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Showing posts from October, 2014

I don't know if "Shane" is real or just a prank, but whoever is behind this, he's at least funny.

I don't know if "Shane" is real or just a prank, but whoever is behind this, he's at least funny. http://www.dose.com/lists/3095/Meet-Shane-The-Single-Greatest-Walmart-Employee-Of-All-Time-I-Died-Laughing-At-11

Did you know MIT publishes most of its course s online? Continue nuing education is a great thing.

Did you know MIT publishes most of its course s online? Continue nuing education is a great thing. http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm

Another George Bush? Is Texas cloning them now? Does the world really need another George Bush?

Another George Bush? Is Texas cloning them now? Does the world really need another George Bush? http://m.motherjones.com/politics/2014/10/texas-george-prescott-bush-immigration-environment

Because you've always wanted it, a vampire hunting/avoiding map!

Because you've always wanted it, a vampire hunting/avoiding map! http://www.trulia.com/local/denver-co/type:vampire_risk_unnaturalHazards

Just resharing for the daytime people.

Just resharing for the daytime people.  Originally shared by Jason ON Free DxO Labs! Apparently they just upgraded to 9 so they're giving away 8.5. Get it while it's hot! I just downloaded it and everything worked fine. http://www.dxo.com/intl/dphotographer

Free DxO Labs! Apparently they just upgraded to 9 so they're giving away 8.5. Get it while it's hot!

Free DxO Labs! Apparently they just upgraded to 9 so they're giving away 8.5. Get it while it's hot! I just downloaded it and everything worked fine. http://www.dxo.com/intl/dphotographer

At a motorcycle party. ;-)

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At a motorcycle party. ;-) Wasn't enough parking outside.

Five Star Wars Plot Holes Explained, Explained.

Re:  This Article on the Huffington Post Yeah, these aren't really surprises. Let's assume these aren't "holes" and that we have to take a _certain point of view_ with the scenes: 1- Leia is adopted by the Organa's. Since this is Alderaan and they're a peaceful people with no weapons, one could reasonably assume that adoption is fairly common, even amongst royalty. Since the Empire didn't know Padme had children there is no reason to look for them, especially as one adoptee on one of a thousand planets.  Luke on the other hand _does_ still use the Skywalker name. However, Tattooine is a backwater planet on the outer rim. As long as Owen and Beru didn't register Luke with the government (which might be why they didn't want him going off to join the Academy) he should have been fairly well hidden. Again, it's not like Vader and Sidious were looking for Skywalker's dead children. And again, one backwater planet amongst thousands of inhab

It's cool that someone did this, but yeah, it's totally hipster.

It's cool that someone did this, but yeah, it's totally hipster. http://gizmodo.com/glasses-made-from-recycled-vinyl-records-cool-or-hips-1650163444

Since Microsoft is retiring Nokia, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite phones ever.

Since Microsoft is retiring Nokia, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite phones ever. Even to this day. The Nokia 8250. Just your average bar style phone but then, BAM! , it transformed into a full QWERTY typing machine. Loved it! #nokiagate   http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/entry_photo_images/8830851/6800_verge_super_wide.jpg

Where I grew up we didn't have "rich neighborhoods" or "poor neighborhoods.

Where I grew up we didn't have "rich neighborhoods" or "poor neighborhoods." We had middle-class and lower middle class. And lower than those. However, where I live now I'm surrounded by million dollar homes. Literally, they're across the street. The kids from my neighborhood go over there and trick-or-treat instead of up and down our street. To the best of my knowledge, no one has complained about that at all. My friend's parents live in an upper-middle class neighborhood a few miles away. They have big homes, decent sized yards and the place is so safe no one ever locks their doors. Her stepdad goes out of his way to make sure he has the best candy (re: full sized bars) and welcomes everyone who comes to his door. Even me. This lady is the worst kind of elite-percenter. It's called "trick or treat." Someone needs to trick her. Originally shared by frank s What is wrong with people? http://www.slate.com/articles/life/dear_prudence/201

If there wasn't any doubt about Justice Scalia being an asshat before, here's more proof.

If there wasn't any doubt about Justice Scalia being an asshat before, here's more proof. Claiming that one religious sect is entitled and then claiming another religious sect has to prove itself is exactly what the First Amendment was designed to prevent: favoritism of one religion over another. http://www.addictinginfo.org/2014/10/21/outrageous-right-wing-supreme-court-justice-scalia-says-religious-beliefs-arent-reasonable/

Any Oregonians going outside?

Any Oregonians going outside? http://www.kboi2.com/news/local/Walkers-find-booby-trap-on-Oregon-trail-path-279901272.html

I can't say I'm surprised to see this.

I can't say I'm surprised to see this. I mean, it had to finally happen, right? Photographer gets pissed and goes after illegal use of his content then the internet backlashes against him, putting all his images up for grabs. Has this happened to anyone else? It's one of the reasons I only load low res images to the web in the first place. Originally shared by Chris Fink (OLD PROFILE) lol oops... http://torrentfreak.com/photographer-who-sued-imgur-now-has-a-pirate-bay-problem-141022/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Torrentfreak+(Torrentfreak)&utm_content=FaceBook

Anyone else heard of Hive and giving it a shot?

Anyone else heard of Hive and giving it a shot? It sounds almost too goo to be true. I like the fact that it's operated out of Germany and the company leadership is focusing on safety and security. But, as a social content sharing service... how does it differentiate from any other social media website where people share pictures, videos and audio files? Originally shared by C. Michael Croston I shall try Hive... http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/free-unlimited-cloud-storage-hive-right/

Official! Not a leak! Awesome!

Official! Not a leak! Awesome! Marvel Entertainment did this right. A leak occurred and they jumped out in front of it making the leak obsolete and keeping control of the PR machine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmeOjFno6Do&feature=share

I'm going to Mars, bitches! No wifi there but then again, I have CenturyLink, so no internet here, either.

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I'm going to Mars, bitches! No wifi there but then again, I have CenturyLink, so no internet here, either. Should I bring my own bottled water or do you think NASA will provide? Aw, who am I kidding? Thanks to congress NASA doesn't have the budget to provide water on Mars. Originally shared by NASA Only 10 days left to send your name on our Journey to Mars, starting with NASA Orion Spacecraft's Dec. 4 first flight. The deadline for receiving a personal “boarding pass” is Friday, Oct. 31. If only your name could collect frequent flyer miles.  To submit your name and for more info, visit: http://go.nasa.gov/1ovdTpI

If you're not crowdsourcing broadband speeds for the FCC, then you're silencing yourself on an open internet.

If you're not crowdsourcing broadband speeds for the FCC, then you're silencing yourself on an open internet. Don't let AT&T's lobbyists be the only voice your congressperson is talking to. http://www.fcc.gov/guides/mobile-speed-test-tip-sheet https://market.android.com/details?id=com.samknows.fcc

Colorado's Amendment 67 needs to die a horrible death.

Colorado's Amendment 67 needs to die a horrible death. It will turn women into felons for doing nothing more than miscarrying or perhaps for not eating a proper diet, depending on the prosecutor. http://mediamatters.org/blog/2014/10/21/nro-minimizes-harmful-effects-of-extremist-pers/201251

Maybe your god is just trying to be the loving, inclusive and liberal god Jesus H.

Maybe your god is just trying to be the loving, inclusive and liberal god Jesus H. Christ represents, Pat Robertson. As your god's representative on Earth, who is more likely to understand his intent? The Pope, or a money hungry televangelist? http://www.salon.com/2014/10/21/pat_buchanan_im_more_catholic_than_the_pope/

Let us forget for a moment that this business has been around for nearly a century and let us not consider the fact...

Let us forget for a moment that this business has been around for nearly a century and let us not consider the fact that the Knapps were operating this business as a nondenominational wedding venue for 25 years. Let us recall that it wasn't until they were being fined by the city for discrimination that they changed their bylaws to more be religious focused wording (after they were fined, just a couple of weeks ago, in fact) and then claimed persecution by the government. Should a for-profit public serving company be forced to comply with anti-discrimination laws or did Hobby Lobby open up a backdoor to allow bigotry to run rampant in the USA under the guise of religious freedom? http://dish.andrewsullivan.com/2014/10/21/ministers-getting-jailed-for-refusing-to-marry-gays/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+andrewsullivan/rApM+(The+Dish)

When in doubt, put the Ebola panicks into perspective.

When in doubt, put the Ebola panicks into perspective. http://m.motherjones.com/mojo/2014/10/ebola-america-one-sentence-pan

Your Shadow: Dream Killer

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Sometimes I don't know what to write or, to be honest, I don't have anything interesting to write. So, like today, I will leave you with this because ...  why the hell not? If not you, then the trees, the mountains, clouds or Earth itself will stop the light.

Are Republicans being scared Left by their far Right brethren?

Are Republicans being scared Left by their far Right brethren? Originally shared by Downtown Denver Buzz http://dlvr.it/7GS4FT

I never thought Andrew Garfield made a good Peter Parker or Spider-Man and yet, I still think it's too soon for...

I never thought Andrew Garfield made a good Peter Parker or Spider-Man and yet, I still think it's too soon for another franchise reboot. We get it +Sony, Peter Parker was bit by a spider and adventure ensues.  I certainly hope Marvel Entertainment is able to snatch the Wall Crawler back from Sony's mishandling.  We still don't need a Sinister Six movie. No one cares, Sony.  http://www.movieweb.com/spider-man-reboot-cast-sinister-six-venom-movie

Cats are evil and they make you watch Fox News and that's not good for anyone.

Cats are evil and they make you watch Fox News and that's not good for anyone. Originally shared by Noble I whole heatedly agree. Happy #caturday http://www.vox.com/2014/10/16/6982177/the-case-against-owning-cats
Turn down the volume and enjoy. Luckily for you my face is covered by a helmet. ;)

Mid October Ride

I went riding. Nothing special, just a quick jaunt up Peak-to-Peak and back while the weather was good again. I'd made the same run last week , but this week the weather was more forgiving. Mid-80s in Denver with mid-70s in Estes Park and, unlike last week, there was little to no wind. I recorded the ride on my GoPro on the way up to Estes Park and then moved the camera to record the ride behind me. It's that video that I uploaded to Youtube. Unfortunately, I got caught up behind a few cars and even another motorcycle that was going extremely slow and had to tone it down a handful of times. To be fair, I tried adding music to the video just so you didn't have to listen to the engine's noise being picked up by the terrible mic in the GoPro, but I couldn't figure out how to add more than one song, especially since these videos are longer than a song's length. So, my advice is to simply turn down the volume and enjoy. This first video is from the intersection of Hi
It's #fidofriday and I took the dummies to the dog park. But nothing is really that simple, is it?

It Happened at the Dog Park

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Well, that was unpleasant. Since we didn't go yesterday, I decided to take Dumb and Dumber to the dog park today for some good exercise and long naps afterwards. That it is cooler outside than it has been all week didn't hurt - Rufus loves cooler weather more than I do. Dummies Everything was going normally. We walked down one path, followed the creek, stopping at the usual spots so Rufus could jump in the water and cool off, until we arrived at the small lagoon-thing. I don't know what else to call it. The creek pools and then a small section breaks out and rejoins to the larger creek. At one point it was a called a pond, but to me it looks more like a pool of water. Regardless, we were there when a park ranger came walking buy with a brown Australian Shepherd or Mini Aussie. He was looking for it's owner which I thought was extremely nice of him since most rangers would have just taken the dog to a shelter and called it a day. Rufus at First Water Rufus

Metric vs. Imperial

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Metric vs. Imperial Originally shared by Václav Jiříkovský

If you haven't already seen this, take a look. It's awesome. If only we could all live a life of adventure.

If you haven't already seen this, take a look. It's awesome. If only we could all live a life of adventure. http://petapixel.com/2014/10/12/one-mans-photos-epic-road-trip-spanning-26-years-177-countries-500000-miles

This seems like it could have been written about me. Take the stick out, people.

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This seems like it could have been written about me. Take the stick out, people.  Originally shared by Frederick Wilson II

The most awesome thing I've seen all day and I had access to a mirror.

The most awesome thing I've seen all day and I had access to a mirror.  You have got to watch this! Originally shared by Eli Fennell If Apps Were Superheroes Google+? How the hell did you do that? I'm Google, bitch. Duh. Nailed It! http://youtu.be/0Du-xwaqBXA

Pretty sweet deal for those photogs out there! Snap it up while the snapping is good!

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Pretty sweet deal for those photogs out there! Snap it up while the snapping is good! Originally shared by Karen Hutton On HECK of a bundle of Awesome is on sale for 5 days!!   How about $2000 worth of goodness for only $89??   Find out more here:  http://bit.ly/1oaMPM1 You may be starting to see the notice... but there's a ginormous sale happenin' NOW! The catch... it only lasts for 5 days! *Learn from the best Nicole S. Young, Trey Ratcliff, Martin Bailey, David duChemin, Jaime Ibarra and sooooo many more.  Here's the link to learn more or buy: http://bit.ly/1oaMPM1 . That gives me credit if you do decide to leap - which I would love!  I only like to share super, awesome deals... and honey, this is WAY one of them!!

Put some more miles on the bike today.

Put some more miles on the bike today. Woo Hoo! Just over 225 of them, in fact. Since it snowed in Colorado the other day I stayed in the low country (foothills) and pretty much followed the same path I followed last week: Black Hawk to Estes Park and back on Peak-to-Peak highway. Unlike last week, though, the weather was better, there was less traffic. I didn't stop and take any pictures, but I do have video that I'll upload and share as soon as I have a better, more stable internet connection.  Thew weather for the next few days is supposed to be great. Not as a great as today, but great for this time of year. Unfortunately, I won't get much riding in aside from commuting or running errands until Sunday.  So glad I got today in.

I'd always heard sharks can attack you in a minimum of three feet deep. Now I'm going to have to rethink that.

I'd always heard sharks can attack you in a minimum of three feet deep. Now I'm going to have to rethink that. http://m.motherjones.com/mixed-media/2014/10/the-dog-goes-bark-the-cow-goes-moo-the-shark-goes-chomp

Want to see something cool?

Want to see something cool? http://sploid.gizmodo.com/extraordinary-video-of-the-iss-floating-in-space-taken-1646634053/+caseychan

That's actually really cool and awesome of the company to do what it does.

That's actually really cool and awesome of the company to do what it does. So, push the Crockpot to the side and buy a Wonderbag instead. #food   #foodie   #cooking   http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ref_=amb_link_398553662_4&docId=1002990081&nav_sdd=aps&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-B1&pf_rd_r=16Y5XKBFJ9VJ883PSKCG&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1948595122&pf_rd_i=507846&pldnSite=1

In Colorado there is an Amendment on the ballot to pretty much make being a woman, illegal.

In Colorado there is an Amendment on the ballot to pretty much make being a woman, illegal. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jen-caltrider/hello-america-its-me-colorado_b_5870476.html

Good. Maybe if the military wants it, the Republicans will be on board.

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Good. Maybe if the military wants it, the Republicans will be on board. Originally shared by EARTH: The Operators' Manual The Pentagon has just released a report outlining the urgent need for military agencies to build climate change adaptation into their policies, and into their interactions with foreign governments. Global warming "poses immediate risks to US national security." http://bit.ly/1p8WcH6

Originally shared via a private share, so I'm sharing it publicly.

Originally shared via a private share, so I'm sharing it publicly.  In the United States Ebola is a non-issue. If it weren't for Fox News and conservatives trying to find a way to pin a disease on the president, no one in this country would even care that Ebola was killing Africans by the scores. What is very real, though, is the loss of ability to even respond to an epidemic like Ebola (the Measles, Whooping Cough, Bird Flu, Swine Flu, etc). The GOP has been strutting their stuff since GWB took office, claiming that government agencies aren't needed, that our ability to take care of ourselves - as a nation - should be the sole purview of "the market." Like many aspects of lowering taxes and cutting funding for so-called frivolous agencies, the GOP is now clamoring for the government to do more to help people. Which, is sort of the ultimate irony. http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-mh-unprepared-for-ebola-20141013-column.html

One Step Backwards for Blogger Kind

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For the past couple of years I've been using  +Blogger 's Dynamic Views. They were clean, simple and for those of us without a hint of coding skill, easy to use. I mean, what the hell, it's a personal blog, right? No one really cares about what it looks like, they care about content. Or, at least that's how I look at things. Content is king. Here's a Flower I'd had problems with Dynamic Views over those years. Sometimes it would take far too long to load a post, my eyes getting tired watching those gears move around and around, to just not  loading at all. Recently I posted a blog post and caught a spelling error in it after someone had posted a comment. So, I went to the blogger dashboard, edited the post, hit update  and then clicked "View" to see how it looked. The post wouldn't load. The words were there, but I couldn't scroll down and the little loading  icon just kept spinning and spinning and spinning. So, I made a command decisi

This was good, AT&T and Starbucks Coffee.

This was good, AT&T and Starbucks Coffee. My normal go-to place for using wifi and getting away was closed so I decided to come the block up here and this is what I get.  This is why we all want Google Fiber. Your speeds are embarrassing at&t. Almost as bad as CenturyLink.  Starbucks, as a place where people buy your over-priced coffees and snacks for the wifi, this is atrocious. These speeds are a prime example on why I don't use Starbucks for wifi when I'm on the go. For the sake of due diligence, I changed the test server to a closer one and tested even slower speeds:  http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/3829527759 I guess there's no point in me being here. http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/3829507771

Earlier this week, or late last week, I posted something about Republicans acting for their own interests instead of...

Earlier this week, or late last week, I posted something about Republicans acting for their own interests instead of for the interests of the nation. I mentioned actions in South America to make democratic presidents look incapable of dealing with our neighbors to the south, Republicans funding al-Qaeda and Iran, military coups and a number of other incidents where the GOP acted against American best interests for their own self-serving rewards.   Here's another one. _In the four years between the sabotage and what Kissinger termed “peace at hand” just prior to the 1972 election, more than 20,000 US troops died in Vietnam. More than 100,000 were wounded. More than a million Vietnamese were killed. _ Originally shared by Reverend Eric Ha Cornfirmed by a conservative Republican no less... http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/08/12/george-will-confirms-nixons-vietnam-treason

I don't know if any of you Star Trek fans out there have seen this or not.

I don't know if any of you Star Trek fans out there have seen this or not. William Shatner travels the globe to talk to everyone who played a Star Trek captain in the series' and movies. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW8TPEeb3EY

This was originally shared via a private share so I couldn't reshare publicly.

This was originally shared via a private share so I couldn't reshare publicly. No matter if you believe the MBPT are a valid way to evaluate personality types, I think we can all agree that some of us are a little more introverted than others and some of use are a little more extroverted than others. A little more reading for you:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/29/introvert-myths_n_3569058.html If you're an I , then you'll understand this a little more than those E 's. #introvert   #intp   #isfp   #intj   #istj   #isfj   #infj   #istp   http://atchuup.com/30-problems-that-only-introverts-will-understand/

I don't know if many of you know Dallas Wiebelhaus, but he was an old Buzzer and one of the first here on the Plus.

I don't know if many of you know Dallas Wiebelhaus, but he was an old Buzzer and one of the first here on the Plus. I found out recently that he died this past spring. His wife sent me a connection request on LinkedIN and informed me of his passing. So, if you didn't know, now you do.
I'm beginning to see why people move into the mountains and shun society.

Mo' Neighbors, Mo' Problems.

Last Sunday at 4AM I was woken from a very deep sleep by screaming and shouting from somewhere outside my bedroom window, as recounted HERE . I listened to it for about 10 minutes thinking it would quiet down - that the people would get it out of their system and go inside or leave, or whatever. It didn't quiet down. From what I heard it sounded like a woman was venting, or perhaps screaming at a man, and someone else was consoling her, with statements like: "He's an asshole," "He's a fucking cunt," and "You don't have to take that from him," and "No you're a bitch." Granted those aren't direct quotes, but something along those lines, the last one sounding like it came from a man's voice, hence the assumption that someone was fighting with their significant other. Since it was 4AM and since it was loud enough to wake me from my sleep I called the police to come and investigate. At the time I was thinking it was a d

That's cool.

That's cool. Whatever account I'm logged into Chrome with is the account this app uses, even when not logged into the Google Account (Gmail) at the time. That means I don't have to be logged into Gmail to use the desktop app. This also applies to separate account. If I'm logged in Chrome with one Google Account and logged into Gmail with a different account,  I can still use this Hangouts app  fromthe account I'm logged into Chrome with and have the other account using Hangouts in the web browser. Cool. #hangouts   https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/hangouts/knipolnnllmklapflnccelgolnpehhpl

Why on Earth would I follow a Google product on a Facebook social network when Google has their own social network?

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Why on Earth would I follow a Google product on a Facebook social network when Google has their own social network? Seriously, someone explain this to me. Originally shared by Google Maps Sweeping vistas, breathtaking cityscapes and underwater worlds, delivered just how you like ‘em—squared. Follow #GoogleMaps on Instagram. http://instagram.com/googlemaps

Go Go Gadget, camouflage!

Go Go Gadget, camouflage! Originally shared by Amy Stapleton #owls are awesome! http://www.boredpanda.com/camouflage-owl-photography/

I'm not going to wait for #caturday to post this, so here you go: giant fish.

I'm not going to wait for #caturday to post this, so here you go: giant fish. http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2014/10/09/221-pound-albino-catfish-landed-in-Spain/7261412868554/?spt=rec_feat&or=3&r=9621412879176

I've never been on any of these roads.

I've never been on any of these roads. At least not on a motorcycle. Which I guess is okay seeing has how most of these look like they'd be boring on a sporbike. But, maybe you guys will find something to ride. http://travelingringo.com/2014/10/travelin-gringos-top-ten-us-motorcycle-tours

I'm far from being a physicist, but this is really really cool if true.

I'm far from being a physicist, but this is really really cool if true.  Originally shared by Richard Frost This is incredible! http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/191754-cold-fusion-reactor-verified-by-third-party-researchers-seems-to-have-1-million-times-the-energy-density-of-gasoline

Weird.

Weird. I can't comment on anything here on Google+. Plus, the "Home" menu on the left won't expand for me. I certainly hope this means Google will be rolling out updates and not that there's another issue somewhere else. So, since I can't interact, I'll be signing off until ... maybe tomorrow.

Because, when you're a multibillion dollar a year company, there's nothing more scary than capitalism.

Because, when you're a multibillion dollar a year company, there's nothing more scary than capitalism. Let's not forget, capitalism allows for competition, where the cream rises to the top, better products and services excel while inferior companies fail. And what does Comcast do? They buy out competing companies, lobby the FCC and congress for policies and legislation they find appealing and run PR campaigns denouncing competition. http://motherboard.vice.com/read/the-fliers-full-of-lies-comcast-used-to-kill-off-a-local-internet-competitor

Crazy Cat lazies, rejoice! This place has you covered.

Crazy Cat lazies, rejoice! This place has you covered. http://denver.eater.com/2014/10/6/6919555/denver-cat-company-lands-a-space-on-tennyson-street
So... I took the bike for a ride yesterday.

Peak-to-Peak

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Yeah. Sure. Yesterday as reportedly the warmest day of the week. With highs in the mid-80s I thought it was a good time to get some miles on my wheels and took the SV out for a ride. The original plan was to head south to Woodland Park and then out to Buena Vista, returning on 285 through Fairplay and the home. It would have been an all day ride, but for the most part, very long, very straight and very boring. So, at the last minute I decided to head up Peak-to-Peak highway from Golden, CO to Estes Park and back. Being a Monday the traffic was light, but still much heavier than I was expecting, especially after the fall viewing season was pretty much over, but I persevered - sometimes at speeds matching the speedlimit. What really annoyed me, though, was the fact that I went on the ride unprepared for the cooler temperatures up in the high country. Since I wasn't really going over any passes I didn't wear anything more than a light t-shirt underneath my motorcycle jacket and my

Did you know Google had a Software Crapware Removal Tool? Me neither. Well, now we all know.

Did you know Google had a Software Crapware Removal Tool? Me neither. Well, now we all know. http://lifehacker.com/googles-software-removal-tool-removes-crapware-resets-1642882825

Yeah. Sure.

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Yeah. Sure. Went for a little ride today, the warmest day of the coming week. I wish the traffic had been lighter (and that I'd dressed warmer) but all-in-all it was a good day. Just me and the SV.

2014 Elections

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Saw this on the Google earlier and thought it was hilarious. If only we could convince the Tea Party Libertarians that voting is a government conspiracy. Then, I think the elections would turn out just fine. For everyone else, voting is essential to less obstructionist policies and more progress for the United States.

Ever wonder why the GOP is so interested in controlling what children learn in school, specifically history?

Ever wonder why the GOP is so interested in controlling what children learn in school, specifically history? Basically, because history is not kind to the GOP.  From sabotaging democracy in South America to convincing the hardliner Iranian leadership to hold off releasing hostages until after Reagan was elected. (Surprisingly, they were released as soon as Reagan took his oath of office and called Iran to say the deal was done) One has to wonder if this is why conservatives dislike education so much. With a public system the education provided must meet certain standards of reality, but with private systems, school administrators can pick and choose the history they want to present. Now before you all accuse me of GOP bashing, let's remember, it's not eh democrats doing these things, or else I'd be posting about them. http://www.salon.com/2014/10/05/why_the_gop_hates_u_s_history_inconvenient_truths_that_freak_out_american_conservatives

Four AM Adventures

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Last night sucked. I was deep in sleep, oddly enough dreaming about an old Army buddy who came to Denver for a visit. His company had arranged a place for him to stay and we were following another friend of mine to get there and drop him off. As we meandered through a maze of old factories and run down business parks (which don't really exist in Denver) I head some screaming. It took me a minute or two to figure out the screaming was coming from the real world and not Dreamland. "Fucking asshole!" [sobbing] "Stupid fucking cunt!" Things like that interspersed with low mumbling like someone was being consoled and then the screaming and swearing would fire back up. Now, for anyone who's read this blog for three seconds knows I have problem with some of my neighbors. From six AM wake ups of them screaming profanities to each other, to having to stop watching TV in the evenings because they're fighting loud enough to be heard over the Dolby 7.1 surro

I find etymology fascinating and having taken a formal German class as well as having lived in the Fatherland, the...

I find etymology fascinating and having taken a formal German class as well as having lived in the Fatherland, the umlaut, or diaeresis , were a pain in my side. I still can't pronounce them correctly. http://theweek.com/article/index/268585/11-facts-yuuml-should-know-about-the-umlau

Disgusting.

Disgusting. I don't believe online petitions actually do anything other than give people an outlet for their emotions. And I'm not going to ask you to sign this petition, but I will as you to read this and know that for every happy dog out there, there are dozens  more that are owned by people like this asshat. http://www.petitionhub.org/Demand-Maximum-Penalty-For-Aaron-Dennis-Man-That-Starved-Zola-Endangering-Her-Life-t-438

#StreamSync

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#StreamSync   Look! Barney found a purple flower.

It's National Taco Day and National Vodka Day?

It's National Taco Day and National Vodka Day?  Sounds National Party Day to me. http://nationalvodkaday.com/ http://www.nationaltacoday.com/ http://www.nationaltacoday.com

I think I've posted something like this before: the complete non-history of Star Wars.

I think I've posted something like this before: the complete non-history of Star Wars. If you're a fan of the Adventures of Luke Starkiller then you might appreciate this article. http://www.salon.com/2014/10/03/secrets_of_the_star_wars_drafts_inside_george_lucas_amazing_and_very_different_early_scripts/

A cave so big you can hot air balloon in it? Yep.

A cave so big you can hot air balloon in it? Yep. http://sploid.gizmodo.com/hot-air-balloon-flies-underground-into-the-earth-1642349682/+caseychan

Ant pro-lifer's out there want to adopt a potato?

Ant pro-lifer's out there want to adopt a potato? http://www.timeslive.co.za/lifestyle/2014/10/03/roots-grow-out-of-vagina-after-woman-uses-potato-as-contraceptive

Fire up the Chromecast, boys and girls, and give this a go on your giantest screen. Yes, I said 'giantest.'

Fire up the Chromecast, boys and girls, and give this a go on your giantest screen. Yes, I said 'giantest.' Originally shared by Red Bull Danny MacAskill's back and he's taking it to the ridge: http://win.gs/1uDTXCq http://win.gs/1uDTXCq

Did you know I occasionally have good thoughts and once in a blue moon I write them down?

Did you know I occasionally have good thoughts and once in a blue moon I write them down? I'd been toiling around with the idea of putting this blog post together now for quite some time. It seems like every group ride I go on this needs to be reinforced, even with veteran riders. But let's be fair: nobody really likes rules. Or, at least, nobody likes rules applied to ourselves. Most of us are perfectly happy with making other people adhere to the rules, though.  However, rules can sometimes save your life.  For those of us in the northern hemisphere, this could have been a relevant post in March or April, but it's not March or April. Instead it's October (Jeebus! It's October! ), so keep this in mind for another time and pass it along to our lower half brethren. Yes, I said "lower half." :P If you can think of anything I missed or something I should consider, let me know. I have no problem appending this later.

Google made a panoramic out of a couple of my shots.

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Google made a panoramic out of a couple of my shots. See that dark peak in the background? That's where it would have been split. This is looking east south of Leadville, CO where HWY 24 connects with HWY 82 to Aspen.

Motorcycle Riding Pictures

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You know, it occurred to me the other day that I hadn't written or posted anything here for far too long. I guess that's the price of trying to keep up with four different blogs. Anywho, last weekend I took some pictures while out riding motorcycles with some friends. The trip was an overnighter and I didn't bring my dSLR because I didn't think we'd be stopping as much as we did, but I did have my handy-dandy Note II and GoPro. If you want to read about the ride, click this link This was our group at the top of Independence Pass between Leadville and Aspen, CO. This was actually one of those happy accidents that seem to pop up now and again and bring some unexpected joy into our lives. I had the GoPro mounted to the front of the motorcycle to record the winding twisties up and down the pass only to have it take this still instead of recording video. I still don't know what caused that since the camera is set to default to video, but it happened and it turned out