tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55161014109161413982024-03-13T09:45:00.920-07:00The Blacksheep PapersDr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-21343849584084212852013-10-03T09:56:00.001-07:002013-10-03T10:00:40.079-07:00Citizen Journalism: For Good or For Ill<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was in
journalism class, the subject of the affects of Citizen Journalism came
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Citizen Journalism is everyday
people reporting news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the things
we discussed was whether it was a positive or negative thing.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If I recall properly (after all, it was a
LONG time ago) the discussion was pretty evenly split with pros and cons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the recent government shutdown, I have
started thinking about this discussion again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What brought it up was thinking about how unbalanced the opinions have
been about the whole mess, and how these opinions have been fed to readers.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As a society, we have been groomed through
the years to accept the news as fact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
it was on the news, it was fact, as they had people who’s job was to check the
facts of a story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing that
was doubted was the weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least
some things never change…</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now we live in the age of mass information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sharing news with people is now as easy as
the click of a mouse button.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, where
is that “news” coming from?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the
first things that my journalism instructor Rob Priewe made sure to press upon
us, was to check your sources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
something that is more important now for more people, than ever before.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In this current state of overabundance of
information, where anyone with an email address can start a blog, it is now up
to the consumers of this information to do the fact checking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, most of them have not been informed
of this, or choose not to practice it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
the advent of social media, the sharing of this misinformation becomes even
more widespread.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>However, Citizen Journalism is not all
bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance, often times a person
with a cell phone and access to social media or their blog, are on the scene of
an accident or other event, allowing them to share the news sooner than a
mainstream media outlet.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And then there are the travelogues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is where I feel Citizen Journalism
really shines, especially since most of the travel journalism is in the form of
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>monthly publications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, with Citizen Journalism here, you
have a wider variety of choices, whether you travel by motorcycle, do road
trips with your family in a car or RV, or you prefer hoofing it, you can find a
Citizen Journalist who caters to your taste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even though most travelogues are opinionated, as far as how the author
feels about the particular road, vehicle, restaurant that they are writing
about, the reader is expecting this.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the end, Citizen Journalism isn’t a bad
thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It allows everyone to have a
voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, as with anything in this
world, it is the responsibility of the person reading the story to make sure
that the author is actually knowledgeable, or just stating an opinion.</span></div>
Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-36636354946384791552010-03-06T17:12:00.000-08:002010-03-06T17:34:20.716-08:00Stephen King's "On Writing"I really enjoyed reading "On Writing" this term. I have read it before, and had learned a few things then. However, reading it another time through was definitely not a bad thing.<br /><br />One of the most important things that I learned from the book that can be applied to both this class and my future career, is the use of the toolbox. How to organize it, by having your grammar and vocab on the top, and everything else following.<br /><br />The second thing, and this is along the lines of the use of the toolbox, is to avoid adverbs. They pretend to be your friends, but they are not. I say this vehemently. <br /><br />However, the most important thing that I learned from the book, and this applies more to my future career, but still to the class, is to just keep writing. Reading and writing are the only way that writers can keep their skills sharp.Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-8895019016959561582010-03-06T15:46:00.000-08:002010-03-06T17:10:11.399-08:00A Boy's First Ride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kf7J5Xto5fM/S5L80APCP2I/AAAAAAAAAFY/SGJY4hRiloY/s1600-h/kylebike2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kf7J5Xto5fM/S5L80APCP2I/AAAAAAAAAFY/SGJY4hRiloY/s400/kylebike2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445692869790809954" border="0" /></a><br />When my son was younger, he liked riding around the parking lot on my motorcycle. He was too short to sit on the back, so I would have him sit in front of me on the seat, feet dangling in the air as we would do a few circles before he would want to get off. I figured that he would want to jump on the back and head out on the road with me as soon as he could reach the pegs.<br /><br />However, as time went on, he started to become disinterested in the motorcycle in general. I was disappointed but didn’t push the issue, only asking on occasion if he would like to go for a ride, to be met with, “No thank you Papa.”<br /><br />Recently he had been having some difficulties in school. <a href="http://ndautismcenter.org/walkrideforautism2009.aspx">He has Autism</a>, and was acting out quite a bit at school, so my wife and I decided to give him a day off to regroup.<br /><br />While trying to think of things that would help him to relax, I had started to get a little anxious and turned my thoughts to things that calm me down. The continuous cloud cover that marks the winter (and spring and fall) of Oregon had begun to break allowing some sunlight through.<br /><br />There seemed to be a single sunbeam glowing on my bike, catching my attention through the window. Not expecting a positive answer, I threw out the idea of <a href="http://www.whybike.com/motorcycle92.htm">a ride to my son</a>.<br /><br />“Sure.” I had to check again and ask him to repeat it. He was already getting up to get his coat. I grabbed the helmets out of the closet, got him bundled up and called my wife to ask if she would mind a visit from us.<br /><br />We didn’t have any gloves for him, but the ride wasn’t going to be too long. I even ran him around the block just to make sure that he wasn’t going to change his mind. With cries of, “Woohoo!!” and, “Yay!!” coming from the backseat, I figured that we were a go.<br /><br />The ride to <a href="http://www.homelifeinc.org/">Mommy’s work</a> was a little cold, but short. When we pulled up, he didn’t even want to take off his helmet. When she saw her son with his helmet on and the smile on his face, my wife was very proud of him.<br /><br />After a short visit, my son was ready to get back out on the road, so we headed back home. Although his hands did get a little cold (I really wasn’t as prepared for this as I thought I was) he said that he was ready to travel longer distances with me. He was even willing to go to Klamath Falls, “as soon as you get me some gloves.”Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-59753841565732584232010-02-21T21:32:00.000-08:002010-02-21T21:38:04.545-08:00The New Face of Facebook<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CDR3222%7E1.GON%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Facebook has changed again.<span style=""> </span>It begins with a message welcoming you to the simpler version of Facebook.<span style=""> </span>At least they are accurate about it being simpler, or as some call it, “dumbed down”.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The new interface of Facebook is missing a few key components.<span style=""> </span>For instance, they have taken away the option of only seeing status updates.<span style=""> </span>All that is available is the “News Feed”.<span style=""> </span>This shows you EVERYTHING that your friends are doing.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">You can see what status they liked that day, or who they became friends with.<span style=""> </span>Of course, the most important thing that you can see is what your friends are doing in Mafia Wars (or Farmville, or whatever game they play) and what gifts they accepted.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Holy cow!<span style=""> </span>There is no way that I could make it through my day without knowing that!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Before this last abomination, you could choose how much information to receive about your friends.<span style=""> </span>Now Facebook has taken that freedom away from you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">There is no doubt that social networking is a very important part of today’s society.<span style=""> </span>Whether you use it for catching up with friends that you haven’t spoken to in years, or to promote your self for work, it can be a powerfully addictive habit.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Facebook knows this and also knows that they can change anything without fear of people deleting their accounts, even with cries of, “This new setup sucks!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Perhaps Facebook should have offered the opportunity for people to choose.<span style=""> </span>Instead of shoving this new setup down the throats of the users, have a way for them to decide how much information they get.<span style=""> </span>This is a way of pleasing the masses and keeping people excited about your product, instead of enforcing the fact that you run the monopoly on this deal.</p> <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-34696765854526835042010-02-01T11:34:00.000-08:002010-02-01T11:44:18.413-08:00Five QuestionsI am thinking about doing my profile on Leslie Gorgita, a manager at a group home for Home Life.<br /><br /><br />What path did you take that brought you to your current place in life? <br /><br />How did you get into this line of work?<br /><br />How long have you been working for this company?<br /><br />Did you have to go into a lot of education to get into this position?<br /><br />Why did you choose this line of work?Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-80826780665751987112010-01-24T17:06:00.000-08:002010-02-02T19:27:22.777-08:00Nearly Normal's: All the Flavor, Without the MeatWhat: Nearly Normal's "Gonzo Cuisine" - hearty vegetarian cuisine
<br />
<br />Where: 109 Northwest 15th Street Corvallis, Ore.
<br />
<br />Who: Anyone who wants to try something different, tasty, and healthy
<br />
<br />Hours: <a href="http://www.nearlynormals.com/">Hours differ from summer to winter</a>
<br />
<br />Why: To try something a little different that won't clog your arteries
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://knphotographyoregon.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Kf7J5Xto5fM/S2YIXVi0I4I/AAAAAAAAAE8/AMNlpS9TT1Y/s400/DSC_0060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433039197482263426" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CDR3222%7E1.GON%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;">
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With hearty food that fills you up, and flavors that tease the taste buds, this place has filled a niche that few have been able to fill in Corvallis.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The cool, creamy avocado complimenting the spice of the chipotle sauce that the Arizona tempeh (<a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1034188">a soy product that is similar to tofu</a>) is covered with creates an explosion of flavor.<span style=""> </span>The crispiness of the lightly toasted white corn tortillas mixing with the crunch of the shredded cabbage and carrots as you bite into the taco gives this meal a firm texture that belies it’s “missing” ingredient.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The only thing that could be considered missing from this beautiful Mexican concoction is meat, but as a raging meat lover, I couldn’t even tell.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Hiding behind the Circle K on Monroe in Corvallis is Nearly Normal’s, a restaurant specializing in “Gonzo Cuisine.” Nearly Normal’s has been serving up this specialty of original recipes, including fresh and organic (if available) ingredients since 1979. Although they started off with a limited number of items on the menu, and even more limited eating space, through the years the menu and dining area have expanded.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Jamie Winter, a student at LBCC, highly recommends Nearly Normal’s. One of the cooks was her roommate for a while. “She surprised me a lot with her delicious leftovers.” Jamie says that her favorite was <a href="http://www.nearlynormals.com/NearlyMexican.html">the chipotle tacos</a>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">If “meat-aterians” give it a chance, they can find something to enjoy at Nearly Normal’s. The food is hearty and filling, with real flavor. Winter says, “I think if you are a lover of food at all you should definitely try it out! It's a fun new experience and no doubt about it the best vegetarian cuisine I have ever had.”</p> <!--EndFragment--> <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-75773541951243191492010-01-24T16:41:00.000-08:002010-01-24T17:06:19.533-08:00Stephen King "On Writing"I love this book, as I have read it before. One of my favorite parts is him telling the story of how the book "Carrie" came about. He didn't like the story, didn't like the characters, and originally threw it out not giving it another thought. If it had not been for his wife reading the original draft that he had thrown away, then he may still be another struggling writer. <br /><br />If there is a feature story that you are struggling with, letting someone else read it may give you a fresh perspective on it. If you feel as though you are just plodding along and it isn't forming a point, someone else with "fresh eyes" can give you a hint of where a reader would like the story to go. This way you have a story that is a little more agreeable with readers.<br /><br />One of my favorite quotes from the book is after the paperback version of "Carrie" sold, and his wife Tabitha had come back from her mom's house with the kids. Stephen said, "I took her by the shoulders. I told her about the paperback sale. She didn't appear to understand. I told her again. Tabby looked over my shoulder at our shitty little four-room apartment, just as I had, and began to cry." I like this quote because it shows the emotion that each one of them was feeling. Through all the struggling and trying to raise two kids with not much more than two pennies to rub together, they would never have to set foot in that little apartment again.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-37300521955091471612010-01-18T14:10:00.000-08:002010-01-18T14:23:46.084-08:00I Have Moved!I have moved. Well, not physically. Because of a new incentive program at Examiner.com, and the fact that I live about 80 miles from Portland, I have been moved from the spot as Portland Motorcycle Travel Examiner to <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-14967-Eugene-Motorcycle-Travel-Examiner">Eugene Motorcycle Travel Examiner</a>. If you have the old page bookmarked, please bookmark the new page as that is where you will find my new stories. There hasn't been anything new posted lately, as life is happening at a rapid pace around me.<br /><br />Currently the Portland Motorcycle Travel Examiner link is still working, but I am not sure how long that will be.Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-33938550631522995242010-01-17T19:18:00.000-08:002010-01-17T19:24:48.240-08:00Review IdeasI am going to look into doing a restaurant review of Nearly Normal's Gonzo Cuisine in Corvallis. It is a hidden little restaurant on OSU campus that specializes in alternative foods (organic, vegetarian, raw). Although I have not had a lot of experience with these alternative foods, I am willing to give it a try. I would like to talk to the owner(s) if I can get in contact with them. I would also talk to wait staff and maybe a customer or two. I think that this would also make a good story for The Commuter.<input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-75260474933458808182010-01-17T18:44:00.000-08:002010-01-18T14:09:46.144-08:00Freedom Isn't Free, but It's Worth the Price<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CDR3222%7E1.GON%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">What: The Team Oregon <a href="http://teamoregon.orst.edu/to_web/FAQ.html">Basic Rider Training Course</a></p><p class="MsoNormal">When: For availability of classes and class time, see the<a href="https://www.mtii.com/scripts/i5.exe?book=teamoregon&page=CS.CL.Select&CC=BRT&SC=ALBANY&Mode=PB&OLR=Y"> Team Oregon website</a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Where: At 20 places across the country, including LBCC</p><p class="MsoNormal">Why: It is now required for anyone under 21 getting an endorsement</p><p class="MsoNormal">
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<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The freedom of the open road, with no metal cage surrounding you, allowing you to experience the sights, sounds and smells of nature.<span style=""> </span>How much would you pay for this experience?<span style=""> </span>If you are under the age of 21, you will have to pay $155 for the Team Oregon Basic Rider Training Course.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">With the rise of gas prices, many people are looking to motorcycles as an alternative form of transportation.<span style=""> </span>The downside of this is the <a href="http://www.dol.wa.gov/about/reports/mototaskforce.pdf">increase in untrained riders</a>.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Oregon</st1:place></st1:state> has found a way to prevent untrained riders from hitting the road.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">According to the <a href="http://teamoregon.orst.edu/TO_Web/brt.html">Team Oregon website</a>, if you are 21 or younger, you will be required to take the BRT course to get your endorsement.<span style=""> </span>Beginning next year the age goes up to 30, and so on, until by 2015 it will be required for everyone to take the class in order to receive an endorsement.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Jason English, who got his <a href="http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/interactive/tdrive/clm2written.htm">endorsement through the DMV</a>, says that he thinks this new law is a good idea.<span style=""> </span>He had wanted to take the class, but his schedule had never permitted it.<span style=""> </span>“I hate hearing about someone who goes out, gets a hot new sport bike, then lays it down in a patch of gravel the first time they ride it.”<span style=""> </span>He feels that the skills taught in the class are worth the money.<span style=""> </span>Especially since those skills can save your life.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">As someone who hasn’t turned 21 but wants to get his motorcycle license, James Weber is a little upset that he has to pay to take the class.<span style=""> </span>Even though he has been riding since he was a teenager and feels comfortable on a bike, he will still pay the money so he can get his license.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The class is taught at 20 places across the state, including LBCC.<span style=""> </span>Not only do you get a set of skills that will save your life, but with completion of the class, you get a discount on insurance, and the ability to truly enjoy the ride.<span style=""> </span>With the requirement to take the class, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Oregon</st1:place></st1:state> is trying to make it safer to be on the road with the growing number of newer bikers.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
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<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">References:
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Jason English - Licensed Rider</p><p class="MsoNormal">James Weber - Unlicensed Under 21 Rider</p><p class="MsoNormal">Team Oregon Website
<br /></p> <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-35573369197105329302010-01-06T11:18:00.000-08:002010-01-06T11:27:06.819-08:00Feature One IdeasI think that my first feature story is going to be about the motorcycle safetly class that is offered on campus at LBCC. As of this year, the legislation has been changed so that any new riders under the age of 21 must take the class. Starting next year, anyone under the age of 30 will be required to take it before receiving an endorsement, and so on until 2015, when anyone who is looking to get their endorsement will be required to take the class.<br /><br />Some sources would be anyone who already has their endorsement (Is this a good idea), an instructor, maybe a student that is planning on taking the class. Also the MSF website and anyone representing them.Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-19320071113054960872010-01-01T12:58:00.000-08:002010-01-01T13:51:07.762-08:00New Year's Day and Not a Sammich in SightIt was New Year's Day. I woke up a little on the groggy side. I, like a few other Americans, engaged in the ritualistic consumption of alcohol to ring in the new year. Also like many others, I performed a little over consumption. This of course caused me to inspect the toilet closely and tell it that it was my new best friend. I am glad that my toilet was such a good friend, as it didn't mind me curling up and passing out next to it for a couple of hours. Just to make sure that there was nothing to clean up on the carpeting.<br /><br />I don't get hangovers very often. Not drinking helps to prevent the hangover from happening in the first place. However, when I do wake up with that sour brewery feeling in my tummy, I usually want food. I usually want greasy food. My normal hangover fare is the Chicken Fried Steak Platter from Shari's. However, this morning the thought of anything that resembled grease was making my stomach turn a little. So I decided that a nice cold sub sandwich was in order. University Hero is what I decided sounded the best, as they have the best bread.<br /><br />I finally got my stomach to cooperate enough to actually drive without the though of puking out my window and headed to University Hero in the Timberhill Shopping Center. Closed. On the best day of the year to have a sandwich, National Hangover Day, they were closed. My heart (and stomach) sank as I went back to the car.<br /><br />Well, my next step was to head onto campus (OSU) and try Big Town Hero. Closed. I was beside myself, not understanding how these food places could not be open on what had to be the biggest hangover cure day. I could understand if I was attempting to procure this gift of gastro intestinal relief at eight or nine in the morning. But I was sandwich hunting at 11:30 in the morning. <br /><br />I don't like Subway. I was starting to get depressed when that looked like my last hope for anything resembling a sammich. Then as I was driving towards the Subway shop, I remembered Togo's. I wasn't holding my breath that they would be open, as everywhere else was closed too. However, I was pleasently surprised when I saw the "Open" sign in their window. Finally, there was to be something to help me feel better, and I didn't have to go to Subway.<br /><br />With a large ham and turkey with cheese in hand, I headed home to eat, drink (soda for caffeine) and doze when I could. What a way to start off the new year.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-32680901813084308242009-12-01T18:15:00.000-08:002009-12-01T20:40:14.782-08:00Stop the InsanityIf you know these people, or you came across their MySpace profiles, you would probably be touched by their seemingly desperate cries for help. One of them, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/484645540">Sean Allen</a>, is the father of Corben, a seven year old boy. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ashastormberg">Asha Stormberg</a> is Sean's girlfriend. They are claiming that Corben's mom, Sandra Amerman is abusing and neglecting him.<br /><br />Sandra has a two year old son, Caven, who has Lycensephally. Although it is true that Caven is slowly dying, Sandra has made sure that Corben gets counceling. This may be a bummer of a situation to be in, but it is by no means abuse. They are also claiming that Sandra never feeds him. They even have pictures "proving" how starved he is. In the "before" picture, Corben is lying on a couch in a fetal type position. In the "after" picture, he is standing with his back to the camera, squeezing his arms together to accentuate his shoulder blades. He has never been refused food. He is a thin child, but so is my seven year old son. A sudden growth spurt will do the same.<br /><br />When Sean last had Corben, he threatened to keep him, despite the fact that Sandra has sole custody of him. When he did bring Corben home, he didn't even bother knocking, he just barged right into her house like he owned it. He then started yelling at Sandra. As he was standing in the doorway, my wife showed up to help out her friend.<br /><br />She had been called down there by Sandra, and wound up asking Sean to leave. He refused and even took a step towards my wife, telling her to stay out of it. She put herself in a defensive stance, but according to her, Sandra, and Corben, never once did she lay a hand on him. Once he got back to Portland, he called the police to say that my wife had pushed him, and beat him up.<br /><br />My wife is no black-belt in karate, and Sean outweighs her by close to 80 pounds. He was also in a blind rage. When he finally did leave, he kicked a couple of garbage cans and the fence. When the police showed up to talk to Sandra, there was so much concern that Sean would show back up and tak Corben, the Corvallis Police actually put a 24 hour watch on her house.<br /><br />Both Sean and Asha have posts stating how horrible a person Sandra is, Asha even calling her a "bitch ass." However, on Sandra's MySpace page there is nothing about the situation at all. On her Facebook there are only a couple comments about the whole thing, neither one of them negative, and one of them just saying, "Poor Corby."<br /><br />Now obviously, anyone reading this is going to assume that I have some bias, and they would be right. I have an interest in not seeing Corben get placed into a situation that he doesn't deserve to be in. I believe that Sean and Asha are mean and hateful people that don't deserve to ruin this poor child's life.<br /><br />Please feel free to comment and let everyone know what you think. Not that our opinions really have any affect on the outcome of anything, but it would be good to know what people think about the situation. I have included links to their MySpace pages, so feel free to peruse them. If you are a friend of Sandra's, you can check out both her MySpace and Facebook page, as she has them set to private.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-33611246530295576992009-11-29T23:40:00.000-08:002009-11-29T23:52:15.061-08:00'Tis the season for lights, right?<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CDR3222%7E1.GON%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="Street"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="address"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">As the turkey leftovers are being put away and the waistlines are returning to normal sizes, it is time to go out and see the dazzling decorations in the area.<span style=""> </span>Going to see the lights is something that families look forward to every year, as the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas marks the peak of light season, the local area seems to be a little dark this year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">True to tradition, the Pastega family still has <a href="http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/article_4ec55450-5fd7-57d7-ab67-bca8a6e31416.html">the light, sound and action display around the Pepsi Bottling Co</a>.<span style=""> </span>With animatronic displays featuring cartoon characters along with the OSU Beavers, the Pepsi Display has something for people of all ages in the car.<span style=""> </span>Located at the north end of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Corvallis</st1:place></st1:city>, near Highway 99, you can’t miss it as you drive past it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">However, one display that was just as impressive is no longer being lit.<span style=""> </span>The light display was put up by two private houses in a horseshoe shaped <a href="http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/article_4180cf84-4561-5b89-be34-ffb85e35c131.html">driveway along </a><st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on"><a href="http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/article_4180cf84-4561-5b89-be34-ffb85e35c131.html">Peoria Rd</a>.</st1:address></st1:street><span style=""> </span>The neighbors had decided last year that they weren’t going to put the display up any more.<span style=""> </span>Now except for a few small light displays, <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Peoria Rd.</st1:address></st1:street> now sits dark.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The other place to go see some rather impressive light displays is the hill on the outskirts of Philomath.<span style=""> </span>However, this year there is only one house that has a display worth driving five or more miles to see.<span style=""> </span>Usually most of the hill is lit up with a brilliant collection of multi-colored lights.<span style=""> </span>The hill outside Philomath sits in the dark as well.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Perhaps it is too early in the season for some people to have their lights up, or maybe with the economy people just can’t afford to have their lights blazing this year.<span style=""> </span></p> <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-60106044659737312832009-11-24T23:15:00.000-08:002009-11-25T07:50:16.896-08:00Independent Motorcycle Repair<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CDR3222%7E1.GON%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="address"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="Street"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">As you drive down main street <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Philomath</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Ore</st1:state></st1:place>, right across the street from the Java Connection coffee shop at <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">1623 Main St.</st1:address></st1:street> is a building that usually has motorcycles of different brands sitting in front of the open shop door.<span style=""> </span>This is the door of <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=philomath+oregon&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Philomath,+OR&gl=us&ei=drcMS7C3HIKutQPPkKDrDA&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CAoQ8gEwAA">Independent Motorcycle Repair</a>, a shop that will fix just about anything with two wheels for less than most dealers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Jonas Fleck, the owner and lone mechanic at Independent Motorcycle Repair, grew up in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>, working on his own bikes.<span style=""> </span>He started his shop about 12 years ago, just running it part time while he was still working another job.<span style=""> </span>After getting laid off from that job, through the support and encouragement of his wife, he started working at his shop full time.<span style=""> </span>He was doubtful at first, but through a strong work ethic, and a desire to succeed, he built his business into something that he can make a living off of.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Ten years ago I never would have believed that I would have had any of this,” Jonas says as he waves his hand indicating the shop and the two <a href="http://bikers.com.cy/cms15/images/stories/BMW%20NEW%20MODELS/bmw-hp2-megamoto.jpg">BMW</a> bikes parked in there.<span style=""> </span>“Two bikes and my own motorcycle shop.”<span style=""> </span>He truly enjoys getting up to go to work in the morning and appreciates the things he has worked for.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">After having done this for so many years, he has gotten his turn around time down to an average of two to three days for tune-ups and services and an average of three to four weeks for a complete engine rebuild.<span style=""> </span>Dirt bikes and four wheelers can get regular services done, but Jonas mostly concentrates on the street bikes, except for the old Indians and Triumphs.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">With shop rates at a mere 65 dollars an hour, running your bike by for a tune up, or new tires is something that will benefit you and your trusty steed.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Jonas Fleck</p><p class="MsoNormal">Owner Independent Motorcycle Repair</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sandra Amerman</p><p class="MsoNormal">Family Friend</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Pete Weber</p><p class="MsoNormal">Customer
<br /></p> <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-72770811604259643512009-11-24T20:12:00.000-08:002009-11-24T20:16:08.569-08:00New Release Rewrite<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CDR3222%7E1.GON%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="address"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="Street"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PostalCode"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">As you enter the room, the shine from the chrome and fresh paint is enough to almost blind you.<span style=""> </span>Have you gone to motorcycle heaven?<span style=""> </span>Well, you have gotten as close as you can, with the Cycle World’s International Motorcycle Show, an opportunity for manufacturers to present their newest products to the public.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The show will make a hard run through 11 cities during this, its 29<sup>th</sup> year of touring the nation.<span style=""> </span>Expect to see about 500 new bikes, both street and off road along with the latest gear, accessories and more information for new riders.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">In the original press release, Show Director Jeff D’Entremont had this to say, “Nearly 1,000 companies including the leading motorcycle manufacturers, accessory companies and retail stores will showcase the hottest new vehicles, parts and accessories for your two-, three-, or four-wheeled vehicle.<span style=""> </span>Whether you are a long-time motorcycle rider, city commuter, track veteran or a potential new rider, each show stop is filled with the latest bikes, gear, fashion, safety equipment and more to get your motor running.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">For those of us who are close enough to the <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Seattle</st1:city></st1:place> area, the show will be in town from Friday Dec. 11 to Sunday Dec. 13.<span style=""> </span>Friday the show starts at 4pm and goes until 9pm, Saturday 9:30am to 8pm and Sunday 9:30am to 5pm.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Friday is Ladies Night Out, meaning that women will get in for half the adult price with a <a href="http://www.motorcycleshows.com/ladiesnightout">printable online coupon</a>.<span style=""> </span>Sunday is Family Day, so you can bring the kids and any of them less than 11 years old can get in free with a paid adult admission.<span style=""> </span>The regular ticket prices for adults are 12 dollars in advance online, before Dec. 4 at 6pm, $13.50 for online general admission and 15 dollars at the door.<span style=""> </span>To see all the ticket prices, check the <a href="http://www.motorcycleshows.com/Seattle">Seattle Show Facts website.</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The show will be held at the <a href="http://www.qwestfield.com/">Qwest Field Event Center</a>, <st1:address st="on"><st1:address st="on"><st1:street st="on">Occidental Ave.</st1:street> <st1:city st="on">Seattle</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Wash.</st1:state></st1:address> <st1:postalcode st="on">98134</st1:postalcode></st1:address>.<span style=""> </span>Parking for bikes will be free, but if you bring your cage (car) it will cost you 10 dollars to park for the day.</p> <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-49692537670731137572009-11-24T16:01:00.000-08:002009-11-24T16:03:19.149-08:00Democrat-Herald Field Trip<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CDR3222%7E1.GON%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">The trip to the Albany Democrat-Herald was a wonderful learning experience.<span style=""> </span>To see the inner-workings of a news room was an exhilarating and educational experience.<span style=""> </span>Even though things were just calming down as we started the tour, things were still at a frenzied pace when we first entered, showing us what a news room looks like at print time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">One of the most important things that I learned while on the tour is the organization of the news room.<span style=""> </span>The way that the desks were all facing each other and seemed to be grouped into the different sections of the paper.<span style=""> </span>I would guess this is so they wouldn’t have to yell across the room to each other.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Also, watching the press run was a great opportunity.<span style=""> </span>I had always been curious how they get the words from computer to paper.<span style=""> </span>Learning about the inking and layering of the pictures was something that really stuck out in my mind.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Seeing the entire process of production of a newspaper is something that anyone interested in journalism should experience.<span style=""> </span>That way you know what you are getting into before you fall into it.</p> <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-11763408576534635002009-11-18T11:02:00.000-08:002009-11-18T11:08:11.098-08:00My Last StoryI think that for my last story I am going to do an event. The particular event that I would like to cover is the Wednesday night belly dancing at The Old World Deli.<br /><br />I used to go to it all the time when I was younger and a friend of mine danced in the event. I have not seen a story about the belly dancing in The Commuter since I have gone here. I think that it is a fun, social event that anyone could enjoy.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-88185470041114173362009-11-17T07:36:00.000-08:002009-11-17T08:46:28.858-08:00The Power of Social NetworkingWould you like to achieve overnight fame? The fastest way is through social networking. Although I use the word "fame" very loosely in this context, as nobody from a major publishing company is beating on my door (yet). <br /><br />As many of you may already know, I write for an online travel magazine, <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-14967-Portland-Motorcycle-Travel-Examiner">Examiner.com as the Portland Motorcycle Travel Examiner</a>. I have been doing this for the entire summer and have been pushing my articles on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. Although this has helped to drive my page views up a bit as people reposted my links, I just wasn't hitting the numbers that I would like to have seen. Part of the problem with using those sites is that no matter how good of a friend you are of mine, if motorcycles don't interest you, you are not going to be all that motivated to go check out a long list of articles dedicated to that subject.<br /><br />Last month, I finally forced myself to go to the <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-14967-Portland-Motorcycle-Travel-Examiner%7Ey2009m10d8-Corvallis-bike-night--New-friends-and-good-bikes">Corvallis bike night</a>, put on by members of the Pacific Northwest Riders. I say forced, because when I would make plans to go, something else would come up and I would have to cancel. Through meeting the people at that event, I decided to start participating on the forums. <br /><br />Last night I posted a new aricle on my page. I went to the forum and started a new thread talking just about me! Well, actually to talk about my article and introduce myself to the rest of the PNWRiders.<br /><br />This morning I checked my page views and at 6am, I had already received 62 page views! I followed that up with a quick Twitter search, and when using the keywords "motorcycle travel," the first four tweets that came up were links to <a href="http://pnwriders.com/general-discussion/119325-portland-motorcycle-travel-examiner.html">my post on the PNWRiders forum</a>. Checking the profiles, I discovered that one was from Manchester, England, one was from Canada! The other two did not have listings of where they were from. <br /><br />What a great feeling it is to know that people so far away are reading my material as well. Although it was the forum, a social networking site of it's own, that got me this amount of distribution, it was actually meeting people with a common interest that started me down this path. Remember that although our lives may center around Facebook now, it is still important to get out and meet real people. A great big thank you to the readers on the <a href="http://pnwriders.com/">PNWRiders forum</a>.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-12740951585445423252009-11-13T11:09:00.000-08:002009-11-13T11:40:42.601-08:00Treats for TroopsWhat treat would be better for a soldier that is serving in the blistering heat of the desert, than an ICEE? Supporting the troops is important as they are out there giving all for us, and this story is a great example of <a href="http://www.give2thetroops.org/">an organization doing just that</a>.<br /><br />One thing that I liked about this story is the subject matter. I feel that supporting the troops during this war is something that cannot be covered enough. <br /><br />The way that the information was presented both warmed the heart and provided facts about the organization conducting these services. It also provided locations of where we can make our own donations. <br /><br />However, the information about where to donate was kind of buried in the middle of the story. By the time that I was done reading it, I wasn't able to recall for sure that I knew where to make a donation. I feel that that information would be better served at the end of the story. <br /><br />I very much liked the lead of this story. It started off with the quote, "'Supporting the troops is more than slapping a sticker on the back of your car.'" I felt that this quote was a strong lead, proclaiming what the rest of the story was going to be about. It is actually the reason that I <a href="http://www.lbcommuter.com/features/1050/treats-for-the-troops">chose this story</a>.<br /><br />My take on the story is that this organization is a strong running organization with a lot of experience in the field of supporting troops. Other than adding some contact information at the end of the story to remind the reader to get out and help as well, it was well written and looks good in the paper.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-31720427133022083632009-11-08T15:05:00.000-08:002009-11-08T21:45:36.618-08:00Nobody Expects the Spanish InquisitionYou think that sitting in church for a Sunday morning is torture? If you lived in midievel times and didn't go to church, or spoke against the church, the church felt that penance through torture was in order. With <a href="http://www.listaholic.com/12-of-the-most-horrifying-torture-devices-in-history.html">machines like the pear and the rack</a>, it still amazes me what human beings are willing and able to do to each other.<br /><br /><a href="http://history.howstuffworks.com/middle-ages/10-medieval-torture-devices10.htm">The pear</a> was a devious hand held device that used screw technology. This one was used for people who spoke against the church, or committed adultery or homosexuality. For speaking against the church, the metal devise was inserted into the mouth and expanded until the person could no longer close their mouth. This was to elicit a confession of heresy. For adultery or homosexuality, the pear was inserted into the offending orifice and extended.<br /><br />One of the most versatile of all the torture devices is <a href="http://history.howstuffworks.com/middle-ages/10-medieval-torture-devices3.htm">the rack</a>. This was a table that had an axle at each end that could be turned. The offender was strapped in, feet at one end and hands at the other, then the axles were turned using a lever. Using a longer lever would multiply the torque, increasing the pulling power on the ropes. This would dislocate joints, causing excruciating pain. These aren't even the torture devices that are lethal.<br /><br />Other devices that the church officials used weren't as forgiving as to allow you to live. This was the price that you paid for speaking against the Catholic Church or going against the scriptures. If you can't convince someone to believe through teaching, force them to believe through pain. <br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-4029458432175601462009-10-23T21:51:00.000-07:002009-10-23T23:53:22.723-07:00Standing Out: Seth GodinAfter watching a string of commercials during a show, have you ever sat there looking at the television and though, "What were those commercials about?" You just saw them, why can't you remember them? In February 2003, Seth Godin, <a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/">a blogger</a> and entrepreneur who thinks about digital marketing outlets, gave a <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/seth_godin_on_sliced_bread.html">talk to TED</a> about standing out. If you have a product that you want to sell, you don't want it to be in one of the commercials that you just forgot.<br /><br />The problem with the mass marketing approach is that it is pushing "average products for average people" as Seth puts it. If you want your idea to stand out, it needs to be something remarkable, meaning that people actually remark about it. <br /><br />The key is to sell to the people that are listening, the innovators, because the worst thing you can do is be safe. Seth states, "People who can spread ideas, regardless of what those ideas are, win." No matter how "off the wall" your idea may be, if you can spread that idea around, it will catch on.<br /><br />Otto Rhowedder invented sliced bread. However, he was too worried about getting the patent as opposed to spreading his idea, so it became a failure. It wasn't until Wonder found a way to spread the idea around that sliced bread became the best thing to compare every other invention against. Silk, a soy milk that doesn't need to be in the refrigerated dairy section, put their product in the refrigerated dairy section. This tripled their sales.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-9004488438529117562009-10-21T22:18:00.000-07:002009-10-31T17:11:36.827-07:00Bike Night in Albany<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What: </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span>Albany Bike Night<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>
<br /></span></span>Who: </span></span>Pacific Northwest Riders
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Contact: </span></span><a href="http://pnwriders.com/corvallis-albany/">www.pnwriders.com</a>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where: </span></span>Los Taquilas Mexican Restaurant 2525 Santiam Hwy Albany, Ore.
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">When: </span></span>Every third Wednesday at 7p.m.
<br />
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CDR3222%7E1.GON%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">It’s the third Wednesday of the month, approaching the hour of 7 p.m. assuring that the bikes would be pulling into <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=ei3&resnum=0&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=los+tequilas+albany+oregon&fb=1&gl=us&hq=los+tequilas&hnear=albany+oregon&cid=12994664826873665374">Los Taquilas Mexican Restaurant</a> in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Albany</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Ore.</st1:state></st1:place> any minute, and the newly revived Albany Bike Night would be under way.<span style=""> </span>With the gathering starting late in the evening, it ensures that anyone who is interested in joining them for dinner has plenty of time to get there.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">The Pacific Northwest Riders are a group that does not believe in discrimination against brands.<span style=""> </span>With the Corvallis Bike Night organizer, Brad Lawrie, owning both a Triumph and a <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kawasaki</st1:place></st1:city>, and other members riding Ducatis, Yamahas, Triumphs and Kawasakis, any bike is welcome.<span style=""> </span>Even if you don’t have a bike, show up in your cage (car).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Brad says that he wanted an opportunity for local riders to meet up and possibly put faces to bikes.<span style=""> </span>This way, when you wave to a fellow rider, you may be waving to a friend.<span style=""> </span>However, when he first started the Albany Bike Night, it just didn’t get the turnout that he was expecting.<span style=""> </span>Another forum member, Jason Wood (hrothgarbike), wanted to start it back up, and moved it to Los Taquilas.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Although there were less bikes in attendance than the Corvallis Bike Night, as rain clouded the forcast, the ones who were there were diehards.<span style=""> </span>Brad rides year round, commuting from <st1:city st="on">Corvallis</st1:city> to Tangent each day on his 2007 Triumph <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Erik Rowly is also a Triumph rider, commuting year round from <st1:city st="on">Albany</st1:city> to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Corvallis</st1:place></st1:city> on his 2006 Scrambler.<span style=""> </span>He also wears a full body leather riding suit, sweating it out in the summer, but keeping his skin off the road.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">If you want to meet some local riders, maybe even throw together a ride and have people that are willing to go with you, you owe it to yourself to go to at least one of the Bike Nights to meet some of the Pacific Northwest Riders.<span style=""> </span>Bring a bike, bring a story, and most importantly, bring yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Brad Lawrie
<br />Organizer of Bike Night
<br />
<br />Ducatichick (Anna Garrison)
<br />Regular attendee of Bike Night
<br />
<br />ThesomberlainV70 (Erik Rowly)
<br />Regular attendee of Bike Night
<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-31799791386963261822009-10-21T11:19:00.000-07:002009-10-21T11:38:16.614-07:00The Skewed News ViewInternational news is getting pushed to the side as U.S. news takes up 79 percent of the coverage. The majority of that news coverage is concerning American celebrities, because "covering Brittany is cheaper." In February 2008, Alisa Miller gave a speech concerning the skewed view of the news from the standpoint of America in Monterey, Calif. to the members of TED.<br /><br />During this same year there was massive flooding in Indonesia, South Korea was promising to dismantle it's nuclear weapons, but news coverage of the death of Anna Nicole Smith trumped all of these other events. The news coverage of her death was 10 times greater than that of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports.<br /><br />Local news is only touching on about 12 percent of international news, most of that being taken up by news from Iraq. Alisa states, "I know that we can do better, and can we afford not to?"<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516101410916141398.post-11623850134281228812009-10-16T11:12:00.000-07:002009-10-16T17:37:17.314-07:00Modern Zombie SurvivalAs we are heading into the last half of October, <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/recordedattacks/">zombie season</a> is quickly coming upon us. Lee LeFever at Commoncraft.com has some excellent ideas as far as tips for survival from his video, "<a href="http://www.commoncraft.com/zombies">Zombies in Plain English</a>". First of all, you need to watch your back, as anyone may become a zombie, even your beloved uncle Dan. The main ways to recognize a zombie is by their dark eyes, pale skin, off kilter shoulders and limping walk.<br /><br />Once the zombie has been <a href="http://www.geocities.com/zombiewarning2000/Identify.html">identified</a>, it is time to make a decision as to whether you want to <a href="http://www.zombiesurvivalwiki.com/">run or fight</a>. If you decide to run, don't take refuge in your house. Choose a place such as Costco that is fortified and will actually have some rations for you to survive on. You can also run to a higher elevation, as zombies will have tendency to slow down and become brittle in the colder weather.<br /><br />If you are going to fight, "kill the brain, stop the zombie" as Lee warns us. Use of either decapitation or shooting them with a large caliber bullet in the head are the two best options. Decapitation can be done with an axe, machete or chainsaw. Incendiaries may be used as well, but be warned that a flaming zombie is even more dangerous than a normal one.<br /><br />Also, once a zombie has <a href="http://www.fvza.org/zscience1.html">bitten you</a>, antiseptic is worthless. Infection is a definite, so if your friend is bitten, it is time to man up, look your friend right in the eyes and kill him. It has been forecast to be a high number of attacks this season, so make sure that you plan your escape route and have provisions ready. It may not hurt to become proficient in the use of a hand weapon of some sort, such as a sword or machete, just to increase your chance for survival. Be wary and keep your eyes peeled for the undead.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Dr. Gonzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18254243564463254179noreply@blogger.com0