Definitely worth sharing

IMBA Ride Center
The possibility of seeing La Crosse, Wisconsin's name on a list that includes such places as Whistler and Park City is thrilling, to say the least. The IMBA reps that visited us seem just as enthusiastic about our topographical potential as we are. To think, La Crosse and the surrounding area could be a destination for hikers, bikers, kayakers, triathletes from around the world, is truly inspiring. Seeing the eager faces of everyone there, and hearing these professionals tell us that this is a real possibility, makes me appreciate the area of the country I call home. How to help: Human Powered Trails , IMBA

Philadelphia Marathon

In what I can only imagine were insanely anti-running temperatures, over 18,000 people took to the Philadelphia streets to participate in a variety of races. Some were in costume, some were there for serious competition, and some were there to pop their marathon cherry. I'd like to congratulate Joy for completing her first marathon, a feat I can only hope to replicate someday.

The marathon was won by some Ukranians, or something.

You Heard it Here First

Months, even years ago, I began to claim that one day models would have their belly button surgically removed. I told this story to as many people as I could, because let's face it, saying "I told you so" feels pretty good.

It seems that Karolina Kurkova is the closest so far, with a naturally nondescript bellybutton. So much so that one is sometimes airbrushed in for her shoots.
full story

Shiba Inu Puppy Stream

Why do I find myself streaming this video to my browser throughout the day? Why have I seen 22,000+ people doing the same? I can't say for sure, except that this is the best reality TV I have seen in years.
more info here

Timeline of the Internet

This appears to be a pretty inclusive list, and I recognize a lot of them.

Check out this video for a fast paced, less exhaustive version. Some of these may be familiar if you've seen Weezer's video for Pork and Beans.


How many internet phenomena do you recognize?

Shoeless Revolution at The Orpheum, Madison 11/14/08
Despite knowing lead singer/drummer Reed Grimm since my freshman year, I have not made it to an official Shoeless show. Until now. Friday night, after a few drinks and some cold strolls through downtown Madison, I and a handful of former La Crosse students gathered in a dark side stage of The Orpheum. Put 7 guys, 11+ instruments, and more collective talent than you've ever seen, add in a little patchouli and you're in for an unforgettable show.

Shoeless's appeal comes from their leg-stompin', body-rockin' beats and style that can only be characterized as jazz-groove-funk-rock. The set was upbeat and lively, and included favorite tracks from their recently released album Speak Up.

Check out their tour schedule and music samples at www.shoelessrevolution.com and www.myspace.com/shoelessrevolution

Change...in tolerance?
While amazing, this story is hardly surprising to me. In my experience religious and political intolerance is rampant, especially in schools. Let's promote real change and acceptance, and not just when it's popular.

Brian Eno - Music For Airports (1978)

When is this CD applicable? Does it really make the most sense if you envision yourself calmly waiting in a terminal? The album is only comprised of four tracks, three of which are in double digit minutes. The tracks have no names, only identifying numbers.

The first song is built almost entirely on one slow, deliberate arpeggio dutifully laid out on ivory. Is seventeen minutes too much for a handful of notes backed solely by tonal crescendos? Surprisingly, it isn’t. The genre label of ambient not withstanding, 1/1 proves to be both enjoyable and mystic. There are subtle variations and builds that can either keep you listening intently or allow you to pursue other mindless tasks while letting Brian Eno handle the background soundtrack. The quarter hour of airy music evokes feelings perhaps of floating through a shimmering tide, or passing the time one hand held flat on each knee while watching the bustling airport switch to slow motion before your eyes.

Track two is nearly nine minutes of vocal choir effects that lend visions of (wo)men in white hovering across the marble floor. It is the perfect piece for crossing the threshold of the Pearly Gates. Just as light and non-threatening as the first track, Eno appears to have mastered an effect so many of found only amusing, not useful, on an electronic keyboard.

The album progresses to include both the vocal effect and piano in the next track. The vocal effect instills the same feelings of solitude, but the piano notes fall like footsteps in a cavernous stone hallway. The final track introduces a type of horn sounding effect with a very electronic feel. It’s like saying an emotional goodbye.

When would you listen to this album? Likely useful or enjoyable encounters would include: writing an insightful paper, reading, slumber, swimming through underwater caves, or a time lapse watching trees change color.

The piece leaves so much up to the listener’s imagination that it can really be anything. It has the power to lay out an entire story, forming hazy and fleeting images, or it can be background music you don’t have to pay attention to in order to appreciate. Sometimes it’s just enough to know it’s there. One thing not to do is intently listen to every second of every track; no does not construct the album for that kind of attention. But if you need to escape the world around you and drugs isn’t an option, turn this up, put a pen to paper and write freely. You will wish you had more from Brian.

Saturday October 4th is IMBA's 'Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day'. I helped make up a poster for an event sponsored by our local Human Powered Trails.

IMBA
HPT

HPT Trail Fest, Sept 6th.

Poster I made for the HPT promoting a Ride Gala.

Poster I made for the local mountain biking and hiking trails promoting a Trail Work day.

Seven Bridges Park in Onalaska

Flowering Plant in Jamaica.
picture taken by my girlfriend Stacy.

I merged two photos for a friend


here I merged three

These are choices for the front of the shirt






















and this is what im looking at for the back

another NH5D wallpaper, check it at www.nh5d.com

Another NH5D wallpaper, message me for full size

Here is the beginning of another one.
I like the way this one is going.
leave me a message if you would like the full size version of these.