tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90816274923383601772024-03-05T01:26:26.911-05:00ChaosBeyondstacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-79646346181641176822012-03-07T14:41:00.000-05:002012-03-07T14:41:18.687-05:00Come find me!Hey all, in case you didn't get the flyer in the mail, I changed my blog over to wordpress so you can follow this link: <a href="http://chaosbeyond.wordpress.com/">chaosbeyond.wordpress.com</a> where I've just completed my 70th blog post since <i>2007</i>!<br />
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Oh and also check out my journalistic endeavors here in Eugene at the University of Oregon journalism school, you can see them at <a href="http://staceymhollis.com/">staceymhollis.com</a>.<br />
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And if you want to hear about any updates I've made on my blog, click on the "Follow" button on the top of my blog site's window.<br />
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Thanks!<br />
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I'll leave you with a picture I took from along the Willamette River here in Eugene...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMh9WHoSRKTxjmF6mMNnPHLgAXERCBpo6pH7iiwpDmXCDu64XW8nC3gBhBHDN79SlLiUXjjqEKK3GY_SGVzaySvk_SCnN_2NgzIFDXRKj57jjiBhF_XfvLqZSHa-3-nvKv5cFtkejdkM/s1600/IMG_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMh9WHoSRKTxjmF6mMNnPHLgAXERCBpo6pH7iiwpDmXCDu64XW8nC3gBhBHDN79SlLiUXjjqEKK3GY_SGVzaySvk_SCnN_2NgzIFDXRKj57jjiBhF_XfvLqZSHa-3-nvKv5cFtkejdkM/s320/IMG_0338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-84746902658469684892011-08-22T16:42:00.000-04:002011-08-22T16:42:38.371-04:00Car on Fire and the Lost Coast TrailBefore I get into my backpacking trip along the northern California coast, I have another piece of interesting news...<br />
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So I was riding my bike across campus to the Mac lab where I was going to work on my final project for Visual Studies...I turned to head down the hill at the bottom of which was the Journalism building but what I was confronted with as I came around the corner was flames, pouring out of a car that was nose deep in the trunk of a tree off the right side of the road. As I took it in for a moment (noticing immediately that the driver's door was open and that no one was inside) before I got hit with the thought: "I'm a journalist! This is news! I have a camera in my pannier!" So I frantically dug out the camera that I had checked out from the Journalism equipment room. I remember my hands were shaking. I threw (well, lovingly placed) my bike down on the grass and started to snap pictures of the flaming car as the distant sound of sirens produced a huge fire truck that pulled up and out of which poured several firemen running with the hose to douse the fire.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwow4N_mYWFxEHktjteuzYQZYN3G4bEGHwTtRVq0MMzTAzYO6PSY60IazeFDFVg-xHA5pGpIAI_dwUnyuKTyZXWJ1oVE11m9lcotcWbpAbg_7UiwT80IehMTBpRN4T9ydRdKI4hU6X2JY/s1600/IMG_9766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwow4N_mYWFxEHktjteuzYQZYN3G4bEGHwTtRVq0MMzTAzYO6PSY60IazeFDFVg-xHA5pGpIAI_dwUnyuKTyZXWJ1oVE11m9lcotcWbpAbg_7UiwT80IehMTBpRN4T9ydRdKI4hU6X2JY/s320/IMG_9766.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>In minutes, a huge steam cloud filled the immediate area. Meanwhile, I moved across the front yard of a frat house where a bunch of boys were standing in a group snapping pictures with their camera phones. I went into professional mode and moved in closer (right in their view) to document the rest of the scene.<br />
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Then I noticed a group of paramedics and firemen crowded around an older man who I realized had been standing on the corner where I parked my bike, casually talking with a passerby as I pulled up. I didn't see until now the blood coming out of a cut on his forehead as I approached and started taking photos of the paramedics speaking with him.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMk1TQr1LnKuaF19ol9Eo3ZrfmSikd9-mdRrL09SCOac4rCRY4mMHNR5wVbzWb6TOrKCqnJaZt8Ud4CGt99K3ag8exxTt9kWe0VDHtihtgunqjJvWIvMU-xx0mcLrH9poTaYbunnSvJk/s1600/IMG_9796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMk1TQr1LnKuaF19ol9Eo3ZrfmSikd9-mdRrL09SCOac4rCRY4mMHNR5wVbzWb6TOrKCqnJaZt8Ud4CGt99K3ag8exxTt9kWe0VDHtihtgunqjJvWIvMU-xx0mcLrH9poTaYbunnSvJk/s320/IMG_9796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I felt so slimy!! But at the same time, it was exhilarating...<br />
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Finally, as the action died down, I took a few more pictures of the front wreckage of the vehicle before making my way down the rest of the hill to the computer lab.<br />
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Thinking how I had a camera full of pictures that were The News of the Moment, I pulled into the parking lot thinking, wouldn't it be classic if I just totally fell and broke the camera.<br />
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Which I promptly went and did! Well, the camera was okay but I totally came in and, in the process of pulling my foot out of the toeclip (which I installed on my pedals for my 100 mile ride the previous weekend) I got caught and totally fell straight over onto the side the camera was on! Flat onto the camera. Well, somehow the bike and I managed not to crush it and that's all I was worried about, as opposed to a passerby who rushed to help me up, making sure I was okay...Absolutely. Classic.<br />
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So I got up and dusted myself off and rushed into the lab where some of my cohort were working on their own project. "I'm gonna be famous!" I announced, neglecting to include that I had just ate it big time on my bike.<br />
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After showing off my pictures, I called Morrison to ask him what the heck I should do. He is good friends with a man who works for KVAL.com who is in charge of breaking news on the website. Dan came in (he was going to meet with us later that night to be around to help us with our projects) and showed me how to send the pictures and the short video I'd shot (unfortunately after the fire was out..) to <a href="http://www.kval.com/news/local/127274698.html">KVAL</a> to be posted. I formatted the pictures, just like I'd been taught in class, for the web and sent them off to Mark Furman who is in charge of the news station's website.<br />
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What was supercool (in addition to the fact that <i>as </i>I was sending him more pictures, they started pulling up with a short description of the occurrence on their website...crediting me as the photographer!!) was that the next day it just so happened that Morrison had arranged for Furman to come in to talk to our class. So when he came in that morning to our lab, the first thing he asked was "So which of you is Stacey Hollis?" Famous, I tell you!<br />
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Okay. So aside from that excitement, the final days of class wound down with the completion of our final projects-an edited video of our chosen event. Mine turned out okay, there are a few glitches I want to smooth out when I have access back into the lab. It certainly wasn't worthy of submitting to KVAL like some of the others', but I can put it into the "community news" section where people post videos of their kids. And cats.<br />
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So it hardly sunk in that we were on "summer break" before we headed south to the Lost Coast Trail for a 26 mile backpacking trip along the Pacific Ocean. My partners in crime were <a href="http://snailcrossing.wordpress.com/">Clare</a> (the brains of this operation), <a href="http://poorlittlepawns.blogspot.com/">Chris</a> and <a href="http://knightlibrarybootcamp.wordpress.com/author/tshorack/">Ted</a><br />
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<div class="p1">Drove 6 hours to Arcata where we stayed with Clare's friend from college. We went out to dinner but were pretty exhausted to care about much more than eating! </div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1">The next day we drove to Mattole Beach -our starting point- dropped off the boys and drove both cars to Shelter Cove to leave my car for our arrival at the end of the trail. Unfortunately, it ended up taking muuuch longer than we intended because we had to search the secluded beach town before finding the parking area where we were to leave my car for the next 3 days. We didn't get back to Mattole until around 5pm (Chris and Ted amused themselves by throwing rocks at the mammoth bear canisters that each of us were required to carry, as mandated by the Bureau of Land Management). Finally, packed and more than ready to go, we hit the trail.</div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1">About 15 laborious steps into our trip, it suddenly became apparent that a coastal backpacking trip meant walking 25 miles through the <u>sand</u>. Oh yea. </div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1">Walked alongside the Pacific Ocean which crashed beside us, with a strong wind at our backs. The view was fantastic. Endless ocean to the right, and various shades of yellow and green foothills to the left. We did only four miles before finding our first camp site near an abandoned lighthouse. As we walked up to a several driftwood windbreaks where we intended to set up for the night, I looked over to the rocky coast and saw a small tan seal waddling into the sea. As I was about to call out to the boys who were ahead of me, I looked in the direction he moved and there was a huge group of seals waddling off the beach and into the water in a boiling, roiling, scooting frenzy. "Look look look look!!!" I cried as they splashed into the water, a motley crew of various earth and stone hues. They swam out into the shallows and dozens of heads turned to stare at us as we stared back.</div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1">It turned out to be an awesome campsite, above the intertidal zone, constructed with huge pieces of driftwood serving as perfect windbreaks for our tents and a firepit that was soon aflame as we sat around and ate a delicious gnocchi stew premade by Chris. </div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1">I awoke in the early morning to the sound of sealions barks. I had had dreams of cougars stalking around our tent so I didn't dare to venture out of the protection of my tent until the morning rose. Clare and I emerged to be greeted by a full moon settling into the far reaches of the Pacific. It wasn't long before I noticed the huge solitary sealion down the beach a few hundred yards away. Chris got some video footage as we snuck, not so sneakily, in for a closer look. Clare, Chris and I checked out the lighthouse and ascended the spiral staircase for a view from the top. </div><div class="p1"><br />
</div><div class="p1">That day we hiked from about 8-12:30 and rested for a bit while lunching beside a small creek. This is where we started to misjudge the amount of miles we'd traversed...</div><div class="p1"><br />
</div><div class="p1">That evening, we camped out where there were some spans of flat land between the mountains and ocean and we decided, based on the landscape and our map, that we were about 16 miles down the trail. For the amount of time we'd been moving along that day, we couldn't imagine that we <i>weren't </i>that far. </div><div class="p2">We collapsed in the sand, exhausted, until we finally got up the gumption to follow Endless-energy Ted to a more secluded and comfortable site along a creek where it drained out to the ocean. </div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p2">It felt good on our tired toes to wade into the frigid water. Clare and I sat on a half-submerged log in a pond that was formed by a sandbar blocking the creek from the lapping waves. There we watched a little pharalope make its way around us, half-walking half-floating along the pond's edge. Like a miniature seagull with sandpiping tendencies.</div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1">Clare had mac and cheese for us that night and Chris foolishly (if anyone is to blame..) left me to stir while he went off for firewood and, while talking with Clare, I managed to make some gesture as I spoke that ended up tipping the whole kit over into the sand: pot, water, noodles, stove and all. </div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1">Luckily Clare had saved 1/2 the noodles to cook if we wanted leftovers. I ate a bagel for dinner…</div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1">Exhaustion. Sleep came instantly. </div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1">The next morning we were once again treated to gorgeous weather. It was fortunate that the marine layer once again neglected to roll in, in wet morning blanket form. We broke camp and hiked a-ways until we came across a trail labeled trail that confirmed what we had been dreading: we were 6 miles behind where we thought we were and we had to do a total of <i>15 miles</i> in the unforgiving (forgiving? all too giving..) sand before the end of the day.</div><div class="p1"><br />
</div><div class="p1">We picked up the pace. </div><div class="p1"><br />
</div><div class="p1">It was a beautiful day and we put our bodies to the test. For quite a stretch we saw endless bear tracks imprinted into the soft sand. There was definitely more than one and they were darn big! Our bear canisters were never bothered over the nights we spent out, although one hiker mentioned to us that a bear walked into their camp before they went to bed the night before! Furthermore, they'd heard another camper had had his canister inspected the night before, as evident by the gashes in it the next morning!</div><div class="p1"><br />
</div><div class="p1">We came to some long, wide flats that ended up being the ones that we had assumed we had reached the night before. Slowly the coast rounded out so that we could see Shelter Cove, our destination, in a distant misty haze. In fact, it beaconed to us throughout the entire day! </div><div class="p1"><br />
</div><div class="p1">We sat up on some rocks right above a more rowdy stretch of beach and lunched while we waited out the tide because the water was too high on the beach for us to go farther. </div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1">Finally we got moving after two parties moved ahead of us. This area on the map warned that it couldn't be passed at high tide and we were about 1.5hrs past and hoped we'd be able to go on. There were definitely some sections where we had to dance quickly around some corners between wave sets but we were able to continue on, only getting doused once. We hiked hard for <i>hours</i>. If the terrain wasn't soft, sinking sand, we were rock hopping which also slowed us down considerably. Lucky for no sprained ankles! </div><div class="p1"><br />
</div><div class="p1">Shelter Cove teased us, looking as if it wasn't getting any closer as the long hours passed...</div><div class="p1"><br />
</div><div class="p1">We. were. tired. </div><div class="p1"><br />
</div><div class="p1">Nonetheless, we carried on and I looked out and saw some seals in the waves, their heads poking out of the swells, watching me as I lumbered along. It was beautiful out there. </div><div class="p1"><br />
</div><div class="p1">At 7:30pm, we rambled up onto the end of the Lost Coast Trail. My car was still there, loyally awaiting my return. I laid down on the pavement parking lot, happy to be done as well as satisfied and proud that we'd done it. What a trip! </div><div class="p1"><br />
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</div>stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-51749412512830634692011-08-17T15:59:00.001-04:002011-08-17T18:33:09.192-04:00A Tuba Ensemble and Blackberry bRambleOkay! Back online! Sorry 'bout that. I've been a bit overwhelmed with various projects lately (of which you'll be seeing some of the results!) so that's my genius excuse for not posting lately.<br />
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So I'm going to backtrack to the 30th, where I left off, which was when I said I was going on the hiking trip to Iron Mountain. I didn't end up having to drive because there were enough people going this week that offered...so the hike was fairly short but it was the most perfect day for it and the wildflowers were out in force! It was a fun group, lots of interesting conversation. There was a pair of New Zealanders who were in the middle of a US tour, checking out our crazy country before it self-destructed (they were following the debt crisis, probably moreso than a lot of Americans!). There was also a very in-depth conversation on the philosophy of knowledge and what it <i><b>is</b>.</i> Common sense, is this something that is set in stone? Is common sense <i>knowledge</i>? How does something become known as fact and what if it is disagreed upon, does the majority win? What if the minority is <i>right?</i> Like the few people that believed that slavery actually IS a sinful act and black people aren't less than human?<br />
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Interesting stuff to think about.<br />
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Oh, and then there were the views! We lunched up at the top of the mountain, which was well-named for the layer of red iron that could be seen as its own strain contrasting against the dark gray rocky top of Iron Mountain. We also meandered through some open meadows that were dotted in wildflowers that glowed under the early afternoon sun. <br />
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The next day (my weekends seem to go by so fast and, instead of recharging, I'm depleting my batteries down to the quick!) I went on a 65 mile ride out to Rattlesnake Butte with Cathy and GEARs. It was a good long one, which was what became the deciding factor for us to do next weekend's Blackberry Bramble, a century ride..100 miles in one day! They also have a 100 kilometers, metric century option-which was what I'd figured I'd do <i>until</i> that evening when Cathy said we should do the <u>real</u> century. Woo!<br />
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Oh yea, and that evening I dragged myself (via automobile..) down to Washburne Park where I did my photography assignment: 5 sets of 3 pictures, each set having a closeup, medium and far away picture of basically the same thing. This lovely Sunday evening the park rang with the sound of...tubas!<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The next day, was classes (well, class). Dan Morrison, our teacher for Visual Studies...I don't know if I've described in enough detail. The man is a trip. He is a seasoned photographer, having done work in other countries including native tribes where he was the first person to have documented their daily lives (I need to ask him about where I can see those images..) and war-torn Afghanistan. He actually showed us some video he took during one of the troops' outings where there was constant gunfire and he was out there, armless, and completely dependent on the soldiers he followed. I can't imagine being one of those guys, having no idea if the next day- or minute- would be their last. All in the name of patriotism. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Anyways, Morrison happily tells us about his insane experiences as well of some of his less insane ones and giggles about the idiots he's worked with (or taught!) and doesn't hesitate to tell us that he's been talked to by the dean more than once about how he needs to stop swearing (seemingly every other word..!) in class. He's a tough guy and can pretty much belittle anyone in less than five seconds if he so chooses. Nevertheless, he obviously is passionate about his work and is a genius at what he does...and winning his respect is something that I'd secretly wanted to do from the moment I met him. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Anyways. So Melissa, who is in my program cohort and was the third of our 10k Butte to Butte trio, asked me to join her in the Women's 1/2 Marathon that would be held the first week of September here in Eugene. I accepted, knowing that the most I've run is 10 miles and that was only two times in my life..but hey, as long as I have a partner in crime for these crazy adventures (I know my brother is shaking his head at my lunacy right now...) I'm gung-ho to go!! So anyways, that was my reason for doing a 6 miler after class that day (we're on the 31st now..) and 4 miles the next day with Chris down by the river. We were waiting for his car to be looked at (it's been acting odd lately..) so what better way to spend idle time than running, right? </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Wednesday and Thursday was nonstop work: in addition to class, I worked on setting up and editing my photo project and Morrison held a Final Cut Pro party-he bought us pizza and helped us figure out the video editing program which is pretty darn tricky. It's usually taught over the course of 5 weeks...we had 5 days.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">In addition to that, I also squeezed in a couple of rides with Cathy to get us ready for Sunday's century (!!) so we did around 30 miles both thursday and friday evening. I just want to say, I think Fox Hollow goes on forever. It is a loooong uphill. It was actually my first ride here in Eugene, two months ago (wow, <i>only 2 months??</i>) where Cathy took me on the very same ride out Fox Hollow and I am happy to report that I feel like I've really improved and gotten stronger over the course of the last 8 weeks. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So that weekend was another jam-packed one..as ususal. On Saturday I attended a canning demonstration downtown where a group of master food preservers showed the process of canning green beans to a small audience. I did video interviews of both the demonstrators and audience and took photos of the process, which carried over several hours. It was really fun! I love learning while "working"...journalism is such a good excuse for that! </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I was up way too late on Saturday evening (the night before my 100 mile ride) watching Sherlock Holmes at Clare's house (another fellow cohort-er). She lives just up the road from me and is interested in ecotourism journalism which is something that is very relevant to the times as people visit other countries and don't realize the detrimental impact that tourism and travel can have on the earth. Not to mention the fact that someone can travel to another country and be completely walled off from the actual culture. Sipping margaritas in Mexico on a gorgeous hotel patio makes it easy for a traveler to completely overlook the fact that they are being made completely ignorant of what the country is really like and what its people are really going through. That is something that I've talked at length about with my Nicaraguan spanish teacher while I was visiting his country. I discussed this with Clare and we were excited about the possibilities that our grad program was preparing us for: to contribute toward informing the public (travelers in particular) of these issues. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Blackberry Bramble!! So the fact that I'm typing about this means somehow I survived the day. It really wasn't bad!! I was really a bit worried and actually didn't tell anyone outside of Eugene (particularly my Dad, the Century champion!) about it because I seriously wasn't sure I'd be able to finish. Well I did! And let me tell you, I feel very proud of myself for having done so. It was a looong day..about 7 hours of riding total (with about an hour total of breaks, rest stops where they had great food spreads). Cathy and I were together for the entire ride, which we averaged at 14mph. We killed the hills, particularly the Wolf Creek hill which we were dreading ("We're at the top <i>already!?"</i> -Cathy) and the long rolling hills we took in stride. The course was a gorgeous one, with beautiful views. It actually <i>wasn't</i> sunny out, in fact we were enshrouded in clouds for about 3/4ths of the ride which made it the most perfect temperature for the strenuous climbs and fast-going flats. Ha, we even had a "draft-line" with this one guy who for some reason kept right on our tails, passing us and then we'd be right on his tail until one of us decided to take him. Finally he pulled ahead but we were <i>flying</i> for that stretch!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Cathy called out when we hit 100, based on her bike computer, and we cheered as we finished up at Amazon Park where we were greeted by music and blackberry pie with a huge scoop of ice cream. I called my dad that evening to tell him the good news :)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-75756237837518265942011-07-24T03:45:00.000-04:002011-07-24T03:45:08.304-04:00Crow just did whaat?!Okay I just need to start this post one something pretty random that I just heard.<br />
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Crow just did <i>what</i>!??<br />
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It seriously sounded like a soft little 2 syllable owl call and I heard it twice before it clicked that I was hearing something birdish that I had NO idea what it could be. My first thought was that it must be some kind of weird dove, although there really aren't any around here (the band tailed pigeons are up in the forests) so then I was wondering if someone's fancy domesticated dove got loose..but who has domesticated doves around here? My host mom in Guate had some but I don't think it's too common here in the states. So-keeping in mind these thoughts were all within a couple of seconds-I looked up from my computer to see a crow sitting on the corner of Market of Choice's roof. Well, I dismissed him immediately, thinking the dove must be on the awning under which I was sitting. But then the crow did this little gulpy movement with his head twice in a row and I heard that soft musical double-note coming from him! Twice in a row!<br />
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Then the bugger flew away. <br />
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I am not kidding you that I'm a bird dork and I am NOT kidding you my jaw dropped. After he flew away and I got to closing my boca, I wondered if anyone had noticed it suddenly drop open and wondered what the heck problems weirdo girl at her computer might be afflicted with.<br />
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I know crows can make some wacky noises, but that was the first <i>that </i>noise I'd ever heard one bust.<br />
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Anyhoo! I'll get down to business now and try to ignore the crow cawing back behind the parking lot. Maybe it'll come back and I can get a pic. <br />
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So this week we've started our third class, Visual Studies, which has taken the place of Suzi's Reporting and Information Strategies. To let you know what I think of it, I'll simply say this: I came here with the intention of pointing myself in the right direction for a career in writing and yet now I <i>also </i>want to be: an editor (both in print and audio), a graphic/web designer <i>and</i> <i>now </i>a photographer! I have the editing/design ambitions thanks to my Newspaper Editing class where we have learned not just the obvious (thanks to the title) but also html and page design; the audio editing was something we did in Suzi's class and now I totally want to be a photographer too as we learn (in bootcamp style...as are all the classes: short, sweet and JAM packed) how to work digital SLRs! Our <a href="http://www.ddmorrisonphoto.com/">teacher</a> is quite the character (aren't they all, aren't <i>we</i> all) a gruff guy with years and years of experience under his belt. He's done a huge amount of work overseas, including areas in war. <br />
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We've spent the week learning and practicing how to determine shutter speed, ISO and aperture. It's fun to climb up the steep learning curve and feel slightly more competent each day. A lot of that I'll attribute to Chris. Although he is no longer my partner since the last class ended, that didn't stop me from recruiting him to give us an in-depth tutorial in Washburne Park after class ended. Ted, Ryan and I bopped around taking pictures each taking turns calling Chris over to help us understand what the heck we were doing. It juuust happened to be his birthday that day so he, Ted and I headed to Bepe and Gianno's for an authentic Italian dinner.<br />
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The food was IN.credible. We did the meal family style (which is how Chris, who is half Italian, told us his family would do it) and ordered all different courses, completely driven to ecstasy over each one--crostini with bree and roasted garlic cloves; pesto penne, eggplant parmesan, and almond cake-piled high with mascarpone. Glorious. Oh and you can't possibly forget the red wine!<br />
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Wednesday I enjoyed another fantastic GEARs ride along McKenzie View and Sunderman. Gary asked me an interesting question: would I like Eugene as much if I wasn't a cyclist? Well at the time I said yes, thinking of all the hiking around here and the perfect size of the town, the nice people, the coffee, the foooood...but, on reflection, I think I should have said no. I'd still love Eugene, don't you dare question me on that, <i>but</i>. The absolute bliss that settles upon me as I'm flying along on some winding country road on a perfectly cloudless day with a large group of the most friendly and dedicated riders, I just can't say that I don't love it here a huge trashcan's worth more than I otherwise might. <br />
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Speaking of great bike rides. I had another today! We went out to Franklin Firehouse by way of Meadowview and had another mindblowingly perfect day. It's funny, people keep joking how we've hardly had a summer here with all the rain and "cold" but honestly, I've yet to feel any need to complain!<br />
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<br />
So the rest of the week involved taking photos, learning how to use photoshop, laying out in Hendrick's Park with the dudes (my program posse) and eating a lot of Clif Bars (I need to stop buying those things...).<br />
<br />
Well I was going to post this blog earlier but then I had to run off to work. Work has been fun but I haven't been called in much because they're really down this year, customer-wise. Aside from the usual difficulties of being on-call, working less has been okay for me because classes are a great big heap on my plate at the moment, but money is always nice...<br />
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Tomorrow I'm going on a hike<span class="st"><em></em></span> up in <em>las m</em><span class="st"><em>ontañas</em></span> with the Eugene Hiking meetup group. I offered to be a driver for the carpool so it probably would be a good idea to get some sleep so I can drive with all my faculties tomorrow! So, I bid a fond goodnight.<br />
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ps. Sending strong, supportive thoughts to Norway <3stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-76736239444382559432011-07-18T23:29:00.000-04:002011-07-18T23:29:04.640-04:00Rain!?? Are you kidding me?So last week went by in a blur, good thing I keep sticky notes on my desktop that recount the week's event so I can then elaborate (and elaborate, and elaborate...) on them.<br />
<br />
Now. What better to start the week off than a resounding, cringe-inducing "CRUNCH"? <br />
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Well a heck of a lot, actually.<br />
<br />
So the next thing I hear behind me as I'm locking up my bike is "Oh no, were those yours?" I look down at the sidewalk where my war-torn glasses lie, completely smooshed. <br />
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If I recall correctly, there was an "Oh ****" uttered as I picked them up, staring at them through my prescription sunglasses that I always wear on my bicycle. The girl looked really uneasy and after attempting to bend them back to life, I let her take the cue to flee with an "It's not your fault".<br />
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My prof told me where I could go to get them bent back into shape because <i>luckily</i> the lenses weren't broken. I found my blurry way to the eyewear/doc store/place and in minutes I had my glasses back and in much better condition. No charge!<br />
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That afternoon we had what is known as a Grammar Party; it was organized by Melissa who was here last year. Tom Wheeler was ever so kind to give us a 2+ hour grammar review with a<u> full on</u> power point presentation. It was absolutely what we needed, although not everyone stuck around to find that out! Melissa (it was her birthday!) brought snacks and we munched on those while getting the grammar breakdown. I thought it was really awesome of the prof (to whom this was our first introduction) to put that time in for us. Grammar is hard, especially when you didn't get much of it in school. I attribute mine to reading and my Mom for always correcting me.<br />
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For Tuesday, Chris and I spent the entirety of our afternoon editing our video interviews on the river trail.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wMHYFUcsoVM" width="425"></iframe><br />
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It's pretty neat to reach the finished product, after matching up video with audio, putting in background sounds and doing the voice overs. Took a long time, though! Turns out this is a lot of what we'll be doing in my next class, Visual Studies. Oh yea, and it rained. And everyone says how it's "so unusual" this "never happens" summers are "always sunny". Well sitting in class soaking wet, I was feeling heavy doubt in these Oregonians. Maybe that means the winter will be sunshine city??<br />
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Wednesday I made brownies for the following day, our last class with Suzi. I went on the Wednesday bike ride and it was fantastic out. It seemed like cyclists were coming out of the woodwork as we made our way over Bailey Hill (a doozie) to the Loraine, Spencer's Hwy crossroads. We met another group of about 30 who passed us by and Gary, our fearless ride leader, says how he loves to see more cyclists than cars on the road. Both ahead of us and behind, there were just loads of us! I loved being a part of that.<br />
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So Thursday Suzi had a movie for us and we ate all variety of baked goods brought in by <i>only</i> the girls of the group, I totally called that one in my head. Chris brought a handful of cheeze-its in a sandwich bag, but that definitely doesn't count. The movie was about this crazy journalist that wrote all these amazing stories and then the question comes up of whether he didn't make them all up..I love how Suzi says at the end "Don't do that." because hey, who knows, if I hadn't seen that movie, I might be embellishing left and right!<br />
...I'm sad the class is over.<br />
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So Friday I went on another awesome ride (I think it'll be <i>not</i> awesome if I get hit by something...like the pavement. They won't let you join the rides if you don't wear a helmet and believe me, that is never an issue for me!) this was with my new cycling friend Rachel who I met through GEARs. She mapped out a really great route with three big ol' hills and lots of beautiful tree-bedecked slopes. We saw a bobcat! A little one, but there was no doubt as it bounded across the deserted highway. Just after it disappeared, a turkey chick scrambled across the road in the opposite direction! We saw the mother at the edge of the woods into which the bobcat disappeared and wondered if we'd just interrupted a hunt in progress!<br />
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For the afternoon, I worked on my profile on Tilke Elkins (check it out <a href="http://knightlibrarybootcamp.wordpress.com/2011/07/15/a-painters-craft-tilke-elkins-and-the-art-of-creation/">here</a>!) at my coffeeshop/office. They have live music every Friday so I sat outside and typed away while listening to the band.<br />
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Saturday I slept in because it seems like the tired that I don't feel during the week hits me like a million tons on the weekend. I didn't go on the ride because it was raining and I couldn't get my tired body moving at 7:30am so I skipped out (and felt very guilty about it later...I let the rain get the best of me!). In the afternoon I joined Cathy and her work friend Jasmine for the Symphony in the Park, which I won ticket to via Twitter! Mind you, the event is free but it has limited spots and there were no tickets left available except through a Eugene radio station that tweeted something about being one of the first 5 to email them, you could win a pair of tickets..well it had been tweeted 45 minutes prior but I for the heck of it shot off an email and not five minutes later they wrote back saying congrats and come pick up the tickets at the station headquarters! Pretty flippin' cool if I do say so myself!<br />
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The concert was awesome, the Eugene Symphony played in the outdoor Cuthbert Amphitheater and we sat in the grass, ate pizza and drank wine while listening to a very talented group of musicians. There were several songs sung as well, by a pair of opera (?) singers who were phenomenal! I really loved watching the conductor work his baton as if he were drawing the music out of the instruments before him. The rain, which had been pretty heavy all day, somehow neglected to drench our evening and everyone was pleased of that.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFE6IipW8BhIr20tYzruGhLwSkRin3-UXa_NAPVSuUpg5gfjBWO_EdvG1ginZ0Q2JJjSRhE2-gWCgPErMfbUXmKOr9dq4rnWvvxARXmhp9kWvC1lQ6Xg0vH_YZ49KW7cSbTxzjN7CkYcE/s1600/symphony.7.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFE6IipW8BhIr20tYzruGhLwSkRin3-UXa_NAPVSuUpg5gfjBWO_EdvG1ginZ0Q2JJjSRhE2-gWCgPErMfbUXmKOr9dq4rnWvvxARXmhp9kWvC1lQ6Xg0vH_YZ49KW7cSbTxzjN7CkYcE/s320/symphony.7.16.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a bad venue!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Yesterday I woke up to...more rain. I feel like the more rain right now, definitely the more sun during the winter, it just <i>has</i> to be. Right? So Rachel and I had planned a hike and I invited Ted and Chris from my class. We took basically all morning to rally up because we all were tired and not eager to go tromping in the drippy woods but after some Supreme Bean persuasion, we piled into Rachel's car and headed east. The drive was gorgeous and so quickly it seemed we were in the mountains. The trunks and branches of the trees seemed to materialize more and more moss the farther we went. <br />
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The rain stayed with us for a good part of the drive but gave up while we were trying to decide on a trail (and where that trail may be..they're elusive!). Finally we settled on Hardesty trail near Oak Ridge. It was beautiful and mossy...and muted in a way. I guess the thick ground cover and the lushness of the forest does that. We did 5 miles or so out and then started back upon the start of a slight, sprinkling rain. That and the rumbling in our stomachs quickened our pace. It was fun to spend time with my new buds and do some serious hiking. I'm feeling like I once again evaded the rain and now it's going to sneak up on me and wreak some havoc soon...stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-60019940137671162592011-07-11T02:16:00.001-04:002011-07-11T11:09:45.535-04:00Oregon Country Fair!! ...and other stuff.After class on Thursday I rode over to The Whittaker area of Eugene..the artsy hip side 'o town. I had a 4 o'clock one-on-one interview with the art-maker who's gallery show I attended last week. I had decided to do a feature piece on her and I am so glad that I did, the interview went great! It was fun to just ask her all about her art background, methods and what inspires her. We talked for more than two hours and I got a wealth of notes to work with. It was nice because we really got to a comfortable space where she was really open in speaking about many fascinating parts about herself and her work and I felt good with the questions I'd prepared and the whole thing went so smoothly.<br />
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Interview is too much fun. We've been doing that a lot this week for our various assignments and just really find out such interesting things about people and their backgrounds. Being able to approach someone and just get their story is something that I somehow can do with confidence when I'm "on the job". I was worried about how I'd do, since my journalism leanings was more focused on the writing with the interview part of the work looming darkly over me. Well it sure isn't looming anymore now that I've taken off the water wings and taken the jump off this crazy world!<br />
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That's not to say I won't be getting the dreaded Bad Interview Experience. I just gotta deal with it when it (or many of 'it') comes.<br />
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So this weekend has had its interesting spots: let's see, there was the GUH-orges Saturday ride that had a great group. We did 50 miles and I was enjoying feeling much better than I did on the Wednesday ride. I'm making some cool friends and getting really familiar with the regulars so that I feel more part of the group each time. It's nice feeling that community feeling, corny as that sounds!<br />
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That evening, Chris and I went down to do interviews on the River Trail for one of our many class assignments. I was pretty exhausted and it seems like the week has compounded the lack of sleep and hard work to result mush for brains. Somehow that was enough to do the interview as Chris worked the camera. We had a good time with it, though, and talked with this one couple who had 7 foster kids! I was pretty impressed, most of the kids they took in were "problem" (translates to badly treated) children. They have their hands full but seem like they're absolutely made for it and, hey, if they're willing in able, more power to them.<br />
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So the thing about being mush for brains on Saturday? Well, not having a chance to rest and recuperate made it so that Sunday morning I was absolutely<i> completely</i> MUSH. I met Chris and Damien at the bus station to catch the shuttle for the Oregon Country Fair. Well, Damien was a ball of excited energy. Chris walked up and exuded that very same aura of exhaustion that I'm becoming so familiar with! We bobble-headed onto the shuttle for the 40-ish minutes to Veneta.<br />
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The fair is something that <i>anyone</i> who has been to it will tell you that if you're in Oregon when it's on, you absolutely MUST go. No questions, no arguments, just go. So we went.<br />
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And let me tell you.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_K56xkBgaB4tCvpNLMTAfvhjflC8aTVA4HuLqdCstMJMbf3MM_TZj3TL3HQcZSNfNLL7bicWxxigm0KLCZPjWOhl2D7KVxRDOgnS7OuF2t2jhfBZUZH_HTDE2G-TnV2ShxwOeOh-m8fk/s1600/IMG_1331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_K56xkBgaB4tCvpNLMTAfvhjflC8aTVA4HuLqdCstMJMbf3MM_TZj3TL3HQcZSNfNLL7bicWxxigm0KLCZPjWOhl2D7KVxRDOgnS7OuF2t2jhfBZUZH_HTDE2G-TnV2ShxwOeOh-m8fk/s320/IMG_1331.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy did The Labrinth David Bowie crystal ball hand thing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you're ever in Oregon and the <a href="http://www.oregoncountryfair.org/">Oregon Country Fair</a> is on, GO. It was so freakin' great, I can't even describe so bear with me while I try. We get to the grounds and for the first stretch, all you saw were tents. People from all over come for this thing. I'm telling you.<br />
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So it is basically a verdant maze with hand-built wooden booths, of all variety, that are just too charming for words and blend perfectly into the forest-setting. The artistry that is represented is phenomenal and the people watching is Out. Of. This. World.<br />
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You've got stilt walking can-can "girls" (the quotes signify that you want to take that term loosely); elaborate, colorful costumes and quite obviously thought-out-specifically-for-the-fair outfits, hats, hair, etc.; beautifully intricate painted bodies with no holds barred on the sparkles; musicians and bands playing at random throughout the area; really the whole thing was stimulation overload but it worked out because it brought me out of my zombie coma.<br />
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We wandered, ate yummy food, marveled at the crafts and artwork, and I reveled in staring to my heart's content at anyone and everyone. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaYst2ERrP4HGVKSqpzstmTHvPPQV-jU1xMEPhw2VI7LajOjn3D7wStGqEWr0YmDyKk0z2fKw2q8p-gdZ5uFFxPIq0FYyHtzJp818j82nackY9mwVrxTYyz2shjMUzoVmcHCxPoMCWcQ/s1600/IMG_1334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaYst2ERrP4HGVKSqpzstmTHvPPQV-jU1xMEPhw2VI7LajOjn3D7wStGqEWr0YmDyKk0z2fKw2q8p-gdZ5uFFxPIq0FYyHtzJp818j82nackY9mwVrxTYyz2shjMUzoVmcHCxPoMCWcQ/s320/IMG_1334.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random yoga "room" in the forest. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our teacher was gracious enough to grant us the permission to "cover" the fair for our news piece this week since Chris and I couldn't find anything in our beat. I ended up interviewing a mandolin-maker, did you know that they call stringed instrument-makers luthiers? Well I didn't and now that's my new favorite word. It has such a beautiful sound to it. His works were similarly beautiful. Check out his <a href="http://www.jamescurtis.com/">time lapse video</a> of making a ukelele on his website!<br />
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So my <i>favorite</i> part of the Eugene Country Fair was....storming the drum circle. I'm talking with, probably a hundred something people, a full-blown march across the entire fairgrounds, through the winding maze until we reached the drummers and waged war. For serious!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyZZ_LVscVf6BBFmzRVCSm5k9L3AXw_BveH5TUMdoZplGWGWF4WqNkToJQ8CMyDmEjY1kRsKu592K1Ey4pcL9yWMLct_du0owLyzVojZW4fc3_3fdvDZbnyV_vJqKwB3KkUZzN6yY9Ww/s1600/IMG_1342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyZZ_LVscVf6BBFmzRVCSm5k9L3AXw_BveH5TUMdoZplGWGWF4WqNkToJQ8CMyDmEjY1kRsKu592K1Ey4pcL9yWMLct_du0owLyzVojZW4fc3_3fdvDZbnyV_vJqKwB3KkUZzN6yY9Ww/s320/IMG_1342.JPG" width="320" /></a> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVntkHG0LkM-8eyrJMAF4vQkUS3HkY7556NSvhUMphBYRrqK_B1lXNMRUoDI6MDFr4svZ0jogzgh35VMTOEOj1tJWFPo5eWHzT5REDKdN5wMcFv30CYq9EAdRjRcjsh3OiUTPZF_8hqig/s1600/IMG_1340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVntkHG0LkM-8eyrJMAF4vQkUS3HkY7556NSvhUMphBYRrqK_B1lXNMRUoDI6MDFr4svZ0jogzgh35VMTOEOj1tJWFPo5eWHzT5REDKdN5wMcFv30CYq9EAdRjRcjsh3OiUTPZF_8hqig/s320/IMG_1340.JPG" width="320" /></a>Well, it all started at the accordion guy's show. <a href="http://www.jasonwebley.com/index.html">Jason Webley</a> played to a huge group of us, all under this huge multi-colored tent. The guy was fantastic, a complete goof and really talented. He asked for recommendations and would burst into whatever song was called out with his accordion and complete enthusiasm. Near the end, he had us all stand up and he threw out the contents of a big huge bag to the crowd: tons of water bottles with beads or rocks in them. He told us he was going to storm the drum circle and show them that the Accordions were number one! So he seriously got everyone all jiggered up and started started a huge parade across the grounds, winding their way through the forest and lines of artist booths chanting for everyone to hear: "You with the drum, you'd better run, the time has come for acoooooor-di-on!" Well, wasn't about to get left behind so I got right in there and took up the chant with Damien, and Chris (daggummit!) who cleverly claimed it for his fair story ran ahead taking pictures. Somehow, all these accordionists appeared out of nowhere and melded into the crowd, playing away as we all marched forward, nothing but energy and good completely off-the-wall goofy fun! We made it to this bridge and there was our first battle, a line of drummers beating overturned buckets with sticks but they were no match for our force nor our volume. We broke through and made it to the drummers, who were ready for us. The accordionists played hard and we cheered them on. Webley climbed up to this crazy treehouse type structure (there were lots of these around btw) and played on and totally keeping us cheering, chanting against our foes. It was pretty incredible, the accordions and the thundering drums and the multitude of bodies. Very much what you would call a rush, yessirrie. Quite an experience, let me tell you.<br />
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I think we lost, though. *Sigh* .....But not for lack of spirit!!<br />
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PS. If you ever happen to be anywhere within some several hundred miles-or even more for that matter-of the Oregon Country Fair:<br />
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Just Go.stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-42354998472641039842011-07-08T22:30:00.001-04:002011-07-08T22:32:11.128-04:00Turtle Gazing at the MoonI hope everyone had a great Independence Day! I will admit, though that I felt the most patriotic today, the 8th of July, when I watched the space shuttle take off this morning. It was just an absolutely<i> incredible </i>sight, and emotional as well. I definitely felt some tear well up but they were those of excitement, wonder and pride. Just imagine what must have been going through the minds of those astronauts as they listened to the countdown...<br />
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In other news, well there's a boatload of it. I'll try not to get too carried away. (I got carried away..)<br />
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On Saturday I did a GEARs ride up to some covered bridges, it was a perfect day and I made a new friend! Her name is Rachel and we have an incredible amount in common, not to mention that we live really, really close to each other! She is a nurse at the hospital in town. We've both been too busy this week to hang out so I'm excited to see her again tomorrow.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFfkdeQG4UkZMo-vK8G2H8N8CJGeaGv-iSETSWeXWtxjIE4Ky8eyAHAeDqDBKKORqSre63miualFOzaPC-dndyjEa0Ry35vSpOrjElZ9Jsb94XF0DYNDwXNUMDz3H3JK5xgXWusTOw3Y/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFfkdeQG4UkZMo-vK8G2H8N8CJGeaGv-iSETSWeXWtxjIE4Ky8eyAHAeDqDBKKORqSre63miualFOzaPC-dndyjEa0Ry35vSpOrjElZ9Jsb94XF0DYNDwXNUMDz3H3JK5xgXWusTOw3Y/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting by Noelle Dass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On Sunday, Chris and I went to the Arts and the Vineyard festival on the north side of the Willamette River. It was a huge craft festival and I was covering it for my next story. Chris came alone to be my photographer (and good thing too, his pictures were far better than I could ever dream of taking). I interviewed a handful of artists and we both were totally enamored by our own chosen painting in one booth...here's mine, a turtle by <a href="http://www.noelledass.com/">Noelle Dass</a>. Can you honestly blame me? I mean really.<br />
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It was really neat to hear the stories of the artists and how the world of festival hopping is not an easy one..constantly having to find and apply to new festivals and pumping out new work to have fresh supplies for buyers. It's not easy, but they love doing it, doing their chosen art and seeing people appreciate it.<br />
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It was a beautiful day and my photographer did a fantastic job of getting some really great shots.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTPeaaQpOcTzgwEyS_N7rfNrT1DFl4RwsWENIqwZnBj54RyPYBR84T24-a0hzbt5b4NXTN67BocK1ju_ngBVSbhzJd2eIWPwnP7iCNHmXdIKOF0V6N2lSf0ZywHn1yEWbpAQXh4r1Las/s1600/_MG_5902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTPeaaQpOcTzgwEyS_N7rfNrT1DFl4RwsWENIqwZnBj54RyPYBR84T24-a0hzbt5b4NXTN67BocK1ju_ngBVSbhzJd2eIWPwnP7iCNHmXdIKOF0V6N2lSf0ZywHn1yEWbpAQXh4r1Las/s320/_MG_5902.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Chris M. Scotti</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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We watched a folk music duo play their various stringed instruments and sing in harmony to wind up a nice afternoon at the festival.<br />
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I met my friend Holly at Prince Puckler's, a homemade ice cream shop and we enjoyed rich creamy goodness and she got me back on track with my knitting. I'd say I progressed since I last saw her (which is when she got me started), but I pretty much missed a stitch not five minutes into trying it on my own when I got home that it's been pending until today where she had me start all over! Haha, she just slipped the whole thing off the needle, not that it was much at all..three rows? But it had the essence of a bandaid being violently ripped off!<br />
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On my bike ride home, when I passed Washburn Park on Agate St. I heard jazz music so I peeled off to check it out. The whole field was filled with people out on lawn chairs and blankets and a band played on a concrete patio "stage" on the north end of the field. They were a brass quartet and I pushed my bike up and plopped down on the grass to watch as the evening slowly closed in, breezy and golden. <br />
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Monday Chris and I met up to do the Butte to Butte 10k! We tried to find Melissa (also in our program) who was also signed up to run..we imagined finding her at the start line. There was absolutely no chance, the crowd of 4,500 runners and walkers and their significant whatevers just did absolutely nothing to help us find our running-mate. Rude, right?<br />
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So after milling about for awhile and warming up, finally all the 10k runners lined (massed?) up behind the start line. We shoved ourselves in the mix. Then we waited some more...til' the shot went off and we smacked pavement. Like, with our soles I mean. Although when we faced Donald Street which should be called Donald Mountain, I sure felt like my face might smack pavement! After a mile of steep uphill, we were greeted by first a sign that said "Free Donuts Ahead!", I laughed, thinking it was a funny joke and hoping for water. Nope. Boxes and boxes of donuts piled on a table at the end of a driveway full of cheerers on. I didn't see too many runners opt for what might have been a wonderfully kind gesture in any other possible circumstance. I skirted around them, trying not to think about fatty sugary goodness forming a solid rock deep in my shell-shocked innards. <br />
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But truthfully, it was a great run. Chris left me in the dust about 20 meters in and for the rest of the race I watched people with longer legs and wider strides fly past me in a never-ending stream, even on the downhill! I felt great though, enjoyed the run, the people-watching; and smiling, waving and saying thanks to the almost constant presence of onlookers cheering us on. That was definitely awesome. <br />
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In the last mile there was a man playing a big standing xylophone, a band playing either Under the Boardwalk or a song from the Little Mermaid, I can't remember which. As the song faded behind me, a second band was set up and playing a couple blocks down from the first! When I could finally see the finish line in the distance, I went into a sprint and somehow held it til the end, almost not able to stop in time at the crowded bottleneck of runners ahead. You can actually watch me come in at 1:01:20-something in this video...you can scroll/fast-forward to 1:15 and watch me narrowly avoid running into the camera...<br />
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</script><br />
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We were given bagels and water and energy drinks and I went and sat on a picnic table on a hill overlooking the final stretch and watched the never-ending flow of runners come in.<br />
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Melissa found me! But then she went to find water and we didn't see each other again. Chris found me! We watched for awhile and then pretty much walked the opposite of what we had just run (minus the hill) back to my house where he parked his car. It made for a good cool-down!<br />
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Later in the day we met back up for food and fireworks. Before we got to the fireworks, though, as we walked through campus I saw three guys playing soccer on one of the fields and after seeing if Chris was game, we walked up and asked to play with them! It was so fun, we played for around 45 minutes with these guys, two of which had arrived not long ago from Dubai. They were all really good so Chris and I made sure to let them know that we'd be "so much better" (pahaha..doubtful!!) if we hadn't run 10 kilometers that morning. Finally on the verge of cardiac and what I'm just going to call body arrest, we limped off after shaking hands with our new friends and heartily agreeing that it was a pleasure to play with them.<br />
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We joined some fraction of Eugene on the bike bridge above campus and saw some far off fireworks there and then decided to walk (limp) over the Autzen Stadium (yea yea, go ducks) to watch what ended up being a great show and we were able to get real close! I think I blacked out from exhaustion after that. Buuut, t'was a super long but super fun day!<br />
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Monday Suzi had us interview (gah!) <i>students</i> around campus. That was nervy (I use this word in place of nerve-wracking, not gutsy, just sos you know). Nevertheless, it ended up being really fun and I loved hearing how they responded to my list of questions about what they thought of the news, if it was trustworthy, how they obtained it (tv, internet, paper), how much they followed it, etc. It was fascinating! Asking random people questions is fun. I did get some heavily annoyed looks when I came up to a table or two, though, and backed away pretty quickly to search for friendlier faces. I talked with one guy from Saudi Arabia who was working on his English so it was hard to get him to exactly understand my questions but just hearing a bit about him, assignment aside, was really neat and I would have stayed longer if I didn't still have more interviews to do.<br />
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This week we started our Newspaper Editing class with John Russial, who use to be an editor for the Philadelphia Inquirer which is famed as one of the best edited papers. The class is really interesting...to me. So I'm the dork of my group that really gets a kick of spending an hour editing articles, what of it? I'm not saying that means I'm good at it, though. It's not easy! We have to not only check for grammar, punctuation and spelling, but also fact check. Now that is not easy and is very time consuming (or consuming of <i>my </i>time because I always seem to be the last one to leave after the clock has struck end o' class). I'm learning tons about AP style..which is basically a way to keep your publication standard between articles and authors, as far as making sure everyone complies with a single certain way of abbreviating, punctuating, etc. even if there are more <i>correct</i> ways than just one. This way your publication looks more professional, less haphazard. There are a lot of rules though, and they're definitely not all intuitive. <br />
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Did a GEARs ride on Wednesday! It was <i>super</i> windy and we were heading straight into it for probably 10 or 15 miles. This wasn't a particularly long ride and the entire way home had the wind at our backs but I sure was wiped out by the end of it. I was still getting through the soreness from the Butte to Butte and my legs were pretty much down for the count when we finally wheeled back into Alton Baker Park. Sterling, a 70-something man with a long white beard who had remarked on my pace a couple of weeks ago brought me some old clip in pedals of his that he had promised to bring. I was really taken by his generosity, as these are not cheap! It'll be great if I can hunt down some shoes now that aren't over the top expensive. This way I'll be able to pedal more efficiently, getting forward motion not only on the downstroke but the upstroke as well. Course, how many times I'll topple over for not unclipping in time to catch myself on a stop is yet to be determined but I'm betting I might be cursing those pedals for the week or two of trying them out...!stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-8869459865769908582011-07-01T21:26:00.000-04:002011-07-01T21:26:45.008-04:00Journalist on the Run<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eMl7QTmISPWEyMs6x-WqBbP_gp2CKWwB1OcKHtLZgs-dbwdq-5SA54dBHDx3qlr4-RdCyV1yybhyFtLlFDofyqtOUO8BkMikDzpWzUFc3V5TklGg0PKvEsqQKmnROw7St2P6C22utJo/s1600/IMG_1301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eMl7QTmISPWEyMs6x-WqBbP_gp2CKWwB1OcKHtLZgs-dbwdq-5SA54dBHDx3qlr4-RdCyV1yybhyFtLlFDofyqtOUO8BkMikDzpWzUFc3V5TklGg0PKvEsqQKmnROw7St2P6C22utJo/s200/IMG_1301.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feet at an artist opening we covered on Thursday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So I've been working for the past two nights at my job at Chef's Kitchen. It's really been fun, my co-worker Chelsea has taught me how to open. The day after learning how to do it, I was made to do it again, but this time solo! I found that I really enjoy working as a server (not that I'm taking orders yet, I'm happy for that to come in time!) because I like the act of prepping everything-like setting up the salad station, getting the ice, restocking the wine shelves, wiping down the restaurant, etc.<br />
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Nevertheless, I'm no pro. After proudly shelving the last bottle of new wine, The Chef comes out, with a serious look on his face, "Did you just restock the wine?" Yes! <i>and don't you see me, such a good little worker, taking initiative over here and sweeping the floor when </i>no one<i> asked me to??</i> "Did you put the newest bottles in the back?" Uhhhh..ermm... " You always have to put the newest wine bottles in the back so that the oldest get used up first, and it's not just the wine bottles either, it's <i>everything</i>. That's how it works in a restaurant, it's <i>intuitive!</i>" Oops. <br />
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So yea, back down I go, this time taking ALL the bottles out and, with the supply receipt, carefully making sure to re-shelve the bottles so that the ones that had just been bough were at the back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3z-Dm-kpQGhd9oKVKsz6ZOJhrYdhBlDDjwN9Hbfsu7H3CRUZEUqfdqawvL0MxNHdHtWhE68FQCK8oQNjhCubl5wjKnKFVNuOe2au14fzVD9B7jJyXwgViGQOwDj1hX3-b6QRbusqKhIE/s1600/IMG_1122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3z-Dm-kpQGhd9oKVKsz6ZOJhrYdhBlDDjwN9Hbfsu7H3CRUZEUqfdqawvL0MxNHdHtWhE68FQCK8oQNjhCubl5wjKnKFVNuOe2au14fzVD9B7jJyXwgViGQOwDj1hX3-b6QRbusqKhIE/s320/IMG_1122.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yea, you've seen this before. So pretty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ya live and ya learn and ya make stupid mistakes...but hopefully only just once.<br />
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The rest of both nights went great though! I love it when there's actually a good number of customers and Chelsea and I are wildly running around trying to refill waters and clear away finished plates while our prep cook yells out what plate is ready to go to what table. And when that plate is ready, you gotta drop everything to get it out there! It is just too much fun!<br />
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Classes have been fun, we're learning audio this week. Chris and I went out and did interviews along the river trail. <br />
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He taught me a good deal about audio editing which is <b>so. cool.</b> I don't know why, but I'm finding I really enjoy computery stuff. In fact, the other night I was up til 1:30am (which is actually late for me out here, no laughing!) completely enamored with this HTML tutorial. I made my own webpage...from nothing!!<br />
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It was just so darn neat to follow the directions and type out all this code into my computer's notepad application and save it and then open up a web browser, type in the address I made and <i>there it was!!</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmotnVXsV5s-sZt2MM_ypGFyryhNWIxv_1qt3QMUecrnKGAjBM38jxW5Pbf9Jx-_ZyACDV6B0q2lzs2e8sMYBzRbSkI8qf57IWq3Z3l5eCnD2CDV5OabiQdYmX-odw0IweM8pIYEAVSU/s1600/firstwebpage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmotnVXsV5s-sZt2MM_ypGFyryhNWIxv_1qt3QMUecrnKGAjBM38jxW5Pbf9Jx-_ZyACDV6B0q2lzs2e8sMYBzRbSkI8qf57IWq3Z3l5eCnD2CDV5OabiQdYmX-odw0IweM8pIYEAVSU/s400/firstwebpage.png" width="265" /></a></div><br />
Mind you, this took about 1 1/2hrs of tutorial-ing...and it doesn't look really much like anything...but this is a screen shot of my web browser (cropped so I could zoom in on the most important part)! Course, now I can't figure out how to get back to it...otherwise I'd give you a link, but <i>still!</i><br />
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Hey, bear with me, I'm a beginner! But it was really fun to feel like I was behind the scenes and seeing how much work goes in to even just something as simple looking as what you see above. Very cool and I have <a href="http://mindymcadams.com/">Mindy McAdams</a>, her <a href="http://www.jtoolkit.com/wp/">Journalist's Toolkit</a> and <a href="http://www.htmldog.com/guides/">HTML Dog</a> to thank!<br />
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Yesterday was busy, after class we enjoyed a cohort get-together which extended from a late brunch into the entire afternoon! We moved to a cute park on Monroe and sat and talked and kicked around a soccer ball, chased Tucker (Amber's puppydog), watched the park-going kids chase Tucker...it was a fun time and a great chance to relax and have fun together. We're bonding! I think our group is fantastic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGufd5qj86SmxQI9260_7NbRF3Ph1tQTqlOGrcjxKj3fu5_fcUiF9HE9Yank9Pq7petccJ0NXsXoykG3hSgadrubO1qHkKeFR7X-h58KtOIrECV1Q7J-I3zYWFY0xbn2UTK9t1Pc2VTc/s1600/IMG_1298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGufd5qj86SmxQI9260_7NbRF3Ph1tQTqlOGrcjxKj3fu5_fcUiF9HE9Yank9Pq7petccJ0NXsXoykG3hSgadrubO1qHkKeFR7X-h58KtOIrECV1Q7J-I3zYWFY0xbn2UTK9t1Pc2VTc/s320/IMG_1298.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A goofy pic of Tucker on the move! My new bff, btw. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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That evening, Chris and I finished editing our <a href="http://knightlibrarybootcamp.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/willamette-river-trail-postcard/">audio postcard</a> and rushed down to The Whiteaker neighborhood to cover an Artist Talk at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Voyeur/107601012613412">The Voyeur</a>. I've never been to a talk before and it was fascinating to hear her talk all about her inspirations around her art, which was really quite beautiful. She had a very interesting perspective on nature and how she let her art present itself. <a href="http://leafboat.org/">Tilke Elkins</a>, was the artist's name. I decided that I'd love to use her for my final project in my Reporting and Information Strategies class. We have to write a feature on someone and I think it'd be really fun to do a more focused interview on her and her work, and turn it into my feature! She was totally open to the idea and we are planning to do it sometime next Thursday!stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-90262154960703289032011-06-29T00:53:00.000-04:002011-06-29T00:53:00.505-04:00Hiking, Dancing, Staining and Writing<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5dMpZm7c25cjq5QWvrodB7KBaddPWmvALeGF2IdEi9FbcRkZVkuEVxxfum6I4GYnVL9A9kiFV6TsEvtPOQKUeEErjUBlGl5yiMwrc303DFjRxYmUkcIedr5kTxowM9QV6dQu0fBvGOY/s1600/IMG_1256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5dMpZm7c25cjq5QWvrodB7KBaddPWmvALeGF2IdEi9FbcRkZVkuEVxxfum6I4GYnVL9A9kiFV6TsEvtPOQKUeEErjUBlGl5yiMwrc303DFjRxYmUkcIedr5kTxowM9QV6dQu0fBvGOY/s320/IMG_1256.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Wow, so it was less than a week that I last posted but so much has been going on, it seems like ages!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The weekend was eventful, I went on a hike with Damien on Saturday up <a href="http://www.planeteugene.com/spencersbutte.htm">Spencer's Butte</a> and was really impressed with the view and the steep climb up to a long rocky top. It was the absolute best day to do it! Clear blue skies and we could see out to Mt. Baker and the Three Sisters, all covered in snow. Between the rocks grew an array of wildflowers and the few trees that had taken root near the top were covered in lichens and moss such that you felt like you were looking at an underwater ecosystem. We picnicked on burritos courtesy of Damien and some crazy everything but the kitchen sink muffins I'd made.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTs8vuCFmLYhedT4_Z5d3i_7OkVvAacMuKVHpDHdWEn6WjRp_9d7h2dHDKr7jCyFkmnFQiVcikpcPFgJgxNp6i6vDXs9CGboXfRadghy8VCB9Crz8q_fDZ8lan4mGcw_Gu1-BEfkmadrE/s1600/IMG_1291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTs8vuCFmLYhedT4_Z5d3i_7OkVvAacMuKVHpDHdWEn6WjRp_9d7h2dHDKr7jCyFkmnFQiVcikpcPFgJgxNp6i6vDXs9CGboXfRadghy8VCB9Crz8q_fDZ8lan4mGcw_Gu1-BEfkmadrE/s320/IMG_1291.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWxqhyGKtEH6lJ2Mv5Bo6XNkzZEnbnWOSpsnqlJKwisYvXPWJn6MX9OHo2AxcknV6uRZ_FHUm0rr35n0WQGx0OUdzrPqb4u8TgKwcG0uC688SNJb-ypoq0kIvSBL7LBXm79enXH8nQU0/s1600/IMG_1273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCL1eIPIS2zhFzDjQHZNoSO67cf5VADYUc4nQwHjQ59yD22xWHQsLIRTTCiNKGY3kup6Ca66c7rUkarrGcGRmZ-D-kMk3WpflHpp2PiEcSWFn3sQW4BCPWgneX_9gumDNXHtUxgtBeVi8/s1600/IMG_1251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCL1eIPIS2zhFzDjQHZNoSO67cf5VADYUc4nQwHjQ59yD22xWHQsLIRTTCiNKGY3kup6Ca66c7rUkarrGcGRmZ-D-kMk3WpflHpp2PiEcSWFn3sQW4BCPWgneX_9gumDNXHtUxgtBeVi8/s320/IMG_1251.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wildflowers were amazing, you couldn't help but get so close.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCL1eIPIS2zhFzDjQHZNoSO67cf5VADYUc4nQwHjQ59yD22xWHQsLIRTTCiNKGY3kup6Ca66c7rUkarrGcGRmZ-D-kMk3WpflHpp2PiEcSWFn3sQW4BCPWgneX_9gumDNXHtUxgtBeVi8/s1600/IMG_1251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLqkkHtgXDp0V7JCyDxClohabedvt_TP8v1pENR-R__QFLb-SS5n_nvHMBH1sdb_opn2s9s8rNJEtyP9dWUr8SZ-6KjRqhWvr1e-zwpZSqO3JFCUx_3jPTb7IeUf51MeEX_U_jasfe3g/s1600/IMG_1254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLqkkHtgXDp0V7JCyDxClohabedvt_TP8v1pENR-R__QFLb-SS5n_nvHMBH1sdb_opn2s9s8rNJEtyP9dWUr8SZ-6KjRqhWvr1e-zwpZSqO3JFCUx_3jPTb7IeUf51MeEX_U_jasfe3g/s320/IMG_1254.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWxqhyGKtEH6lJ2Mv5Bo6XNkzZEnbnWOSpsnqlJKwisYvXPWJn6MX9OHo2AxcknV6uRZ_FHUm0rr35n0WQGx0OUdzrPqb4u8TgKwcG0uC688SNJb-ypoq0kIvSBL7LBXm79enXH8nQU0/s1600/IMG_1273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWxqhyGKtEH6lJ2Mv5Bo6XNkzZEnbnWOSpsnqlJKwisYvXPWJn6MX9OHo2AxcknV6uRZ_FHUm0rr35n0WQGx0OUdzrPqb4u8TgKwcG0uC688SNJb-ypoq0kIvSBL7LBXm79enXH8nQU0/s320/IMG_1273.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the mountain coming out of the driveway, that's how close!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTPPSpuNCn7lhIIBsYoqVU_JMxmliJcI7lNKuWeSH1H-obMgqJLWpHBMP5tytWO8RfO0zx1pKQ23uA7rt3zem89L56EU1hk5_HOnilR4BECRJeZ-t4E3HCt_El4YufpvqYa9YInNsZSw/s1600/IMG_1258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTPPSpuNCn7lhIIBsYoqVU_JMxmliJcI7lNKuWeSH1H-obMgqJLWpHBMP5tytWO8RfO0zx1pKQ23uA7rt3zem89L56EU1hk5_HOnilR4BECRJeZ-t4E3HCt_El4YufpvqYa9YInNsZSw/s320/IMG_1258.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Damien and a view towards the south</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That evening we met back up and drove to Corvallis (45 minutes or so away) for a Swing and Blues dancing event! The swing was a blast and, since I'd done it before I was able to pick up fairly easily but it had enough differences that I asked each guy who danced with me that he have patience with me! We had an hour intro lesson and danced for 2 hours and then they turned the lights down and we danced blues for the next two hours. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No introductory lesson. I hadn't even heard of blues dancing til coming here! </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I kind of just dove in and did the best I could. The idea is to mimick your partner, and the lead would improvise these slow artsy moves. It took me a while to get use to it, especially with each guy's different style, but I loved it!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dEhzQl4V49Z4IjlKH8hNf5oe-MeBRwv4XbQJSsiyJ6D4EoqEROTaiGxh-CiXqc5NgBGK0MKElOM9WW90IruwZCRv9Hcuk1898vvBFnDhMNtEjpx9gLBZ8DXtpHeGSIV979KElzHGZ4U/s1600/IMG_1267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dEhzQl4V49Z4IjlKH8hNf5oe-MeBRwv4XbQJSsiyJ6D4EoqEROTaiGxh-CiXqc5NgBGK0MKElOM9WW90IruwZCRv9Hcuk1898vvBFnDhMNtEjpx9gLBZ8DXtpHeGSIV979KElzHGZ4U/s320/IMG_1267.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my underwater scenery...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-laEcV8qksTF5GFLzdLFkP4lmj5RvGtS2KVOA95mTsAQUCpNe1mV_zzFziVxwUnAXIpjzAeICY4thXePvt_3hnHrNlMc_uUyDNQCK-n3dWIYy6JQVFtM9Ikr3rbP5h2MmUxaXH_ARz0/s1600/IMG_1264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-laEcV8qksTF5GFLzdLFkP4lmj5RvGtS2KVOA95mTsAQUCpNe1mV_zzFziVxwUnAXIpjzAeICY4thXePvt_3hnHrNlMc_uUyDNQCK-n3dWIYy6JQVFtM9Ikr3rbP5h2MmUxaXH_ARz0/s320/IMG_1264.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This stuff was so bright and the knots in the tree were just crazy accents.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRq68jwEEnaOPqLrM0g3tWBhbMPmnjf_jmPFkmEkPXw8DvdpQQsTs7nqXuO4n6XYw99dEWnMHiTiLHrHsj-Z-dCNpMGDQM55AGUaqF2FIHrrhnvc9-f_ZNHDezvpzEQGbOoeIc3b8NakI/s1600/IMG_1266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRq68jwEEnaOPqLrM0g3tWBhbMPmnjf_jmPFkmEkPXw8DvdpQQsTs7nqXuO4n6XYw99dEWnMHiTiLHrHsj-Z-dCNpMGDQM55AGUaqF2FIHrrhnvc9-f_ZNHDezvpzEQGbOoeIc3b8NakI/s320/IMG_1266.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A congregation of knots.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3nyl-63oAhdv3aRXZqZGvnWfTwsRanD19lczGBESM-oCkIkRCOLuLvGTicA7rCGlEkaLjNW_JW9Px_zNMhNKxHdYLKEbYGOJVLK6ufZ1ymI3LwdQJG7grn9lKLH5tmc7hKLSnHXZQYQ/s1600/IMG_1275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3nyl-63oAhdv3aRXZqZGvnWfTwsRanD19lczGBESM-oCkIkRCOLuLvGTicA7rCGlEkaLjNW_JW9Px_zNMhNKxHdYLKEbYGOJVLK6ufZ1ymI3LwdQJG7grn9lKLH5tmc7hKLSnHXZQYQ/s320/IMG_1275.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is at the event I covered: a worm compost expert explains the process and gives advice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Saturday I went to cover an event that was going on in my coverage area, a garden tour. There were booths set up outside of the River House community garden so I just kind of went up to the people behind the tables and asked what they represented and why they were there. I ended up learning a ton about the <a href="http://extension.oregonstate.edu/lane/gardens">Master's Garden extension program</a> because many of the booths were some group within that extension: master gardeners with a specialization, like compost, food preservation and just pure gardening. It was a fun afternoon learning about this program and the people were really interesting to talk to. They all are just so knowledgeable. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKtbpwcDny6oXpMxJvNcu9EhyphenhyphennHB9v1qT8PbTFWvOHQMiS0oGpuAeUpZ9J6L4ZOFgGbY32cYzx68N8f3QoenCyMeuNlMhwfNPIEogvo7MJOv9i04gRFy_9gdrSbmkE5CqvGt27_Cq51M/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKtbpwcDny6oXpMxJvNcu9EhyphenhyphennHB9v1qT8PbTFWvOHQMiS0oGpuAeUpZ9J6L4ZOFgGbY32cYzx68N8f3QoenCyMeuNlMhwfNPIEogvo7MJOv9i04gRFy_9gdrSbmkE5CqvGt27_Cq51M/s320/IMG_1242.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a good story behind this cake..or inside it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the afternoon, Cathy and I had the pleasure of restaining her enormous deck! Neither of us had been looking forward to the job but we sucked it up and got to work. It took 2 1/2 hours and we got a system down and enjoyed talking as we worked, with music playing in the background...it was done before we knew it! So that was nice to get out of the way, especially since we knew if we didn't do it then, we'd have to do it on the long weekend of the 4th and couldn't even be out on it til it dried! We were very pleased with ourselves. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">We are having fun in our class, it's neat to be able to read others' stories to get an idea of different writing styles, but also a little intimidating! If you want to have a look, we post it here to our <a href="http://knightlibrarybootcamp.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=638&action=edit">class blog</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRest01SJKUHE6qKylzIsI2GJTnCh5HTJ39WWQSEa1TOogmAOsVxi_l3Hsu6WBtREgaIJsalm2KysD5lqVQh5QvnDQZtQgUH3DDUc26NglgUaGZhkhBi55TjmVUuj9_Sy9QW0iremdfc/s1600/IMG_1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRest01SJKUHE6qKylzIsI2GJTnCh5HTJ39WWQSEa1TOogmAOsVxi_l3Hsu6WBtREgaIJsalm2KysD5lqVQh5QvnDQZtQgUH3DDUc26NglgUaGZhkhBi55TjmVUuj9_Sy9QW0iremdfc/s320/IMG_1286.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful residential garden on the garden tour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">For Monday night, while I should have been writing, I was instead eating cupcakes at <a href="http://divinecupcake.com/Home">Divine Cupcake</a>. I met my friend Holly there, who really liked their cupcakes and suggested it. We both got the chai with vanilla/cinnamon icing. I tried not to gulp it down in four bites, but rather savor it with my soy latte while we talked. She is very passionate about knitting and I had said I'd love to learn. Well, wouldn't you know it, she pulls out a pair of needles and a big ball of yarn and set to teaching me right in the cupcakery! She taught well, I did a row or two before we were kicked out at closing time. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I got home before the night's rain and I turned my article on the Master's Gardeners in a half hour before it's due time, midnight!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdWvFsm1X4etw6xPF-RdLmGd6kp9t4V1et2hF5yt-gZbOKI178idSJ_aUpWmbKnrmwTZzmZxsQEPnQLvU3eYtWH8oEtYh-pQ3V0MbRTTWXkAi1wJxMB5D8qwYwtFDYYWPk6qbXJYtifQ/s1600/IMG_1249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdWvFsm1X4etw6xPF-RdLmGd6kp9t4V1et2hF5yt-gZbOKI178idSJ_aUpWmbKnrmwTZzmZxsQEPnQLvU3eYtWH8oEtYh-pQ3V0MbRTTWXkAi1wJxMB5D8qwYwtFDYYWPk6qbXJYtifQ/s320/IMG_1249.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy girl on mountain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-53606265214383712082011-06-24T16:01:00.000-04:002011-06-24T16:01:02.084-04:00Stacey's First Week o' Grad School<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:RelyOnVML/> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirq6ShKuk9nRmDxWtxGxCpxqJR51SOUJgSCBv7AVKTaIMsOrMPXBdT-68_L73CIarPz9a_MPbYv0jrK6AvpTSeRXy02c_Y0OydzZddSXIxTENINwmyeAZA3m6QbRhAotPBz_AtRl0IuXs/s1600/IMG_1212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirq6ShKuk9nRmDxWtxGxCpxqJR51SOUJgSCBv7AVKTaIMsOrMPXBdT-68_L73CIarPz9a_MPbYv0jrK6AvpTSeRXy02c_Y0OydzZddSXIxTENINwmyeAZA3m6QbRhAotPBz_AtRl0IuXs/s320/IMG_1212.JPG" width="240" /></a>So, despite starting grad school in the summer, I can’t think of anything better...</div> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"> My first day, we collected in a room in the library for pastries and coffee and a kind of welcome/introduction from Petra Hagen, who is in charge of Graduate Programs in the School of Journalism and Communication. We got a better idea of what we were to expect in the coming months and how she, along with the rest of the Journalism grad faculty crew are all very much available for us. What is happening right now, is that the journalism school building is getting a total makeover over the course of the next two years so our classes will be held in the Library as well as other buildings. The faculty will be stationed in Agate Hall (where I’m told the Vaux’s Swifts swirl out of the sky and down into the chimney in the evenings at a certain time of year!). So it sounds a little scattery, but I’m flexible..plus it’s easy to zoom around from one side of campus to the other on my bike. I think the faculty really wants to make extra care to be accessible to us, what with these changes going on just as we’re coming in.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Funny that Boulder, my other choice of school, was going through very similar changes, it was just their bad luck that the situation blew up in their faces with the audit falling right in the middle of it all. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have no regrets, though. Just seems like I’m coming into grad school for Journalism just when the educational movement is making sure to keep up with the changes that the field is experiencing. What I like hearing is that we are going to have classes available to us now that keep us right up there in the running. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willamette River Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">For example, our first class has us each in front of a huge Mac computer learning about blogging on Wordpress and how to navigate Twitter and use it as a journalism tool. Suzi Steffens is our teacher for this class, Reporting and Information Strategies. The name just sounded boring so I didn’t have much hope for the class. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Not til Suzi walked in the door. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This woman pretty much blew us all away. Not five minutes into class she had us all cracking up, talking about her obsession with twitter and flying from one interesting topic to another. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Before we knew it, we were on our first “assignment”. Like, she literally had us choose a part of town based on our interests, partnered us up, and kicked us out onto the streets to “find some news”! <span> </span>Way too cool.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So I was partnered with Chris and we took off on our bikes (good thing I got a fellow cyclist!) and headed off along the river trail. Chris is a California native and comes from a background in photography and just graduated a few weeks ago! So in a whirlwind, now he’s in grad school. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This couple was just too charming not to capture in a picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">We tooled along the trail and checked out some of the various sites just off the trail, the Rose Garden which is now in bloom. I got to talking to this one man and we discovered he was the father of Chad who led our Mt. Hebo trip yesterday, haha, so I got to see him again and he seemed a little horrified that I was meeting his father who had opted to go to the Fairy Festival over joining our hike. His father was a very sweet character.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAVYoggNgqq4R6BU66tshLfCtsEvO_O3_tNlNHpyYuuriGHSf3Q1hOmPF27zFkyy2qyg_nT2OWumxqn-JOHoEl_727zBWZT2OBmElTNawxLJqcipe61Ev_ieQgJafxUQIDUt6YYUyalE/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAVYoggNgqq4R6BU66tshLfCtsEvO_O3_tNlNHpyYuuriGHSf3Q1hOmPF27zFkyy2qyg_nT2OWumxqn-JOHoEl_727zBWZT2OBmElTNawxLJqcipe61Ev_ieQgJafxUQIDUt6YYUyalE/s320/IMG_1218.JPG" width="320" /></a>Chris and I carried on and pulled up to the River House where there was a community garden. With the intention to ask someone about that, we discovered the house itself was run by the Eugene Outdoor Program. After asking where we might find someone to talk to about the garden, we struck up conversation with one of the employees of the program and ended up finding a good story lead in him! He’s the Lead Kayak Instructor and told us about the program and how it caters to the youth of Eugene. Chris manned up and asked if we could get some photos of him (as a photographer, this is something he is use to..and something I’m going to have to work up to!) and took a couple great shots of him in the boat shed with the colorful array of kayaks lined up behind him. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Afterwards, we were outside and found a woman filling up a bag next to the garden and we asked her what she was up to. Turns out the compost is free and she was getting some for her own home garden. The city provides the various community gardens around the city with the fallen leaves and clippings they collect in the fall which is something gardeners drool over. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We rode on and talked a bit with a man in a motorized wheelchair who called himself Scooter. He was outfitted in bright orange reflective clothing and said that even that didn’t keep the cars from hitting him! He’s been here for decades and told us how much change he’s seen as Eugene has developed over time. Nice guy, once he found out we were riding on the sidewalk because we were lost and a little afraid of the road construction that was going on where we had intended to ride. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In an attempt to find a reclaimed farmland (unfarmed and let to return to natural landscape) that Suzi had told us about, we got hopelessly lost. A map would have been helpful, something I usually tend to have on me but of course not today. So we road in what we swore was a straight line but crossed Coburg Rd about three times (despite the fact that I’m pretty sure it is in a straight line as well…). Meh. Smh…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Somehow we found our way home and that night I wrote up my article on the kayak guy and the outdoor program.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">That was all just Monday!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Okay, so I don’t really remember all what happened on Tuesday. Suzi gave us a big tutorial on Twitter and Wordpress and we went over each others’ articles. I’m discovering how cool twitter is after half-heartedly giving a dang about it for however long I’ve been a member (aside from posting links to my articles and blog posts..). You really just constantly have a stream of real-time news right at your fingertips and you can follow whatever you’re interested in and get updates all the while. So I’m excited about my local resources, it’s fun to see what’s going on in Eugene from various different perspectives (including the police, my teacher, classmates, Eugene new resources, Eugene bikers…pretty great. So suddenly I’m understanding Suzi’s obsession and am suddenly realizing I’ve developed one quite similar…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh yea! I went on a jog up the trail to Fox Hollow and then on toward Dillard..it’s my second time and will be a long time before I’m not gasping like some desperate, flopping fish out of water as I “run” (aka, put one foot in front of the other, if barely) up the path. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the lush, overflowing plots at a Eugene Community Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Wednesday Chris and I made another news-finding expedition. We hung out sketchily outside of one locked community garden that had its gate ajar ‘til we got up the nerve to just walk on in. Well after watching us amusedly as we walked up, one of a trio of gardeners asked us what was up and we told him. “Did you come on bikes?” he barked, we nervously pointed at them propped up near the gate. But no, they were actually really nice and eager to talk. Pat Bayes told me he’d been at that garden for two years but has been a gardener for fifty. He pulled me off to show me the various plots while Chris took pictures and talked with the others. Bayes’ dream is to run this garden as a community, rather than having it under the control of the city. In essence, they want “control over our own existence and how we do things”, sharing crops as a community and paying dues with “sweat equity”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Both days out in search of news, Chris and I have marveled over how open and friendly people here are. We’ve learned so much from this handful of people we’ve encountered who were more than happy to stop for awhile and just talk with us. It’s been really quite an experience..especially for the introvert in me. I definitely have had to give a little extra shove to urge myself toward that next unsuspecting interviewee. They won’t all be so nice, right?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After covering our “beat” for the afternoon, I headed home and met Cathy and we got ready for our Wednesday GEARs ride. I’d had it in the back of my head all day, knowing we’d be doing Gimple Hill which Cathy had told me weeks ago was pretty rough! Well, we met up with the group under some slightly ominous skies and headed up Loraine (which sure ain’t an easy feat in itself!). The ride was pretty flat for the majority after that and the clouds broke apart, allowing for another golden evening that will only be a vague memory in four months or so.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautify of the sunlight cannot begin to be fully expressed here</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Gimple Hill loomed ahead and Gary, the ride leader told me to just shift way down, take it slow and “enjoy yourself”. Well I made it and am not any worse for wear. Cathy was right there too and I didn’t hear her complaining..talk about hard core-she just did a big ride only yesterday! We were both very happy we’d gone. The skies were phenomenal on the ride home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For Thursday, Suzi told us she’d be in class for our scheduled block but that we didn’t have to come in. Well, I was glad to see about five or so of us showed to take advantage of another opportunity to learn something new from Suzi. Well, we are definitely being introduced to some interesting slices of the internet! Sorry, I’m not going to divulge all my secrets! Not yet!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We had a little cohort lunch get together, my classmates and I. It was nice to enjoy an opportunity to bond as a group on the patio at Agate Alley. We’ve got some characters! It was great to sit back and relax as we laughed, related to each other and shared our stories. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One thing we all had in common is we are so excited that this adventure is starting and are looking forward to what is to come.</div>stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-57853912404383409762011-06-21T18:32:00.000-04:002011-06-21T18:32:14.768-04:00Climbing Trees and Hiking Hills<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:RelyOnVML/> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGclFKx7jY4abUyLuskkTG611oRizBzFu97Haf3qR9yb5uN8YsqroDsgBLn7l8F0-6PKgt7VfYF0zkVFM1Ib6SCYmMnjSE7zk4wQLczOcqlbg4W-eUpJSJxtDCP7p_FOBHibTCzJFVbpc/s1600/IMG_1155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGclFKx7jY4abUyLuskkTG611oRizBzFu97Haf3qR9yb5uN8YsqroDsgBLn7l8F0-6PKgt7VfYF0zkVFM1Ib6SCYmMnjSE7zk4wQLczOcqlbg4W-eUpJSJxtDCP7p_FOBHibTCzJFVbpc/s320/IMG_1155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Well let’s see, I don’t know if I can really remember all that’s gone on in the past five days, but I do know Friday involved a picnic up in Hendrick’s Park (there’s this grassy lawn that is surrounded by rhododendrons, shaded by tall beautiful evergreen, nothing could be more perfect) and my second day at work. The kitchen was about as busy as my first day (a week ago) so I was able to start feeling comfortable knowing what to do (something, anything, all the time!). I met the other “new girl” whose name is Laura. We got along super well and ended up talking while we ate our glorious meals at the end of the shift. Since neither of us had anything to do that night we went along Willamette to find somethin’ happenin’. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>We actually heard live music and rode our bikes in that direction, discovering Holy Cow, a small restaurant with a colorful patio and a band in full swing. We got drinks there and enjoyed the music, a local Eugene group who played that night for their dinner!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuIm_RFDy5N3xXge4sBbZicW11gmvahQ1L_hO6zUrg9sDdw1tI9bTL7aJtPn_o3sR0e2dF-kOalTaDNT5Ez11ru6hQK083eYd9-wyd5L0AQST-TxW3Sn_oafwCkClhrL8XKso9LlATII/s1600/IMG_1159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuIm_RFDy5N3xXge4sBbZicW11gmvahQ1L_hO6zUrg9sDdw1tI9bTL7aJtPn_o3sR0e2dF-kOalTaDNT5Ez11ru6hQK083eYd9-wyd5L0AQST-TxW3Sn_oafwCkClhrL8XKso9LlATII/s320/IMG_1159.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took so many pics of my hike that I couldn't fit them all below </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgsLoIEg9Cy8UTQZCPootEkgu-XtBoeC_9FKxdASlFPdDxhirNLUajQ6cg2BsrjKIhVTks0moOc7Gow5yRNsFxl_KB8QUU8BX_O2HrnqB7Ph0wxiXjlnY8lO26LIdzI8uWqsjZ539YyU/s1600/IMG_1163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgsLoIEg9Cy8UTQZCPootEkgu-XtBoeC_9FKxdASlFPdDxhirNLUajQ6cg2BsrjKIhVTks0moOc7Gow5yRNsFxl_KB8QUU8BX_O2HrnqB7Ph0wxiXjlnY8lO26LIdzI8uWqsjZ539YyU/s200/IMG_1163.JPG" width="200" /></a> Afterwards we found a restaurant next door with a nice bar and really friendly staff. We ended up hanging with those who’d just finished up their shift, they were a fun bunch and I learned that they have this crazy bike group that I should check out. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On Saturday it was rainy and Laura and I rode down to Morning Glory Café to meet my friend Damien for brunch. It was a busy but really great breakfast spot. They had some great vegetarian (sorry, ovo-lacto-pescatarian) options and I enjoyed introducing my new friend. I was pleased Laura agreed to ride down so I could get the real ‘riding in the rain’ feel…I try to jump on that opportunity anytime I get it! We were soaked but no worse for wear. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Afterwards, Damien and I climbed Skinner’s Butte and sat up in his perfect climbing tree. It was misting but really nice out. We decided after awhile of talking to go to a bookstore where we grabbed coffee and looked at coffee table books. We learned about space and the solar system as we slowly dried off. We finished the day by going to a cheap movie and riding home to a really pretty sunset.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9agmH0eQ1CET1fP0odZj5PHwvgGJRBwVSxI0r2mJMdt6JlCnX5uz9_VpR3_ggrx7hZIE6p50yR_RrmlpGQDL5VDcDSnY6ph_EkA5aLIIKfpbWk4HXEMumnhB5rtu3Yv1N7PwjX7zr_0/s1600/IMG_1189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9agmH0eQ1CET1fP0odZj5PHwvgGJRBwVSxI0r2mJMdt6JlCnX5uz9_VpR3_ggrx7hZIE6p50yR_RrmlpGQDL5VDcDSnY6ph_EkA5aLIIKfpbWk4HXEMumnhB5rtu3Yv1N7PwjX7zr_0/s320/IMG_1189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5q0X0zzvqYsrNdZnIdouHuGrvqQn-xIp9GRw-27ycKr47wb8Y_hBe9_xGmdzV0Xr_YxM261yUb4ekqORj8x0ezNJgvEyQH9VYemuDtXWKxPoitqNAN-CdQ6RvB57WJBkXY1U-T0W8WNc/s1600/IMG_1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5q0X0zzvqYsrNdZnIdouHuGrvqQn-xIp9GRw-27ycKr47wb8Y_hBe9_xGmdzV0Xr_YxM261yUb4ekqORj8x0ezNJgvEyQH9VYemuDtXWKxPoitqNAN-CdQ6RvB57WJBkXY1U-T0W8WNc/s320/IMG_1166.JPG" width="320" /></a>On Sunday, Cathy and I met our Eugene Hiker’s<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://www.meetup.com/camping-162/"> meetup group</a> and we carpooled about 2hrs northwest of here for a hike up Mt. Hebo. The day was gray but the lush greenery of the forest understory was bright and rich. The hike lasted several hours and wasn’t very taxing. I enjoyed getting to know some Eugeners who like to hike, it was a group of about 9 or 10 of us. At the peak, we munched on our snacks and our trip leader Chad handed out pieces of chocolate. The sun broke through for a moment and we even got to see down into the valley from whence we just came (or so I assume). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We drove to Pacific City which is, as you might imagine, right on the Pacific! There’s a nice pub with a patio that ends in the sand so, after I ordered my drink, I threw off my muddy shoes and ran across the expansive strip of beach to the water. It was crisp and I ran along the shore to the sandstone cliffs, looking out at the massive rock that busted out of the sea around which tiny pinpoints that were seabirds rode the air currents and came to rest at one of the many nests on the rock face. I couldn’t see it too well but memories of working with <a href="http://aqspees.blogspot.com/">Andrew</a> off the coast of Washington were vivid. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhBDOM8LM2cd3sjFgdVlIfj3Yay7wjORhFir5taqIz-iPb9vEJ58n_ju4r-rrWRJvq3kwKZ4GSI-UhpAw9mWYhqXD9enO8KHjhF_nTR2RE3dOFNeOIgDbKYIjz8FzlDbL5j8krF0L_e4/s1600/IMG_1193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhBDOM8LM2cd3sjFgdVlIfj3Yay7wjORhFir5taqIz-iPb9vEJ58n_ju4r-rrWRJvq3kwKZ4GSI-UhpAw9mWYhqXD9enO8KHjhF_nTR2RE3dOFNeOIgDbKYIjz8FzlDbL5j8krF0L_e4/s200/IMG_1193.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ymSgPtQMHrG93R5duWEvhyElAb7UShG7txOGJVRKGY3sbWfW1t9a2wU8rBGlyrf05SR6Elh8UmN030XWbzmG4OLQ9lRkOfqHjuNyoAsVLUHJdaO0iyx62HowLE9ed5mEDwtley7P_lk/s1600/IMG_1191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ymSgPtQMHrG93R5duWEvhyElAb7UShG7txOGJVRKGY3sbWfW1t9a2wU8rBGlyrf05SR6Elh8UmN030XWbzmG4OLQ9lRkOfqHjuNyoAsVLUHJdaO0iyx62HowLE9ed5mEDwtley7P_lk/s320/IMG_1191.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="MsoNormal">The dinner was great (salmon had to be involved, of course) and we enjoyed each other’s company while overlooking the great Pacific Ocean. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDBeFihrfJY3gmKFgUjFCxEBleM0JtZZDsJjby1vjl7dOBSAFjs4cTyG7cUHqfonq0aKCTJM5xQK6p5ty4_KsJQ8n6-LXzbnuy78bjwYtpvcqNGripVNM-_5cA8s63hnb9i2ntH8cCfU/s1600/IMG_1201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDBeFihrfJY3gmKFgUjFCxEBleM0JtZZDsJjby1vjl7dOBSAFjs4cTyG7cUHqfonq0aKCTJM5xQK6p5ty4_KsJQ8n6-LXzbnuy78bjwYtpvcqNGripVNM-_5cA8s63hnb9i2ntH8cCfU/s320/IMG_1201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathy and Me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-18605918892605888732011-06-17T15:26:00.001-04:002011-06-17T15:29:44.778-04:00Final (not entirely) Lazy Days<div class="MsoNormal">On Wednesday, I spent the morning writing out on the deck in the beautiful weather. The mornings and evenings have been chilly and it warms up in the day. Nonetheless, it’s always cool in the shade and on the bike so I try to remind myself to take a jacket wherever I go even though it’s June. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHl1nrJFiVycU6a-xbStROUYuOcSwFCodQCB9CygjrcTML1hxb14Tqayrb6WEzU2f7_VFeCfnduZGNqzl560K6_XyGuAJj7jJ0UYPA5DRnx2ot0Fz1TugeMXJb3upS2G3q7ubA5USodw/s1600/IMG_1118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHl1nrJFiVycU6a-xbStROUYuOcSwFCodQCB9CygjrcTML1hxb14Tqayrb6WEzU2f7_VFeCfnduZGNqzl560K6_XyGuAJj7jJ0UYPA5DRnx2ot0Fz1TugeMXJb3upS2G3q7ubA5USodw/s320/IMG_1118.JPG" width="240" /></a> I made a trip to the market and picked up some necessities. I really like our store, it’s called Market of Choice but Cathy still calls it the old name it went by, PC’s, which always comes to mind before M.o.C. and <i>she</i> knows exactly what I’m talking about. Kind of like how People’s Drug changed to CVS back in MD and we called it People’s for ages after. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyhoo, I had my fun strolling along through the aisles. I really, really like grocery shopping. Whenever I’ve lived on my own, it’s always been an event I looked forward to. I just like the process of thinking out my week’s feasts and trying to find the healthy but relatively cheap options. And now, having read The <a href="http://michaelpollan.com/books/the-omnivores-dilemma/">Omnivore’s Dilemma</a> by Michael Pollan, I’m trying to find the corn-free options, and that’s not easy! </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br />
I noticed a sale on what looked like a really great root beer and saw that all but one had been snapped up by all the eager shoppers before me. Well, upon closer inspection, I noticed one of the main ingredients: High Fructose Corn Syrup. The cheap, plentiful and highly processed “sugar”. So I looked around at my other options and realized that this “gourmet” soda was, at sale price, the same price as some of the other good looking 4packs that used <i>cane</i> sugar and that were fairly local as well! So you can imagine the swagger <i>this</i> smart shopper employed as she pushed her cart on down the aisle. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUyV1h0PajNzG0VwapMhvD0BCUYxMTQ6EtR2JjftI10QNeECrdiMl-5p9UlFOUCCqHhqVnQEv-nwy4HTQh5P3te_1yg3bYmq3HowiKNkCVYspHaluElPfGvOnx9rUttRZKIOYyMYvu_s/s1600/IMG_1136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUyV1h0PajNzG0VwapMhvD0BCUYxMTQ6EtR2JjftI10QNeECrdiMl-5p9UlFOUCCqHhqVnQEv-nwy4HTQh5P3te_1yg3bYmq3HowiKNkCVYspHaluElPfGvOnx9rUttRZKIOYyMYvu_s/s320/IMG_1136.JPG" width="320" /></a>Cathy and I had planned to go on the 6pm GEARs ride that evening and we knew that for today’s ride they’d be coming from the meeting location south so we decided we’d intercept them before they hooked onto Loraine Rd. Well we weren’t sure exactly where they’d pop out onto it so we parked at a cross street looking back and forth. Suddenly Cathy saw them ahead of us and we rushed to catch up. Well, just our luck, the last in the line just barely made the light between 29<sup>th</sup> and Willamette and we were far enough behind that they hadn’t noticed us. We waited out the loooong signal and they were far ahead of us as we pedaled our hearts out after them. Where 29th turns into Loraine there begins a long uphill so we labored our way up, hoping to see the group around the next bend. After a great deal of exertion, we made it to the top, and there was the group! Apparently, they’d already broken off from the slower half so we pulled up (utterly spent!) and it was several minutes before the rest of the group arrived! Ha, well we weren’t too worse for wear and, luckily, the rest of the ride would be fairly flat. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCsIAbufKpyAtc0jx3n4J4Z1_tyMxqejW4ZXpF_CUjPoqzsFn2actUKxKeaZ8e3fDHyb2b4u6w8cWszGj7l1Wg8PeGXM88AX-Q5OyI_uVN6wEtvRqf3rhIYyWF-yxlHI19Sov4PKgjaM/s1600/IMG_1137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCsIAbufKpyAtc0jx3n4J4Z1_tyMxqejW4ZXpF_CUjPoqzsFn2actUKxKeaZ8e3fDHyb2b4u6w8cWszGj7l1Wg8PeGXM88AX-Q5OyI_uVN6wEtvRqf3rhIYyWF-yxlHI19Sov4PKgjaM/s320/IMG_1137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">The evening light worked it’s magic while we pedaled between the hills. I’m slowly getting to know some of the other regulars, there’s Garry who has my same bike (color too!) the Surly Long Haul Trucker (oh, love of my life..), and Gary, a friend of Cathy’s from when she biked with the group 10 years ago. He lives a couple streets north of us. Rick is a cabinet maker who built a perfect little wooden bench with drawers for shoe-storage that Cathy wanted for the front entrance of the house. There’s Mike, a big guy who coordinates the ride schedule and Sterling, a short man with a long gray beard who said he’d sponsor me as a racing cyclist, haha. There tend to be more men and only a handful of women, none of which I’ve seen more than once. I have only been out for three rides though. I am determined to keep it up, I absolutely love getting out for these treks and doing some longer distances. With the group, I’m challenged to go faster just to keep up. I hope my school/work schedule allows for me to continue with them!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">That evening Cathy shared some of her fresh garden greens and we both made delicious salads.We were pooped!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJITRt9b-ta2dh5WzcsRcbpJnG1h6rZ8mliQYRNdn8W-MizbZa5QxnAngir2Y44zo-90MgOx0S54mEwYJA9mzKbUVtNfmDNc1EDwY54LDiMPag40o3I9SUHdgjGT_YMg96i_A_aMD-vy4/s1600/IMG_1147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJITRt9b-ta2dh5WzcsRcbpJnG1h6rZ8mliQYRNdn8W-MizbZa5QxnAngir2Y44zo-90MgOx0S54mEwYJA9mzKbUVtNfmDNc1EDwY54LDiMPag40o3I9SUHdgjGT_YMg96i_A_aMD-vy4/s320/IMG_1147.JPG" width="240" /></a>For Thursday, I started my day out making muffins! I had gotten various ingredients from the market yesterday with just this in mind. Cathy made some of her really great ones a couple days before and shared one with me last night and that truly was the inspiration for today's endeavor. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I of course had some company helping me along, giving advice and making suggestions...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In the early afternoon I went down to campus to tend to some matters and I decided to head to the downtown area from there. I parked my bike and strolled around so I could get a slower-paced idea of the streets. It’s a nice downtown, seemed pretty quiet that afternoon. I think the whole of Eugene is much more low-key during the summer. Graduation was this past week and it seems like the visiting families, graduation parties and moving-out commotion is winding down. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I got a veggie bagel from Bagel Sphere and ate it in the park where they hold Saturday Market. There’s a big fancy fountain and some large fir trees that I enjoyed the company of while I ate and watched the people go by.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This will be one of my last lazy afternoons for awhile! </div>stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-53830913237514591142011-06-15T17:34:00.000-04:002011-06-15T17:34:34.052-04:00Sunny Day Adventures<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:RelyOnVML/> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">Wow, this week the days we keep having slow cloudy morning starts but then the sun comes out and it warms up and turns just <i>gorgeous!</i> On Monday I went on a jog on the Rexius trail as it began to get sunny and enjoyed listening to an NPR Fresh Air podcast on my Ipod…learning while jogging! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWv2DaHoi764HyxSmUrWPw7o6L5QDzJ6n_6kXkcg0xDGLtorUwB_eZf3eb-bziZQB2HUZaWH-Xv7F6p0yuhzBJJrvHtk3C0OamJAQtCDuQDEr_cPA-9oQxragvsbnmC44X3j06TSFdu_Y/s1600/IMG_1129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWv2DaHoi764HyxSmUrWPw7o6L5QDzJ6n_6kXkcg0xDGLtorUwB_eZf3eb-bziZQB2HUZaWH-Xv7F6p0yuhzBJJrvHtk3C0OamJAQtCDuQDEr_cPA-9oQxragvsbnmC44X3j06TSFdu_Y/s320/IMG_1129.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Later I met up with Jordan and we biked out Fern Ridge Trail, which I’ve been meaning to do for days. It follows Amazon Creek which runs west out of the city. Initially we work our way through neighborhoods but then the valley opens up and you look out across a wide expanse of grasslands. The trail heads to Fern Ridge Reservoir but first there is a big marshland, and that’s where Jordan took me for some bird watching! Turns out he was a big birder when he was younger and, since he grew up in the area, he knew just where a good spot was. We were able to get up on this platform overlooking the pondy marsh area and we saw some really nice stuff: cinnamon teal, osprey, marsh wrens belting out their wild mechanical sounding song from the thick cover of marsh grass, and a group of about 300-40 huge white pelicans! Sure didn’t expect that! Jordan told me that when he came here in his early teens, the birders made a big deal when they saw just a single pelican. Well apparently populations are on the rise! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I did notice there was a weird half circle extruding from the middle of the top mandible of some of the birds’ bills. The first one I saw, I assumed it was some piece of trash that had gotten stuck on the bill but then I saw it on several more individuals. Well, I looked it up online and it turns out that it is a natural protrusion called a horn which grows anew every breeding season! It seems like both male and female adults have this feature which is shed after mating. Pretty weird! I was more ready to call it some kind of human caused thing before thinking it could possibly be something natural!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We watched the pelicans shuffling along in groups in the shallow water, heads submerged as they herded and caught small fish. They are huge birds, even from far away, when they take flight they look the size of a crane. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We also heard a great deal of activity in the grasses, including Virginia Rail, Sora and Least Bittern. <span> </span>Some other spots included beautiful Black Terns which seem silver-lined, Caspian Terns and a Black-Crowned Night Heron. It was gorgeous out and warm except when the sun went behind a cloud for a moment or two. I still need to get use to this completely different climate (and remember a hoodie wherever I go)! The Eugeners tell me this is still quite cold for June, that it really should be much warmer. I’m not complaining!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For Tuesday, I met up with a new outdoorsy friend named Damien. We went up Skinner’s Butte and it was so clear and blue that we had a perfect view of the snow-engulfed Three Sisters; peaks ranging above 10,000ft! It has been so fun meeting new Eugene people, I feel like I have so much in common with a great number of them. I feel really lucky to be enjoying Eugene in the summer while everyone is out and playing sports, cycling and soaking up the sun. I definitely won’t be taking this perfect weather for granted, though! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHa_JO1N4tP-Pixp_vu0jQRjcz-w0VryYy4zPOpXt4g6K_jihYEQ-XUj2AT2R9yBXJ_m7Kaa1Dkax7HjpnlQBLqQZyVmllsXmmR0KD0NTipylHCuC2aBERwp9fY87Z0VG5TFm2WWfe4n0/s1600/IMG_1131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHa_JO1N4tP-Pixp_vu0jQRjcz-w0VryYy4zPOpXt4g6K_jihYEQ-XUj2AT2R9yBXJ_m7Kaa1Dkax7HjpnlQBLqQZyVmllsXmmR0KD0NTipylHCuC2aBERwp9fY87Z0VG5TFm2WWfe4n0/s320/IMG_1131.JPG" width="240" /></a>On my way home, I decided to turn up Fox Hollow and go up into the hills a ways. It’s a definite climb, but once you get up about a thousand feet, it’s just so lovely..the purple lupines and the dark green conifers against a brilliant aqua sky…it’s also very peaceful up there. I road for about an hour and hurtled back down the hill with supper in mind. As I pulled out my fixin’s to make a killer salad, I remembered my lack of carrots and was thinking “Darn, I can’t have my salad without carrots! Wait. I’m suppose to be picking up my local foods produce today. I’m suppose to be picking it up right NOW!” With ten minutes to go, I dropped everything and ran out the door. I drove down to the pickup spot with a minute to spare and there was my nice local foods lady, waiting to distribute the last of the pickups-mine! Whew! They give your food away to charity if you don’t show up, which isn’t the worst thing to have happen but man those carrots just <i>made</i> my salad. Not to mention the Tokyo White Turnips and the sugar snap peas, as well as the farm fresh egg from last week that I hard boiled. Put some greens under it all, throw on some onion and pumpkin seeds and Annies Papaya Poppy Seed Dressing and you’re good to go!</div>stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-89438378901555043012011-06-12T22:18:00.000-04:002011-06-12T22:18:05.888-04:00Cycling in Rain Ain't as Bad as it SoundsBreakfast out on the deck this morning under a sunny blue sky. I had planned to make it a lazy coffee shop day.<br />
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Cathy had other ideas!<br />
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She asked if I wanted to go for a bike ride. Why of course! She suggested out to a couple of the nearer wineries and back. Well I'd seen a sign for them when I came back yesterday from dressy clothes shopping for work. They didn't seem far at all.<br />
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Today's <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/loops/eugene_wineries__rain-Ini7Q4WUyP/">bikeride</a>.<br />
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Off we went, under oh-so-slowly clouding over skies. <br />
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It was a gorgeous ride. Anything south of Eugene is guaranteed to be mind bogglingly beautiful. I was boggled.<br />
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And yes, I need to have my camera attached to me at all times. Today I didn't.<br />
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We pedaled on, encountering one hill, among many smaller ones, that did NOT want to end. We crawled up for what seemed like ages. Meanwhile the scenery was lovely, lots of evergreen hills and the forests revealed wild gnarly maples that were adorned in lichen and draped with moss. There were always houses tucked in along the way, some yielding gorgeous gardens and meticulously tended vegetable gardens. The rhododendrons are still flamingly in bloom. The fields were either grasses, cover crops or livestock. On one hill in the distance a moving white cloud of sheep moved it's way across the green slope.<br />
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The rain couldn't decide if it wanted to have it's way or not. We kept getting sprinkled upon and would belatedly notice it stopping again.<br />
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The vineyard we passed looked like it had been long harvested, the vines were cut way back.<br />
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We made a long loop and joined back up with the road we took out into the country. Here was where the rain made it's final decision, accompanying us all the way home. It wasn't cold, though, especially with the work we were doing. My biggest fear about riding in the rain was that I wouldn't be able to see, being glasses'd and all. Seemed, though, that my prescription sunglasses are the best solution: they protect my eyes from the drops and they didn't get anywhere near obscured enough to not feel like I could ride. Well there I go! That was my biggest fear of the rainy winter to come and I just found out something promising! Not to mention the visor on my helmet, when I cocked it lower, also proved to be great protection.<br />
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Three hours after leaving, we pulled back into our driveway, completely spent!<br />
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A warm shower and a late lunch did the trick, though! I enjoyed the second half of my <a href="http://www.brunoschefskitchen.com/index.php?op=home">Chef's Kitchen</a> Plum Curried Hallibut which I got for working and ate half of <a href="http://chaosbeyond.blogspot.com/2011/06/maxed-out-in-good-way.html">last night</a>. A night in the refrigerator and that hallibut is <i>still </i>to die for!! The curry sauce and firmness of the meat, MM! It's not a huge dish but I think it's worth the whopping thirty dollar price tag! Nice to get it for free!<br />
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Now what for dessert...hmmm...stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-90126636963951151542011-06-12T02:12:00.001-04:002011-06-12T21:22:52.886-04:00Maxed Out in a Good Way<div class="MsoNormal">I was jogging the Rexius Trail yesterday I was thinking of how dehydrated I've been after my jogs lately. I don't like carrying water with me while I run and, as I neared the end of my jog, I was thinking maybe next time to fill a nalgene and hide it in the woods near the playground before I started to have at the end of my loop. Well, I was done and was walking on the sidewalk to cool off when I saw a sign in the grass at the edge of the front yard of the first house after the park. Walking closer, I saw a big cooler and a bowl. The sign read something similar to: “Water for Dogs and Humans, Help Yourself!”. Well I <i>never</i>....I never would have <i>dreamed</i>!! I opened the cooler to discover three jugs full of water and 2 bags, one with fresh paper cups and the other for the used cups.This was too much...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Where else but Eugene?!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">That afternoon I met up with Jordan, my new friend, and we played some frisbee and tossed the softball. The day was glorious. You can simply look around at the amount of people so <i>thoroughly</i> enjoying the outdoors to understand how sun deprived these people can get. I wonder how it will affect me? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Afterwards we got dinner at this Thai place in the western section of Eugene (not anywhere as cute as my stomping grounds, I’m glad I researched thoroughly to know the good places to look for housing). Nonetheless, I will definitely go back thattaway for more Thai! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Afterwards, he showed me Skinner’s Butte, which was a few blocks away. It rises up next to the river and there’s a paved road to the top so we biked up. The long summer days are easy to get use to, I’ll be sad when they go. We could see the entirety of Eugene below us and sections of the river as well as the mountains beyond. There were lots of people up there enjoying the scenery as the sun went down. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eiBKYeQKCfp4x0CuPpUEibObvvkfdfG2VeCwpCz38thDOiuVj45wQF6jNq85uk1l6pmfHhzFJ-EipGwzuyym5FwRpCcjycVifRkBhH7OZ5XkHllOEqhOzCsbieCvvqRZUuit046pk7c/s1600/IMG_1119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eiBKYeQKCfp4x0CuPpUEibObvvkfdfG2VeCwpCz38thDOiuVj45wQF6jNq85uk1l6pmfHhzFJ-EipGwzuyym5FwRpCcjycVifRkBhH7OZ5XkHllOEqhOzCsbieCvvqRZUuit046pk7c/s320/IMG_1119.JPG" width="240" /></a>Today was the most packed full day I’ve had yet. It started with a 9am GEARs bike ride up to Harrisburg, 20 miles north of here. The group this time was a bunch of speed demons! I was panting hard for an hour straight, giving it my all to keep up. I fell behind far enough at one point that the “slower” group realized they could slow it down a bit. The funny part was, all four of them were saying how fast it was, like they wouldn’t have been going so fast if someone else hadn’t set the pace so fast but no one claimed to be the pace setter! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It was a cloudy morning that persisted into the afternoon. There was a shroud over the mountains that was really lovely and the chill in the air lasted for the entire ride as the temperature settled into the sixties. Apparently it’s been 10 degrees cooler than it should be at this time of the year, but you don’t hear me complaining, no, you only hear me boasting to the poor easterners who are all suffering in the 100 plus degree heat and humidity!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3z-Dm-kpQGhd9oKVKsz6ZOJhrYdhBlDDjwN9Hbfsu7H3CRUZEUqfdqawvL0MxNHdHtWhE68FQCK8oQNjhCubl5wjKnKFVNuOe2au14fzVD9B7jJyXwgViGQOwDj1hX3-b6QRbusqKhIE/s1600/IMG_1122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3z-Dm-kpQGhd9oKVKsz6ZOJhrYdhBlDDjwN9Hbfsu7H3CRUZEUqfdqawvL0MxNHdHtWhE68FQCK8oQNjhCubl5wjKnKFVNuOe2au14fzVD9B7jJyXwgViGQOwDj1hX3-b6QRbusqKhIE/s320/IMG_1122.JPG" width="240" /></a>There was a younger couple that rode with us who had just moved here from Georgia. They had charmingly twangy accents and I liked them right away. I appreciated them as the ones who made sure that I didn’t get left too far behind! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We took a different way home which I really like, GEARs always does loops rather than out and backs. Keeps the scenery changing! It’s cool, we were able to see Spencer’s Butte (the butte up above where I live) from so far away! It slooooowly got closer. We all parted ways at the river trail to go to our respective parts of town and I felt the way Cathy and I did after our Wednesday ride: like the 4 miles home was the hardest part of the entire trip! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The blue sky had emerged from the clouds, so I stopped for a picture on the bridge..</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For the evening, I had my first real obligation since I'd arrived to Eugene: I was scheduled to go to work. Yep! I got a job! Didn’t even really have to apply. I found this restaurant that is about a mile down the road from the house called Chef Bruno’s Kitchen. It sounded neat-only Bruno is the cook and he changes the menu weekly based on seasonal local foods. Well, I thought I’d email and ask if he had any employment he could offer, explaining that I’d been a hostess at Ella’s Restaurant in DC (where my favorite brother works). He wrote back and said he had “an opening up front” and to bring in my resume. Well I dropped by yesterday and saw him out back of the restaurant, coming out of the kitchen and I walked up (knowing it was him from the pictures of the big guy with the grizzly white beard. I introduced myself as the girl who’d been corresponding with him and he sticks his hand out and just before I took it in a shake hello he says “resume!”, so I put that in his hand instead. He glanced at it and asked me what my class schedule would be and I bumbled out the hours of the morning class and he says, “nonono, I don’t care about the morning, I want to know when you’re done!” so I flusteredly gave him that and he says, “when can you start?”..um, sometime next week? “What about Saturday” (tomorrow!?), um..I guess if you really need me.. “Can you be available tonight?” Guhhh..um, I guess? “I’ll have my manager call you at six and tell you if she needs you in”. Um okay…thanks..? “See you soon. Oh and good luck on starting classes!”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I felt like I’d been mowed over by a tornado!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So the manager (his wife) calls at 6:30 yesterday while Jordan and I are biking to dinner and tells me she could use me in a half hour “Uh, I’m not really close to home..” “Oh, well then tomorrow is fine, be in at 6” “Erm, can I ask what you want me to wear?” “White on top, black on bottom..ironed!”</div><div class="MsoNormal">So after eating lunch today when I got home exhausted from my bike ride, I turned right around and went back out to find some halfway nice clothes because nothing I own is white <i>or</i> black, much less dressy…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I had to drive, since the mall where I got the clothes was too far to get back in time (not to mention the fact that I had absolutely no desire to set out another 10+ miles on my bike that day..). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So my driving fast has been officially broken!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I got home with time to drink some coffee to keep my brain in operating mode and make a sad attempt at ironing the new button up white shirt I’d bought. I had 6 minutes to run out the door and pedal my little heart out to make it just in time to the restaurant. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Walking through the kitchen, I was welcomed by Bruno and introduced myself to the prep boys. Chelsea and (?) were the two servers, two wonderfully sweet and silly U of O undergrads. They were great about telling me what to do as we went along…which soon became evident that I was destined not to be a hostess, but a server! They didn’t even have a hostess position there! Well damn, suddenly I’m becoming a waiter! As scary as it’s always seemed to me (I never understood how my brother could do it) it was a blast! So much more fun than being a hostess. I was all over the place, busy every second and having fun interacting with really nice customers who ALL raved about the food. I mean, they were beside themselves! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The kitchen is basically right around a corner from the server’s station so there was a lot of interaction between us and the kitchen boys and Bruno, lots of joking and it was laid back in a really fun way.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So yea, I’ve got me a job! Pretty much out of nowhere, but suddenly I’m neck deep in it. I think it might be okay with my school schedule since the restaurant doesn’t even open til 5 and it’s closed at 9. They are closed on Sunday and Mondays. So I think I’ll definitely have a lot on my plate but I’d like to think it won’t be over the top…I can only wait and see, though!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Whew! What a loooong, busy day! Good thing tomorrow I can relax. </div>stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-42678629068958504062011-06-10T19:15:00.000-04:002011-06-10T19:15:08.229-04:00Darn Trusty!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4YJHMX0T1a9Jcqwz-Af5-bAx9hPM2CCT04Vri1R92oE9s3aOIV7khtJGN4esNBiyA6kqomZKUj9UFbwOb3mGSF9sHCo-AyW6SMSViWjo5EHUI5trf8VjDJ9WJ40DDIXaJHtNPUgRIoM/s1600/IMG_1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4YJHMX0T1a9Jcqwz-Af5-bAx9hPM2CCT04Vri1R92oE9s3aOIV7khtJGN4esNBiyA6kqomZKUj9UFbwOb3mGSF9sHCo-AyW6SMSViWjo5EHUI5trf8VjDJ9WJ40DDIXaJHtNPUgRIoM/s320/IMG_1107.JPG" width="240" /></a><span lang="EN">Yesterday I cleaned out of my car the rest of the carnage left from the cross country trip. I road out on my bike on a mission to go grocery shopping. I still had yet to find a Market of Choice grocery store and am starting to question if they exist. Well, after a few u-turns and parking lot cut throughs, I finally found one. It’s a really great market! Much like Whole Foods but I don’t think quite as expensive. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">First, though, I had to get my coffee fix and got to try out a new place called Supreme Bean. They make a delicious iced soy latte and I appreciated that it was very low key, comfortable and uncrowded. Many of the clientele seemed to be very familiar with the staff which gave it a community feel. It’s very close to me, so much so that I only realized I passed the shopping center when I was 10 blocks beyond it! I took my time paging through a magazine that featured the green businesses and other establishments around the area..like a green yellow pages, if that makes any sense.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">I made my way slowly through the market, figuring out where my mainstays were and discovering a lot of new to me brands. Eugene has a lot of local manufacturers- a creamery nearby that produced Nancy’s Yogurt, there is Bob’s Red Mill, Stash Tea, Tillamook Cheeses…so I went extra slow finding all these gems. Buying local is so good for the earth and it’s so nice when it’s made easy. If only it could be that way everywhere. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGaw6RpTTiYd5tb3Vsx05WsVzXcKgoVTbanl6ZHsGjEkxO0T8YEnt8-d33NR2clNUol0ILkjnFdYco8S4vGD2MxmAvu_JOhuslSqYMydM8VjXxNWtYvqlI7gkdPxL97yMYWZywmlwwIE/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGaw6RpTTiYd5tb3Vsx05WsVzXcKgoVTbanl6ZHsGjEkxO0T8YEnt8-d33NR2clNUol0ILkjnFdYco8S4vGD2MxmAvu_JOhuslSqYMydM8VjXxNWtYvqlI7gkdPxL97yMYWZywmlwwIE/s320/IMG_1106.JPG" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN">At the checkout line, I watched the bagging girl expertly fill up my pannier and I lugged it out to my bike. I had to stop, though, coming out the door to take a few cloud pictures…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">I’m always so surprised that it isn’t harder to ride a bike with all the weight on one side, but it isn’t. I got home easily and, because I’m a dork, weighed myself with the bag. 25lbs of groceries all fit in my trusty pannier! I love that thing. It’s funny, I only remembered at the end of my shopping expedition that I needed to cycle it all home. Now I know I needn’t have worried!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">For the beautiful evening, I lounged out back on the deck listening to my music and drinking tea. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_RAm3bic3_asLwbngthM8E5p_dO2G-L7qCKxnZodi2mjrHb8YgC9_WYQpBOH7Oeu4LaRz1sauppy-XxoktmacvqwYGXOepfdbSZG-DEaGinNtssKU0T1L6TbyT9beK8GhgNO0TmNpPA/s1600/IMG_1109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_RAm3bic3_asLwbngthM8E5p_dO2G-L7qCKxnZodi2mjrHb8YgC9_WYQpBOH7Oeu4LaRz1sauppy-XxoktmacvqwYGXOepfdbSZG-DEaGinNtssKU0T1L6TbyT9beK8GhgNO0TmNpPA/s320/IMG_1109.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-51771134340011501832011-06-09T01:55:00.000-04:002011-06-09T01:55:56.352-04:00Three Rivers Tour<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:RelyOnVML/> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">Oh wow, today was a day of polar opposites! I started it out at 2pm (seriously!) because at around 3 in the morning I woke up feeling feverish. Sweaty and freezing cold, monster headache and every part of me was achy, even my skin! Cathy hadn’t been feeling well the day before and heard at work that something was going around. I got up and drank a big glass of water and took some Advil PM in hopes of getting rid of the headache. Well that PM packed a punch! I felt better when I emerged from my mountain of pillows and blankets. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I took it easy for the day, knowing that I wanted to still be able to make the 28 mile GEARs (Greater Eugene Area Riders) ride that evening.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://eugenegears.org/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlHj0j7PI19SLQfgDNCQoSKaJyMKEXBVVL_ozuyntlUzcJbGtZvYG4M8xM49ZXoH9LBAo2RBe10EhTFf4IH9w-qlFhTC94VH7E39uzZs7Yj6FSFYDBzrLjDuIKCzzmx3PBytym3Na7LY/s400/gears.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This'll get you to their website..</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My (what turned out to be absolutely <i>genius</i>) idea was to cook up a big batch of millet mixed with coconut milk and some of my yummies from Eugene Local Food: kale, shitakes and carrots. I refrigerated it so that when I came back from the ride I’d have dinner ready and waiting. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Genius. I got home and only just barely had the strength to put some in a bowl and nook it in the microwave. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite being totally pooped, I feel elated after what turned out to be a fantastic ride!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The meet up point was 6pm at Alton Baker Park (across the Willamette River, pronounced <i>“Will-AM-it”</i>) and the turnout was good, about 20 riders. The makeup was mostly age 40-ish (I’m guessing) and up, and only 4 females including my roommate Cathy, who road straight over from work, and me. There was a pair of undergrads from the U of O, a couple. The girl, Rachel, surmised that the lack of students was due to this being finals week, “everyone is either studying or out drinking”. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We rode out via the north bank of the Willamette river trail and made our way through a residential maze before getting out onto more country roads with farm fields and rolling mountain views. The majority of the ride was flat save for one uphill that showed me that I have some training to do before I feel confident that I can maintain some dignity on some of the more hilly rides! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here's the <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/loops/eugene_three_rivers_tour-ivUL6uQusw/">route</a>. I called it the Three Rivers Tour.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We kept our speed up the entire loop so even during the flat areas I felt like I was getting a good workout. Gary, the ride leader, stays at the back of the group ensuring that no rider be left behind. We talked for awhile along the way and he told me how he’s been here for three years and the man was just raving about how much he loved it. His enthusiasm, three rainy winters in, was definitely great to witness. He ensured me that I’d certainly be able to stay on my bike through the winter (I don’t want to use my car at all if I can help it, save for my out-of-Eugene excursions) he, along with everyone else, just says I need to be sure to have the right gear which is a synonym for <i>good</i> rain gear. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I also got to talking with Ruthy, a retired U of O professor who taught linguistics. Everyone was so friendly and wildly pro-Eugene. She had moved here 13 years ago from Pennsylvania and “never looked back!”. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The end of the ride took us through Springfield which is just east of Eugene. We hooked back up with the river trail around 8pm and said our goodbyes as pairs and individuals peeled off to head to their various home destinations. Cathy and I crossed the Frohnmayer Bike Bridge to Agate Street towards home. We stopped into her office building so she could pick up her belongings because she biked to work. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We groaned our way up the final hill to her house and peeled ourselves off our bikes. Exhausted and satisfied, we gulped down dinner (Mmmillet! I’ll say it once more: <i>Genius</i>) and crawled off to our respective rooms.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have to say, I feel pretty great now! I am glad I started with this ride, though, instead of one of the 40 milers that are coming up this weekend. This way I was able to get an idea of the pace of group rides and where I fall in the ranks. I’m definitely going to have to work up to the higher mileages, particularly since they tend to get further out into the hilly areas. Being on my bike every day like I have been, hopefully I’ll get there sooner rather than later!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Gorgeous day, by the way, the evening light was so lovely. I managed not to ever ride off the road (as I’ve been known to..) while taking in the scenery! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh how the bed is calling…goodnight!</div>stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-77226389731724808932011-06-07T23:22:00.001-04:002011-06-07T23:23:06.722-04:00It's Official!<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">So I started out the week getting some things taken care of around the U of O campus, starting with the very important and official <i>student I.D.!!</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQmgAuUyqEzuajyV3q5XzdETGFNBdPCTH201127qurP7fXI6onx2-yjb7V4_QzBjF72OXlYnAehhvFUn3jPwNgSfkZ01exJtI_Z4RD6iKPrj4CqlDDgXeyzo4aXCO5l4Qu05jOmUtBWk/s1600/mms_picture%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQmgAuUyqEzuajyV3q5XzdETGFNBdPCTH201127qurP7fXI6onx2-yjb7V4_QzBjF72OXlYnAehhvFUn3jPwNgSfkZ01exJtI_Z4RD6iKPrj4CqlDDgXeyzo4aXCO5l4Qu05jOmUtBWk/s200/mms_picture%25287%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><i> </i>I meandered around campus for a good while, getting lost and found and lost again. It really isn’t so complicated; I just didn’t want to be the one kid holding her campus map upside-down trying to orient herself while walking off the path into some bushes. Oh wait, that was me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I explored the library and it was very large and nice. I’ll be having my classes there this summer. I also found that the student life center was enormous and there are lots of nice little pockets to settle into for studying. At Warren Wilson, our student life center was a tiny basically basement room. I think so, anyways, I never went in there. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Monday was kind of my get-lost day, I tooled around the city just getting an idea of where everything was which was fun. There are so many cute little restaurants and cafes! I’m also figuring out bike routes through the city, like which streets are one-way and which don’t have a bike lane. I am glad that I’ve already become old hat at city riding in DC. I liked riding there but here, there’s less traffic, more bike lanes, people are nicer and actually stop to let you pass when they aren’t required to, and the trees, parks and phenomenally tended residential gardens are just the icing! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I ended up going onto the river trail and followed it for several miles, crossing from one side to another on the pedestrian/bike bridges. Violet green swallows nest under them and you can peer over the rail and see them zoom in and out. There was a pair of mouthy ospreys meanwhile soaring high above. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cathy and I watched a movie before bed. She can project it up onto one wall so it’s like we’re in the theatre. Now that’s just classy! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedG9Z2Q5pScy1KPnNIg6Lza7W-6jNxyMxHoRkDqMYzxEXEwhyphenhyphenp53dQZFvsg8bPP8CfBlyRok_g66EGG6SIow5YokxEvVBt4Szt5Cs5MvEood4TwGS6_SEZ7uuHut_aSt2aF2UlA2WNWc/s1600/mms_picture%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedG9Z2Q5pScy1KPnNIg6Lza7W-6jNxyMxHoRkDqMYzxEXEwhyphenhyphenp53dQZFvsg8bPP8CfBlyRok_g66EGG6SIow5YokxEvVBt4Szt5Cs5MvEood4TwGS6_SEZ7uuHut_aSt2aF2UlA2WNWc/s320/mms_picture%25288%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh bicycle, love of my life how I adore you...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Today I met a kid at the coffee shop who had a frisbee in his bag and I asked him if he played with a group of any kind (I’m desperate to find a leisurely, non-competitive pickup group) well turned out he didn’t but we got to talking and turns out he’s an aspiring writer! He just finished grad school for creative writing and went to U of O for undergrad, we ended up chatting for a long while about cool places to see around town. How could that not, you ask, lead to a frisbee tossing session? How not indeed! We threw it back and forth under the cloudy turned sunny day at a park around the corner for an hour or so. My first official Eugene friend!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On my way home I stopped by to pick up my Eugene Local Food share that I ordered last week..I can’t describe how happy it made me: a HUGE bag of frozen blueberries, kale, fresh eggs, snap peas that were so crispy and sweet, chives and carrots right out of the ground, and shitake mushrooms that brought memories of my college days inoculating logs and harvesting those tasty little forest dwellers. Ahhh. This is how life should be. And each thing was from one happy farm or another just a stone’s throw from Eugene! Well, perfect timing that my pannier, a sturdy bag that fits off one side of my rear rack had just arrived in the mail that morning! I piled in my produce and road happily home, the green carrot tops waving in the wind. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-16639893904958236902011-06-06T00:21:00.001-04:002011-06-07T23:16:21.912-04:00Gettin' on my Bike!<div class="MsoNormal">Since I wrote last, I’ve made a world of fantastical discoveries! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVUh8KdUYsT5Idug4h4KdlSHSuYjoOkP9vLWcQ8vhymFY6B_J5bVZV5ynMsam8IQHNefj5YQbvAwEeAW5Eb1oa_tUBQ06nx45GWg5WU789X6FYKw-Fpp_53lXqlhVhPRNT_Ph8jQe9ng/s1600/0603111913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVUh8KdUYsT5Idug4h4KdlSHSuYjoOkP9vLWcQ8vhymFY6B_J5bVZV5ynMsam8IQHNefj5YQbvAwEeAW5Eb1oa_tUBQ06nx45GWg5WU789X6FYKw-Fpp_53lXqlhVhPRNT_Ph8jQe9ng/s1600/0603111913.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So Eugene has a good number of lovely hidden wonders that are slowly revealing themselves to me and the first that I came across was the Hendricks City Park. While the name sparks nothing in the imagination, I was told there was a rhododendron garden there I didn’t want to miss. So I hopped on to my Surly (aka the love of my life, aka my bicycle) and started down the hill toward Amazon. Well, my bike, which had spent the past week on the back of my Nissan Versa hatchback as we barreled across the country, was clicking and clacking. It did not sound happy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After a quick adjustment, I was able to carry on although now I had Paul’s Bicycle Way of Life as my destination to give ‘er a look over. Nothing too ghastly, just that the derailleur needed some adjusting and the whole thing needed a good oiling. Five bucks later I was on my way, smoothly sailing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was delighted at the wide roads and the ability to take a residential bike route to avoid the busier roads. I went along looking from one side to the other at all of the cute houses and beautiful landscaping and carefully tended gardens. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After a few wrong turns, I found my way to the park. Surprisingly enough, the two dimensional map did not give any hint at the fact that the park was 800ft up! So I down-shifted and labored my way up and up and up. The foresty wonderland was beautiful, though not totally distracting. Breathing heavily and starting to sweat, I made it to the top of the hill and coasted down to the gardens. I parked my bike in a conveniently placed rack and locked ‘er up (I can’t decide if my bike is a him or her…somehow ‘er sounds right..). Then I walked through a winding network of pathways leading through a maze of rhododendrons. Many were past their prime but there was still enough in full bloom to take my breath away. I walked slowly and didn’t neglect to notice the tiny, delicate blue, white and pink flowers that covered the forest floor. All around were enormous dark fir trees that made for a stunning landscape. In the middle of it all was a large swath of grass where I resolved to have many, many picnics and reading/study sessions upon in the near future. I was enamored. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On Saturday, I enjoyed a long bike ride with my housemate Cathy. She was glad I got her out for the first time this season and so was I. She took me out on Fox Hollow Rd. which climbed higher and higher, out of the southern neighborhoods and up to the more forested landscape. There were farms and occasional houses and sometimes we were given a view of layers of hazy mountains, receding into the distance. The climbs were certainly do-able, but definitely had us puffing. I think, for me, the hardest part was the downhill. It. Was. Steep. I mean <i>steep!</i> And went on <i>forever</i> winding and twisting down and down and down. We were flyyying. I stayed on my breaks nearly the entire time while Cathy pulled far ahead. It was never scary, just a little nervousy, especially imagining how far one could fly were they to lose their bike for whatever reason out from under them! I was happy to grind down my breakpads to mere nothingness to keep from having to find out. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We were beat (but alive!) at the end of that ride! Such a great day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today I got up at 6am for a group birdwalk I’d seen a posting about that was held at Hendricks Park. I was the only one without gray hair in the group of about 15, which was of no surprise. It was a fun time, though, brushing up on these western bird calls and songs. I spotted a raccoon totally konked out, up on a branch high in a fir tree! It was the greatest pose: his butt towards us with tail hanging down and his body curled around to reveal his little face, eyes closed in a deep, deep sleep. Lil’ guy was tuckered! We saw hoards of cedar waxwings, feeding on Oregon Grape berries and the leader pointed out a Bushtit nest…the group was laid back and really nice, although I only talked to a few people. They were excited to tell me about all the upcoming walks I could come along on, I hope I can keep it up once classes start! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I biked to Vero, the café that Monica, Jarrod, Matt and I had tested out and had an iced coffee and a late breakfast of eggs, toast (homemade bread!) and jam, and fruit. I sat out on their brand new deck and read for a couple of hours in the shade. The weather was delightful. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkW-LSqcQvRlf_Hle8rFXcinaRXaDRsZDfKaQ1U0EcJRiu8eMgGisuTPne_oQAtPsZ6uC5eD0q3BOPs8n4Cv3jV_DC1guL_RDuVwM_yOAC5R5jyyQN1K-4_I5W6qLMP5_2Ruqq-xnT5A/s1600/mms_picture%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkW-LSqcQvRlf_Hle8rFXcinaRXaDRsZDfKaQ1U0EcJRiu8eMgGisuTPne_oQAtPsZ6uC5eD0q3BOPs8n4Cv3jV_DC1guL_RDuVwM_yOAC5R5jyyQN1K-4_I5W6qLMP5_2Ruqq-xnT5A/s320/mms_picture%25284%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I got home and tooled around a bit before deciding to take a short jog. I went along the Rexius Trail to the trailhead that leads through the forest up to Fox Hollow Rd. It was a mile long and an elevation gain of around 1000ft! Definitely a huffer, but it was spread out enough that I never felt like keeling over. Only almost. The forest was beautiful and lush! I can’t get over the moss covered tree trunks and branches. I made it up to the road and took another trail back into the forest that went toward Mt. Baldy. I didn’t go all the way, just a mile and walked back, taking my time, watching and listening to the forest life. I can’t believe this is practically a stone’s throw away from my doorstep!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Topping it all off, I've had multiple amazing sunsets right outside my sliding glass door...</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrnvrISzWdb1FNQnpRgPeWcTCscq5ngI3suzzNhKuUSiJSRB5vlr5pQ5NmzsKJOCV76uZGfSow7A5fjagkBFXk5RVeNH5N9B3wVg5-jtnABmz-qhfjxcZojDD-V2GbweSL_QRuxwI3eA/s1600/mms_picture%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrnvrISzWdb1FNQnpRgPeWcTCscq5ngI3suzzNhKuUSiJSRB5vlr5pQ5NmzsKJOCV76uZGfSow7A5fjagkBFXk5RVeNH5N9B3wVg5-jtnABmz-qhfjxcZojDD-V2GbweSL_QRuxwI3eA/s400/mms_picture%25286%2529.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Imagine the pink to be multiplied in hot pinkness 100x.. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div>stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-13545036219054403802011-06-03T18:53:00.000-04:002011-06-03T18:53:25.293-04:00A Eugene Kind of Life<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Author>Louisa de Heer</o:Author> <o:Version>12.00</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbpMKlKWvdeH9rjh5C6oTVFvEwQjMsKFZPrUMtdnTEjpurnIwbNGu98GMN7z8h4Zrbzkc5suLRTKNPLqjd7DLmpuAODOkBZFHk8ogPc9HUU8jx6WnI9l1XMxZ-dRRjQW2rZHvIBCVwVw/s1600/kitties.eugene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbpMKlKWvdeH9rjh5C6oTVFvEwQjMsKFZPrUMtdnTEjpurnIwbNGu98GMN7z8h4Zrbzkc5suLRTKNPLqjd7DLmpuAODOkBZFHk8ogPc9HUU8jx6WnI9l1XMxZ-dRRjQW2rZHvIBCVwVw/s320/kitties.eugene.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So here I am, sitting at my small wooden desk and feeling comfortable in my snazzy office chair that I adjusted to custom-fit my stature. There is crashing outside of my closed door; shut to keep out the wild cats tearing through the house. Boscoe and William are their names; two long-haired Persians which fit better in the category of feral over domestic. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My huge sliding glass window looks out to the deck, with a fresh sheen of newly fallen rain. The droop-branched fir trees tower high enough that I cannot see their tops. It is cool and cloudy. Spencer’s Butte, a nearby 2000ft mountain is half within my view and tumultuous clouds of gleaming whites and grays contrast against the darker more ominous rain-bearers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The neighborhood is charming and quiet. I can hear cars on Amazon Rd, but they are far enough to not be an annoyance. My room is large and cream colored. Cathy made the curtains which are cheery with designs of colorful birds and flowers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I finally feel somewhat settled. My clothes are all put away and my various things somewhat organized. I have a long, shallow closet which hides my clothes dresser. I stow my tupperwares there so my room is left spacious. The wooden floor may need a rug, but for now I am content with my slippers. The bed is large and comfortable and was even already bedecked with a large feather comforter, sheets and pillows. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I went jogging along the 3 1/2 mile Rexius Trail which is about a block away and loops from the top (or "headwaters") of Amazon Creek down towards town. It is a mulch trail which cushions the crunching noise my knee likes to make. The trail has East and West Amazon Roads running alongside it so you're not off in the midst of nature, but it was a great way to see the neighborhood and the many joggers/bikers/walkers of the area. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My hope is to join in on the Eugene Audubon Club birdwalk this weekend so I can see some nature and meet some birding buds! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-19292590383684337222011-04-13T19:13:00.000-04:002011-04-13T19:13:15.603-04:00Can't Stop Thinkin' 'Bout Yoojean!I sent off my monies. It's headed to Eugene, Oregon. University of Oregon. The tall dark trees and the fluorescent flowers broken open in spring greetings were an instant lure in a direction I already had found myself falling. I am going to begin the Professional Master's Program in the School of Journalism and Communication. It starts soon but not soon enough: June 20th. I will join my "cohort", the other students in my program (amounting to about 15 or 20) to start our journalism adventures in the Willamette Valley of Oregon state.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYkmgxftzPDtgkFL1YgtlBUyZGQS1edBIoxaIMIqlsWHcInN3FGu4jZH6HX1sLcpLVsUWE5pdtQudV6jcmQBhkDoBYf7f7b2cSlkkLynVvKys25SQApI9pssjyn-O5oylRfvdZygVytg/s1600/Flowa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYkmgxftzPDtgkFL1YgtlBUyZGQS1edBIoxaIMIqlsWHcInN3FGu4jZH6HX1sLcpLVsUWE5pdtQudV6jcmQBhkDoBYf7f7b2cSlkkLynVvKys25SQApI9pssjyn-O5oylRfvdZygVytg/s1600/Flowa.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Not surprising, I'm finding myself now completely immersing myself in Eugene and all its intricacies, via the internet. It's so far away and yet right here next to me as I explore all the possibilities that await: countless parks, and forested areas with trails for hiking and biking, there are gardens and arboretums, a protected span of marshland that migrating waterfowl depend on, the city itself is charming and beautiful with bike friendly roads that I fully intend to take advantage of, there is a river with a path that follows alongside, the University is shrouded in towering fir, spruce and cedar trees...there is just so much that I'm dying to check out right now.<br />
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So I satisfy that need with the internet. And, in fact, I've found some really cool things. There is this blogger called EugeneCyclist who, aside from having an awesome sense of humor, really gives a great look into Eugene bike life. Through him, I've learned a lot about not only the bike life but a bit about the political atmosphere there and some local places that I want to check out as well as some of the yearly events and activities that I'll have to look forward to. There is one event they have that is on one of the pedestrian bridges over the river where everyone has a great big picnic to raise money for some deserving cause. How. Cool. He also takes pictures of bikers (unbeknownst to them) on almost a daily basis to illustrate some of his blog topics and so now I'm going to make it my life goal to one day be one of those pictured. Eugene fame is all I ask for. <br />
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Oh and I already have a place to LIVE!!! I totally found this woman online who Monica and I visited while I was there. I'll be renting a room with a private bathroom in her house. The house is about 3 1/2 miles away from campus, therefore yielding a decidedly sufficient buffer between me and the disdained undergraduates that form the perimeter of the university. Not only that but I'm going to be living in the "South Hills" which is where the southern end of Willamette Valley gives way to gorgeous dark foothills. There are some stunningly scenic roads that I plan to cycle out from the house. Get these legs a pumpin'. And not only <i>that</i>! The house is basically at the trailhead of a hike that leads up Spencer's Butte, a 2000+ ft hill that is said to be fantastic for sunsets which my housemate makes regular trips up to view. And even further, there's (if you believe it) a raptor rehab center right up the road from here. I will definitely be checking that out and hopefully have some time to volunteer too. Woo!<br />
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Ahh, so for now I sit in my coffeeshop and click my way through Eugene from afar. I hope to have some more interesting things to write once I'm there...biking adventures, visiting Monica in Portland, being a <i>master's</i> student (!!!)...stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-56147818539069295682011-03-24T18:56:00.000-04:002011-03-24T18:56:19.958-04:00Character Development<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGzcZ98eflp6hDNCRboa8Q7d7J6O2v0fbAXePjcFT_BpvLkT7z7yhGyESM1rK6Lr5hgFWZAVdb8S7eG0rVw6JA69lVOCMeQmdNUFQWxGni6fMzcYQzLqskAIMak5qgiMNyL013NMiL58/s1600/DSC_0389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGzcZ98eflp6hDNCRboa8Q7d7J6O2v0fbAXePjcFT_BpvLkT7z7yhGyESM1rK6Lr5hgFWZAVdb8S7eG0rVw6JA69lVOCMeQmdNUFQWxGni6fMzcYQzLqskAIMak5qgiMNyL013NMiL58/s320/DSC_0389.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I've been reading Writer's Digest and some other writing magazine with some really not-creative name that didn't manage to stick in my head (<i>Writer</i>?). I can read the back issues in the community college library. So lately I've spent breaks between classes devouring one article after another. The majority of them are about starting your novel, how authors got their big breaks and their advice now that they're millionaires, dealing with rejection letters from editors, how to write comedy, thrillers, and so on. I think I'd like the magazines better if they were directed specifically at journalism and/or freelancing but I take what I can get. So anyways, all the talk about "writing your big novel" started to seep into my pores and now I'm thinking that, to be a real writer, I've got to have that unfinished manuscript always whispering to me in the background, plaguing me. Whelp, I've decided to get on that boat and start it now. The first thing that I know is that you need to develop your characters, particularly your main character. From there you can see where they lead you what adventure they may take on. While you may have an idea of the story plot, your character-once it has been developed-won't necessarily bring you down the road you intended. So I'm trying it out, to see if the magic of writing a novel will happen to me and if my character will really come to "life". Then, once I'm a full-fledged-freelancer (which very well may mean living under an overpass and fighting the seagulls for french fries) I can say," oh and I'm working on my novel, it's been in the making for three years now...". </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So here I will show you my first writing exercise which may just be a peek into the makings of my <i>novel</i>..hahaha!..ehm. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Developing my Main Character</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Her eyes shine hazel, ringed in midnight blue. If they weren’t always lowered, they would startle anyone into awakened curiosity. In this steely world of black and shades of gray, they are the single suggestion of the fantastical world that lay behind them. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The girl Larkin, when seen in a crowd, wouldn’t stand out in any special way. She isn’t particularly pretty and she has no outward reason to attract anyone’s attention. By most, she would be easily overlooked, what for her size and introverted demeanor.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">She doesn’t mind that people pass her by. She passes them by too, a group conversing on the side of the path, laughing together. Even if she wanted to, Larkin couldn’t even summon the desire to insert herself into such a reality, she knows she would immediately feel uncomfortable. Nonetheless she does feel lonely, she desires human connections. But she often feels as if she belongs nowhere, is wanted by no one. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">She sometimes wistfully imagines that some one person would notice her, see her there in her lonely corner of the world. They might covertly watch her expressions and surmise that inside her head is a place of magnetic intrigue. And it is.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In her mind thoughts are whirling and colors bursting, dreams and ideas intertwine and dance together creating designs and scenes detailed by pure imagination. She knows that what is portrayed on her outside self is nothing to suggest all that is going on within. Perhaps someone would somehow feel that and be drawn to her without exactly knowing why but knowing that she is a treasure chest full of every color imaginable that paint shapes, pictures and word, to tie them together to become entirely unique creations.<br />
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In a drab, colorless world she observes a population content with a life that consists of dull work rewarded with money to provide for nothing more than a monotonous lifestyle. Closing her eyes, she enters a world where there is so much more that awaits just around the corner. In her dreams, she rounds that corner but it only leads to another, and another, until she tires and cannot go on.<br />
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But something calls her. She cannot suppress the urge to break out of this sad place. She is restless. This feeling of fire inside her is hardly contained and, practically squirming with the desire to find out what is beyond the beyond, the world continues to run around her, oblivious. Black and white figures stream to and from work, living a life that makes her scream on the inside. On the outside, she is just as dull and the others look past her, through her. So she holds her eyes lowered, keeping her secret only for someone who really deserves it, who can discover it for themselves. Maybe then her loneliness will end and the path to the beyond will reveal itself. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-79207525565210916092011-03-22T12:03:00.002-04:002011-03-23T16:38:07.575-04:00A Duel Between Two Non-ExpertsOkay, in my earlier post <a href="http://chaosbeyond.blogspot.com/2011/02/great-climate-debate-and-other-stuff.html">The Great Climate Debate and Other Stuff</a>, you might recall that I said I'd include the more-or-less-civil discussion that went back and forth between me and a hubpages author in response to an article he wrote. First I'll include his article which is almost enough in itself to get your hair on end but <i>keep reading!</i> It gets even jucier as you dive into the comments section where everyone is wholeheartedly (and spine chillingly) agreeing with his words and adding some of their own. I will save my own comments that I'm inclined to write right now since I wrote more than enough, as you'll see, in reference to his article and the commenters' responses in, <i>you guessed it!</i> the comments section.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://hubpages.com/_clickit/hub/Climate-Data-Compromised-Ya-Reckon"><b>Climate Data Compromised: Ya' Reckon?</b></a><br />
<b>If It Weren’t Serious It Would Be Comical</b><br />
<b>Written By R.Talloni, Found <a href="http://hubpages.com/_clickit/hub/Climate-Data-Compromised-Ya-Reckon">Posted</a> in HubPages.com</b><br />
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The news is too good...I can’t help myself. The green theme is honestly not my favorite topic. However, when the news media puts it out there, what can a person do? They invite this on themselves, can we ignore the invitation?<br />
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Yesterday, I saw a news flash about how this January was the hottest January on record. One just sits there wondering about a lot of things while looking at the letters that form such articles. My first question was whether the listed author would use their real name or if they chickened out. I can say with all truthfulness that if I had to keep my job by writing such an article, I would use a pseudonym.<br />
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My next thought pertained to writing a hub on the ludicrousness of that news flash, what with the same news organization displaying flaming “East Coast Slammed With Snow Again” type articles on the same day. I mean, even if January was the hottest January in all history, how does it matter since this February has brought us such a volume of winter weather that the melting snow is going saturate the ground with freezing water for some time to come? Not very scientific, I know, but absurdity breeds ridiculousness.<br />
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Anyway, today I am compelled to write a green theme hub in spite of wanting to finish a book review. A man with a plan, Anthony Watts, has apparently been working with a group to find out how the scientific data for global warming records is being gathered. Compiling their own data, this group now has facts in the form of evaluations with photos and they have reported the results of their surveys.<br />
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This article reveals that out of the 1,062 weather stations they have investigated over the last 3 years “90 percent of them don't meet [the government's] old, simple rule called the '100-foot rule' for keeping thermometers 100 feet or more from biasing influence. Ninety percent of them failed that, and we've got documentation.” To read that some of the weather stations are lighted with bulbs that could raise the temperatures that they report was eye-opening.<br />
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The article gives some interesting details on the proof of failed adherence to the guidelines, as well as a defense by researchers responsible for not following the governmental guidelines on how to do their global warming studies. Since they are set to soon publish a report on their findings in the Journal of Geophysics Research--Atmospheres their defense is not surprising.<br />
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I’m going to keep this short for a couple of reasons. First, you need to read up on this and get busy sharing the report. Second, I want to reread certain sections of my book so I can finish my review and figure out if I want to do several book review hubs. Third, I need to use my new energy efficient washing machine which I have yet to write a hub about.<br />
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In spite of the fact that Anthony Watts’ name could make one wonder if there is a conspiracy afoot, we have to admit that, pun intended, the wattage against so-called scientific data on global warming is being ramped up by people who are fed up. So here you have it, go now, do your part, spread the news.<br />
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RTalloni 12 months ago <br />
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Will try to add links to the article as they come up.<br />
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Pamela99 12 months ago <br />
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Why aren't I surprised? The scientist that have disagreed about global warming were silenced all along and now we are finding out from the emails that people have definitely been dishonest. I think they should focus on clean water and not spend money wastefully until they have more evidence. I just got an energy efficient washer and dryer too. Oh well, I really do like them. Good hub<br />
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RTalloni 12 months ago <br />
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Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I'll look for your hub on your washer and dryer!<br />
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mynameisnotpaul 12 months ago <br />
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I am scratching my head as well over people who think our winters are getting less and less cold. Honestly, I live in Kentucky, and we were AMBUSHED with snow (which is definitely not normal), so I get the feeling that something is definitely not adding up.<br />
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Great hub, I'm glad somebody wrote about this! :)<br />
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RTalloni 12 months ago <br />
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So much in the news re this issue would truly be funny if it weren't such a sad reflection of the insanity that thinking we know more than our Creator has brought this world to!<br />
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We need to look past headlines then listen and read the news with an ear for keywords, phrases, and sentences that tell the truth about "the news" so we can help others learn to think about what they read and hear rather than swallow it hook, line, and sinker.<br />
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Out of curiosity I've been perusing global climate system articles. Take this one, for instance:<br />
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8538060.<br />
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"As if" questions came to mind:<br />
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As if animals have not always adapted to changes in nature and found food other places.<br />
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As if natural geographic changes have not always created changes for marine life.<br />
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As if the new iceberg is going to be there permanently rather than slowly melt away just like others do.<br />
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After an alarming title and paragraphs of supposition the article ends a little more honestly:<br />
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However, the researchers say the changes to the region triggered by the formation of the new iceberg will not shut down the circulation system or affect the world's climate.<br />
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"Large icebergs always attract a lot of attention due to their scale," observed Dr Michael Meredith from the British Antarctic Survey, who was not involved in the research.<br />
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"Bottom water is indeed an important part of the global ocean overturning circulation and hence climate," he told BBC News.<br />
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"There are also a number of other locations of bottom water formation, however. So, it's unlikely that a large-scale sustained change of the order of magnitude required for a global climate impact will happen from this one event.<br />
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"The more important thing, I think, is that this event has been closely and carefully monitored by scientists, who will now look at the processes whereby such calvings can impact on the ocean and the ecosystem - and studying this natural laboratory will add to our knowledge of how the Antarctic system works."<br />
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Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment to help keep the dialogue open mynameisnotpaul. Always good to cross paths with you!<br />
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Petra Vlah 12 months ago <br />
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It is funny (or not so funny) that most experts could not predict accurately tomorrow's weather, but they speculate about 40-50-60 years from now.<br />
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That gives me just as much confidence in their "expertise" as the 2012 apocalyptical theory about the end of the planet.<br />
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Even if it is true (which I doubt), can we do anything about it? It seems that X or Y always give as one more thing to worry about so we can't think or do what is really important and it is in our power to change<br />
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RTalloni 12 months ago <br />
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Experts can be very funny. So much of what we are witnesses to in this day and time is designed to take our minds off of what is really important. Thanks much for stopping in and leaving your comment.<br />
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RTalloni 11 months ago <br />
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Knowing what kinds of changes are being planned by those who are putting global warming at the top of their agenda is important. Check out:<br />
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http://www.snohomishcountybusinessjournal.com/arti<br />
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RTalloni 11 months ago <br />
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New article to check out:<br />
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http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/03/01/al-gore-<br />
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RTalloni 11 months ago <br />
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One of the comments under this article had a novel idea that we should agree on--governments should be held responsible for creating a climate of fear:<br />
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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-<br />
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gracenotes 11 months ago <br />
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You did a great job with this article. All of the global warming hype just makes me think of "ever learning, but never coming to the knowledge of the truth. Thanks for writing this.<br />
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RTalloni 11 months ago <br />
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How apropos! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment, with a perfect quote no less! :)<br />
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RTalloni 11 months ago <br />
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Food for thought:<br />
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http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/03/02/als-late<br />
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Petra Vlah 11 months ago <br />
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Hello again RT,<br />
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Creating a climate of fear is what governments do best. Very interesting articles you found and post, thank you for the links<br />
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RTalloni 11 months ago <br />
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Thanks for the input, Petra, because it is invaluable coming from one with your experiences. Thanks for leaving a comment, too, for that helps keep the news articles highlighted and the dialogue open.<br />
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C Osborn 11 months ago <br />
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Two Thumbs Up......Glad to see not everybody is falling for the fear and hype.<br />
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RTalloni 11 months ago <br />
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Many thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment to help keep the dialogue high-lighted.<br />
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C Osborn 11 months ago <br />
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Al Gore has been unusually quiet. He must be off hunting for "Man Bear Pig" :)<br />
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RTalloni 11 months ago <br />
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:) Thanks for stopping by again and helping to keep the dialogue open.<br />
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From what I'm reading he's preparing a come back. "Their" latest excuses re the current winter's freezing temperatures proving global warming are an example of how science is ignored in order to try to make a point. The earth recycles the same amount of water through evaporation and precipitation. More water is not created by gasses of any kind. The earth's closed water recycling system makes for interesting conversation in the face "their" claims and excuses. Everyone agrees that it is wise to take care of the earth, our water, etc. but not everyone agrees that science should be based on facts!<br />
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One of my favorite quotes: Truth invites scrutiny; error demands tolerance.<br />
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stacebird 4 days ago <br />
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You are all doing exactly what RTalloni said that we Believers in Climate Change are doing, swallowing the news that leans toward your 'preferred' reality "hook, line and sinker".<br />
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Also, where Petra mentions how "experts can't predict accurately tomorrow's weather, but they speculate about 40-50-60 years from now"..well there is a different between global temperature *trends* tracked (over long periods of time) to build a more reliable data base for comparison and means for prediction while the daily differences in the weather are so short term that there is, as of yet, no way to be completely sure from one day to another. Climate and weather are very different things.<br />
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And, the government isn't the one responsible for creating that "climate of fear" she speaks of, in fact they are only just recently (finally!) accepting the fact of climate change. Rather, the government has been very busy funding certain agencies and paying underpaid scientists the big bucks to deliver (manipulate?) the data that your side of the fence is so desperate to cling on to.<br />
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With global warming, the key is to not focus on what the media is spouting. No matter which way it may be skewed, what is being said it is not necessarily all truth. Both sides (mine and yours) have made some pretty misleading allegations. What is problematic is that the media is causing us to focus on the more recent changes in weather from year to year, much too short term. And I've often heard people (some from this very comment section included!) claiming that a huge snow discounts or record hot days in February supports this idea of climate change.<br />
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Instead of obsessing over the month to month or year to year changes in the weather, what everyone needs to focus on is the fact that we are pouring carbon dioxide into our atmosphere at a rates that far surpass anything that has ever been seen. This is the reason we are certain that global warming is real, CO2 directly increases atmospheric temperatures. CO2 is what is going to get us in trouble and we're increasing its load in the atmosphere daily at disgusting rates.<br />
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The idea of climate change is something the world has endured and survived for its entire existence. The clincher is that we are changing the climate at a rate that is 100,000 times faster than past fluctuations have ever done. So now how are we, much less the natural environment that relies on evolving over thousands and thousands of generations, expected to keep up?<br />
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I appreciate the opportunity to comment, particularly to be the first commenter on the opposite side of a very one-sided discussion. Please visit my hubpage as I intend to address this issue for the wider public in the near future.<br />
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RTalloni 4 days ago <br />
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First, thanks for stopping by and commenting. I try to always appreciate open discussions.<br />
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What you have to say is interesting for a lot of reasons. You might like to do some research on the truth about how carbon dioxide has been poured into "our" atmosphere via "natural" causes at incalculable rates for centuries, yet the earth was designed to clean itself up. (Case in point, the most recent gulf oil spill, where the efforts of man cannot take credit for the fact that the waters have recovered so quickly so well, against all cries that the end of the gulf coast was at hand.) That is not to say that earth was designed to replenish itself interminably, but that point is another issue entirely and it involves the truth about how the earth is not ours, but we are stewards--a very big responsibility that requires attention to the concerns you raise in your comments.<br />
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It is a good thing for us to stop and think about the big picture, as you point out is our need. If one is to believe that our natural environment relies on an ability to evolve over generations ad nauseam then reality insists that we admit that it is impossible to know what is purported as fact re the so- called stats from eons ago.<br />
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The words evolve and adapt have come to be and are now far too often used interchangeably, and that's not a wise. Doing so has helped people swallow a lie hook, line, and sinker. I'm a big advocate of examining true definitions and how people misuse words to promote agendas. One of my favorite quotes is, "Truth invites scrutiny, error demands tolerance." Defining scrutiny is the key to getting to the truth of a matter and that's basically what this hub was about.<br />
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One reason I write about this type of topic is to exercise how to put thinking skills into writing, another is to help others exercise their thinking skills. So much opportunity for problem solving is lost when we lose common-sense thinking. Practically thinking through what the concerns really are includes setting aside emotion where rhetoric is concerned, examining every facet of the related problems (not just those that fit an agenda we may have adopted), concentrating on how to solve the difficulties from a perspective of leadership on the matter (which includes being responsible enough to be honest and check and double-check "facts").<br />
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On the issue of climate change we have some excellent data that is being ignored in the debate. However, my perspective is that common-sensical, practical thinking could spare many of us much distress.<br />
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stacebird 25 hours ago <br />
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Oh it’s my pleasure to engage in this discussion, interplay like this is what keeps the world turning!<br />
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I appreciate the advice, but I am content with my research done on carbon dioxide that is (and has been) emitted into the atmosphere. I know very well that gases given off by various natural causes are the main source of the gas levels in the atmosphere and I also am very well aware that they are “checked and balanced” by natural absorption. As you say, the earth is “designed to clean itself up” but, unfortunately, not to the exceedingly fast rate (by earth’s standards) as we humans are soiling it as referred to with the statistics in my previous comment. Our emissions contribution may not be a huge proportion to that which the earth naturally emits, but that is not the focus. It’s that we are increasing the amount to a point “over the limit” that the earth cannot support. We have thrown the earth out of its balance.<br />
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You mention the oil spill as your case in point, but I see no evidence in the fact that while the ecosystem might naturally recover faster than we expected it to, to suggest that the earth as a whole is capable of keeping up and nullifying the overall human pollution contribution. Not to mention the fact that the ecosystem hit by the oil spill isn’t back in tip-top shape quiet yet. Furthermore, what we humans are doing to try and clean up the spill are hurting the ecosystem more than helping it, which is exactly our problem here on earth..we don’t consider (or even have the knowledge of) the consequences that our actions could have on the environment. And because of that the earth is changing.<br />
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I don’t see what the gulf spill has to do with the issue we are discussing but I feel the need for people to know that it was a bad thing and still is a bad thing. You can’t just introduce harmful chemicals and expect the earth to happily go about its own business. Sure, bacteria may be able to naturally bioremediate the damage, but (bigger picture once again) the bacteria wouldn’t have been there in such force if it weren’t for the unnatural introduction of the oil. The suddenly-high abundance of bacteria is therefore triggered unnaturally and is sure to have an impact. You can’t tug one part of the ecosystem and expect it not to reverberate.<br />
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Everything is connected and there will be responses that mere humans have no way of predicting that could end up hurting not only the earth but us as well.<br />
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On to the next point…so, this loaded sentence of yours gave me pause: “If one is to believe that our natural environment relies on an ability to evolve over generations ad nauseam then reality insists that we admit that it is impossible to know what is purported as fact re the so- called stats from eons ago.”<br />
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I believe that the environment doesn’t rely on the ability, but rather it is nature’s innate ability to evolve. The cause of evolution is how species with ‘chance’ genetic differences either are better adapted to their environment or not. Those not will die off and the better adapted will survive and procreate, creating progeny with that advantageous variation that is genetically passing through generations. “Ad nauseam” is simply an overstatement. I don’t know about you, but I happen to, along with countless others, have a lot of respect for scientists and what they “purport as fact” about eons ago. Why don’t you?<br />
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Furthermore, I am curious..did your loaded sentence mean that you disagree with my statement “..we are changing the climate at a rate that is 100,000 times faster than past fluctuations have ever done. So now how are we, much less the natural environment that relies on evolving over thousands and thousands of generations, expected to keep up?”? Because, if so, I also would like to know: why? Why don’t you think that we can use the information that scientists come up with (the credible ones, at least) as fact? Do you just not believe in evolution?<br />
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I liked your quote you stuck in after mentioning the misuse of evolve and adapt but I feel you strayed from your point there. I was hoping you would expand on that thought and tell what it is that you think is so unwise and what lie we are swallowing. Who is promoting what agenda here by confusing the terms so that we the public take it as face value? What are these “lies” doing and what do they have to do with global warming?<br />
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I love that you wrote this hub, it definitely is putting my thinking skills to use and, as I delve more deeply into the topic I am able to share my thoughts with someone who has very different thoughts and see where you are coming from. What I’m afraid of is that you take a lot of your own information at face value..like the parents who killed themselves and their children for fear of global warming. Do you really believe that the government is scaring us to that point? How many cases have you found like this? Obviously this is a very outlying case that really contributes nothing to your argument. In fact these people, who I’m sure were not hanging on every word the government said about global warming (the few words the gov’t even were saying!), doubtless they were looking into global warming on their own accord, reading the very sad facts that have been stated for years now (and neglected to be addressed by the government) and their mental state, which already was obviously precarious, was pushed over the edge.<br />
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I just ask you to not get hung up on whatever error Al Gore may have made. He is not a scientist. He could very well have an agenda and maybe that is what is steering him in the wrong direction. Politicians are renowned for adapting information to their advantage. You keep referring to basically a lack of common sense thinking. Well, I have seen an abundance of it.<br />
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“So much opportunity for problem solving is lost when we lose common-sense thinking.” I am in complete agreement. Unfortunately, no matter which “side” people are on, mistakes are going to be made and common sense will fall by the wayside. Nonetheless, I think we should put a lot of confidence in science. A scientific approach is the most common-sense thinking of all.<br />
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RTalloni 3 hours ago <br />
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Thanks for coming by again. I’m always glad to see comments and to have the chance to interact with other hubbers.<br />
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I appreciate your concerns about “over the limit” emissions, even though your comment that you are content with your research gives me pause for thought. It brought to mind what 1950s scientists said about antibiotics. For all the lives that antibiotics have saved, how wrong could they have been to assure the world that their research proved that antibiotics would eradicate disease?<br />
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The gulf has and continues to recover faster than anyone expected. Common sense does suggest that this fact could mean that the earth’s other systems should respond in a similar manner when necessary. Yet, there is no doubt that we have a responsibility to be wise in addressing problems that develop for we have been given stewardship of the earth.<br />
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You make a good point in writing that what is done to solve problems is sometimes more harmful than helpful. We need common sense thinking on every level--scientifically, politically, and among “just us.” For instance, couldn’t it be likely that the gulf was designed to produce extra bacteria as needed and that the extra dies off when it is no longer needed, similar to how our bodies were designed to work at solving certain problems? All that is not to say, however, that it’s okay to tug one part of the ecosystem unnaturally and then not do what can be done to help set things right.<br />
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Common sense, balanced, practical thinking that is devoid of manipulation, hype, and fabrication is what I’m promoting. The earth was not designed by humans and we do not understand all of its interconnections, therefore, it does not make sense to dismiss what is known about the earth as we explore concerns and possible solutions. Straightforwardly, I do not believe in evolutionary theories. “Ad nauseam” is not an understatement in the face of the facts that a) what is known about the earth is so often ignored, and b) what is presented as fact when it should be presented as theory continues to be publicized.<br />
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It makes sense to believe a written record of historical events that have stood the test of time by way of corroborated research to confirm or invalidate older writings throughout history rather than to believe in testing practices that have not only been called into question by modern scholars but which nature itself has refuted. My goal for touching on this is to answer your question about whether I believe in evolution and to encourage anyone reading this to stop and think about the rational of the two positions as they consider what I write.<br />
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I am not an evolutionist. I believe that God created all things just as He states in His Word. Beyond that, experience with trusting Him according to His Word has convinced me that He is bigger than anything we can imagine--completely omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, and that no matter what problems any part of His creation may ever face He infinitely rules and overrules. He has proven the counsel of His Word to me many times over thereby increasing my confidence in what He has revealed to us in creation and in His Word. At this point I refer readers to my other hubs for the time being, and I am going back to the main focus of this hub.<br />
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The issues related to this hub’s mention of supposed data that proved to be grossly flawed could tentacle out for miles in every direction. What I know about the parents who murdered their children and themselves is that their motives and consequent actions were wrong. Whether the government or scientists or the media have any responsibility for those deaths is something we should give a good amount of consideration to for the information those people were operating from had a source. The question of whether they were researching “facts” is underlined and highlighted by reports of dishonesty among scientists, as well as politicians and the media.<br />
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Al Gore certainly is not a scientist and it’s a pitiful thing to watch him pretend to be one. It’s even sadder to see how he uses his money and influence as a climate activist as he promotes himself as an expert. From what I can tell, his words and actions point to a picture of someone who lacks common sense but is being used by others who are shrewd business people. He does nothing to create an atmosphere of confidence and trust in either the persons working to address valid concerns or their efforts.<br />
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I think I understand what you mean if you are speaking of a “true” scientific approach, but what is called science does not always constitute common sense. We have too many examples that give us good reason to stop and think. Look at the supposed proofs of evolution that were debunked by the examples that the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens. The effects of its explosion as well as the remarkable recoveries of the areas it affected are just one example of truth being ignored by evolutionists. Every branch of science needs what common sense thinking we mere humans can bring to it, but the scale of dismissiveness toward facts and some outright deceptions, possibly in the name of research but at times for self-advancement, have been nothing short of a colossal betrayal to the very word “science.”<br />
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Please understand that I’ve moved along here with no expectation of thoroughly covering any of these issues, just making a diligent effort to focus on our need to exercise common sense. Besides mentioning that I try to display an attitude of being careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater and, therefore, I do not dismiss the importance of science, I want to wind this up by pointing out that from the title of this short hub through to the last paragraph I wrote with a tongue-in-cheek spirit. Seriously, though, I understand that you are very concerned and I do not believe that there is anything comical about the responsibility of our stewardship of the earth.<br />
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You’ve given me some food for thought and in the future when I consider a lack of common sense, a lack of character, and a lack of willingness to pursue truth regarding any issue, scientific or otherwise, I believe your words to the effect of “what is done to try to solve problems can cause more harm than good” will ring in my mind.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Okay it's me, Stacey again!</i><br />
So basically I decided I should just let it rest there. I must say though, I sure enjoyed myself here. It was a good learning experience and, while I'm no expert, I felt that I could at least speak up to some degree so that these people weren't all just happily nodding in somewhat ignorant agreement. <br />
<br />
I'd love to hear your all's (yay grammar!) opinions, so leave a comment, start another discussion even!stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-22804642406997640992011-03-05T16:40:00.000-05:002011-03-05T16:40:08.939-05:00Thoughts After ZumbaSo we have finally found ourselves in the month of March. It's about time! This is the month that I find out if any of the schools I've applied to think I'm graduate student material. I am bouncing off the walls inside my head, there is literally a tiny me in there pinging from one side to the other going crazy waiting to hear if she's been accepted. Will life lead me to Oregon? To Colorado? As long as one of them decides to throw me a bone, I'm set. If they <i>both</i> do (this is the cocky side of me talking here, better to ignore that one) then I'm screwed because I have no idea how to choose between the two. I talked to a professor at Eugene who got me all jazzed to go there and I have a phone appointment I set up with a prof in Boulder on Monday and, unless he's a jerk or he thinks I'm a tool, then I potentially will be even less capable of making a decision.<br />
<br />
Journalism. That's what I might be neck deep in (as if I've not already thrown myself gleefully into it already...<a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/stacebird">http://hubpages.com/profile/stacebird</a>) for the next two years and, if things go in any way at all in the general direction I keep daydreaming about, I'll be in it for the long run! Yipes! It's so exciting and yet it's something so different and twisty turny and crazy insano!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsee6ElpmQ0R8HDnNrZxHC28KR_iHcpvxeXtxn5MHmrL2gwCsjuryYQmrTH91TbewaVUslhmlsZpzQYUtONnLLIVtPYGje-pld6HR_eJMopISurbJnTBxJnZpkdU0k5fxnuF_Gk3aiW34/s1600/Me+and+Jane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsee6ElpmQ0R8HDnNrZxHC28KR_iHcpvxeXtxn5MHmrL2gwCsjuryYQmrTH91TbewaVUslhmlsZpzQYUtONnLLIVtPYGje-pld6HR_eJMopISurbJnTBxJnZpkdU0k5fxnuF_Gk3aiW34/s320/Me+and+Jane.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at her, scribbling away notes as Jane Goodall lectures..like a real journalist! 2003.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I just got out of zumba earlier (pretending like I know even remotely what I'm doing in a room full of gyrating hips..) I got to talking to this lady who teaches spanish and when I told her my "life direction" her response was "ohh, that's a <i>hard</i> field"..yea, not the first time I've heard that. Buuuut that's the thing, yea things are changing and print media is a shrinking industry but that's why it's the newbies like us who have a knack for the internet (haha, knack..<i>me?!?</i>) are coming into the field at a "very exciting" time. I'm sad and totally understand how the print journalists scorn the media move to the internet but it's obviously a tsunami that cannot be stopped. It is taking over and if you don't change where you are, you're liable to get swept away.<br />
<br />
Nonetheless, I'm <i>nervous!!</i> Yea, going for the grad degree will be a leg up, I just hope that I can maybe get some experience in a structured environment (maybe a magazine that does both online and print..?) for a few years and then go solo, freelance style. If I can support myself as a successful freelancer, I think that might be pretty darn great. Not easy, but great. <br />
<br />
...gurglestacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9081627492338360177.post-15534011783170263982011-02-22T22:30:00.000-05:002011-02-22T22:30:48.245-05:00The Great Climate Debate and other stuff.Ooooookay. So I think I jinxed my stinkbug winter companion. The next morning after writing my<a href="http://chaosbeyond.blogspot.com/2011/02/writing-fool.html"> last post</a> I found him kind of sprawled out on the carpet right in front of my mirror-- stone dead.<br />
<br />
I decided not to take a picture.<br />
<br />
He's still there, though, if you want to come by and pay your respects. <br />
<br />
In other news, I have been busy with the classes I'm auditing. Spanish is rolling right along. Globalization Issues is a new perspective for me. I haven't taken many classes like this before, studying humanity rather than nature! But I find it fascinating and enlightening..as well as depressing. The general theme is: the big fat politicians of the good ol' US of A tricked almost the entire rest of the world (focusing, of course, on the 3rd world countries) to do our bidding under the guise of "progression and development" and we get all the riches, the power, the natural resources. Journalism is great, it's getting me thinking about all the nitty gritty of the legal aspects, ethics and how journalism is developing in these craaazy times! Finally, Swimming. It rocks. I really enjoy it and it's good to give my crackling knees a break. I officially can swim 3/4ths of a mile with hardly any breaks to catch my breath! I feel good about that :)<br />
<br />
Oh, so here's something really fun and interesting I've been doing this week. I found an article through my <a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/stacebird">hubpages</a> site about how Al Gore messed up and said something about global warming that the opponents found to be untrue, so of course they are taking that to the bank and saying that global warming isn't real, it's all a joke. Well the frustrating thing was that the author and all of the people who commented on his article were all opposing global warming based on unjust things: not just what Gore said (who, last time I checked, wasn't a scientist) but also how the warmest January in record is reported in the same paper that displays articles screaming about another snowstorm slamming the eastern US...this is a perfect example of confusing climate data with weather reports. The author points to a couple that committed suicide and blamed it on global warming and he blames it on the government putting fear in our hearts...well, I read through his article and all of the comments made by people putting him up on a pedestal with his good information and points, and I felt crazy frustrated. I had to write a comment. A comment-turned essay. I will subject you to that now, mwahaha...<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1TXDmwVntdLlN8DjYX1mksPhI_xiEzU0jjovrb4sHw5_BUEnZYHxWHYXxrCyYOTLDo7sotqSy5T0Nikvdg37kdKWum0ZbJPJCdQrGc89TCGTu3UwnECRJrZfmvFeXamCxwPCK4wAw-I/s1600/Global_Warming.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1TXDmwVntdLlN8DjYX1mksPhI_xiEzU0jjovrb4sHw5_BUEnZYHxWHYXxrCyYOTLDo7sotqSy5T0Nikvdg37kdKWum0ZbJPJCdQrGc89TCGTu3UwnECRJrZfmvFeXamCxwPCK4wAw-I/s320/Global_Warming.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span class="msoIns"><ins><span style="color: blue;"></span></ins></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span class="msoIns"><ins><a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/stacebird"><span style="color: blue;">stacebird</span></a> </ins></span></span></b><span><span class="msoIns"><ins>3 days ago </ins></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="msoIns"><ins>You are all doing exactly what RTalloni said that we Believers in Climate Change are doing, swallowing the news that leans toward your 'preferred' reality "hook, line and sinker".</ins></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="msoIns"><ins>Also, where Petra mentions how "experts can't predict accurately tomorrow's weather, but they speculate about 40-50-60 years from now"..well there is a different between global temperature *trends* tracked (over long periods of time) to build a more reliable data base for comparison and means for prediction while the daily differences in the weather are so short term that there is, as of yet, no way to be completely sure from one day to another. Climate and weather are very different things.</ins></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="msoIns"><ins>And, the government isn't the one responsible for creating that "climate of fear" she speaks of, in fact they are only just recently (finally!) accepting the fact of climate change. Rather, the government has been very busy funding certain agencies and paying underpaid scientists the big bucks to deliver (manipulate?) the data that your side of the fence is so desperate to cling on to.</ins></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="msoIns"><ins>With global warming, the key is to not focus on what the media is spouting. No matter which way it may be skewed, what is being said it is not necessarily all truth. Both sides (mine and yours) have made some pretty misleading allegations. What is problematic is that the media is causing us to focus on the more recent changes in weather from year to year, much too short term. And I've often heard people (some from this very comment section included!) claiming that a huge snow discounts or record hot days in February supports this idea of climate change.</ins></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="msoIns"><ins>Instead of obsessing over the month to month or year to year changes in the weather, what everyone needs to focus on is the fact that we are pouring carbon dioxide into our atmosphere at a rates that far surpass anything that has ever been seen. This is the reason we are certain that global warming is real, CO2 directly increases atmospheric temperatures. CO2 is what is going to get us in trouble and we're increasing its load in the atmosphere daily at disgusting rates.</ins></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="msoIns"><ins>The idea of climate change is something the world has endured and survived for its entire existence. The clincher is that we are changing the climate at a rate that is 100,000 times faster than past fluctuations have ever done. So now how are we, much less the natural environment that relies on evolving over thousands and thousands of generations, expected to keep up?</ins></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="msoIns"><ins>I appreciate the opportunity to comment, particularly to be the first commenter on the opposite side of a very one-sided discussion. Please visit my hubpage as I intend to address this issue for the wider public in the near future.</ins></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="msoIns"><ins><br />
</ins></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="msoIns"><ins></ins></span></span>So there you go...it's a little bit harsh at points, perhaps, but I was just really fired up. He wrote me back a doosie which I just finished the reply for tonight (yea, 2 pages long in Word). I'm going to wait to see where that one takes us in this debate, but I'll give you guys a more in-depth view once I let it brew for awhile and maybe produce some really interesting outcomes. It's all in good fun, he seems glad of the fact that I am joining in on the discussion, so, I'm gonna keep it up til I feel like I've well represented my view!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So there you go!</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div>stacebirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096508539979798343noreply@blogger.com2