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Friday, September 15, 2006
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Lessons from a Scooter Rally Crash!
Not Bad For a Cubicle � Archives � Crash!
Well, Jes and I passed our Motorcycle Safety Foundation Beginner Riding Class today. We are both glowing with pride, and have already scouted out a parking lot near our loveshack where we can continue skills practice. It was frustrating, stressful, and a whole lot of fun. We are also talking about taking the Experienced Riders Course this Spring. I would like to emphasize for those who might be in a similar situation to myself, that if you've taken the MSF class but many years ago, it's never hurts to take it again. I was shocked and appalled by how much I'd forgotten since I last attended. And Santa is seriously looking at some better safety gear for Jes's upcoming B-day.
So here's a timely post on Scooter safety. There is a lot of good stuff here. It is easy to think that a Scooter is safer than a motorcycle, and a lot of people skimp on protective gear and training on a scooter who would never consider such economies if they were on a "real motorcycle." Well there are aspects in which scooters are safer (easier dismount, lower average speed) and there are aspects in which they aren't as safe (smaller wheel size, generally not as advanced braking systems.) Anyway, enough of my preaching, I'll let someone else take the pulpit, and preach as only a reformed sinner can...
Safety Gear should be a maximum priority for all ridersThat includes more than just a helmet. While I’ve felt that a helmet was essential since I got my first scooter (when I was still young and thought I was bullet-proof), I’ll now expand the essential equipment list to include at least a riding jacket and a pair of gloves.
In retrospect, I cannot explain why I was willing to mitigate the risk of cracking my skull open but accept the risk of bruising my muscles & scraping my skin off the rest of my body. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that I used to street skate and went down hard several times, sometimes with a lot of road rash, sometimes with none. This time around, though, it seems like it hurt a lot more than it did back then. This may just be a side effect of being Not Young.
via 2strokebuzz
Well, Jes and I passed our Motorcycle Safety Foundation Beginner Riding Class today. We are both glowing with pride, and have already scouted out a parking lot near our loveshack where we can continue skills practice. It was frustrating, stressful, and a whole lot of fun. We are also talking about taking the Experienced Riders Course this Spring. I would like to emphasize for those who might be in a similar situation to myself, that if you've taken the MSF class but many years ago, it's never hurts to take it again. I was shocked and appalled by how much I'd forgotten since I last attended. And Santa is seriously looking at some better safety gear for Jes's upcoming B-day.
So here's a timely post on Scooter safety. There is a lot of good stuff here. It is easy to think that a Scooter is safer than a motorcycle, and a lot of people skimp on protective gear and training on a scooter who would never consider such economies if they were on a "real motorcycle." Well there are aspects in which scooters are safer (easier dismount, lower average speed) and there are aspects in which they aren't as safe (smaller wheel size, generally not as advanced braking systems.) Anyway, enough of my preaching, I'll let someone else take the pulpit, and preach as only a reformed sinner can...
Safety Gear should be a maximum priority for all ridersThat includes more than just a helmet. While I’ve felt that a helmet was essential since I got my first scooter (when I was still young and thought I was bullet-proof), I’ll now expand the essential equipment list to include at least a riding jacket and a pair of gloves.
In retrospect, I cannot explain why I was willing to mitigate the risk of cracking my skull open but accept the risk of bruising my muscles & scraping my skin off the rest of my body. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that I used to street skate and went down hard several times, sometimes with a lot of road rash, sometimes with none. This time around, though, it seems like it hurt a lot more than it did back then. This may just be a side effect of being Not Young.
via 2strokebuzz
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
More on General Wesley Clark.
Issues and Position Papers WesPAC
Wow! Hits to the Dragon went through the roof today. If you like what you read of Clark's positions, I suggest you check out the more in depth position papers in the above link.
General Clark has stated on many occasions that he will not make a decision on his presidential candidacy until after the 2006 elections. Until then he is focused on helping break the current Republican stranglehold in Washington. And I admire him for that.
After the upcoming elections, however, I do hope he throws his hat in the ring. I think that his voice will raise the quality of debate. I also believe he has the skills and experience to not only win an election, but to do the job well. Sadly these are two different skills that do not always coexist. In any case, I have to say that I admire all the work General Clark is doing for our country and our political system. He is an inspiration to me, that those of us who see there is something wrong with our country need quit sitting on our butts, complaining and laying blame. We need to start figuring out what we can do to help fix what is broken.
And really that is a non-partisan standpoint.
It is the best way we can honor those who lost their lives five years ago, and those who have labored, suffered, and died in the War on Terrorism since then.
And ultimately it is the best way to insure that the terrorists have not, and will not win.
Let's get off our duffs, and start excerising our freedoms, not only to fight off atrophying apathy, but to build stronger and more vigorous freedoms.
Monday, September 11, 2006
United States presidential election, 2008 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
United States presidential election, 2008 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Well crap!
I just wrote up a great post on this wikipedia article. It was calm, lucid and without political vitriol.
Yeah, I know, not what you expect from the Dragon. But it's the fifth anniversary of 9/11, and I wanted to be respectful as well as look positively to the future.
But it boiled down to stating Guiliani sounds interesting as a Republican hopeful. However the potential candidate I am excited about is retired General Wesley Clark. Here's some of his thoughts on 9/11:
I'm asking you, on this 5th Anniversary, to think about the future of this country.
All that we could be.
All that we stand for.
All that others have aspired to, is on the line in America, in our political system.
We believed in right, not might.
We believe that international law was inevitable for the future.
We believed that we had to work with neighbors.
We believed that we had to make more friends than enemies.
We believed we should reinforce those that share our values.
We never believed that we should impose our values on others.
Start war where it wasn't necessary.
Alienate friends by bombastic rhetoric.
Ignore allies.
And seek only our self-interests in the world.
I think there are two clear paths ahead. This nation can listen to the dictates of fear and hubris as the administration alternately ignores Al Qaeda and then trumpets their success. Alternately brags about success in Iraq and then ignores it, and all the while beats the tom-toms for war with Iran.
Yes, our country could slide that way if we listen to the dictates of fear. But we have nothing to fear in this country. We're still the greatest power in the world. And we can be the greatest force of good in the world. And we can keep ourselves safe.
I'd like us to resolve on this 5th Anniversary of 9/11, that we as Americans no longer need live in fear. We should live in determination that we'll protect ourselves. Support our friends and allies around the world. Work together to solve the common problems that face mankind. And above all, we'll make sure that at home that we never sacrifice the liberties and rights that define our country. Even in an effort to protect ourselves.
We can have it all. We can do it all.
We just have to be courageous and face the facts as they are and work for the future as we want it to be.
For an older taste of the Gen.'s rhetoric, try his "The Real State of the Union 2006" from 01/30/2006, and see how it strikes you. I REALLY urge you to check the links and read both of these pieces in full.
Fellow Americans, although our nation is incredibly wealthy and uniquely powerful, we are at historic turning point. Facing multiple near term crises and a great and long term challenge to our very identity as Americans, we have critical choices to make.
Will we choose to emphasize boastful rhetoric or constructive engagement abroad? Will we lash out in anger with military force, or will we pursue every reasonable avenue to avoid the terrible destruction of war? Will we "fight fire with fire," relying on the means and techniques of our adversaries, or live and lead by the higher standard of the values we have professed?
At home, will we persist in shortsighted partisanship, or will we follow a stronger vision to the deep reforms needed to secure our future? Will it be selfishness or teamwork that is our rallying cry?
These are the choices before us.
I welcome the opportunity to participate in this great American adventure as we seek our destiny.
America's Beacon of Hope must shine brightly once more, lighting our beloved country and illuminating the whole world.
And if we choose wisely, it will.
Well crap!
I just wrote up a great post on this wikipedia article. It was calm, lucid and without political vitriol.
Yeah, I know, not what you expect from the Dragon. But it's the fifth anniversary of 9/11, and I wanted to be respectful as well as look positively to the future.
But it boiled down to stating Guiliani sounds interesting as a Republican hopeful. However the potential candidate I am excited about is retired General Wesley Clark. Here's some of his thoughts on 9/11:
I'm asking you, on this 5th Anniversary, to think about the future of this country.
All that we could be.
All that we stand for.
All that others have aspired to, is on the line in America, in our political system.
We believed in right, not might.
We believe that international law was inevitable for the future.
We believed that we had to work with neighbors.
We believed that we had to make more friends than enemies.
We believed we should reinforce those that share our values.
We never believed that we should impose our values on others.
Start war where it wasn't necessary.
Alienate friends by bombastic rhetoric.
Ignore allies.
And seek only our self-interests in the world.
I think there are two clear paths ahead. This nation can listen to the dictates of fear and hubris as the administration alternately ignores Al Qaeda and then trumpets their success. Alternately brags about success in Iraq and then ignores it, and all the while beats the tom-toms for war with Iran.
Yes, our country could slide that way if we listen to the dictates of fear. But we have nothing to fear in this country. We're still the greatest power in the world. And we can be the greatest force of good in the world. And we can keep ourselves safe.
I'd like us to resolve on this 5th Anniversary of 9/11, that we as Americans no longer need live in fear. We should live in determination that we'll protect ourselves. Support our friends and allies around the world. Work together to solve the common problems that face mankind. And above all, we'll make sure that at home that we never sacrifice the liberties and rights that define our country. Even in an effort to protect ourselves.
We can have it all. We can do it all.
We just have to be courageous and face the facts as they are and work for the future as we want it to be.
For an older taste of the Gen.'s rhetoric, try his "The Real State of the Union 2006" from 01/30/2006, and see how it strikes you. I REALLY urge you to check the links and read both of these pieces in full.
Fellow Americans, although our nation is incredibly wealthy and uniquely powerful, we are at historic turning point. Facing multiple near term crises and a great and long term challenge to our very identity as Americans, we have critical choices to make.
Will we choose to emphasize boastful rhetoric or constructive engagement abroad? Will we lash out in anger with military force, or will we pursue every reasonable avenue to avoid the terrible destruction of war? Will we "fight fire with fire," relying on the means and techniques of our adversaries, or live and lead by the higher standard of the values we have professed?
At home, will we persist in shortsighted partisanship, or will we follow a stronger vision to the deep reforms needed to secure our future? Will it be selfishness or teamwork that is our rallying cry?
These are the choices before us.
I welcome the opportunity to participate in this great American adventure as we seek our destiny.
America's Beacon of Hope must shine brightly once more, lighting our beloved country and illuminating the whole world.
And if we choose wisely, it will.
BBC NEWS | Americas | 'Unknown' rescuer recounts 9/11
BBC NEWS Americas 'Unknown' rescuer recounts 9/11
Mr Thomas had been out of the Marine Corps for about a year on 11 September 2001.
But when the planes hit the twin towers and they collapsed, he donned his uniform and headed to Ground Zero to help out.
There he met Staff Sergeant David Karnes, another marine, who had had the same idea.
"We approached the pile of rubble carefully and came to a beam about five feet beneath us, and this whole time we were yelling and shouting into the holes 'United States marines, Anyone down there?'" he told the BBC's Today programme. ... Mr Thomas, 32, said he had chosen to remain silent for so many years because: "I really didn't want to discuss the events that took place."
He told the Associated Press in August that he felt that as "a tough marine" he could "deal with it".
"I did deal with it. But, you know, when you're alone it really comes back to haunt you, in the worst way."
He told AP he was no hero. "Those guys who ran up in there and risked their lives, those are heroes".
Mr Thomas had been out of the Marine Corps for about a year on 11 September 2001.
But when the planes hit the twin towers and they collapsed, he donned his uniform and headed to Ground Zero to help out.
There he met Staff Sergeant David Karnes, another marine, who had had the same idea.
"We approached the pile of rubble carefully and came to a beam about five feet beneath us, and this whole time we were yelling and shouting into the holes 'United States marines, Anyone down there?'" he told the BBC's Today programme. ... Mr Thomas, 32, said he had chosen to remain silent for so many years because: "I really didn't want to discuss the events that took place."
He told the Associated Press in August that he felt that as "a tough marine" he could "deal with it".
"I did deal with it. But, you know, when you're alone it really comes back to haunt you, in the worst way."
He told AP he was no hero. "Those guys who ran up in there and risked their lives, those are heroes".
Newsweek Article on World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft: Is It a Game? - Newsweek Technology - MSNBC.com
Great article in the upcoming Newsweek on Virtual Worlds, focusing primarily on Warcrack, and social implications thereof. Kind of relevant to me, my best friend from high school and I just did a 20 minute quest together, and I really look forward to the potential of this means of interaction. We live a couple hours apart, and interact towards a common goal is just a much pleasant way to keep a friendship alive, than email, telephone, or whatever. I've played with friends from work before, but it's different when your playing with someone you don't get the oppurtunity to see much.
Edward Castronova sees all this as an early indicator of what will become a vast participation in synthetic worlds, with fuzzier and fuzzier lines between virtual and physical realms. "In 20 or 30 years the technology will be here to create incredibly more realistic and immersive worlds," he says. "There will be a world that fits the fantasy of any life you want to lead." Those deep into WOW, of course, are already living that future. "Yes, it's just a game," says Joi Ito. "The way that the real world is a game."
Great article in the upcoming Newsweek on Virtual Worlds, focusing primarily on Warcrack, and social implications thereof. Kind of relevant to me, my best friend from high school and I just did a 20 minute quest together, and I really look forward to the potential of this means of interaction. We live a couple hours apart, and interact towards a common goal is just a much pleasant way to keep a friendship alive, than email, telephone, or whatever. I've played with friends from work before, but it's different when your playing with someone you don't get the oppurtunity to see much.
Edward Castronova sees all this as an early indicator of what will become a vast participation in synthetic worlds, with fuzzier and fuzzier lines between virtual and physical realms. "In 20 or 30 years the technology will be here to create incredibly more realistic and immersive worlds," he says. "There will be a world that fits the fantasy of any life you want to lead." Those deep into WOW, of course, are already living that future. "Yes, it's just a game," says Joi Ito. "The way that the real world is a game."
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Dream Home for Paranoid Hobbits
Ultimate Secure Home
This is the libertarian's dreamhome. Built to withstand any natural disaster, or act of war, including biological and nuclear, with air filtration to keep you alive afterwards. This is just amazing, and reminds of the kind of post-apocalyptic "home-sweet-bunker" geeky boys would design in GT classes in the 80's instead of studying their Hegel. I mean WOW! I can't even begin to list all the quirks/virtues of this house. If you have the slighest interest in alternative energy, unconventional home-building, or good old-fashioned libertarian paranoia, you owe it to yourself to check out this site. Be sure to check out the "features" link. Oh, if only I was setup to telecommute, and had a down-payment, I'd be on this like white-on-rice. Of course, Jes would probably not go for due to the advertised "gun-friendly" environs.
>Sigh...<
Strategically located in the awesome San Juan mountains of Southwest Colorado, this patented steel-reinforced concrete earth home was built to withstand almost any natural or man-made disaster you can name. It is more secure, safe, and functional than any conventional house could ever be, yet still has a level of comfort that one might not expect to find in an underground home. The house and its 4.3 acre parcel are currently offered at only $475,000 ($20,000 below appraised value). Or $495,000 for the house with a 4.38 acre boundary adjusted parcel.
via bOINGbOING
This is the libertarian's dreamhome. Built to withstand any natural disaster, or act of war, including biological and nuclear, with air filtration to keep you alive afterwards. This is just amazing, and reminds of the kind of post-apocalyptic "home-sweet-bunker" geeky boys would design in GT classes in the 80's instead of studying their Hegel. I mean WOW! I can't even begin to list all the quirks/virtues of this house. If you have the slighest interest in alternative energy, unconventional home-building, or good old-fashioned libertarian paranoia, you owe it to yourself to check out this site. Be sure to check out the "features" link. Oh, if only I was setup to telecommute, and had a down-payment, I'd be on this like white-on-rice. Of course, Jes would probably not go for due to the advertised "gun-friendly" environs.
>Sigh...<
Strategically located in the awesome San Juan mountains of Southwest Colorado, this patented steel-reinforced concrete earth home was built to withstand almost any natural or man-made disaster you can name. It is more secure, safe, and functional than any conventional house could ever be, yet still has a level of comfort that one might not expect to find in an underground home. The house and its 4.3 acre parcel are currently offered at only $475,000 ($20,000 below appraised value). Or $495,000 for the house with a 4.38 acre boundary adjusted parcel.
via bOINGbOING
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