Yes. It was said. How delicious is that?
Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO)
www.rollcall.com
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Why We Need the Federal Government
Apparently it is because we are too stupid to figure out how to allow people to install solar panels without help from the Federal Government.
10 Million Solar Roofs Act of 2011 . Apparently local communities need help in figuring out how to make solar permitting more efficient to encourage people to install more solar roofs. Really? People are so stupid that they can't figure out how to make the permitting process easier? Here's one for you. Eliminate the need for a permit to install a solar roof. Done. Here's another. File a one sentence application that says "I want to install a solar roof on my house at 111 Solar Street, Anywheresville, USA". Get the signature at the bottom that says "OK". What the heck is so difficult about simplifying any permitting process that we need the federal government involved? This just stinks of job justification by these perpetual politicians desperate to keep their cushy, overpaid, overcompensated jobs.
10 Million Solar Roofs Act of 2011 . Apparently local communities need help in figuring out how to make solar permitting more efficient to encourage people to install more solar roofs. Really? People are so stupid that they can't figure out how to make the permitting process easier? Here's one for you. Eliminate the need for a permit to install a solar roof. Done. Here's another. File a one sentence application that says "I want to install a solar roof on my house at 111 Solar Street, Anywheresville, USA". Get the signature at the bottom that says "OK". What the heck is so difficult about simplifying any permitting process that we need the federal government involved? This just stinks of job justification by these perpetual politicians desperate to keep their cushy, overpaid, overcompensated jobs.
Madder than mosquitoes in a mannequin factory, et al
Awesome legal opinion. We've got ticks, cats, porcupines, babies, and mosquitoes, all mentioned in one short Court Order. What's not to like?
Madder than mosquitoes
Madder than mosquitoes
Disturbing but useful information for long distance motorcycle riding
Disclaimer: You may be disturbed by the information included here. If you are not planning on riding long distance on a motorcycle, you may wish to skip this entry.
You've been warned. If you are still reading, it is your own responsibility.
Wearing underwear is a bad idea when riding long distance. The underwear creates a seam right where your legs contact the seat. After a while, this creates pain. I speak from experience, having just ridden 600 miles and being in pain. 4,000 miles on the Albuquerque trip and I was in less pain. You can probably figure out why on your own.
You've been warned. If you are still reading, it is your own responsibility.
Wearing underwear is a bad idea when riding long distance. The underwear creates a seam right where your legs contact the seat. After a while, this creates pain. I speak from experience, having just ridden 600 miles and being in pain. 4,000 miles on the Albuquerque trip and I was in less pain. You can probably figure out why on your own.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sad Bookshelf
As a Nook owner who regrets the lack of actual books on my shelf that are now stored in my ebook reader, I have no words for how truly awesome this is.
Red F Studios
Red F Studios
Jumping Frogs, Part 5 (Albuquerque to home)
Contrary to popular opinion, you can ride a motorcycle from Albuquerque to Blaine, WA in two days, if you are tough enough (which I apparently still am, whew). Left Friday morning about 8 o'clock in the a.m. Had time for one more picture with Jaxon and Skyla, on the motorcycle, packed and ready to go. They were terrified but got over it pretty quickly once I lifted them up.
North. Well, mostly east. Farmington, here I come.
That's odd. I don't remember there being a river here. It was desert earlier this week. Hmmm. Better pull over and look at the map. Hmmm. Oh. Following 550 and it goes to Durango, not Farmington. Apparently there was a turn which should have had a big sign saying "Farmington". It probably did. Oh well, far enough north that it's now quicker to go to Durango and then cut across to Cortez than to go back.
Back up through Moab. Looks the same going in the other direction, still a nice ride. Then north to Salt Lake City. "Blasted heath" is a nice description of the landscape through which I am traveling. Absolutely barren. Except for this thing for penning your cattle prior to loading them. What the heck? Really? Where do these cows come from? Truck them in just so you can put them in the pen and load them back onto the truck? What on earth would they eat if they lived here? Did I previously use the word "desolate"?
Well, Salt Lake City was crowded. Lots of traffic. Then it was just a long Interstate ride home. Almost 4,000 miles in five days of riding plus a two day break around Albuquerque. The Road King held up nicely, didn't even need an oil cooler (which I was a little worried about). I suspect that the Fat Boy (bless its really old heart) would not have made it. I spent a fair number of miles riding along on the Road King at about 75 miles per hour before suddenly realizing that I was still in fourth gear. Not used to the sound this one makes, plus I don't have a tach (yet). Rode into Bellingham about 4 o'clock, almost got a speeding ticket (saw the car pull off the shoulder at the Samish Way on-ramp and I was going about 70 still, but I needed gas so pulled off at Lakeway to fill up at Fred Meyer. Plausible deniability is the key. I really did need gas). Home by 5ish.
PS Turns out that high 70s is cold when you have been riding in the desert for five days.
PPS I'd add more detail but it wasn't very interesting from before SLC to Blaine.
PPPS I finished out the trip by taking twelve movies from my motorcycle. Sure wish the camera had a way to lock it into Easy Picture mode instead of a little easily turned dial to change to movie mode when reaching into the windshield bag.
Pictures to follow once they are edited and posted on Photobucket.
North. Well, mostly east. Farmington, here I come.
That's odd. I don't remember there being a river here. It was desert earlier this week. Hmmm. Better pull over and look at the map. Hmmm. Oh. Following 550 and it goes to Durango, not Farmington. Apparently there was a turn which should have had a big sign saying "Farmington". It probably did. Oh well, far enough north that it's now quicker to go to Durango and then cut across to Cortez than to go back.
Back up through Moab. Looks the same going in the other direction, still a nice ride. Then north to Salt Lake City. "Blasted heath" is a nice description of the landscape through which I am traveling. Absolutely barren. Except for this thing for penning your cattle prior to loading them. What the heck? Really? Where do these cows come from? Truck them in just so you can put them in the pen and load them back onto the truck? What on earth would they eat if they lived here? Did I previously use the word "desolate"?
Well, Salt Lake City was crowded. Lots of traffic. Then it was just a long Interstate ride home. Almost 4,000 miles in five days of riding plus a two day break around Albuquerque. The Road King held up nicely, didn't even need an oil cooler (which I was a little worried about). I suspect that the Fat Boy (bless its really old heart) would not have made it. I spent a fair number of miles riding along on the Road King at about 75 miles per hour before suddenly realizing that I was still in fourth gear. Not used to the sound this one makes, plus I don't have a tach (yet). Rode into Bellingham about 4 o'clock, almost got a speeding ticket (saw the car pull off the shoulder at the Samish Way on-ramp and I was going about 70 still, but I needed gas so pulled off at Lakeway to fill up at Fred Meyer. Plausible deniability is the key. I really did need gas). Home by 5ish.
PS Turns out that high 70s is cold when you have been riding in the desert for five days.
PPS I'd add more detail but it wasn't very interesting from before SLC to Blaine.
PPPS I finished out the trip by taking twelve movies from my motorcycle. Sure wish the camera had a way to lock it into Easy Picture mode instead of a little easily turned dial to change to movie mode when reaching into the windshield bag.
Pictures to follow once they are edited and posted on Photobucket.
Jumping Frogs, Part 4 (Albuquerque)
The nephew and niece had to go to drama camp and swimming lesson, respectively. K recommended Skip Maisel's if I wanted any artsy stuff, plus I had some errands to do after five six days camping and riding. Off I went. Put sixty miles on the bike just riding around Albuquerque. A wonderful Starbuck's in Nob Hill district which has a beautifully apportioned and shaded patio so sat there in the shade drinking coffee, reading my book, and watching the traffic and pedestrians.
Let's see. Over two days:
Bought new cowboy boots (my feet are getting wider as I age and my old ones are hard to pull off at the end of the day). Ended up getting virtually identical boots at Hillson's Western Wear. Justins, because I love my old ones, just in a wider size. Could have got boots at home, but there aren't a lot of boot stores up where I live so the selection isn't quite as good. Plus it just seemed right to buy cowboy boots in New Mexico.
Bought K&N air filter cleaner and helped Kristy do a little maintenance to her BMW. Mostly just cleaned the air filter, topped up the power steering fluid (the light went off, yay!), and recommended Jiffy Lube for an oil change.
Bought a mug at Starbuck's, a couple t-shirts at the HD dealer.
Made tacos Wednesday night and took the family out to dinner Thursday at a pizza place they like. Unfortunately my rising star brother was in Nebraska for work (sorry, Geoff, not only missing my visit but having to go to Nebraska) but I didn't get the word til after I had left. (I didn't actually plan ahead with the family, just assumed they would be home since they just had a vacation. :) )
Speaking of my brother, it finally paid off being his older sibling. Went to Skip Maisel's Indian Jewelry and Craft shop and introduced myself as Geoff Armerding's brother, he from the Hyatt. Not only were they super helpful and nice, but they gave me his discount which, it turns out, was substantial enough that I was able to buy myself some things that I otherwise would never have considered due to price. Thanks Geoff. Really cool shop if you get to Albuquerque. Opened in 1937 by his grandfather, Morris Maisel, they used to have hundreds of Native American craftsmen working on the premises. Closed in the '60s after Morris died, Skip reopened in 1980 and has been running it ever since. I highly recommend you go and make sure you mention that Geoff Armerding sent you. You won't get the family discount (unless you are family, of course) but it helps out Geoff.
The touristy highlight of the visit (other than authentic native american art) was The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. Didn't even know there was one (although don't know why I wouldn't have, there's a museum for everything else) but just happened to see a sign on I-40 as I rode downtown so stopped and visited. Having a bit of a background I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bought a t-shirt, a placemat to be framed and hung in my classroom (picture to follow as it got shipped home and won't be here til later this week), and an awesome tie to amaze and astound my students as they contemplate how really cool I am.
The museum, other than the gift shop, was interesting. Nothing much I didn't know but it was well laid out and had some good exhibits, including a whole section on nuclear related pop culture. Comics, games, protest posters and t-shirts, etc. The section on radiation, radioactivity, and how nuclear power works was informative and there was a section on history of nuclear power plants (including a reactor I worked on over at the Idaho National Engineering Labs (all gone now)), and future prospects. The only really disappointing part was the big thing about global warming, which really had nothing to do with nuclear science and technology and was pretty politically correct as far as its stated assumptions. I did not know that there was a nuclear powered passenger/cargo ship at one point called the Savannah. Operated for about ten years, mostly as a showcase for nuclear power.
Let's see. Over two days:
Bought new cowboy boots (my feet are getting wider as I age and my old ones are hard to pull off at the end of the day). Ended up getting virtually identical boots at Hillson's Western Wear. Justins, because I love my old ones, just in a wider size. Could have got boots at home, but there aren't a lot of boot stores up where I live so the selection isn't quite as good. Plus it just seemed right to buy cowboy boots in New Mexico.
Bought K&N air filter cleaner and helped Kristy do a little maintenance to her BMW. Mostly just cleaned the air filter, topped up the power steering fluid (the light went off, yay!), and recommended Jiffy Lube for an oil change.
Bought a mug at Starbuck's, a couple t-shirts at the HD dealer.
Made tacos Wednesday night and took the family out to dinner Thursday at a pizza place they like. Unfortunately my rising star brother was in Nebraska for work (sorry, Geoff, not only missing my visit but having to go to Nebraska) but I didn't get the word til after I had left. (I didn't actually plan ahead with the family, just assumed they would be home since they just had a vacation. :) )
Speaking of my brother, it finally paid off being his older sibling. Went to Skip Maisel's Indian Jewelry and Craft shop and introduced myself as Geoff Armerding's brother, he from the Hyatt. Not only were they super helpful and nice, but they gave me his discount which, it turns out, was substantial enough that I was able to buy myself some things that I otherwise would never have considered due to price. Thanks Geoff. Really cool shop if you get to Albuquerque. Opened in 1937 by his grandfather, Morris Maisel, they used to have hundreds of Native American craftsmen working on the premises. Closed in the '60s after Morris died, Skip reopened in 1980 and has been running it ever since. I highly recommend you go and make sure you mention that Geoff Armerding sent you. You won't get the family discount (unless you are family, of course) but it helps out Geoff.
The touristy highlight of the visit (other than authentic native american art) was The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. Didn't even know there was one (although don't know why I wouldn't have, there's a museum for everything else) but just happened to see a sign on I-40 as I rode downtown so stopped and visited. Having a bit of a background I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bought a t-shirt, a placemat to be framed and hung in my classroom (picture to follow as it got shipped home and won't be here til later this week), and an awesome tie to amaze and astound my students as they contemplate how really cool I am.
The museum, other than the gift shop, was interesting. Nothing much I didn't know but it was well laid out and had some good exhibits, including a whole section on nuclear related pop culture. Comics, games, protest posters and t-shirts, etc. The section on radiation, radioactivity, and how nuclear power works was informative and there was a section on history of nuclear power plants (including a reactor I worked on over at the Idaho National Engineering Labs (all gone now)), and future prospects. The only really disappointing part was the big thing about global warming, which really had nothing to do with nuclear science and technology and was pretty politically correct as far as its stated assumptions. I did not know that there was a nuclear powered passenger/cargo ship at one point called the Savannah. Operated for about ten years, mostly as a showcase for nuclear power.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Jumping Frogs, Part 3 (Klamath Falls to Albuquerque)
Wow. Two long days but that Road King just eats up the miles. I don't think I could have done the trip in the time I did on the Fat Boy. I routinely have found myself cruising down the freeway in fourth gear and suddenly realizing I still have more to go.
Left Klamath Falls early. Down through Susanville, CA, into Reno, then out Highway 50, The Loneliest Road in America (their designation, not mine, but totally believable). Ran into Ely about 5 pm on Day 1 and was going to camp. Looked at the map while I was eating a hamburger at McDonalds (yes, I broke down and ate junk) and discovered that I was still about 700+ miles out of Albuquerque. Decided to push on.
Left Ely and promptly ran into a construction delay. I sat for about twenty minutes or more.
Personality aside: A Tale of Two Flaggers
First flagger. Had to move from Reno to Austin because his dad got sick. Finished high school in a school with 4 teachers and 27 students (K - 12). Has a summer job as a flagger for $10 per hour. He is happy to have the job, could have had a higher paying job further away but would have had to drive quite a distance. He is headed back to Reno in the fall to go to college. Not a negative thing to say about his life or his situation.
Second flagger. Just East of Ely, NV. Upset because the length of the work day is cutting into his beer drinking time. From Reno, stayihg in a hotel on the company dime while working. Nothing positive to say about anything.
I'd hire the first guy for any job I had available, wouldn't touch the second with a thirty-nine-and-a-half foot pole.
Back to the trip. Stayed in the Deltan Inn in Delta, UT. Old, somewhat run down, but clean, well kept, and friendly. I would highly recommend this little motel over some of the big chains that I've stayed in.
Left early after just a few hours sleep (7ish which is few for me). Forgot I was in Utah where there is no helmet law. Remembered about four hours later. :)
Down the Interstate to Moab, UT. Once again the Road King just hums along, even at 80mph which is pushing it for cruising on the older bike. Didn't stop at any of the National Parks in Moab. A bit of a shame but I had miles to make, wanting to be in Albuquerque that night.
Riding Aside: I tend to ride like that. I stop very infrequently as it's all about the riding. I miss out on a lot of scenic and historic things but it's just the way I am, I guess.
Down through Moab (lots of pictures from the motorcycle so we'll see how they come out when I get home). Into Shiprock, NM, through Farmington, then into Albuquerque about 6:30 or so.
Close to 2,000 miles in three days. Felt good and loving the Road King.
Left Klamath Falls early. Down through Susanville, CA, into Reno, then out Highway 50, The Loneliest Road in America (their designation, not mine, but totally believable). Ran into Ely about 5 pm on Day 1 and was going to camp. Looked at the map while I was eating a hamburger at McDonalds (yes, I broke down and ate junk) and discovered that I was still about 700+ miles out of Albuquerque. Decided to push on.
Left Ely and promptly ran into a construction delay. I sat for about twenty minutes or more.
Personality aside: A Tale of Two Flaggers
First flagger. Had to move from Reno to Austin because his dad got sick. Finished high school in a school with 4 teachers and 27 students (K - 12). Has a summer job as a flagger for $10 per hour. He is happy to have the job, could have had a higher paying job further away but would have had to drive quite a distance. He is headed back to Reno in the fall to go to college. Not a negative thing to say about his life or his situation.
Second flagger. Just East of Ely, NV. Upset because the length of the work day is cutting into his beer drinking time. From Reno, stayihg in a hotel on the company dime while working. Nothing positive to say about anything.
I'd hire the first guy for any job I had available, wouldn't touch the second with a thirty-nine-and-a-half foot pole.
Back to the trip. Stayed in the Deltan Inn in Delta, UT. Old, somewhat run down, but clean, well kept, and friendly. I would highly recommend this little motel over some of the big chains that I've stayed in.
Left early after just a few hours sleep (7ish which is few for me). Forgot I was in Utah where there is no helmet law. Remembered about four hours later. :)
Down the Interstate to Moab, UT. Once again the Road King just hums along, even at 80mph which is pushing it for cruising on the older bike. Didn't stop at any of the National Parks in Moab. A bit of a shame but I had miles to make, wanting to be in Albuquerque that night.
Riding Aside: I tend to ride like that. I stop very infrequently as it's all about the riding. I miss out on a lot of scenic and historic things but it's just the way I am, I guess.
Down through Moab (lots of pictures from the motorcycle so we'll see how they come out when I get home). Into Shiprock, NM, through Farmington, then into Albuquerque about 6:30 or so.
Close to 2,000 miles in three days. Felt good and loving the Road King.
Jumping Frogs, Part 2
Sunday morning, left late. Brian decided to ride over Rainier with me and then cut off for Portland when we hit the Columbia. Nice ride over the pass, but the rest of the day was somewhat iffy. Howling cross winds, a little cold, then ran out of gas just outside of Madras, OR. My own stupid fault, thought I'd have places to stop and so didn't pull over in Grass Valley. Turns out that was the last gas before Madras and I was about a half mile short. The great thing was that the driver of the car directly behind me called her father who lived right by the road. He assumed I was probably out of gas and brought a little can over. Got me into town. End result, I have stopped for gas when I had only gone about seventy miles a couple times when I wasn't sure what was upcoming.
Camped in Klamath Falls, OR at the KOA. I've stayed there before and they are really pleasant and it is a nice campground.
Bought some soup at Fred Meyer (tired of hotdogs over the fire) and read a little.
Literary Note: I've been reading George W. Bush's "Decision Points". It is well written and informative. He has selected a few of the major decision he had to make as President and written of his thought process and how he came to the decision that he did. I highly recommend it for anyone who has to make major decisions in life or career.
Camped in Klamath Falls, OR at the KOA. I've stayed there before and they are really pleasant and it is a nice campground.
Bought some soup at Fred Meyer (tired of hotdogs over the fire) and read a little.
Literary Note: I've been reading George W. Bush's "Decision Points". It is well written and informative. He has selected a few of the major decision he had to make as President and written of his thought process and how he came to the decision that he did. I highly recommend it for anyone who has to make major decisions in life or career.
Jumping Frogs, Part 1
Well, my trip began with an easy jaunt to Enumclaw (officially the Kanasket-Palmer State Park). Camped with CVI until Sunday morning. Had a great time. Rode up the Mt Rainier Hwy on Saturday with a bunch of the guys. Stealth and Katie's granddaughters rode with us, Rachel with me and Catherine with Mule.
A beautiful ride with lots of pictures taken by Rachel, which I will go through and post when I get home.
The "best" part was on the way down, when it started to rain a little, an inconvenience which rapidly turned into a torrential downpour. Couldn't see a thing except the car lights in front of me. At one point the road was under water, at least based on seeing the water sluicing up on both sides of the car in front. Rachel was a trooper. Never a word of complaint and the presence of mind to keep the camera dry and out of the rain.
A beautiful ride with lots of pictures taken by Rachel, which I will go through and post when I get home.
The "best" part was on the way down, when it started to rain a little, an inconvenience which rapidly turned into a torrential downpour. Couldn't see a thing except the car lights in front of me. At one point the road was under water, at least based on seeing the water sluicing up on both sides of the car in front. Rachel was a trooper. Never a word of complaint and the presence of mind to keep the camera dry and out of the rain.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
GPS Map of my trip
Just trying this out so if I suddenly appear to be riding through Katmandu, do not panic.
Note 1: You will need to refresh in order to see progress as this is a static map.
GPS tracking powered by InstaMapper.com
In case you are wondering, there is no provision to show the track as well as current location in the embedded map. Unfortunately.
Update: This is the total trip. The curvy part is the "to Albuquerque", the straighter part is the "from Albuquerque". The lines without dots are due to the fact that my phone frequently was unable to find a GPS signal and the program (apparently) eventually goes to sleep out of sheer boredom. (Although it looks like it tries to wake itself up as it started registering again in Oregon after a long delay through Idaho. Huh.
Note 1: You will need to refresh in order to see progress as this is a static map.
GPS tracking powered by InstaMapper.com
In case you are wondering, there is no provision to show the track as well as current location in the embedded map. Unfortunately.
Update: This is the total trip. The curvy part is the "to Albuquerque", the straighter part is the "from Albuquerque". The lines without dots are due to the fact that my phone frequently was unable to find a GPS signal and the program (apparently) eventually goes to sleep out of sheer boredom. (Although it looks like it tries to wake itself up as it started registering again in Oregon after a long delay through Idaho. Huh.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
How are we not extinct?
Turns out children's books have lead in them, according to the Consumer Safety Product Commission, yet another out of control, left wing, nanny state bureaucracy. Apparently the CPSC may rule that children's books printed before 1985 have enough lead in them that they violate safety rules and can not be sold or kept in libraries. So how much lead do they actually have? Well, dirt has more. Anyone know a kid who has eaten dirt?
Overlawyered
And in related news, a book for parents called If Your Kid Eats This Book, Everything Will Still Be OK, completely unrelated to the amount of lead in the book, but a wonderful title.
Overlawyered
And in related news, a book for parents called If Your Kid Eats This Book, Everything Will Still Be OK, completely unrelated to the amount of lead in the book, but a wonderful title.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
More Libertarian Perspective
The beauty of the free market is… that it rewards those who have talents that are actually and voluntarily valued by the rest of us
Robert Nozick and the Value of Liberty
Robert Nozick and the Value of Liberty
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