Cruiser vs Sport Tourer in Rocky Mountains

Well, I am having a lot of trouble merging NMEA log files with my jpg files. In the mean time, I wanted to mention the difference between riding in the Rocky Mountains on a Honda VTX 1800 and Yamah FJR 1300, with a passenger.

As with any motorcycle, ascents are easier than descents. It was the descent where I noticed the difference. Ascents are easier because the suspension that provides power is compressed and stabilized by the counter forces of the engine. On the Honda cruiser, I had very little confidence in the front suspension. Perhaps the larger rake is to blame. With the Yamaha sport tourer, I as able to descend altitude much faster because the front wheel felt way more stable.

java fx demo apps

Crikey. To view the harmless sample apps I have to authorize full access to my computer. Genius.

Last weekend

My girlfriend and I rode a Yamaha FJR 1300 from Lakewood to Silverton and back. I'll post geotagged photos on picasaweb soon.

Dead Snow

Sweet Jesus, yes.

Lies

I would like to believe that our ability to lie separates homo sapiens from less evolved primates like orangutans. I would also like to believe that those who choose to lie should be treated like less evolved primates.

Today was the first day my five year old nephew lied to my face. I was calm. I did not frighten or intimidate him. I explained to him how I knew he was lying. I told him how important it was to tell the truth. I gave him several opportunities to correct his answer. But he stuck to it. He is just as foolishly bull-headed as the rest of us.

I arrived at only two explanations for my nephew's actions today. Both possibilities are hard for me to accept.

1. My nephew is too stupid to know when he can lie and maybe get away with it.
   
2. My nephew does not give two shits about me and my disappointment in his choices.
   

Grim indeed.

Children's Music for Adults

I look forward to the 88.1 KDPS radio program every morning on my drive to work. Jacob Lewin (5:27) is easily the best DJ in the Des Moines metro in the 7 AM hour. He is graduating from high school today. Wednesday is his last show and I am quite sad. He made my meaningless cubicle job a bit less depressing.

Pizza is just pizza, right?

Not today it isn't. I just had a slice of heaven from Happy Joes. Toppings: pepperoni, green olives, sweet banana peppers, mushrooms, and jalapenos. Yummy!

Ultra cold meets ultra hot

Best physics press release, thus far in 2009. Early evidence of an energy continuum?