it's use. For this reason I wanted to replace it with the same model, and used would do provided it was in good condition. Ebay delivered with a like new condition unit for 1/3 the price of a new one. I even upgraded from the SD300 model to the SD400 5MP version and can still use my old accessories. Amazingly the replacement used camera looks like it had never been touched, and was delivered over the weekend with my winning bid on Friday and delivery on Monday! If you are looking for a handy point & shoot digital camera look no further than the Canon digital Elph series.

Dorena

Long overdue for some fun on the water, we played until we were sore this weekend at Dorena Lake. I took this shot after our day on the lake Saturday. The sky was mostly cloudy with a chance of rain, we took our chances and they paid off.

 

Way too many photos can be found on my Picasa web albums if you know where to look.

Shameless Self Promotion

Go to Break.com and vote my barefoot video to the homepage, because I said, that's why.

Barefoot Ski Smash - Watch more free videos

Wakeboard Re-Creation

The brother of a friend of my x-brother-in-law (Got that?) produced a compilation of our summer water adventures and I compressed it down to just a few shots in this re-creation of our recreation. Credit to William La Ferriere.

Loaded to the Nuts

My dad used to always load up his truck or trailers
so full that the springs would sag and he would brag
how he had been "Loaded to the nuts!" in this case
I think this guy was loaded, and nuts.

Overdue for a Rant!

What is with stores seasonal wares? It seems every time I need something it is 'out of season'! Last fall I wanted some torch oil for my tiki torches and not a single store had a drop, yet today the stuff is at the end of every isle. Last week my daughter needed as swim suit and I lucked out, they were on clearance cause they were getting rid of the summer clothes... in early JULY. Good thing I didn't wait till August when it is much to cold out to swim. Then today I wanted some pool supplies for my hot tub. 3 stores had cleared out the stuff, one had only a few items left. Target was moving out all the lawn and garden stuff for back to school supplies!, in JULY? Retailers wonder why they are loosing out to online stores.. do you think it might be because you can get what you want, WHEN you need it online. I am not one to plan ahead, or wait for a package in the mail. I like instant gratification, I don't even like to wait till I get home to open my new products, I often have the packaging ripped off and in the garbage can on my way out the store.. that's why they put those there right?

More Geek Video

This clip was interesting to me because I never understood how computers made calculations in binary because I am a visual learner. This is also why I used to love America's Funniest Home Videos and why I skipped college.

Marble Based Calculator - Watch more free videos

Surface Computing

Apple is leading the release of this type of touch interface on the I-Phone, however before long your computer will be using the same technology. Pretty cool stuff.

Really Cool Microsoft Technology - Watch more free videos

Remember Me

Lizzy Palmer a 15 year old who made this video, it is very well done and says what needs to be said. God Bless Our Armed Forces.

OxyClinton

OXYCLINTON - Watch more free videos

Entertainment Value

Now that everyone post crap on YouTube the internet is bloated with garbage. At one time, only those with talent or creativity knew how to post video to the web. Once in a great while I do find a clip worth sharing, hope you enjoy this one.
Sweet Reverse Movie - Watch more free videos

Hugo Enacts 'Fairness Doctrine'

Good'ole Hugo Chavez has squelched opposition by shutting down the only remaining media outlet in Venezuela that has dared to broadcast any views in oppossion to his socialist agenda. While Hollywood usually prefers freedom of ideas, Actor/Director Danny Glover sees things differently, especially when he can play movie mogel with some of the oil money recenty prvided by Hugo to produce a film promoting Venezuela. Let me predict the next big actor turned producer/director will be Sean Penn as he films a movie for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad about american agression in the middle east. This type of censorship is one step from the Fairness Doctrine current liberals are trying to re-enact in congress now that the 'progressive' liberal mouthpiece Air-America went bankrupt. Since nobody will listen to liberals they want to be sure conservatives can't be heard ither. Diversity of culture: GOOD, Diversity of political opinion: BAD

Real Cost of Uncontrolled Immigration

Go Away Paris

Go Away Paris

Join the movement!

Mickey Mustafa Jihad

Educational progamming in Palistine


Compared to this mouse, no wonder Paris Hilton is considered a roll model.

Saturday Traffic Jam

So I am driving home from Ranier, OR on a Saturday afternoon and just my luck I get stuck in a 3 mile back-up of bumper to bumper traffic. Although this is typical Portland, it is unusual for a weekend. What was the cause? This tipped over truck on the infamous Terwilliger curves. Notice it is not even in our lane?! Why the slow down? Rubberneckers gawking and taking photos!(Notice the gap I created while shooting this) Idiot drivers.

Egg Hunt

This year the kids had a backyard hunt for the infamous brown eggs carefully placed by Daisy the dashund.

The child with the heaviest bag won. Nathan just overtook Karmann by a few lengths and took the prize.

Big Fat Dee-Dee-Dee

Rosie here insists that for the first time in history, fire melted steel. Hmm, that is an interesting theory, what does exactly melt steel then Rosie? Any 7th grader with Google can resolve the reality between conspiracy theories and the fact. Rosie is our village idiot!

Rosie Odonnell Is A Big Fat Idiot - Click Here for more great videos and pictures!

Rosie has no formal education and she should be fired for spewing these ignorant rants as though they have some basis in fact. She could just as likely get the audience to cheer in agreement if she proclaimed the earth is flat and Condoleezza Rice is a witch.

Gore's Envornmental Empire Building

I was bored in a hotel room last week, and while flipping through the channels I came upon Al Gore's Inconvenient Truth, Biography/Documentary about Al's crusade against global warming. Having never seen it, but hearing lots of news both in support and in critique of the movie I felt compelled to watch and hear his side of the issue. First I was confused by the way it was directed as a movie as much about Al Gore and his biography, as it was about his so called truth. While the presentation was believable, the delivery made me more a sceptic than ever, like I was being over sold. It reminded me of a visit I was suckered into by an Amway sales person, without knowing I was about to be sold on the Amway scheme, I was led to believe I was going to be shown some great financial advise exclusive only to me. To the viewer you could get enveloped in the story of how Al now has devoted his life to saving the earth and he owes this to the planet for allowing his presidential bid to be taken or 'stolen' away from the populous by George Bush. Subtle hints of the 2000 election results almost even made my cynical self begin to feel sorry for this career politician who had to misfortune of being raised half on a tobacco plantation and half in a hotel in Washington DC.. Poor guy, what hard knocks to have to endure. A tear welled up in my eye while he flew over middle America in his private jet overlooking the vast earth he is about to save.

In other news, check out this interesting story on how Al's carbon offsets actually boost his investment portfolio, or this one, on all the Ethanol that we fuel up the farm combines and burn up the energy needed to create it at the distillery plant only to result in a net 0% reduction in carbon emissions at your tailpipe compared to straight gasoline. Your all being fooled into lining Al's pockets folks!

Gore home's energy use: 20 times average

Scientists slam Gore

Bush Haters Unite

Oregon is a great place to live, unfortunately I have to share it with a bunch of insane bastards. Victoria Taft, a local talk radio host, has the photos of these loosers making a psycho circus of the streets of Portland, as well as this image from San-Fran-Sicko

See the Enemy Within Click NOW.

Stonehenge

I stopped at sunrise to visit this replica of Stonehenge that sits as a WWII memorial along the scenic Columbia River Gorge. Sitting on the Washington Side it has a spectacular view both east and west of the Columbia River.
You can learn more about it HERE

Enforcing The Law?

A new stratagy, reports CNN, called "Enforcing the Law" shows positive results in Bagdad, Iraq. In related news, here in the United States, illegal immigration, illegal drug use, and identity theft experience dramatic increases as the American policy of "NOT Enforcing the Law" continues.

Things That Make You Go Hmmmmm

Shift Happens - Click Here for more great videos and pictures!

The Mud Photos Published

The photos Nathan and I took have been published on www.themud.com all 600+ of them! Usually once the public gets wind of them online the site gets pretty busy and at times will be off line. The club was kind enought to even give me a plug right on the home page for my efforts. Thanks!

Mud Photos

I spent the first half of today sorting, deleting, and adding stars to the best of the 800+ digital photos Nathan & I took on Saturday at this years Mud Fest. I put the top 96 on my Picasa Web Albums for your viewing pleasure. Don't forget to check out the video on the previous post.

From Mud 2007

Destruction at The Mud

Please rate it on Break.com!

Mud Time

I will be at the Mountain Mud Festival Saturday, look for mobile posts live from 'THE MUD'