 | Rings/Wristbands/Watches should be keys, with RFID and wireless capability. Shaking hands should be a form of optionally exchanging personal information. |
 | Phones should be headphones that can play music and make phone calls, record your conversations or photograph what you're looking at. Of course, networked to your watch as it's control panel. |
 | Shoe inserts should be able to tell you (your new watch) if your gait is causing stress, or if the weight on your feet constantly excessive. |
 | All the nutritional content of commercally bought foods and ingredients should be organized into a single internet database. Then you could enter your entire diet for the day and determine how good it is for the average body. Or, upon entering certain aspects of your body, how good it is for you specifically. |
 | Sidewalk cement should have a bioluminescent chemical in it to light up where people have walked a moment before. Just for fun. |
 | Picture frames should be cheap flatpanels that show a slideshow. |
 | If gas stations used an underground bay to swap "packs" of several types (petrol, batteries, lnp, etc), but identical dimensions, from underneath the car, we'd not be hindered as much in introducing new technology to power vehicles. |
 | We should try using a composite of animal hair and waste plastics as a replacement for framing lumber. |
 | If there was an clean/efficient way to burn paper products, many business would have cheaper heating bills. |
 | We should convert CO2 in the air into things we need. printer ink, or graphite, grease or paint. |
 | If classrooms were open to anyone and pay-per-class, like the movies, I believe many more people would further their education. |
 | Pens should be able to remember what was written with them, and display it digitally. |
 | Genetic patterns indicating predispositions for certain ailments should be given to people. It may cause them to concentrate on their health a bit more. |
 | If we enclosed many interstate freeways in tunnels, we may be able to capture large amounts of vehicular pollution. Accidents from adverse weather could be reduced. Fitted with sprinkler systems, vehicle fires could be put out earlier. Speeding tickets would be issued based on when your car passed certain checkpoints (without stopping). Eventaully, this infrastructure would help automate the act of driving itself. The tops of the tunnels would make a great bike/trail system. |
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Random Ideas
Monday, May 09, 2005
Spring Thing
There are few expereiences more satisfying than combining with a group of strangers to bond over issues and then physically construct something. This past weekend, we did just that by driving down to Smith Rock - a high desert Oregon state park full of wonderful geologic formations and endless hiking/climbing adventures - and joining together to fix trails.
Supported by several big names in the outdoor industry (Patagonia/Metolious) and many local and state companies, people drive in from far and wide to spend a day digging through the rocky hills of the park to rebuild trails. Over the years, ecological toilets, natural wood/rock construction retaining walls, staircases and handrails have all gone up surprising fast.
This isn't some charity day where the materials are laid at your feet just to stack. We carry and cut the rough-hewn timber to size, pound rebar and design safe trails to match the necessary requirements for grade, water diversion and preservation of the parks most precious resource: the abundant plant and animal life.
On top of this, you are thrust into meeting folks from everywhere, accomplishing big jobs by simply picking up your end of the weight. It's very rewarding, especially afterwards when the open valley of the park looks clean and you behold a natural setting that one can enjoy without trampling all over it.
Afterwards, we headed to the barn party for some dinner, a few slideshows, a fun auction and raffle. Our friends managed to walk away with some of the best gear this year - especially Tamar. After 7 years, she finally won the rope! Woohoo!
Supported by several big names in the outdoor industry (Patagonia/Metolious) and many local and state companies, people drive in from far and wide to spend a day digging through the rocky hills of the park to rebuild trails. Over the years, ecological toilets, natural wood/rock construction retaining walls, staircases and handrails have all gone up surprising fast.
This isn't some charity day where the materials are laid at your feet just to stack. We carry and cut the rough-hewn timber to size, pound rebar and design safe trails to match the necessary requirements for grade, water diversion and preservation of the parks most precious resource: the abundant plant and animal life.
On top of this, you are thrust into meeting folks from everywhere, accomplishing big jobs by simply picking up your end of the weight. It's very rewarding, especially afterwards when the open valley of the park looks clean and you behold a natural setting that one can enjoy without trampling all over it.
Afterwards, we headed to the barn party for some dinner, a few slideshows, a fun auction and raffle. Our friends managed to walk away with some of the best gear this year - especially Tamar. After 7 years, she finally won the rope! Woohoo!
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Life for Sale!
Well, after much talk, work, speculation, anxiety, etc., I have finally placed my house on the market... Where am I moving to? I moved in with Jim in early February. At the end of February I had concept debut, then Jim had hernia surgery. In March I had pneumonia. The latter half of the month was spent with a couple adventures and a LOT of prepping for the big sale. My parents came down a couple times to help out, but even a week ago it still seemed like we'd never be done. In fact, I wasn't convinced it was going to happen until midday on Monday. It went on the market Monday night... The link above is for the RMLS site, but my realtor, Leia, put together a great site, and I've posted the photos to my site.
It turned out to be a lot more nerve wracking and emotional than I ever could have predicted... As we closed the house up Monday night, Jim went ahead to start the car. I stopped on the front walk, turned around and whispered, "good bye, house." Before I even got to the word 'house', my voice cracked and my eyes welled up. And then I just started bawling... I cried for hours and at times felt inconsolable. And then I felt crazy, because I was mourning a house like a family member. But then, all things considered, that house has been a family member of sorts. It's a huge, expensive pain in the ass at times, and shelter and comfort other times. It's always there, waiting for me. I am very protective of it. And likewise, proud. But it's time for new and better things.
In the end, I find myself pondering all the things the house symbolized to me. I bought it when I was 27 years old, in fact, decided to make the offer on my 27th birthday. I lived in this house longer than I have lived in any other residence in my entire life. I have filed lawsuits to protect my house and prevailed. And more than anything, this house was my home. My first home. All the others had a feeling of temporary shelter, but this was mine. That was why I bought a house in the first place--I wanted a home. I also wanted a dog... [I adopted Ellis just 6 days after moving in.]
Anyway, it is the end of an era, and more importantly, the beginning of a whole new adventure. There will be more news of equal magnitude soon... stay tuned!
It turned out to be a lot more nerve wracking and emotional than I ever could have predicted... As we closed the house up Monday night, Jim went ahead to start the car. I stopped on the front walk, turned around and whispered, "good bye, house." Before I even got to the word 'house', my voice cracked and my eyes welled up. And then I just started bawling... I cried for hours and at times felt inconsolable. And then I felt crazy, because I was mourning a house like a family member. But then, all things considered, that house has been a family member of sorts. It's a huge, expensive pain in the ass at times, and shelter and comfort other times. It's always there, waiting for me. I am very protective of it. And likewise, proud. But it's time for new and better things.
In the end, I find myself pondering all the things the house symbolized to me. I bought it when I was 27 years old, in fact, decided to make the offer on my 27th birthday. I lived in this house longer than I have lived in any other residence in my entire life. I have filed lawsuits to protect my house and prevailed. And more than anything, this house was my home. My first home. All the others had a feeling of temporary shelter, but this was mine. That was why I bought a house in the first place--I wanted a home. I also wanted a dog... [I adopted Ellis just 6 days after moving in.]
Anyway, it is the end of an era, and more importantly, the beginning of a whole new adventure. There will be more news of equal magnitude soon... stay tuned!
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Super Slab
Climbing is fun. So this past weekend, 4 of us at Smith Rock decided to romp up 1 area before heading home from a weekend of skiing and snowboarding.
Climbing involves two essential items: Exhilaration and Saftey.
Climbs are defined as a route, and the first ascent party has all the say in how the route should be climbed. This creates great discussions over style and ethics. For our route on this day, we had 3 segments or "pitches" of climbing. The middle pitch is a mild sideways scamper, rather than a vertical ascention.
In ye olden days, when climbs were mild, climbers often decided to forgo saftey measures. "Hey, if you can get to this point, you won't worry about this little bit further", was the prevalent philosophy. In doing this, they risk a bit of safety for more exhilaration, turning a mild scramble into a headtrip by making you risk injury. People later follow such routes sometimes unknowing how each in their party will feel on such a pitch. Such was our 2nd pitch of Super Slab.
Number 7 is our route
It's only 10 feet high climbing, and it's on holds large enough be considered a ladder. But when you put it 60 feet in the air, it becomes a little more "exciting" to climb. Away we went!
I led first, then built the
anchor. Hanmi followed me, then Mark, then Tamar. All crowded in, I led off again as soon as Tamar showed up. It was cold and we were all getting a little snippy. Once on the climb, I was in heaven, great moves on solid gear. I did exactly what was described above, I placed gear ever 15-20 feet, even though that's considered run-out. I just wanted to get up the climb swiftly and give Mark some sense of a committed lead. Hanmi seconded superbly, and then Mark sport lead without much trouble, and Tamar cleaned.
Rap and home! I certainly appreciated hot tea at the Black Bear Even if the meals are outrageously large.
Climbing involves two essential items: Exhilaration and Saftey.
Climbs are defined as a route, and the first ascent party has all the say in how the route should be climbed. This creates great discussions over style and ethics. For our route on this day, we had 3 segments or "pitches" of climbing. The middle pitch is a mild sideways scamper, rather than a vertical ascention.
In ye olden days, when climbs were mild, climbers often decided to forgo saftey measures. "Hey, if you can get to this point, you won't worry about this little bit further", was the prevalent philosophy. In doing this, they risk a bit of safety for more exhilaration, turning a mild scramble into a headtrip by making you risk injury. People later follow such routes sometimes unknowing how each in their party will feel on such a pitch. Such was our 2nd pitch of Super Slab.
It's only 10 feet high climbing, and it's on holds large enough be considered a ladder. But when you put it 60 feet in the air, it becomes a little more "exciting" to climb. Away we went!
I led first, then built the
anchor. Hanmi followed me, then Mark, then Tamar. All crowded in, I led off again as soon as Tamar showed up. It was cold and we were all getting a little snippy. Once on the climb, I was in heaven, great moves on solid gear. I did exactly what was described above, I placed gear ever 15-20 feet, even though that's considered run-out. I just wanted to get up the climb swiftly and give Mark some sense of a committed lead. Hanmi seconded superbly, and then Mark sport lead without much trouble, and Tamar cleaned.Rap and home! I certainly appreciated hot tea at the Black Bear Even if the meals are outrageously large.
Out Through The In Door
Out of various other events this past weekend, one jumps out as a comedy of above-normal proportions. Imagine, if you will, checking into a ratty but marginally acceptable motel close to your destination. Inexpensive and walking distance to food and nightlife, you take the keys and settle in. On day 2, in your room tired and and about to lay down for the evening, you go to open the door to visit friends one room over....
It doesn't open. Not from the inside. Not from the outside. Locked, unlocked, not after throwing the keys out the 2nd story back window to a friend and they try to unlock it. Nothing. The latch is broken. Eventually it is discovered that the latch has deformed inside the housing and will not ever move again. Long before then however, you are trapped in your room.
Scour for tools! Disassemble the doorknob! No, the latch housing is still trapped in the door, and still locking you in your room. Out the window? Well, even as rock climbers, you'd rather not scramble down buildings in the rain. Plus, there's already people outside helping. With all your gear in the room, the door simply needs to open, but doesn't.
The manager is missing. The police number is busy (really!) and the owner lives far outside the little town, "I'll be there as soon as I can". Meanwhile, you have no more faith that he can help you any more than you're already doing. Plus, it's fun to figure stuff out , right?
"Throw the multi-tool up from the car!" you exclaim to the friend outside. Around the back window, they toss it up...and onto the roof! So, wearing pajamas under climbing harnesses, you climb the building a few feet in the rain to retrieve the precious instrument of escape.
With said multi-tool, plus every keychain item you have, and adding in a snowboard multitool, you remove the hinges via multilation. Still the door is snug in the jam and you Need A Hero to kick it in.
With a few dramatic kicks, shoulder-throws and pounds, friend Mark succeeds in the crashing the heavy door into the room. The latch is removed, the door is re-hung, and the owner shows up in time to deliver a new latch and a meager apology. "Sorry guys, glad we got it fixed. Goodnight!" Such is small-town hospitality. After a small twinge of wanting to lock him in the room and drive off, we threw back some scotch, planned the next day's climbing, and went to bed.
Will I stay there again? Possibly, but I'll bring a few more tools.
It doesn't open. Not from the inside. Not from the outside. Locked, unlocked, not after throwing the keys out the 2nd story back window to a friend and they try to unlock it. Nothing. The latch is broken. Eventually it is discovered that the latch has deformed inside the housing and will not ever move again. Long before then however, you are trapped in your room.
Scour for tools! Disassemble the doorknob! No, the latch housing is still trapped in the door, and still locking you in your room. Out the window? Well, even as rock climbers, you'd rather not scramble down buildings in the rain. Plus, there's already people outside helping. With all your gear in the room, the door simply needs to open, but doesn't.
The manager is missing. The police number is busy (really!) and the owner lives far outside the little town, "I'll be there as soon as I can". Meanwhile, you have no more faith that he can help you any more than you're already doing. Plus, it's fun to figure stuff out , right?
"Throw the multi-tool up from the car!" you exclaim to the friend outside. Around the back window, they toss it up...and onto the roof! So, wearing pajamas under climbing harnesses, you climb the building a few feet in the rain to retrieve the precious instrument of escape.
With said multi-tool, plus every keychain item you have, and adding in a snowboard multitool, you remove the hinges via multilation. Still the door is snug in the jam and you Need A Hero to kick it in.
With a few dramatic kicks, shoulder-throws and pounds, friend Mark succeeds in the crashing the heavy door into the room. The latch is removed, the door is re-hung, and the owner shows up in time to deliver a new latch and a meager apology. "Sorry guys, glad we got it fixed. Goodnight!" Such is small-town hospitality. After a small twinge of wanting to lock him in the room and drive off, we threw back some scotch, planned the next day's climbing, and went to bed.
Will I stay there again? Possibly, but I'll bring a few more tools.
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