The Wild Tequila Dance

US sheep industry report

2012-01-04T09:52:00.003-05:00

Bill and I were just talking about a potential 10 year plan to becoming sheep farmers. I like that sheep seem to be profitable on a small scale. They seem to be a great option for local, sustainable farming.

This report (though it's 3 years old) just popped up on the Purdue Cooperative Extension Sheep and Goats blog.

During the past 60 years, the number of sheep and lamb in the United States have been declining, a fact that has been attributed to a confluence of forces. Despite the downward trend, the domestic sheep industry has taken steps toward transforming itself into a more efficient and competitive industry. This report examines the current and future challenges and opportunities that the sheep industry faces and concludes that, with a concerted industry effort and focus on new technologies, products, and markets, the downward trend can be stopped and possibly reversed.

Also popping up in my Reader this morning...the newest collection of yummy, yummy patterns from Brooklyn Tweed. Brooklyn Tweed also has yarn lines that are US grown wool spun in a US factory - and his yummy, yummy patterns all use that wool. I'm not sure how rare the US grown and spun wool is, but the sheep report says "from 1995 to 2005, wool accounted for only about 0.6 percent of all fiber use in the U.S. mills," and that doesn't sound like much. I haven't tried his yarn yet (pricey, very pricey), but it's on my list. It is spun woolen, so it's fluffier, warmer, and a bit more prickly than most yarn I typically use or spin.

Go sheep!

Wool Takes Cashmere's Crown

2011-11-30T13:50:00.002-05:00

The results are in, according to the Australia based Cooperative Research Center for Sheep Industry Innovation (Sheep CRC), and wool is the winner. Objective testing has shown ultrafine wool garments can outperform 100 percent cashmere and high quality cotton for comfort and softness.

Sheep CRC commissioned the manufacture of select ultrafine wool fabrics to provide a set of benchmarks for the measurement of next to skin comfort and handle.

"It is the first time that ultrafine wool knitwear has been shown, using objective testing, to be superior to other natural fibers in terms of functional qualities valued by consumers," Sheep CRC chief executive officer professor James Rowe said. "Wools in the ultrafine micron category, used for the manufacture of these test garments, represent about two percent of the Australian wool clip and, therefore, constitute a very rare and valuable fiber resource."

more here.

I am always torn on how to respond to people who make faces about wool. Yes, I want to help them expand their horizons and convert them to wool lovers (really, who doesn't like merino?)...but sometimes I just want to roll my eyes and walk away. Demand for wool is increasing and it's getting more expensive. Less people to have to share with, ya know?

Look who's here

2011-04-26T22:17:00.004-04:00

In the last month or so our barn has come a long way... and so has the soon-to-be barnyard and pasture. Chris has put in a bunch of fence posts - cut from the black locust stand in the back of

our property, hauled up the hill, debarked, sharpened to a point, and dug/driven into the ground. (more photos of that process to come...)

But we have also cleaned up the barn, put more posts in, and built stalls. It went from this...

To this...

And tonight we introduced three pygmy goats to their new home. Meet Cocoa, Dusty, and Finch.

Beer Wars...

2011-03-30T09:08:00.001-04:00

Has anyone seen Beer Wars? Review here: Pajiba.

Indiana is not good for syruping...

2011-02-13T10:43:00.003-05:00

Our weather has been thus:

Last week - not a degree above freezing
Today and tomorrow - lows between 25-35, highs around 40 (pretty good!)
Next few days - lows in the 40s

Makes for pretty icky sap. Any plans for syrup in NY?

New Year's 2008-2009

2011-01-06T21:46:00.002-05:00

Beaver Creek Lodge

New Year's 2010-2011

2011-01-04T12:21:00.001-05:00

More pics can be viewed here: http://picasaweb.google.com/csomerlot/NewYears20102011?authkey=Gv1sRgCKjW4NryrY-nyQE&feat=directlink

New Years 2009-2010

2011-01-03T20:35:00.003-05:00

New Years 2007-2008

2011-01-03T20:34:00.003-05:00

New Years 2006-2007

2011-01-03T20:32:00.003-05:00

Any pictures?

Had to bust out the scanner for this one...

New Years 2005-2006

2011-01-03T20:31:00.002-05:00

New Years 2004-2005

2011-01-03T20:29:00.001-05:00

New Years 2003-2004

2011-01-03T20:28:00.003-05:00

Pocono Pictures?

The only one I have:

New Years 2002-2003

2011-01-03T20:25:00.003-05:00

Who has a group photo?

I thought more JoBi attended but they're not in this photo, which is the only group shot I have:

New Years 2001-2002

2011-01-03T20:22:00.003-05:00

And for one that sums up the event...

Beware the Yule Cat

2010-12-11T08:09:00.003-05:00

Is all your autumn spinning done???

I was doing some reading about old solstice and yule celebrations and came across the Icelandic Yule cat. Apparently, if you don't get all your autumn wool spinning done by the winter solstice, the Yule Cat eats you in the middle of the night.

So, you've got about 20 days...

You all know the Yule Cat
And that Cat was huge indeed.
People didn't know where he came from
Or where he went.
He opened his glaring eyes wide,
The two of them glowing bright.
It took a really brave man
To look straight into them.
His whiskers, sharp as bristles,
His back arched up high.
And the claws of his hairy paws
Were a terrible sight.

(More here)

Bill and I are off to purchase a spinning wheel this morning, so we can avoid this freaky feline.

This sounds like New Years

2010-10-07T16:19:00.000-04:00

...but with more goat.

The 36-Hour Dinner Party

Turkeys!

2010-08-16T12:04:00.000-04:00

Getting bigger...

Chickens are cuter than snakes

2010-06-19T21:40:00.000-04:00

Milk Snakes

2010-05-03T14:41:00.001-04:00

Guess what I found in a pile of slate? A gaggle (5) of milk snakes, about 6" long! The kids, mostly Thomas, thought they were pretty cool. He is still looking for them. They are pretty cool, once you look them up to make sure that they are not massaqua rattlesnakes. Kelly did not appreciate a tangle of snakes so close to her kids, poisonous or no, so we relocated them to the neighbors yard. And no more piles of slate in direct sun exposure next to the house. And no more compost heap within 300 yds of the house.

I can't wait to tell my mom, she won't come near our house until Christmas.

The bestest most funniest T shirt I ever saw

2010-03-24T14:54:00.001-04:00

In perusing the site of a local hop farm, from whom Jon and I wish to procure new rhizomes, I came upon this little gem at the bottom of the following page: http://www.pmihops.com/products.php

How appropriate given our lenten season, No?

Floating Island Commune

2010-03-15T10:33:00.003-04:00

I can't decide if there is something wrong with this idea but right now outside all the snow melted and Syracuse looks like it was just ejected from the bowels of a creature with amoebic dysentery and I just got back from a beautiful week in the sunshine state so this is looking pretty good...

http://www.why-yachts.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl4sbM_O_WA

Who is with me?

Interesting take on national debt

2010-02-23T09:15:00.002-05:00

Debt seems to have taken a front and center role in politics (again). While reading this very interesting article on gold, I came upon this little gem of a factoid:

"If you’re worried about massive deficits, recall that our country was founded with debt, debt that was ultimately paid back."

Honey Oatmeal Soap

2010-02-15T20:06:00.011-05:00

This weekend we made honey-oatmeal-goatsmilk soap, in a wooden mold.

This is the soap mold.

These are the bars of soap after they are cut up.

Now we have a lot of oatmeal soap... any volunteers to try it out and give feedback?

(We made a 4 pound batch...)

Ingredients: lard, coconut oil, olive oil, goat milk, oats, honey, beeswax, lye

More sunshine

2010-02-04T22:20:00.001-05:00

So nature has created smart plants, like the sunflower, that will follow the sun's path through the sky. Well, what about a house (and more season verse daily)? Check this out!!!

New Paltz, NY is where it's at!

This poor, neglected blog...

2010-01-30T16:35:00.000-05:00

Needs some sunshine.

This sucks

2009-10-23T15:46:00.000-04:00

Why do we even bother creating our own environmental laws?

http://www.chinahush.com/2009/10/21/amazing-pictures-pollution-in-china/

pomplamoose

2009-10-06T20:32:00.000-04:00

funny

For all you cheese makers

2009-09-25T08:14:00.002-04:00

I just read an article about using CLEAN men's handkerchiefs instead of cheesecloth for cheese making or any other form of fine straining.

Woolch

2009-09-02T10:12:00.002-04:00

What’s Woolch Mulch?

Woolch. Made from 50 percent wool (a bi-product from yarn and blanket making industries) and 50 percent toothpick-size wood shavings (a bi-product from sawmills), woolch was developed by the Minnesota Lamb and Wool Makers Association and tested at the University of Minnesota. This combination of wool and wood shavings has been used on perennial fruits and vegetables such as strawberries with great success. Woolch prevents weed growth on top and below the mulch, retains soil moisture, keeps the soil cool, and lasts longer than other organic mulches such as straw. For strawberries it even allows the daughter plants to root themselves through the woolch material. The lightweight, felt-like mats of woolch can be cut to fit any fruit, vegetable, or perennial garden patch and generally lasts for 2 years in the garden before degrading in the soil.

For more information :

http://www.extension.umn.edu/projects/yardandgarden/YGLNews/YGLNewsMay152009.html#art1

Remember Stumpy Tunes?

2009-08-07T12:34:00.002-04:00

I have songs to share! And I am craving new music.

Any interest/ suggestions in a music swap? We had that email address a billion years ago...is there a better or easier way to share some music in 2009?

Must have music.

Crazy $, but cool...

2009-07-11T21:56:00.002-04:00

and I bet I could make one! Wooly "hammock" for plants!

http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/gardening/woolly-pocket-gardening-company-089775?image_id=212731

Rural America

2009-07-09T11:22:00.003-04:00

USA Today has an article about a shrinking NH town that includes some stats that I've never considered before about rural areas.

17% of Americans live in rural areas (that seems so small to me!)
Only 4% of rural Americans make their living farming

The general idea of the article seems to be that governmental policies and funds for rural America are focused on farming and therefore neglect the majority of the people and industries in those areas.

In the grand scheme of things, I'm not sure what this is all coming to...thoughts?

Dont Move Firewood

2009-06-05T12:32:00.003-04:00

With the Emerald Ash Borer recently discovered, just across the Niagara River-

I thought this website does a nice job of getting the message across-
Check out how many people in NY (or your state) have made the pledge not to transport firewood....

http://www.stopthebeetle.info

Beer endangerment

2009-05-21T10:47:00.002-04:00

Is this true? Have you heard anything about it? Will you have to re-live days of going to Canada for beer?

Dear New York Beer Activist,

At the request of the New York State Brewers Association, we are alerting you to an issue which could dramatically affect your access to the craft beers made by small breweries all across the country.
As you have likely learned, the state of New York recently enacted a requirement that bottled products sold in your state must bear a New York-specific UPC code for bottle deposit and redemption purposes. This requirement will have severe negative impacts on many businesses, including and particularly, small breweries.

More...

Urban vegetable gardens

2009-05-08T09:12:00.002-04:00

Read this story: http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/syracuses_community_gardens_ar.html

Now, I have done some research on this topic and it turns out that heavy metal uptake in plants is minimal in normal soil pH. It also seems lead in urban soils is a common thing. So the fix would be to bring in some good soil to garden in.

Apparently that is exactly what they did, right Jon?

A Grand Chicken Day Out

2009-04-26T20:23:00.001-04:00

It was a lovely day today, so we built our chickens a little temporary playground for some fun in the sun. They are one month old this weekend. The barred rocks - Rocket and his crew.

A broiler and a barred rock - these chickens are the same age!

The reason we call her Fuzzy Longbottoms:

Chillin chicken:

Tartan Day

2009-04-05T14:42:00.001-04:00

Will there be celebrations tomorrow?

http://www.tartanday.org/

The Inverse Power of Praise

2009-03-20T10:27:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, at work, we had a Youth Development Inservice that focused part of the workshop on the harmful effects of praising youth. This concept was totally foreign to me, but really fascinating. Of course a lot of it depends on context. The research behind reasons not to praise children and youth is very interesting- but what a total change and different way of thinking from what most people are accustomed to! Thought I'd share...

http://nymag.com/news/features/27840/

http://www.alfiekohn.org/parenting/gj.htm

What do you think?

March for Babies

2009-03-19T21:04:00.003-04:00

We are going to participate in the March of Dime's "March for Babies" at Long Branch Park this April. If anyone would like to help support our walk by sponsoring us, please visit the link below. Thank you!!!!

The Somerlots

Keeping up with the Jones (or the Somerlots, or Moskals)

2009-03-03T20:41:00.001-05:00

Happy Day. As of 4 PM this afternoon, Carrie and I are officially homeowners! We will post some pictures soon. The house is great and needs only a little work to be lived in but we do have lots of plans to slightly remodel it. Right now we need to raise the ceiling in one room and then paint. As of tonight all we have is new doorhandles, deadbolt and locks. We plan to move most of our stuff on the weekend of March 14th. Fairport here we come! More to follow.

Beer grains

2009-03-02T18:46:00.003-05:00

From my favorite online cartoon, Toothpaste for Dinner.

New Office of Ecosystem Services and Markets

2009-02-27T09:12:00.000-05:00

Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer announced last week the intention toestablish a new USDA Office of Ecosystem Services and Markets, whichwill promote markets for ecosystem services including carbon trading.According to USDA, agriculture producers provide many ecosystemservices which have historically been viewed as free benefits tosociety clean water and air, wildlife habitat, carbon storage andscenic landscapes. Lacking a formal structure to market theseservices, farmers, ranchers and forest landowners are not generallycompensated for providing these critical public benefits. Market-basedapproaches to conservation are proven to be a cost-effective method toachieve environmental goals and sustain working and naturallandscapes. Without financial incentives, these ecosystem services maybe lost as privately owned lands are sold or converted to development.

Yarn Projects

2009-02-21T08:52:00.005-05:00

The last of the Christmas weaving is done... to be made into 6 more placemats!

Here is the electronic image of the tartan, as designed by Chris's tartan designer software:

And here is the actual result:

And my first knitted baby sweater- for Caitlin.

Diet Soda...

2009-02-17T12:27:00.003-05:00

'..Diet soft drinks are the epitome of wastefulness. According to Pimentel, it takes 600 calories of energy to produce the drink itself and another 1,600 to make the aluminum can, not to mention the energy required to ship it from plant to supermarket. The product that comes out of the can has less than one calorie, which obviously appeals to dieters—but to Pimentel, PhD '51, it offers one of the most egregious examples of the problems with America's far-flung food-supply system. And don't even get him started on iceberg lettuce. "It's 95 percent water," he notes, "and shipping water around is inefficient." One head has 110 calories and few nutrients—but shipping it from California to New York takes 4,000 calories of energy. Lettuce, Pimentel says, is "a real loser." '

Hey Monkey - do as I say...sorta

2009-02-14T16:07:00.014-05:00

Bill and I recently visited the "Evolving Planet" exhibit at the Field Museum in Chicago. It was a huge exhibit, taking up much of the second floor, and most of the interpretation (in my never-actually-professional opinion) was quiet good. The exhibit walked the visitor through the evolution of life on earth. Rooms were set at different points of time with tons of wicked cool fossils and some "sets" with models of trees and enormous bugs of past eras.

Six mass extinctions marked signification transitions of types of life on earth. While the meat of the info could lead you to believe mass extinctions were good (mammals thrived when dinos died...) the visuals (like dramatic red lighting) made those parts of the exhibit eerie. (Ahh! Meteors are falling!!!)

On each interpretive sign there was a time line since...well the beginning of time on earth, with each era in a different color and mass extinctions in red. So, we knew there would be an environmental message at the end regarding the sixth, and current mass extinction. I had high hopes for a solid, actionable message.

Here is what we found. Why is the current extinction happening?

How are humans killing everything? Garbage, densely populated areas which destroy habitat, greenhouse gases and, apparently, the logging industry.

The statistic to shock you into action:

Finally, the self-promoting feel-good message:

That was pretty much it. Three signs in a little nook. But then, the best part. When visitors walk just around the corner, just outside of the exhibit saying that transportation, garbage and (reasonable people could infer) conspicuous consumption are killing species in the same vein that led to the extinction of dinosaurs, giant sloths and some pretty funky looking fish, you find this:

I literally took this photo standing next to the sign about how awful humans are. Any guesses as to the contents of the store? Recycled tote bags for groceries? Wind turbines? Perhaps "adopt an endangered species" packets? "More Fun, Less Stuff" bumper stickers?

Nope.

Plastic dinosaurs made in China. Puzzles made in China. Dinosaur robots, presumably made in China. Tons of short-life, basically disposable stuff made in a polluted country and shipped across a very large ocean.

Mind-boggling.

I tried to find a museum interpretor to help me understand this seemingly hypocritical disconnect (as well as a scientific question about mass extinctions), but couldn't. Apparently these sort of staff leave for the day around 3, though the museum is open until 6. I searched for over a solid half hour and asked multiple security and information employees to help me find someone to talk to and they helpfully said I was asking too late in the day.

So I am left to guessing about the museum's intent. Here are the two thoughts I come up with:

1) Money from museum sales supports conservation programs, like those on the last sign, which purchase and protect land.
My problem with that is this: if humans are causing the mass extinction, purchasing land seems to address a symptom and not the actual problem of unsustainable long-distance consumption. It would seem a futile effort in the long run, unless human consumptive behavior is significantly altered.

2) The museum needs the money from gift shop sales to cover operating costs which make exhibits like "Evolving Planet" - and its message about environmental destruction - possible.
Having worked at a large conservation non-profit, I totally get the fundraising thing. However, if a goal of the exhibit is to get visitors to think about, and ultimately act to change their unsustainable habits and they still want to buy destructive, polluting crap less than 20 seconds after leaving the part of the exhibit that tells them not to, I'd say your interpretation is not very effective and no one is getting your message.

So, here is my question to the Field Museum that I am left to posting here because no one was available at the actual museum. Why not raise money in a way that supports, rather than undermines, your mission? Have a huge ole gift shop with things that will make people feel good about not buying crap.

Start with a big, self-righteous sign about why you don't sell plastic crap made in China. Sell flower seeds for window boxes, or small trees. Treats for birds made by the local YMCA afterschool program? Organic dog biscuits with local ingredients made by local old people? I'd even be ok with books about sustainable living. Show visitors how to actually change their consumption and have fun doing it.

Otherwise, I am left thinking the museum is full of crap and the sixth mass extinction has nothing to do with me.

Forest Fire Policy

2009-02-10T10:43:00.001-05:00

I found this article to be interesting. Does anyone have thoughts on the Australian idea of "Stay and Defend" during a wild fire?

Excerpt:

Until the weekend’s fires, the stay and defend idea was “the most talked about strategy in the firefighting world,” according to the Los Angeles Times. Southern California wildland firefighting agencies were even in the process of adopting aspects of the approach. Land managers across the US West were also taking a shine to the idea, which includes heavy doses of prevention, education, and personal responsibility.

Winter photo

2009-01-17T15:06:00.001-05:00

Blue jay eatin a peanut.

We saw an Ivory billed at Tug Hill

2009-01-07T09:53:00.003-05:00

Not really, but Kevin just finished the Grail bird book and we have been scratching or heads about what we belive after reading that (the woodpecker we saw in Tug Hill was probably nut hatch). We are, of course, only engineers and have limited comprehension of population dynamics, so I thought I would post here to collect some educated responses. (Bill).

The book basically documents how 3 ornithologists from Cornell Ornithology Lab and other places saw an Ivory Billed Woodpecker, but NO other evidence or sightings has been collected since that happened in 2003. We think there are only 2 incredulous possible conclusions: either all those trained professionals are wrong, or we have to completely change our understanding of how a species goes extinct, and maybe even some of the basic details about that bird. Does it travel hundreds of miles in a day? Is that why they have not found any more auditory evidence? Can a population survive with 3 or 4 individuals spread out among that much territory? That is a very limited gene pool. Is there perhaps and new subspecies of pileated that for some unknown reason evolved in the absence of the ivory-billed to have very similar characteristics?

Mind you, since they "re-discovered" this previously extinct bird, there has been a huge effort by many orgs to find more evidence. Heck, they even put 1000's of acres of this swamp into permanent conservation just because of this sighting (maybe that was the lab's end game)? No one has found anything. But these sightings were done by respected professionals, who only had much to lose by claiming they saw the birding world's sasquatch.

While the book was only mildly entertaining it does document a very peculiar biologic phenomenon.

New Year's2008- 2009

2009-01-02T21:13:00.003-05:00

This year's event was the largest gathering yet since we started in 2001-2 - 12 adults and 4 children. The location was excellent, providing the right amount of space for everyone to be comfortable, eat very well, go xc skiing, entertain the babies and other young'ins, and to play Guitar Hero on the wall using an LCD projector. For those who couldn't attend in person, you were there in spirit. Additional photos are located here.

Antique Sock Knitting Machine

2008-12-20T18:30:00.001-05:00

I have never seen this before. It is so cool!!
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/12/antique_sock_knitting_machines_at_m.html

House for Kevin and Carrie

2008-12-20T16:45:00.002-05:00

Great news. We had our offer accepted for a house over the weekend. We signed the contract today. It is a great old house (built in 1900) in the town we were looking. We will be able to walk to the farmers market, butcher shop, library, bike shop, and several cafes and restaurants. All very exciting. I will post some pictures soon.

Enjoy the holidays.
Kevin and Carrie

Tree decorations

2008-12-18T13:11:00.002-05:00

In China.

(via BBC news)

Airport Security Goes High Tech

2008-12-02T12:22:00.001-05:00

Forget about x-ray machines and metal detectors. Check out this article on new technology that can read your mood and your intentions. Very cool and a little scary at the same time.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/12/02/airport.security/index.html

Enjoy,
Kevin

Random fiber photo

2008-11-25T13:16:00.004-05:00

Over the summer we visited Conner Prairie, a local living history bonanza. There are two areas, one from the 1830s and another from the 1880s. It's a neat place, full of fun, useful info for farming in Indiana.

We visited their fiber area, saw the dye garden and watched a nice lady spin on this giant, complicated wheel. They also weave rugs there for the buildings on the site.

New York Online Farmers Market

2008-11-20T09:51:00.000-05:00

http://nyfoodtrader.org/

Funny shoes!

2008-11-19T21:00:00.002-05:00

I really want to try a pair of these on!

Green Auto

2008-11-18T11:41:00.002-05:00

My company IT guy owns and updates this site: http://www.greenauto.com/

He keeps it up to date with the latest news (especially about the chevy volt) as he gets to go to the media events and see the concepts, etc.

Check out the redesign of the Chevy Volt! He saw it up close in NYC a couple weeks ago.

Taking y'all back

2008-10-29T21:36:00.001-04:00

The Muppets were good when we were kids, they are still good now. Of course the guys in the balcony are the best...

Winter

2008-10-29T13:16:00.002-04:00

Last Week:

This week...

Another cool website

2008-10-21T09:21:00.001-04:00

Pretty much sums up why I have a job.

http://www.sehinc.com/info/pub/images/aviandi.swf

Be proud of ESF

2008-10-14T20:40:00.001-04:00

I was looking at college sustainability yesterday and found these two news clips about ESF. Really cool stuff.....especially the butter one. Check them out.

Flexi-pave: http://www.esf.edu/communications/news/2008/08.25.flexi.htm

Butter for fuel:

–http://www.esf.edu/communications/news/2008/09.12.biodiesel.htm

Kevin

How walkable is your neighborhood?

2008-10-07T19:22:00.002-04:00

This is a pretty cool website. Not sure how accurate it is but it probably provides a relatively fair assessment. My current location got a 74, my apartment on Alexander was in the 80's.

Anything Mountain Biking

2008-09-24T21:21:00.004-04:00

Since the mountain biking season is winding down, I thought I'd share some pictures from 2008.

Michael on the Juicy Bacon trail at Dryer Road in Victor.

Finishing up the VERY muddy Raccoon Rally xc race.

Kev getting ready to roll out at Shindagin Hollow.

After a great day at Shindagin.

A family cemetery in Shindagin.

Michael taking a break from enjoying the blackberries at Gilbert Lake State Park.

A cool leaf mud tattoo received by Megan at Norwich/Brookfield.

A view of Letchworth Gorge from the Finger Lakes Trail.

Done!

2008-09-05T22:30:00.003-04:00

I finally finished my first quilt!! (actually I had some help finishing it- my mom spent the last few weeks putting the bias tape on during the twins' naps...which I had avoided doing for months!) I can't remember when I started this quilt- except that we had Jingles at the time and our living room furniture was all upstairs in the room that is now a bedroom- so, it was a long time ago!

Now on to one of the other projects that I started but never finished...

Hardware - Photo

2008-09-02T17:49:00.003-04:00

something purple

2008-08-16T08:15:00.004-04:00

And yummy.

Newborn Twins

2008-08-08T22:42:00.003-04:00

Community Garden

2008-08-08T18:16:00.005-04:00

Rain Garden

Something old-timey

2008-08-07T12:35:00.003-04:00

Hardware - Photo

2008-07-31T14:35:00.004-04:00

This example waterwheel is in the park just down the road. I took these pictures after some trail running.

First, Waterwheel is normal motion:

And now in SUPER motion:

Water Reflections - Photo

2008-07-31T14:09:00.004-04:00

This is from the local village of Honeoye Falls. I used to live (briefly) at the end of the next street. This was when I moved to Rochester just after graduation.

Enjoy,

Kevin

Beer

2008-07-29T20:23:00.002-04:00

Happiness

2008-07-28T21:58:00.003-04:00

This was shot in our fantastically productive garden. Sunflowers bring bees.. what do bees bring?

Enjoy.

Newborn Twins...well, Thomas

2008-07-28T21:55:00.001-04:00

One dead lawnmower

2008-07-26T09:51:00.001-04:00

This gave me a chuckle so I thought I would share.

Baby Bird

2008-07-18T10:19:00.002-04:00

Can anyone ID this little guy? He was hanging out in our front yard, under the tree. If it wasn't for the orange on his tail I probably would've stepped right on him!

New Office

2008-07-08T15:12:00.001-04:00

They recently moved me to a new office, one of those fancy places where people from other companies co-habitate and share a secretary and fridge. The video below shows why this is never a good idea.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?cl=8704649

Something old-timey

2008-07-02T19:45:00.004-04:00

Saw a double feature at the drive in this last weekend. Because the sun doesn't set here until 9:30ish, we were watchin movies until 2 am.

View from here

2008-06-28T17:55:00.003-04:00

Some links for interesting photos of Earth from space.

http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/

http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/ipy/

At least we get some cool photos as a direct benefit of the space program - yes, I know we also got Velcro and Tang and I am sure a number of other interesting and beneficial stuff.

I <3 Modern Art

2008-06-17T12:20:00.004-04:00

Real Snail Mail.

Bill sent me a message and I am anxiously awaiting it, even though I know it could take months. I suspect this is the point...to force me to learn to calm down.

I LOVE IT!

Rust

2008-06-09T19:14:00.001-04:00

Bucket o'tetanus

Photographers. Start your....shutters?

2008-05-26T12:16:00.002-04:00

The scavenger hunt list on the right -->

Post 'em when you got 'em! If you feel adventurous, label them "summer photo."

Scavenger Hunt list

2008-05-17T13:44:00.002-04:00

Here is the list so far. Any comments/additions/deletions?

gaggle of geese
something purple
happiness
a red button (my fav on the list! so simple, but so many options.)
water reflections
a community garden
rust
a discarded couch
potential energy
lightening
cleanliness
messiness
beer
neighborliness
anything mountain biking
a mammal
kites
hardware
something old-timey
a sign of autumn
cheese
wonkiness
excitement
serenity

Want to start Memorial Day and run through Labor Day? Post here? Or are there other ideas?

Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt?

2008-04-28T16:01:00.000-04:00

Is anyone interested in doing a summer-long photo scavenger hunt? We could make a list of things as a group and then spend the summer sharing the photos we’ve taken. They could be specific things (a gaggle of geese), more general things (something purple) or themes open to wild interpretation (happiness). We could post the photos here, or on another blog…or anyplace that would be easiest.

Any interest?

You mess with one of the family, you mess with the WHOLE family!!!

2008-04-03T21:15:00.000-04:00

http://youtube.com/watch?v=LU8DDYz68kM

Happiness is a warm but

2008-03-17T16:51:00.001-04:00

Checkit: http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/01/19/funny-pictures-a-warm-butt/

Puppies with a nose for Trouble

2008-03-14T09:28:00.002-04:00

Article and cute video on beagles being raised for border patrol in New Zealand.

I like how they say "Walks often take longer than planned because of sensory diversions." Thats one way of putting it!

Anyone on Good Reads?

2008-03-08T11:08:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine just notified me of this site where you keep lists of books you've read and want to read. Is anyone here on it?

http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/976686

30+21=9

2008-02-21T20:51:00.002-05:00

Michael and I find this entertaining, maybe you'll laugh with (or at) us as well.

Photo for the (almost over) week

2008-02-21T20:46:00.002-05:00

From a xc skiing trip during our new year's stay in the 'daks.

America's Environmental Report Card

2008-02-08T14:59:00.000-05:00

I was just looking through the American Environmental Literacy reports.
Interesting, but also scary. Apparently, 45 million Americans believe that the ocean is a source of freshwater. Check it out: http://www.neefusa.org/pdf/ELR2005.pdf

This report, and lots of others, are put together by the National Environmental Education Training Foundation. (http://www.neefusa.org/resources/publications.htm#neetfpubs)

Thursday photo

2008-02-07T08:40:00.001-05:00

Lucky shot from our back yard.

Reviving the picture of the week posts

2008-01-31T11:55:00.000-05:00

A pic by Bro took in AZ on our recent Christmas pilgrimage

How was New Years?

2008-01-10T14:31:00.000-05:00

Photos? Stories? Any more doggies that refused to go home??

The best new tech ideas of 2007

2008-01-08T11:42:00.000-05:00

Allegedly, but still a great read: http://www.nytimes.com/indexes/2007/12/08/magazine/index.html

Invasive Species News in NY

2008-01-04T09:04:00.000-05:00

SPECIAL UNIT TO TACKLE DRAMATIC RISE IN INVASIVE SPECIES
New Office Will Coordinate Public Outreach, Legislation and Research Needs

With invasive species proliferating throughout New York’s waterways, forests and farmlands, Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today the formation of a new office within DEC to focus on one of the state’s fastest growing environmental threats.

The new Office of Invasive Species will bring together biologists and foresters to develop ways to combat the problem, and work with universities, other state agencies and non-profit organizations to support research and raise public awareness. From zebra mussels to Eurasian water milfoil to Sirex wood wasps, hundreds of non-native plants and animals have invaded New York – especially in the last decade, thought to be linked to the rise in global shipping – posing threats to ecosystems.

“These invasive species have a devastating impact, not only on the environment but also the economy,” said Governor Eliot Spitzer. “They have wiped out certain tree species, hurt recreational and commercial fishing, and tainted water supplies. This new office will bring a much needed focus to a problem we cannot ignore.” “Invasive species compete with, prey upon and can substantially alter the environment of our native species of plants, fish and wildlife,’’ Grannis said. “Even though many of them have been around for years, we have never had a coordinated system in place to attack the problem, a system that threads together the issues of public outreach, funding and legislation needs, and research.”

Earlier this year, Governor Spitzer signed a law to create the New York State Invasive Species Council, comprised of representatives of nine state agencies and an advisory committee of business, academia and conservation interest groups. In addition, the 2007-08 State budget included $5 million for invasive species programs, including grants for municipalities to eradicate problem species, public outreach efforts through Cornell Cooperative Extension and a plan to develop “clean stock” at the NYS Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva to provide fruit growers with a virus-free planting stock. Plans also call for creating an Institute of Invasive Species Research at Cornell University.

Full article at http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/40816.html

Little Known About Law

2007-12-19T11:21:00.000-05:00

This story was covered in the paper the last 2 days...

Now you know: You can't hit a cat and leave it
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
By Catie O'Toole Staff writer

A Pennellville man was charged Tuesday under a little known and rarely used law that makes it illegal to hit certain animals and drive off, leaving them to die. Drivers who strike and injure a cat, dog, horse or cow must stop and try and find the owner or a police, peace or judicial officer in the area, according to the state law. They also must "take any other reasonable and appropriate action so that the animal may have necessary attention," the law reads.

Aaron M. Fisher, 27, of 731 county Route 10, was charged about 2 a.m. with "leaving scene of injury to certain animals without reporting" after an Oswego County sheriff's deputy witnessed someone in a truck strike a black cat near Country Auto on Evans Road in Schroeppel. "The truck continued down the road and never stopped," the sheriff's report said. Deputies later found the truck parked outside a home in Palermo. They also found Fisher, who they said was driving the truck without a valid license when it hit and injured the cat. Fisher could not be reached for comment, but his girlfriend said this was just an accident. "He's a major cat lover. When I met him, he had three cats. He would never, ever harm an animal," Monica Parkhurst said. "He told me this morning he accidentally hit a cat." Parkhurst said neither she nor Fisher knew it was a crime to not stop after striking a cat. She also said the weather was bad early Tuesday. "I'm sure most people are not aware of the law," said Betsie Puffer, cruelty investigator at the CNY SPCA. "We don't get a lot of reports about it in this office."

A secretary at the Oswego County Sheriff's Department also said she can't remember a time when someone was charged with leaving the scene after hitting and injuring an animal.
"Most times people don't witness it," Puffer said. But if someone does hit an animal, the law says they must promptly report the accident. "If they do hit a dog or a cat or any animal, take every necessary precaution and take every reasonable avenue to locate the animal's owner. If they can't, let us know," Puffer said. "It could be someone's pet or someone's livelihood in the case of cattle or a horse. If an animal is injured, getting it help in a timely fashion would be necessary." Sheriff's deputies also charged Fisher with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor, and unlicensed operator and unregistered motor vehicle, both traffic violations. He is scheduled to answer the charges Jan. 8 in Schroeppel Town Court....
continued at http://www.syracuse.com/articles/news/index.ssf?/base/news-10/1198062571285350.xml&coll=1

The Turkey Hut

2007-11-28T22:28:00.000-05:00

So...the Logans celebrated Thanksgiving in a good old fashioned redneck way! We cooked the turkey in a garbage can. Yes, that is right. Bill, I am sure you are cringing, but it was cool. Dad did most of it, manning the fire and so on. First there was a blue hut built to keep out the wind. Then there was a stake and something to the catch the grease drippings. Then lots of foil and a 15 lb. turkey. Turn the *CLEAN-BRAND-NEW-NEVER-BEEN-USED-BEFORE(other than burning out the galvanized metals)* garbage can over the the turkey and surround the outside of it with 25 lb. charcoal brickettes. Oh yeah, and LOTS O' lighter fluid (which didn't really catch, so some wood too). And then let it cook. The house lacked the Thanksgiving smells, but the turkey hut was warm and smelled of turkey yumminess. The eats were good, but I think it was more of the act of doing it. What a Thanksgiving to remember!! Please watch the teaser video...

Kev's Head

2007-11-15T20:31:00.000-05:00

It's true ....... Kevin does have a brain!!! And I have proof. Here are some very interesting images from my MRI earlier in the week. I was very surprised when I asked the receptionist for a copy and she handed me an entire disk. Very cool to see into your own head. These are really awesome.

Enjoy,
Kevin

I like this one with the eyes popping out. Freaky but interesting.