Hand Made

I usually try to avoid politics in a public setting, but I simply can’t believe it.

From the San Fransisco Business Times Article:

Republican presidential candidate John McCain cashes his monthly Social Security checks despite calling the federal program “a disgrace,” the Associated Press reports.

“I’m receiving benefits,” McCain told campaign reporters, but added, “the system is broken.”

In 2007, he received benefits of $23,157 from Social Security, approximately $1,930 a month.

With over 1 million iPhones sold in a weekend, and over 10 million apps downloaded, Apple has made history once again - and created a new business in iPhone application development in just a few days.

If anyone was not taking the platform seriously previously, take notice now.

Found at Beerorkid.

How Not To Use The Drive Through ATM - Watch more free videos

This has been a great computer for me, but it’s time to let it go.

If you’re looking for a great laptop, just head on over to eBay.

I guess that worked, it sold within 12 hours.  :)

Did I set a new World Record?  Did I change the course of history?

Probably not (or at least I can’t prove it…yet), but I did ride my SR50 to Omaha yesterday.

How did I do it?  Highway 6, in a tuck (mostly), about 80% throttle (it is a two-stroke, and while it may seem bullet proof, the idea wouldn’t be that dumb unless I blew up the scooter!), my Michelin Pilot Sport’s at 27psi front and 35 psi rear (up from 24, 27), and with about a gallon of the finest petroleum available.

How long did it take?  Well, I went from my house (mid-Lincoln) to my friends house (Millard) in only about 50 minutes.  On the way there, and back, I managed to average about 55mph, with a top speed of 66mph (down a hill).

The whole trip was actually quite a bit faster than I expected.  In fact, considering it cost me less than $5 to go to Omaha and back, I’d do it again.  Scooters are awesome.

To finish up our European trip, Sarah and I spent a day in London, rode the tube, rented a car and drove on the wrong side of the rode, and went to see John Mayer at Carling Brixton Academy for an amazing evening concert.

Joined by less than 5000 Londoners (mostly), we sweated in the former performing arts theatre (Romeo and Juliet’s Verona appeared to be the last set), and enjoyed an extremely talented artist at his finest.

For those that don’t know…live John Mayer is quite different than his studio recordings. I scanned YouTube! for the best videos I could find to attempt to relay the experience. (I did not shoot any because we weren’t supposed to…)

Sarah and I stood at stage left about 5-8ft back from the stage, and about 25ft or so from John.

…Next concert up: Dave Matthews July 22.

If you are looking for a place to relax, Sitges Spain should be on your list.

Located just south of Barcelona, this small city completely charmed Sarah and I for two days in late June.

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The sand is soft, the water is a beautiful turquoise, and the fish swim by your feet at the beach. In town you’ll find small streets which are primarily dominated by foot traffic, lovely sea food, and small cafes and shops lining the streets.

We got to Sitges easily by hopping on the Renfe medium distance train at Plaza de Espana, and enjoying a pretty 30 minute ride (about $9/ticket) down the Spanish coast.

Sarah and I traveled to Montserrat today, which is just a short train ride outside of Barcelona.  It is the site of a Benedictine abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat, which hosts the Virgin of Montserrat sanctuary and which is identified by some with the location of the Holy Grail in Arthurian myth.  (Full Wikipedia Article)

After a small amount of coaxing, Sarah agreed to ride the cable car up from the train stop so that we could tour the abbey.  While there, we found the most interesting thing was probably the scenery - simply gorgeous views.

To improve our viewing options, we decided to hike the trails around the abbey and up the mountain for more than three hours, eventually ascending over 400 meters up from the monastery (which is already very high up!).  Along the way we saw geckos, 1 scorpion (dead), and at least a dozen rock climbers hanging from the ledges and rock faces.

I’ve posted some pictures from Montserrat in my photostream.

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…and it was good.  :)

Sarah and I went down to the public beach at Barceloneta and layed on the lovely sand and swam in the turquoise water with the locals  (and other tourists, of course).

The water is very salty, and clear enough that I could still see the bottom in about 20-25ft of it.

The sun here is powerful!  We both got sun burned in about 2 hours at the beach!  (I can be out for 1/2 day or more in Nebraska with no worries - this is maybe only the second burn in my life.)  So, unfortunately, we will be away from the beach for a few days.