New Site
Well, I have a new site. http://www.jimsnotes.net And no, my name is not Jim Snotes. Jim's Notes just felt like a better name and I wanted to add new functionality like better navigation, and a comment feature. It's not much to look at right now but I'll continue to tweak it over time so it should get prettier. I think in the mean time I'll keep this site going as well, for the nostalgia factor as this is my first real site not counting whoseyourbuddy.com. But in the future I'll probably let this die and port all the content over there. Regards.
Living with War
I've been listening to a lot of new music in recent weeks, Thom Yorke's The Eraser, the new Sufjan out takes, and End of the World Party (just in case) by MMW to name a few. But the real stand out gem has been Neil Young's Living with War. In the very least Neil Young has captured the essence of an era of war, famine and disaster. At its best the album is emotional and empowering. The title track is the prime candidate for becoming the anthem of a movement complete with it's borrowed lyrics from The Star Spangled Banner. Young also attacks the president. If the song entitled "Shock and Awe" is a jab at the president then "Lets Impeach the President" is a vicious right hook. Lines like:
"Let's impeach the president for spying, On citizens inside their own homes, Breaking every law in the country, By tapping our computers and telephones,"paint a harrowing picture about how our administration is crossing lines and setting dangerous precedents. It's just too bad the album doesn't get any airplay. If you've got the extra dough, pick it up.
Global Warming
There was a heated discussion last night between friends about global warming. Not very many people understand the issue including myself. A simple search on google brings up some conflicting views. The scientific, sensible page by the EPA; which states that global warming is a legitimate phenomenon that is being exacerbated by the actions of our industrialized world and some more marginal and biased views of a consumer organization and a nut job that I choose not to link to here. (globalwarming[dot]org and junkscience[dot]com/globalwarming/.) What is apparent from the reliable sources is that this is a very real problem and it has the potential to cause major changes in environments across the globe. There are things that you can do, from buying recycled goods, car pooling, composting, buying energy efficient appliances, using alternative energy sources, to the very simple and important -- discussing the issue. Go see An Inconvenient Truth, read up on the subject, talk to your neighbors, write to your representative, do whatever you can to spread the word, and combat the ignorance on the issue. Collectively we can make a difference. I know it sounds like cheese, but think back fifteen years, before recycling programs were put into place, and now, where it seems like second nature.
Alaska
Not all things from Alaska are as unfortunate as Ted Stevens.
Ted Stevens
Ted Stevens is a moron. This video just proves the point. If anything this is just further evidence that our government is out of control and inept. How long can the fleecing of America last before the public stands up and does something about it?
Hot Diggity
I've finished creating my first commercial site, Hotdiggitypaws.com, for a co-worker who rescues dogs in her free time. She's decided to sell dog clothes on the side to help recoup the expenses involved with fostering dogs. If you need dog clothes, now you know where to shop.
Stephen Hawking
It appears that Stephen Hawking, perhaps the most brilliant man to ever grace the planet, has been stumped by a question and thought that Yahoo! Answers may help. What needs to happen for the human race to survive another hundred years? He got plenty of answers (16873 as of this writing) which I haven't read, but I think that the important thing is that he has made some people think. What are some ideas? At least talk about it. The voice is a powerful thing. It quite literally makes waves. If the brightest guy on the planet is concerned maybe a few of us should be concerned too
Busy Busy
Whew!! What a couple of weeks. My trip to Alaska -- all I can say is WOW. At a few points along the trip I had to take a step back and convince myself that the place really exists. Denali National Park was incredible, one of the last untouched places on our planet and a site that every one should experience at least once. Highly recommended. I've got about a thousand pictures but I haven't had the time to go through them and pick out the gems just yet seeing as the day after I returned I had two weddings to be in in a matter of five hours. Both ceremonies were beautiful (different) and the reception was a raucous affair complete with fireworks and gourmet jalapeño corn dogs. Thanks to Mike the chef for all the good eats and Allison for the two beautiful and tasty cakes. And of course, congratulations to Sarah and Dave, and Liz and Chris. May life treat you well with many pleasant surprises.
Then the Fourth (perhaps my favorite holiday) was spent frolicking in the frothy shore of Emerald Isle. We couldn't stick around for the fireworks, but caught at least four shows as we chased the setting sun to the west. So that's where I'm at. Look forward to a detailed documentation of the trip with maybe a few wedding photos to boot. Peace.
Btw, the bride pictured is neither of my sisters.
