As I posted earlier I got a Flip Mino and watch a killer device! I love this thing but I admit I have some getting used to using it during those “special moments”, per the Blazing Saddles famous quote “what a minute while I whip this out.” I need to perfect aiming but honestly other than the human problem this device rocks. The plug it in, getting access to your videos, have software installed that is easy to use and then be able to share videos with a click is just great. So I apologize for the “amateur videos” but I’m sure I will be getting better. Next thing I just ordered was a mount for my Mamasita which I talked about in earlier posts.

Video of my daughter cheerleading (or rather dance exhibition) at the Kirkland 4th of July Parade.

This is a cool still shot I grabbed from Flip’s video editing software of the kids tubing on Lake Sammamish. They have a snap features that allows you to pull stills directly from the video.

The kids ripping it up on Lake Sammamish (sorry for the water sickness feature I may have added by mistake).

Overall this is honestly one of the coolest devices I’ve used in a while and I can’t wait to put it on my Mountain Bike and record a few choice videos. Look for more Flip videos soon and I hope everyone had a great holiday.

The Flip Mino; small, slick, 60 mins of video, built in USB…all for quick uploads directly to YouTube (or whatever your video exposure site of choosing). I promise I won’t be on any of the videos but I’m definitely sure others in my household and friends will be, well friends now but after posting maybe not Just thought I would post something about the Flip because its pretty cool.

Well according to my wife and friends I’m 41 since my 41st year has started….but who cares I had a blast! I spent my birthday in Redmond, Oregon at the Eagle Crest resort with my wife and friends; we where there for the Far West Morgan Regional Horse Championships. I drove down with a buddy who’s wife trains horses with my wife who competes. What an amazingly beautiful place to visit…300 sunny days a year, amazing scenery and people. We hung out with our friends at the show and without going into much detail the below image should give a good indication of the fun we had, Corona in the grass taken at a weird angle; well that’s me with my new camera.

I played golf at Eagle Crest on my birthday but my buddy pissed me off a bit so I left the course early :-)   trust me he deserved it, taking golf a little to serious for me especially on my birthday. But I did end up playing with him at Black Butte Ranch Golf Course in Sisters, Oregon a day later and what an amazing course. The one picture I took should say it all as many of the holes we played had equal or better views of the mountains and animals. The below photo is from hole #11 and was just spectacular.

All in all my 40th was awesome and honestly the greatest moments of my 40th was the fact my wife took two 1st places in her classes and then most impressively took 3rd place in the Regional Championships which included competitors from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Canada from Manitoba West. All I can say is that it was an incredible time, good friends, beautiful views and I can only wish anyone else turning 40 has the same great time.

There are so many ways that people try to navigate the web; favorites, desktop shortcuts, searches (not naming anyone so I don’t seem like I have a favorite), but I have to say iA has come up with a very creative approach that I liken to a euro rail map for navigating the web.

If anyone hasn’t seen the WorldWide Telescope project from Microsoft Research this TED video is worth watching. I suggest downloading for the best experience and flow. I also downloaded the client application for WWT and it’s amazing, definitely worth an install if you like to look at the solar system.

http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/224

Get the WorldWide Telescope application here.

I was digging through some old mail this morning and found this interesting YouTube video from a buddy of mine. Old news I know but I’m just getting around to it.

I imagine the title may have gotten some people’s attention Let it be known that I am happily married to my wife but I do have a new girlfriend, my Salsa Mamasita, it’s my wife’s fault as she bought it as my 40th birthday present.

I’ve been mountain biking for 20 years and for the last 10 have been riding Canadian bikes from Rocky Mountain. There are only a few Rocky dealers locally in the Seattle, WA area so I decided to check out a local bike shop in my area and ran across the 18″ frame Mamasita 29′er which the bike shop custom built up with Hope discs, SRAM X-9 components, Monkey Lite XC bar, Selle Italia Max Flite seat and TRUVATIV Stylo 3.3 cranks. The bike is simply amazing to ride over my 16″ frame x 26″ tires. Obstables (logs, roots, rocks, boulders) are so effortless to get over now, compared to the work I had to with 16×26 XC bike.

I’m riding almost every day with the new rig and plan on doing a few XC races this year as long as they approve of the 29′er being allowed into the event. Rumor has it that the 29′ers are providing an advantage to some riders over those with 26″ wheels…and I totally agree. If you are reading this post and going to buy a new mountain bike be sure to test a 29′er. Adios Amigo!