Transportation the fun and cheap way

Ever think of getting a motorcycle? I have had a dual sport Suzuki DR 250 for the summer, and have nothing but great things to say about it. The fuel economy is unbeatable, and its just plain fun to ride.

I have the ability to ride on dirt trails with my friends who have dirt bikes, and the ability to take it to the streets and ride with my buddies who have street bikes. The best of both worlds.

Riding a motorcycle helps driving a car as well. When riding a motorcycle you have to be in defensive mode the whole time, always assuming other motorists are out to run you off the road. I have noticed when I drive a car I am constantly thinking of what other motorists on the road are about to do. I also notice motorcyclists on the road more often now that I have some riding experience

Once you hop on a Motorbike you will find yourself part of a community. The motorcycling community constantly shows love to each other (scooters not included, sorry). Every time a motorcyclist passes, he/she is sure to throw a thumbs up, or wave to you.

Care for something different in your media diet?

It is always a good to expand your media intake. Reading from a single media outlet does not allow for a complete analysis of timely issues. If you find yourself leaning towards the left or the right of the political spectrum, try one of these news avenues:

Mother Jones "Smart, Fearless Journalism" is a great outlet for timely world issues.

New Republic generally support liberal social and social economic policies.

Watchdog is a non-profit conservative media outlet.

Drudge Report is more of a conservative aggression media outlet.

In need of a good summer workout routine?

The Bellingham Masters Swim Club swims on Lake Padden at 5:45 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays (weather permitting) during the Summer.

Swimming is a great way to strengthen muscles while getting a cardiovascular workout. Unlike running, swimming is a low impact activity that all age groups can enjoy.

However fun and productive swimming may be, it can be dangerous. According to International Life Saving Federation 1.2 million people drown worldwide, 50 percent of those drownings being children. Know your limits.

Swimming Bloopers are always a good laugh...

Next time you think of taking psychedelics... Think again.

I have always known that taking psychedelic drugs can alter your perception. However I never thought it could come end up like this... disturbing blogpost.

Next time you think of doing any drugs and want to know an unbiased opinion of their physical and mental effects, check out Erowid.

For more ridiculous ways people have died, check out The Darwin Awards.

Best Commercial Ever Made

As a child, a bouncy ball was one of my favorite toys. That is why when I saw this commercial for the first time I was overwhelmed with awe.

This commercial is not recent. It came out a few years ago and has remained my favorite commercial of all time.

Do you know of a commercial that tops this? I am interested to find one.

Song by Jose Gonzales - Heartbeats



The making of this commercial is incredible:

Ever wonder how people are modifying their bodies these days?

Can someone please justify this madness?

I was recently informed about some bizarre things people are doing to their bodies these days, so I decided to conduct a little research on the world wide web myself. Little did I know the lengths some people are going in order to modify their bodies. I can not even speculate the reasoning behind some of these body modifications.

WARNING: The following links contain images that can be stomach churning for some people.

Ever heard of corneal tattooing? Scarification? 3-D art implants? Or corset piercing?

My only question is... What is next?

Body Modification Ezine: Website dedicated to Body Modification

Locally: After observing Bellingham residents at local beaches (Lake Padden & Bloedel Donovan Park on Lake Whatcom), I have observed that tattooed people out number those with no tattoos.

Would it be wrong to say having a tattoo to make yourself "unique" is cliche in Bellingham?

For those of you with a Tattoo: What is the reason you got it? Do you regret getting it?

My favorite bumper sticker quote:
"Always remember you are unique. Just like everyone else."

Democracy

I believe that in order to have a well-working democracy there needs to be a well-informed citizenry.

Remember "Joe the plumber?" The man made famous during the 2008 presidential election campaign by asking Barak Obama a question. I recently stumbled upon this video clip of Joe, who's real name is Joseph Wurzelbacher.

Brace yourself




"An informed citizenry is the only true repository of the public will."
-Thomas Jefferson

Float the Nooksack!

Looking for a cool way to enjoy the heat wave in Whatcom County? Look no further than the Nooksack River. Gather a few friends and some flotation devises and head east of Bellingham to float the Nooksack.

Floating the Nooksack River provides a way to see Whatcom County like you never have before. Observe the unique geology, flora and fauna that mother nature generously provides us by being part of the river for a few hours.

Have respect for the river. At times the water is hardly flowing, other times the water can turn into mild rapids. It is a good idea to always have an escape plan.

Know your limits. If you do not feel comfortable in the water, you should probably steer clear of this activity. Last year the Western Front reported there was a missing person on July 17, 2009 who was presumed drowned on the Nooksack.


Things to be careful of:
- Obstacles in the river are around every corner. Always be looking down river. If you find yourself approaching a rock or large stump in the river, keep your feet in front of you and gently maneuver around the obstacle.
- Shallow water. Scraping the bottom of the river with your floatation devise is a good way to pop it. The Nooksack River is constantly changing, many factors apply to the discharge, or flow of the river. If you find yourself approaching a shallow area do not be afraid to stand up and walking downstream to a more suitable, deeper area.


Things you need on this adventure:
Floating devise
Cold beverages
Sun block
Shoes (good idea, as you will most likely be walking on river rocks at some point in time on your journey)


There are many places to enter and exit the Nooksack safely and lawfully. I recommend These entry and exit points.

Also, be mindful of where you park. Tow trucks have been known to be out in full-force towing cars that have been parked off of Highway 9.

Need some quality entertainment on the Web?

If you are in need of a good laugh, or maybe your in the mood for something ridiculous, then check out one of these websites. I warn you that some of the content of these websites may be gruesome at times. Other times your will laugh your face off.

Everything from Videos of people falling out of trees, to unbelievable roof-to-roof stunts: Break
Picture Fails: Failblog
Funny translation errors: Engrish
Hilarious/regrettable tattoos: Loltatz
More incredible videos and games: Ebaumsworld

I've got a dog.

I'd like to welcome the newest member to my house: Joose. She is a pitbull/american bulldog. To make a long story short, the way my house obtained this dog is she was found by one of my friends on 32nd street in Bellingham. My friend didn't have the resources to take care of her full time, so my roomates and I decided we would foster her. We took her to the Humane Society to make sure no one was searching for her, checked if she had her shots, and were on our way to our new lives together.

Since we don't have a yard, I am constantly taking her to the park down the street to get exercise, and take care of her business. The majority of the people at the park who we run into are welcoming to Joose, but there have been instances where people flat out have gotten livid for me having her off-leash. I always try to be respectful as possible to park patrons in every situation, but have a hard time when people disrespectfully yell or be rude towards me for having my dog off-leash. In reality she is as harmless has any labrador or retriever. She has never been aggressive toward anyone, or any animal.

I know that pitbulls have a notorious reputation for being mean, aggressive animals. However I encourage everyone not to enforce this stereotype.

Utilize The Lakewood Boathouse

If you find yourself asking, "What to do on this fine summer day?" look no further than the Lakewood boathouse on Lake Whatcom. There are a variety of activities that may be enjoyed by any member of Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, or Northwest Indian College. Such amenities include windsurfs, kayaks, rowboats,canoes, and sail boats.

There are also permanent picnic tables and a well-kept lawn to sunbathe. So next sunny (or windy) day, get outside and utilize what Lakewood has to offer.

Lakewood boathouse homepage
Learn to Windsurf

Some day you may end up at the Columbia River Gorge with the big boys and girls....