nexrad74

Hike Around Point Lobos (2 of 2)

2008-11-01T04:22:37Z

After a very long wait, here is the second part of my hike.

Hike Around Point Lobos (Part 1 of 2)

2008-09-25T01:27:42Z

I recently took a hike around Point Lobos park which is just to the south of Monterey. It is one of the most beautiful areas I have ever been to and has numerous picture taking spots. Enjoy!

Pinnacles Part II -- Cerdos!!!

2008-08-17T22:23:51Z

Here is part two of the hike at the Pinnacles Park. This was one of the few hikes I have been on where water became a concern. The problem was a combination of 100+ degree heat in the shade (good luck finding shade on the trail), plus just 2 small bottles of water left per person with a major portion of the trail still waiting.

One of the strangest sites on the trail was an outhouse located around 1,100 meters in elevation directly below the fire lookout. Thanks to its great sweeping view of the area, you could really go in style!

We made it, but I can tell you that when we got back to the truck I was drinking virtually everything I could get my hands on!!

Pinnacles Hike Part I

2008-08-09T01:56:44Z

I recently did a hike at Pinnacles National Monument in Monterey County one very hot day. The park is about an hour from Monterey but feels like it is days away. The climate is completely different as the park is never impacted by the marine layer. The day we went was around 40C in the shade and likely well above that in the sun. Here is part one of the event starting with the camp site:

The main highlight from the park are the caves you get to crawl through that house bats. In the heart of the cave, it was nearly pitch black while water could be heard running nearby. Not only was it a great break from the heat, it was very peaceful.

Kayaking in Monterey Bay

2008-08-07T04:21:19Z

There are few experiences for me that have come close to the pure joy I experienced kayaking in Monterey Bay earlier this week. Since I do not own a kayak, I had to rent one and decided to go with Monterey Bay Kayaks (http://www.montereybaykayaks.com/), a company that is located near the main beach in Monterey. I honestly cannot say enough good things about the company or the experience.

For starters, the price was only $30 for the day and included a wet suit, the kayak, a life jacket, a pullover jacket, and complete instructions. This was my second time kayaking (the other time was in Hawaii) and that was a few years ago, so after getting fitted with a suit, the 15 minute instruction portion was very helpful. I now know what the "Three B's" are and how to use them to get back in the craft.

I went with a co-worker who was also interested in taking a shot at the water, so we decided on a two man raft. After getting a few final words of wisdom, it was off to the water.

For the next three and a half hours we were able to enjoy Monterey from the water and see the large variety of homes and businesses in the city. Although you are a bit limited with where you are allowed to kayak, the 1 mile stretch has numerous chances to see a wide variety of wildlife. We saw countless sea lions, birds, otters, and ducks. The highlight for me was having a sea lion come up next to the kayak and try to grab the oar from me by biting it. Check out the video!

This is a definite must-do for anyone visiting Monterey when the seas are flat.

Visit to Big Sur

2008-07-17T04:41:03Z

As many of you know, the Big Sur area out here has been hit very hard this year with two large forest fires. So far, well over 100,000 acres have been burned in the Ventana Wilderness. Recently, they reponed Highway 1 and today I had a chance to drive down with a co-worker. Although the sky was overcast due to the marine layer and the smoke, it was still breath-taking.. Here are a few of the pictures:

It is important to remember that not everything in Big Sur was impacted by the fire. For example, the famous bridge built in 1932 is still there as incredible as ever.

There are numerous spots along Highway 1 with perfect photo opportunities. In this area, the water close to the beach has an awua blue color that is stunning.

For the most part, the fire was unable to jump Highway 1. That means almost all areas down by the water were not impacted by the fire.

Here at the Big Sur Station, virutally all of the land behind the grounds were burned. Instead of green hill sides, everything was a dull slate color, making it look like an alien landscape jutting to the sky.

The contrast between the living and the dead is jarring. It is amazing to think that by next year, life will start to return to the mountains.

There were many signs around the area showing support for the firefighters.

Totally Gay Happy Meals

2008-07-14T05:57:05Z

So I was going through SFGate.com tonight and noticed an intriguing title under the Most Commented section: Totally Gay Happy Meals It is the end of the nutball Christian right. Here...

This one had a whopping 1,745 comments on it which meant I had to read it! After all, what can be better than an editorial piece about burgers, gays, religion, McD's, and boycotts? BRING IT ON.

Mark Morford, one of the most entertaining and biting writers out there, goes into details about recent American Family Association boycott of McDonald's due to the VP joining board of directors of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Regardless of your opinion of the boycott, the article has a few real gems in it:

Your final proof that God laughs and snorts and doesn't give a flying McRib sandwich about any particular gaggle of humans, particularly those who profess that they know and love and worship him more violently and blindly than anyone else.
Wildmon and Dobson join Jerry Falwell and Jesse Helms in the Great Gay Bath House in the sky.
AFA is a bunch of troglodytic knuckle-draggers with the sociosexual awareness of a fungal spore,

Morford has a way of getting people talking. Read the entire article and add your two cents to the comments section over on the Chronicle site.

Animtion-

2008-07-12T03:28:43Z

Great little animation based on the song from the very quirky play Shockheaded Peter:

I saw this when I lived in Chicago. If you get a chance and want to see something completely different and amazing, I highly recommend it! By the way, the play is based on a German children's book called "Struwwelpeter:"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Struwwelpeter

News

2008-07-12T02:53:51Z

It's been an interesting few weeks around here...

For starters, Ezurbub here on LiveJournal a couple of months ago recommended that I try using Hospitality Club to broaden my horizons. Their simple concept attempts to connect people from around the world who have an interest in traveling and meeting locals. I was fortunate enough to have a fun couple from the Netherlands stop by for a day here in Monterey. Although both of them currently live in the Netherlands, they are actually from different countries -- he is from France and she is from Spain. So, my big challenge was to figure out where to take a couple from Europe who were going to spend less than 24 hour in Monterey. After thinking it over, we ended up walking along one of the beaches, went down to the Carmel Highlands, spent some time at the wharf, had a nice Thai dinner, and drinks in downtown Monterey. During our time together, we had some great conversations including a discussion about international politics, some difference between Americans and Europeans, and life in general. Since they have returned home, I heard back from them, and it sounds like they both had an enjoyable time here. Now I need to travel there!

The day after they left my friends James and Mansoor from Monterey came to town. Again I was playing tour guide, but this time we had two full days to plan out what to see and do. Thankfully both of them are explorers at heart (especially Mansoor) so we had a chance to trek all around the area. We went to the usual hot spots including the aquarium and wahrf, but we also went to some more "remote" places such as the beach near my apartment. The best part of the beach? Seeing James run in the water when the waves were low and then sprinting back to higher ground when he saw one of the large waves barreling down on him. Mansoor (again the adventurer) ended up crawling up one of the areas away from the trail and eventually talked us into following him. The view from that spot was breathtaking and extremely peaceful.

After they left, Daylon and I went to San Jose for a day. He is traveling for much of this month, so it was our only chance to spend a little time together. I found the downtown area to be a nice mix of commercial and high density residential buildings along with a good assortment of museums, parks, and neighborhoods. The day was capped off with a trip to the Cheesecake Factory.

Since that point, Daylon is now on his journey and I have been working a slew of shifts. I would love to talk about work, but it would probably bore all of you to tears.

1998 Gas War

2008-06-30T07:30:39Z

How times have changed...

WALL·E Thoughts

2008-06-23T20:40:27Z

The fine folks over at Aint It Cool News recenty reported that their screening of WALL-E received an incredible reception and praise from all demographics. I was a bit leery of the news, afterall screeners sometimes report inflated results. However, today I noticed this quote from critic Richard Roeper: "One of the best movies of the year. Just so beautifully done."

Could this finally be the year that an animated film wins for Best Picture? If WALL·E is as good as the early buzz suggests, let's hope that it gets a fair shake from the Academy.

Dose of Animation: Doll Face

2008-06-23T20:27:02Z

Andrew Huang tackles the issue of whether or not machines can feel with this fairly sad animation:

The Amazing Stevie Wonder

2008-06-21T21:04:48Z

It really doesn't get any better than this...

Carlitopolis

2008-06-21T20:53:50Z

This is a very clever use of animation from Luis Nieto in what at first appears to be a completely authentic scene. I just feel a little sorry for the mouse...

Land of Medicine Buddha Center

2008-06-15T06:08:43Z

What an amazing experience...

Earlier this year, I had the chance to attend the annual celebration at the Land of Medicine Buddha Center just outside of Santa Cruz. It is very difficult to encapsolate such an amazing experience.

Over the next few days, I will post my thoughts about what happened.

For now, just enjoy the video.

The Worst Video Game of All Time Makes the Best Review of All Time

2008-06-14T05:22:19Z

It's great to see someone was able to make a hilarious video about the game E.T. that helped to wreck the industry back in the 1980s.

Monterey Bay Aquarium (3 of 3)

2008-06-13T03:45:57Z

This section of the video features cascading water, penguins, and various marine life.

Overall, we both had a very enjoyable time visiting the aquarium. Although it might be classified as a tourist trap as it is one of the main highlights in the area for visitors, it is also a place that many local residents are very proud of. In fact, the entire operation does not receive any taxpayer money and does not have a budget deficit. Thanks to all of the support from the Monterey Bay community, it has been able to operate without any financial problems.

One thing that is fun to consider with any museum is if someone just had an hour to spend at a place, where would you recommend that they visit. If you find yourself in Monterey with very little time to spend at the aquarium, I would recommend checking out the otter area, the jelly fish, the waterfall where the little kids freak out, the huge fish tank and the view of the bay from the back of the center.

We also had a chance to have lunch in the upscale restaurant and found the food to be very good along with a great view of the water. Each table has a pair of binoculars so you can view the multitude of sea life that is just outside the windows. They only serve sustainable seafood, so not only is it pleasing to the pallet, it is also environmentally friendly.

Monterey Bay Aquarium (2 of 3)

2008-06-01T04:57:02Z

This clip from the aquarium features the otters. Come on...admit it...otters are cute!

No one can watch this and not want one for a pet!

Yamaha MOTIF XS -- WOW

2008-05-23T23:00:29Z

Amazing video of an incredible unit from Yamaha. Needless to say, this blows my entry-level Yamaha out of the water.

Monterey Bay Aquarium (1 of 3)

2008-05-22T02:36:55Z

We recently went to the aquarium here in Monterey and here are some of the highlights from the first part of the joureny. This segment has many clips of the various jellyfish they have.

Euro to Surpass $2 US???

2008-05-22T01:02:50Z

This video should send some shockwaves to the US economy. Stick through the entire video to hear the prediction of the Euro potentially surpassing $2 US. In addition, the technician forecasts the Pound to fall. If this turns out to be true, the Euro will easily overtake the Pound. If oil remains traded in US dollars, it will create additional pressure on oil prises to rise even further.

Whoever becomes the President next year will have their hands full...

Bill O'Reilly Flips Out -- The Remix!

2008-05-19T00:51:54Z

As most of you know, a tape was recently discovered of an irate Bill O'Reilly when he was an anchor on Inside Edition. Thanks to the beauty of the Internet, it should not come as a surpise that someone remixed his outburst. Enjoy (note: lots of profanity)...

Carmel Beach and Surrounding Areas

2008-05-18T22:58:30Z

Last week I had a chance to take a walk with a co-worker around the Carmel, California, area. Needless to say, it lived up to my expectations. For me this trip had an added signifigance since a portion of the area flooded during the very strong storm we had back in January.

Carmel is one of the main attractions for tourists in this area due to a large number of boutique shops, fine dining establishments, and its very close proximity to the beach.

Amanpour's notes from North Korea

2008-05-12T06:49:54Z

For those who missed Chrisitane Amanpour special on North Korea, you missed one of the most interesting new segments in recent memory. Amanpour, who has been to every corner of the globe, provided a rare glimpse into North Korea's culture. The story follows the journey of the New York Philharmonic to Pyongyang and their performance. Very few film crews have been given nearly unlimited access to the country, and much of what was shown has rarely been seen in the West. Read more about her report here.

Also, one of the most amazing parts about North Korea is their Mass Games Celebration. Just take a look at this at a previous performance:

Are Americans Ready for $7 Gaoline?

2008-05-06T23:05:16Z

A huge shock wave went through the oil community today as Goldman Sachs predicted that oil may hit a super spike over the next 6 to 24 months and climb to between $150 to $200 a barrel. The market reacted by pushing crude futures up to almost $123 dollars.

Let's put this in perspective. First, take a look at crude oil futures for the past year:

As you can see, prices have gone from around $60 to over $120 in less than a year.

A few years ago, Goldman predicted that oil could top $100 and many people discounted that. If prices do in fact hit around $200 a barrel, it would translate to gasoline futures hitting around $6 a gallon which would bring $6.60-$7.20 to consumers. Diesel would even be higher at $7.10-$7.60 a gallon. This cost would be definitely be passed down to consumers at grocery stores.

So, what can be done?

Unfortunately, not a lot. The US is currently trapped with a weak economy, a very weak dollar, numerous international oil production problems, and increasing oil consumption from China and to a lesser extent India. Today's announcement of Indonesia potentially leaving OPEC which could take more oil off the market may further complicate matters. Even if the US decided to greatly increase domestic oil production including drilling in ANWR, it would only have a limited imapct. That is not to say that domestic exploration should not be considered, however it is far from a magic bullet that some people claim.

If the prediction from Goldman comes true, the next President of the United States is going to have a major energy crisis to deal with. When you compound that with two wars (and potentially a third) it will not be a fun time.