Joshua Tree

I finally got some pictures up for you to view. Here are the pictures from Joshua Tree 2006.

Happy Holidays!

Sara and I returned from a trip to Joshua Tree, where we climbed for five days. It was an amazing trip. We are both completely worn out though. We'll likely have more pictures up later. We wish you all happy holidays. I know for some this time of year is difficult, but I hope your families bring you happiness.

Going Public

A company I used to work for went public on Friday. I now have 180 days to wait until I can sell the shares I own. If it stays in the $20 range it won't be much but it will give me some seed money for additional investments. The initial offering of $13 opened at $25, if fell to $23/share but that is still nice. I have to admit I'm dreaming about selling at $100, but the reality of that happening is pretty slim. I will likely be lucky to sell for $5.

The unfortunate thing is that my few shares have already been cut in a 1/2 reverse split. Even though, I'm happy to see potential. Life could be much worse...

Meeting Fred Beckey

Fred Beckey was at a holiday party that Sara and I attended. I don't have much to say about him. He actually didn't say much. His attention was easily distracted, but he was friendly and kind.

I guess I'm suppose to be in awe. To some extent I am, but really I'm just thankful for people like him who pioneered the sport I've come to cherish. Without them we would have bulldozed this country flat. I guess I'm just lucky. It isn't often we are in the presence of a legend.

Honda's 2.2 i-CTDi

Have you ever heard of it? That is because you cannot get it in the United States, or in all of North America. What is that? It is a cleaner, quieter diesel engine. It can run on biodiesel. It can get 40+ mpg (some reports are as high as 70+ mpg), and it has a hauling capacity so you could even hook up your boat. Why don't we have it in North America? Probably because Americans are stupid.

I'm tired of hearing that the market place doesn't support bringing these vehicles to the U.S.A. I think that is out right bull sh!t. If you marketed a vehicle that would get 40+ miles per gallon, and is cleaner, and can run on renewable fuel that is cheap to make -- no, no, not likely the market would survive. We Americans are so stupid we couldn't possibly have want a vehicle that would be better for the environment, better on our pocket books, and better for our economy. Yes, better for our economy -- we'd finally be pushing our local companies to compete with the worlds great manufactures.

LAME!