Bulletproof clothing part 2

Interesting article on Teaching English Abroad

I found this really cool website about travel overseas and working. It is excellent and has some really cool posts.
The top 10 place to Teaching English Abroad.

Another Blog, Matador Abroad. Travel to study, work and explore.

Check the out.
Cheers,


Heading up to Richmond today for Ellie's Graduation Party.

Google- Searching for certain file types

One of the coolest features on Google searches is the ability to search for common file types, such as Powerpoint (.ppt), Word Documents (.doc and .docx- word 2007 default file type) and Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)

Just put your search term such as "Baader-Meinhof Gang" and put "filetype:doc" or whichever type of file for which you are searching. It is great to find ready made items or get ideas for your own work.

The Baader Meinhof Complex

I saw last night and it is excellent. I strongly recommend it:
The Baader Meinhof Complex
IMDB Link

Synopsis:
Germany in the 1970s: Murderous bomb attacks, the threat of terrorism and the fear of the enemy inside are rocking the very foundations of the yet fragile German democracy. The radicalised children of the Nazi generation lead by Andreas Baader, Ulrike Meinhof and Gudrun Ensslin are fighting a violent war against what they perceive as the new face of fascism: American imperialism supported by the German establishment, many of whom have a Nazi past. Their aim is to create a more human society but by employing inhuman means they not only spread terror and bloodshed, they also lose their own humanity. The man who understands them is also their hunter: the head of the German police force Horst Herold. And while he succeeds in his relentless pursuit of the young terrorists, he knows he's only dealing with the tip of the iceberg.

Official Movie Site (UK release)

Alicia Update #4

Hi Everyone,

Yesterday was a very exciting day of program training. All of the spring volunteers plus our program director from Slovenia and assistant program director from the UK who graduated from Cambridge went to the Adventure Park in Adelboden to learn how to assist with the high rope activities with guests. We learned how to zipline across a river under a bridge many times back and forth at varying heights. Then our group went on a high ropes course. On this course we were attached to a cable over the river and walked over moving logs, trapezes, and went swinging like Tarzan. {the mountain guide leading the course told us to make Tarzan noises} Next we went abseiling off a bridge and then the most exciting part of the day occurred. It is called the Pendulum Swing. Basically I was attached to a full body harness with two ropes on the end. Basically I jumped off a ledge on a bridge into the river below and had a few seconds of free fall [very terrifying] before the rope caught me and then I swung like a pendulum back and forth. Although I was very nervous I looked calm and everyone around me commented on how calm I looked. It was an unforgettable experience. Usually scouts have to pay 20 francs extra for this swing. Then we had lunch by the river which for me was a tuna sandwich with cheese and a cucumber and cheese sandwich with an apple. For the afternoon we went outdoor rock climbing and practiced belaying. I have quite improved my climbing technique and skill since I learned that climbing centers on your feet and not your arms. I climbed the most out of our group and made it up 4 routes.

Today was another program day and we first hiked to a gorge and did abseiling/repelling in the morning. Then we had lunch by the river and got to explore the water and the large stones surrounding it. After that we went to the wood carvers where you can buy everything hand crafted from wooden cows to wooden bottle openers. Scouts can buy woggles and other souvenirs with their name put on it. A family has run this wood carving business for generations and was very engaging and loved telling us about their work. The mother treated us to orange juice, mineral water that is bottled and comes from Adelboden (apparently Adelboden is known for their spring water), and cookies. Then we visited a cafe where we will take scouts. The program assistant treated us to lemon cake there which was delicious. Today was also a great day because a could understand most of the German being spoken in the wood carvers. I am hoping to practice and learn more German while I am here. After eating the cake we hiked back to the chalet for dinner.

Finally tomorrow we get to move into the staff house called Stockli. We couldn't move in there earlier because the spring volunteers were still here. They left on Monday and I was sad to see them go because they were really engaging. Also I spent one day off with one of the spring vollies from the U.K. and I could tell we would be great hiking partners. Well the exciting news is that I have finally found out who my roommate is....It is Emi from Tokyo, Japan. Emi and I went hiking together on a day off and we get along well. Well tomorrow is a day off and I get to move into Stockli and then Friday is a staff training hike on Bunderspitz. Then I have the weekend both Saturday and Sunday off.

love, alicia

Jon Stewart on "Government Motors"

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	M - Th 11p / 10c
BiG Mess
thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Economic Crisis

Church of Scientology Banned From Wikipedia

This is pretty sad.
"In an unprecedented attempt to maintain some form of creditability, the Wikipedia arbitration committee has unanimously voted to crack down on the Church of Scientology by banning all IP address assigned to the organization and its associates. The conclusion of this case marks the longest running dispute proceedings in the websites history, and the full ban goes into effect immediately. The ruling also represents the single largest ban handed down by the encyclopedia monolith, an accomplishment that I doubt the Church will be adding to their entry any time soon.

The accusations made by the Wikipedia board include several counts of failing to maintain impartiality, and using the service to promote its own personal agenda. Multiple editors from the same IP range were logged in and were accused of coordinating their efforts to force through changes. This type of behavior is clearly prohibited in the terms of service, and also prevents people from using the wiki to publish original research that cannot be properly supported.

During the dispute it was argued by the Church that those editing from Scientology IPs were acting without direction from the Church itself, however, a former member of the Scientology Office of Special Affairs suggests otherwise. "The guys I worked with posted every day all day," Tory Christman tells The Reg. "It was like a machine. I worked with someone who used five separate computers, five separate anonymous identities...to refute any facts from the internet about the Church of Scientology."

So did Wikipedia handle this properly, and more importantly, do you still trust their neutrality." more here

State and Local Budget Cuts Forcing Hickory Public Schools to Reduce Positions

This shows the ever expanding influence of the "financial crisis" especially on the local level.

The ever-increasing state-wide economic crisis is causing a serious reduction in state and local funding for Hickory Public Schools. The loss of funding may force the school system to cut a number of positions at all levels.

Have you heard of Pokémon Shock?

This is Crazyness. I had never heard of the Pokémon Shock ポケモンショック of 1997. Never to be rebroadcast again. More here. ,

An email I sent to a friend:

Very great to hear from you! I think about you sometimes and was unsure what was going on in your world! Life is treating me very well right now. I am teaching student’s history that have had trouble (drugs, violence, anger, grades, an interesting combination) at their regular high schools. I have to break up fights and have to use a lot of patience in my classroom. I teach US History and Civics. I have moved and live in a small town called Hickory in North Carolina.


I am taking night classes from Appalachian State University. I am working on my graduate degree in History/ Secondary Education. It is a two year program with Fall, Spring and Summer 1 courses. Right now, I am on my first year between Spring and Summer 1 classes.


I will be in my current town, Hickory for another year to finish graduate school and then I am going to be looking for new opportunities. I would like to move somewhere overseas or maybe work at KISC for a year? I am unsure.


My two sisters are in Switzerland this summer. My sister Alicia (20) is working at Our Chalet in Adelboden for the summer; she is already there right now. Alicia was a Short termer at kisc last summer. My other sister Ellie (18) will be heading to kisc this summer (June 14) for her Short term summer. They are both very excited. I am quite jealous of them.

My Summer Road Trip 2008

This is a google map of my summer road trip 2008.

View Summer 2008 in a larger map

My new Kandersteg Poster - Framed!

Isn't it pretty!
I have been on a bit of a poster binge lately....
Retro 60's Swiss Tourism Poster



View Larger Map

The Boys come down to Hickory and beyond

The boys came down and it was time for a trip!!!!
Despite some bad weather. We went hiking at the Cone Estate off the Blue Ridge Parkway and went all the way up to the fire tower. Amazing and beautiful, great 360 Degree Views of Blowing Rock and Boone.
Then an amazing Rib BBQ! (no pictures of that fun)



View cone estate in a larger map

Top 10 Auction Cars of 2009

The official bible of the collector car world, Sports Car Market, has a nice little slide show of top auction cars of the year so far. Leading the way is the 1957 Ferrari 250 Testarossa that recently pulled down $12.4M at an auction in Maranello.

Not surprisingly, it's one of four Ferrari's that made the list. Other entries include a Talbot-Lago, a Duesenberg and a couple of Bugatti's. Nice stuff if you've got the scratch.

Sports Car Market: Top 10 Cars of 2009

Open-Top Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Video Review

a very cool video review of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. Make sure to watch!

Alicia Update #3

This will be short but I wanted to give an update on what I am doing. On Sunday we had a staff training day in Interlaken. We began the day with a scavenger hunt around Interlaken to get to know the town. Interlaken is very touristy hence about every third person I encountered was speaking English. Tourists are attracted to this location because of water sports (rafting, canyoning, other), sky diving, paragliding, hanggliding, etc. Then we had a picnic lunch in some grass near the tourist shops. After that we visited Alpin Raft to learn about the rafting we would take groups on during the summer. I felt at Alpin Raft that I was in Californina because the company is run by Americans, Aussies, Swissies, and Kiwis. They had a sort of Tiki themed decorating and Cali music. After that we departed for Trummelbach Falls which are beautiful waterfalls which help drain the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Monch (famous Swiss mountains). Then we had a sort of tea party in the gardens near the falls. Next we visited a Chocolate Show in Interlaken and I consumed delicious chocolates and truffles.

Yesterday morning we learned evening program activities with the program assistant. Then in the afternoon I helped cook dinner which was chicken curry, rice, salad, and baked apple with cream. I was in charge of the baked apples and cored them. Then I filled them with butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and raisins. The food was great.

Tomorrow I am going to Kandersteg in the evening with 6 other our chalet staff members. I am so excited to take them to lake oschennssee and around the center. Then on Saturday is the kanderlodge opening which our chalet is invited to...

Alicia Update #2

I hope all is well in Virginia and N.C.

Today was a great staff training day because we took a day trip to a nearby cave, a castle by lake Thun, a boat ride across Thun, and sightseeing in Thun. The trip mimicked the day trips we will take the guests on during the summer. Previously I had three days off starting last Wednesday. I biked with other staff members to Frutigen, a nearby town which took about 1.5 hours on the way there. Then we looked around the town and went grocery shopping, visited a church, and saw a lovely cemetry. I was the only one of my group to bike back to the chalet instead of taking a bus. The return trip took me about 3.5 hours becuase I got a bit lost and was biking/carrying the bike uphill. I was exhausted by the end but it was a great experience.

The next day I went on a hike to beautiful waterfalls with a Japanese fellow staff member. She is really sweet and I might go running with her in the morning. I tell her the Japanese I learned in JAPN101 which is very limited but she appreciated it. Also later that day I went running along a fitness course where their are pictures of different exercises you can do. I tried some of the exercises which was quite nice and I enjoyed running by a river. Then on Friday I went with a British spring volunteer to Niesen a.k.a. the Swiss Pyramid. We took a train to the village at the bottom of the train station/funicular. Then we hiked part of the way up and then took the funicular to the top. Niesen, the Swiss mountain, was great because the views at the top span 360 degrees and we could see the Jungfrau (mountain of the highest swiss railway) and the Eiger and other famous mountains. Sarah the girl I hiked with was very nice and she has helped with cooking the meals at the chalet. We discussed a lot of recipes and I will have to invite you to a traditional Swiss dinner when I come home. I love the food here. We normally have yogurt, muesli, and toast with cheese or jam for breakfast. Then lunch is sandwiches on bread baked in town and leaftovers from the previous night. Finally dinner is delicious and sometimes something Swiss. For example tonight we had Rosti (shredded potatoes, bacon, cheese), Ratatouille, and strattallela for dessert. I will also be helping to cook over the summer as well as cleaning and helping with program activities.

Tomorrow we have a training day in Interlaken and will visit waterfalls and a chocolate factory (I can't wait to eat more chocolate, you must tell me your favorite kind of chocolate so I can bring some back to you). Oh and everyone here is really nice. We are in a transition phase with 10 summer volunteers and 5 spring staffers who are leaving in a week. There are also about 5 or more senior staffers with specific roles who are paid such as the office manager, program assistant, world centre manager, etc.

Love,
Alicia

Alicia Update #1

Hi Everyone,

Today was my second day of training in the program department. We learned about the activities offered at the Chalet for the summer. Unlike KISC at Our chalet the groups are given a packaged week program that they cannot choose. Different day activities include hiking, visiting the Adventure park, abseiling, visiting waterfalls, exploring a castle, a day trip to Thun and Interlaken, rafting, going to a chocolate factory, on site activities, the wood cutters, rock climbing, etc. The program is a lot different from KISC in the sense that our job is almost more of a chaperon than a hiking guide. I am excited about exploring more of the cities on day trips and seeing a different part of Switzerland.

On my days off I plan on doing mostly hiking. Next week I have Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday off. I am thinking of visiting KISC with some girls from Our Chalet. It is nice because we can stay and eat there for free.

Today I also got my Our Chalet vest but we do not get to keep it....I might buy my own. There are also nice newish Giant bikes at the center we can use on work or days off. I plan to take the bikes somewhere on my days off and go biking. Normally I will have 2 consecutive days off each week. Another thing we did today was go into Adelboden for a scavenger hunt and to explore the town. The town is about 40 minutes from the center and it is very hilly and quite a workout. On the other hand it is about 15-20 minutes away from KISC to Kandersteg and it is flat. However, the town has a lot more to offer with a movie theater, lots of shops, bakeries, etc. It is a really cute and nice town. I also like the food in some ways more than KISC because they cook for a smaller group of people so they can make more delicious food. Tonight we had bratwurst, peas and carrots, potatoes, gravy, and a chocolate mouse type dessert.

Tomorrow I will do more program training for on camp day. The chalet is basically divided between program and guest services departments. The first official activities week is about the second week of june and each staff member will be put on either program or guest services for the entire week. This is so that the people on program will get to know the groups that come very well. Earlier in the season most of the groups will be American and later on most of the troops will be English. Currently I am residing in the attic of the main chalet and next week we [other summer staff] will move to the Squirrel house, and finally in June to the staff house/chalet. Well I am having a great time so far and am heading to Swiss night later this evening.


Love,

Alicia

KISC: Kandersteg International Scout Center


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Classic Top Gear- The Rozzers!

Mutec Rolls Royce Phantom EWB Ballistic Test

Here is a video of a ballistic test being carried out on a Rolls Royce Phantom Extended Wheel Base by the official Rolls Royce coach builder Mutec.



Holds up quite nicely.

Respect in North Carolina

Respect

The Southern drawl in language is generally charming to most outsiders. In most cases, mutual respect is expected and southern hospitality is a staple of the area. This is expressed in a number of ways: holding doors open for strangers, not honking a car horn unless necessary, and keeping one's voice down when in a crowded room.

As is common in other parts of the South, North Carolinians typically take offense at being stereotyped as "hicks" or "rednecks". While some rural residents might apply such labels to themselves as a matter of humor, it is not expected that outsiders will follow suit (this is similar to the double-standard common in American race relations, where a word may be taken as a complement or a slur depending upon the social status of the speaker). It is very strongly advised that visitors treat the locals with the same respect that you'd afford to any other group of people, and not attempt to make a joke out of age-old class discrimination.

Hickory on WikiTravel

Driving in Hickory is quite easy, although the remaining one-way streets and eclectic street naming conventions can be somewhat bewildering. If you get lost, just ask a local and say you're from out of town. They'll refrain from an age-old Hickory tradition of giving directions based on where things "used to be". Please remember, though, to always be polite when talking to locals under any circumstance. For instance, if you just barge in to somebody and ask how to get to the interstate, for example, your reception will be decidedly less-than-friendly and you won't get your answer, either. The phrases "excuse me", "please", and "thank you" go a long way.


Given Hickory's German heritage and heavy Lutheran influences, it's no surprise that beer is easy to find and fun to ingest among friends in Hickory.

Stay Safe:
Stay away from South Center Street. Everywhere else is relatively safe. Avoid the intersection of Highway 70 and Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard at rush hour.

Charlotte's Tea

If you are not from the American South, be aware that sweet iced tea is the predominant non-carbonated drink. When ordering tea, you will need to be specific if you want un-sweet tea, otherwise it will be sweetened. Diabetics should take particular note of the distinction, as a glass of sweet tea is roughly as sugary as a glass of soft drink.

Amazing things you can do with Google

This is a pretty interesting article about all the amazing things google can do.

The View's

Click for hi-res,
the new view

Laddie's new view

click for hi-res

Chase's Trophy

When I got home today, Chase took me to see his trophy. He was so proud! He
growled to keep Laddie away. It was the sport and he was not interested in
eating groundhog! He would like to have it mounted with the nice furry
possum that he got 2-3 years ago! The possum accidently got on a limb which
was within his reach in the back yard. Chase gave the possum a pretty good
shaking treatment! Mitch heard the groundhog ruckus today. Fran came over to
see it because we did not know that groundhogs were also City dwellers!
Groundhogs usually put up a pretty fierce fight so Chase must really be
proud!

The famous Swiss St. Bernard's

click for full-res

My sister's experiences in Switzerland.

Swiss Powerpoint - Alicia

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Illustrations & Maps 2007 culture

really really cool old cycling image. Click on it for Wallpaper size

I want to go to Lisbon.
Amazing!

Wired Covers the Fascinating History of Netbooks

Development from the bottom down.
When do you think Netbooks will enter the dictionary, or at least spellcheck?

craziness!
I thought bulletproof clothing was just a dream!

Good News:

Appalachian’s Reich College of Education highlighted in U.S. News & World Report

BOONE—The Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University is included in U.S. News & World Report’s recent focus on graduate programs.

The magazine lists graduate programs in business, engineering, education, law and medical schools.

While the college isn’t ranked by the magazine it is one of the colleges that is featured in the article “Picking the Right School for an Education Grad Degree: Is it more important to go to a great school or a school near where you want to teach?”

The article states that, “Appalachian State University’s Reich College of Education exemplifies the benefits of attending a high-quality program run out of a public institution. Reich’s dean, Charles Duke, says Appalachian’s ability to offer excellent but affordable teacher education in convenient locations is what leads so many future North Carolina educators to choose Appalachian.”

The article also addresses education programs that incorporate innovative teaching in the classroom. “A degree from Harvard or Stanford is certainly prestigious, but having one won’t help you become a better teacher any more than a degree from Appalachian will,” Duke says in the article, which further states that, “Reich College attracts faculty from across the country who bring the latest, most inventive teaching methods with them into the classroom. One plus: Faculty are also responsible for instructing students about the challenges they might face in different areas of the state.”

Nearly all of the graduate education students teach in North Carolina.

The article challenges those seeking graduate degrees in education to consider factors such as affordability and the school’s curriculum.

Top 50 Craft Brewers in the United States

Think of the possible ad slogans from this picture: "The Land Rover Defender. For when a flat tire is no longer your biggest problem."

About Me

Publish at Scribd or explore others: School Work Essays & Theses

If you want to open your horizons on new music check out these two links with some of the best stuff from 2008. These are really really cool and you should bookmark!

NPR Listeners Pick The Year's Best Music
Top 25 Best CDs of 2008.


Pitchfork Media's
Top 40 Music Videos of 2008

Rated R: Lamborghini Murcielago Porks Hyundai Santa Fe

Have you heard of this Train Wreck?
Granville-Paris Express wreck on 22 October 1895
crazy!

pretty amazing driving. I am a bit confused on how they did this exactly.

Saw "the alps" tonight in imax. What an amazing movie and amazing cinematography. It is playing at the science museum of virginia for the next few weeks. I highly recommend.

So I am at Virginia Tech taking a look at the school to see if my sister is interested in attending next year. Oh the fun. At least it is spring break

What is CVHS?
Hickory Public Schools operates Catawba Valley High School for the three systems, which is for students with behavioral or academic difficulties.

this is something that you can only do with a FWD motor.... amazing.. plato is amazing...

make better coffee and other ideas to supercharge your life

http://lifehacker.com/243244/want-better-tasting-coffee-try-vinegar

http://lifehacker.com/5143755/brew-the-best-possible-coffee-without-breaking-the-bank


http://lifehacker.com/5187159/supercharge-your-next-run-with-a-cup-of-coffee

So I think I got the calender function fixed on the blog.
Not much to report today. Just time to work on some school work.

You can check out all my bookmarks @ www.delicious.com\tylergrove

Podcasts I listen to:
Sound Opinions
The Economist
The Moth
Car Talk
NPR Technology Podcast
This American Life

SO I am going to try to restart this blog and put up interestign musings I have about whatever. Enjoy.
and click on the adds on the side of the screen!
Cheers
-t

Hey, So it has been a while but I want to get this blog back up to save information and Ideas.

What is your definition of Content?
Are we ever content?
I want this, I need this etc..... You know the deal.

I am making decsions which will effect my future, yet I have no idea what I need to do....
Took the GRE this past weekend. It was really hard. Showed that I might not really have learned all that information that I thought I did....

Well up at the squad, having a fun time as always. I do not know why I choose to come up her but figured that to get out of the house would be good and see the good old boys, Still can't believe I haven't gotten out and actually gone on that trip that I so wanted to go on.

I think that maybe in the next weeek I will get my stuff together and finally be able to see some cool stuff that whole northeast trip that I think in time will finally happen. I am ever hopeful... keep taking those meds and get my shit together and I will see this happen.....

I can't wait and it will be a good trip and really fun..... I swear the world is my back door....... I will have this good time and everything will work out...

In terms of philmont.................
Rich Cabins 2003....
it sucks how it all worked out but then again we were just delt a bad set of cards to begain with,.,,....

I want to go to england!!!!!
ok an email from my freind Gavin

++++++++++++++++++++++


Hey Dudes (sorry - American slang),

Things are going well here in Philmont, I have now completed Rayado and after 21 days of treking through the ranch we let the Scouts go home this morning. The experience of being out in the back country for such a long period of time was amazing - as is the fact that I survied on three showers and no shaving for the duration. Those that know me wouldn't recognise me with a beard, I think that I may keep it for a while to see how thick it grows over the remainder of the summer.

We estimate the total distance of the hike to be around 170-180 miles after we made small route changes due to the crew getting lost when we where remotely following them, also missing a big peak after one crew member suffered from bad altitude sickness and became very fatigued. I went through many camps that I hadn't seen last year and made lots of new friends and found a new home from home at a camp called Beuabien. Beuabien is a cowboy camp, the staff are very friendly and I even had my very first ride on a horse over there. In the evening I was shown to the large meadow and saw 50-60 elk several hundred metres away, I took some pictures but as it was half light i'm not sure how good they will be.

Not seen any bears in the flesh yet but I did walk 3 miles down a road following bear prints the size of my fist. I have also seen a single print that had dried in the mud which was larger than my open hand (estimated as a 300-400 pound male). I have seen lots of mule deer and wild turkey and one rattle snake on the edge of the trial which was pretty cool.
Now that Rayado has finished we have four days off prior to starting regular crew treks again lasting 4 days each. It looks like at the moment that a group of us may be driving to Colorado to chill out and do some sailing on the big lakes if it doesn't cost too much to hire a boat.

I think I have been walking/camping for 31 days now and have lost 6 pounds in weight as a result. One of the camps that I visited was a climbing camp called Dean Cow Camp, in the cabin was a Union Jack - it turns out that a British Scout called Orric had worked there in 2000 and left the flag on the cabin wall.

I hope that all is well with everyone and that the weather is treating you well, here at Philmont the rain has only bothered me three times, two of the times it was very heavy and the lightining was striking all around us - luckily for me I was hiding from the Rayado crew in a staffed cabin and managed to sleep through most of the rain and hail etc.

During the trek I was lucky if I managed to get 6-7 hours of sleep, as a result at any given oppurtunity I can now sleep anywhere and on almost anything (its called the Ranger nap and I'm good at it!). Last night was the last night with the 6 Scouts and as a result we only grabbed 3 hours of sleep - I am now a walking zombie and it's amazing that I can even write this e-mail.

All the best - write back

Gavin

Damn mike. He says one day I can take the car then the next day says no. Im irritated. I need to get out of here. I am misrible and I think he relizes this but would like to keep me as a prisoner in his little place. I will get out of her this weekend.. I mean this boring.... I can understand why Richmond sucks during the summer.. I mean hell it sucks all the time but especially during the summer.... Well Im going to bed. ... I can at least sleep through all this

Im here. in Richmond a regretable proposition but here I am... Walked down to the pool with Laddie to see about employment opportunities,.... maybe I have a job waiting for me... who knows...Feeling good about know and it is only 6 pm.... I wonder sometimes.... Need to get on the road feel better on the road.... Just something about it sooths my soul... Virginia is to hot. damn 100 degrees and no wind.... screw this...

I dont know what my friends do with there money but I am worried because I think they just waste it and use it as an exude but when I talked to Jeremy he seemed to envy my position which said I was doing something right which helps my soul in this day and age....

Maybe I am doing for them what they can not do them selves. I feel proud if this is the case.

Girls confuse me. I got this Lakeside girl but I have not clue what to do.... i mean I am just at a stage more later....

Jeez. I don't know what I want to do. Here I am sitting in Virginia and all I am doing is drinking ever night and going to bed making nothing of this opportunity I have been fortunatly been granted. I guess I am just dicking around. Forgot to calll Jess tonight or just said I am not doing it.... Whatever. Tomarrow I will make a stand and get a good grasp on what I am doing and contact the needed people and do what I was born to do. Travel and write about all things beyound the sun and to god, damn enjoy it. I have yet to decide with what to do with this awesome life that I have been granted but I will do with it what is best and be proud of it for every miniute, That is what I can be proud of and happyy for.
This is me, Notanyone else so I have the power to decide and document what I do and my faite and All things in between. So well Good night.

...........IT was quite interesting and I got a ride back from Grayson Ky with an older man who sold T-Shirts at Greatful Dead Concerts, Now sure the Dead arnt around as we know it, they seem to still be able to tour.... Sort of like the Doors.... I mean they dont ahve Jim Morrsion and sure not one person makes up a band but replace him for someone who looks like him and mimic his experssions and mannerisms? Not true in my book.
This man, I forgot his name honestly,,,, I mean you hear it once and your mind is darting in so many directions that you don't relize what you are talking about and boom.... He has said it and you are talking about something totally different. He had sold these T-shirts and tapestries for 30 years and when asked about a real job he retorted, this is my real job. I make 30 grand a year selling T-Shirts. I silkscreen them myselve and put the logos of Jerry with his guitar on front and his hand missing part of one of his pictures on the back. I oviously had to purchase one of these T-Shirts, I dunno if from appreciation for giving me the ride or because I really wanted one. Nonethe less I pulled out the 15 dollars.
I asked him for a picture and he happily obliged, asking me to wait at first so he could find his teeth but after no sucess proceded to make a mock shop of what he would make at a concert, he took the radiator box which was rather large to begain with and put the T-shirt I had just bought on it and stood beside the van giving the best smile he could without showing his lack of teeth. A chance meeting that was so cool and will probably never be replicated but was well worth the time.

I felt weird back in Richmond. I had not been here during the summer sence year before last and it seemed odd and uncomforatable to say the least. Once I was within 80 miles of Richmond I murmured to myself/// Exactly why am I hear again? Oh ok right, yeah right......


When I pulled in to Tulsa OK I was bit annoyed by yeah sure I was holding a camera and back[pack and was definitly a tourist but The many beggars that came up to me.... It was funny becasue by the end a guy said can you do me a favor and my response without flinching was probably not. No sorry just stop fucking bothering me. I went to the Philtower, very cool designed with WP all over the place for Waite Phillips same guy who gave PHilmont back in the late 30's. The Boy Scouts owned the Philtower as it was givin as an endowment to help support the development of a program at PHilmont and was owned till the late 70's. The property in Tulsa seems very valuable.
Went to the Gilcrease Museum a nice collection of West and Native American Art, american frontier type stuff. Beautiful location, Just visited it becasue I saw an exit for it and was curious. Tulsa needs to do a better job becuase I had a bad map with no idea of what exactly I was doing... But they should have signs that say Attractions so as a place to find what exits and were to head.

Wow, alot has gone by. Been to philmont for a month and it just didnt seem to be working out so here I am back in Richmond with almost a month and change to do what I want with no responsibilities or other affairs that need attending to.

The Car broke down once on the way their and once on the way back. The thermostat went out on the way out then I was forced to replace the radiator. It was quite interesting having to hitch hike 10 miles to get the radiator then 10 miles back with that big thing. It was quite interesting and I got a ride back from Grayson Ky with an older man who sold T-Shirts an

Good weekend.

Spent Saturday went to Waffle House of breakfast in the morning. Had the triple hash brown which was crazy good, but like heart-attack on your plate. Then went to hear Dr. Jane Goodall speak. She came to our school to talk about Hope, nice event at Bryson Gym.
Wennt for a walk with Jess and her sister and her boyfriend then had come to visit us from CUP as we had visited them a few weeks ago. That was nice then had a relaxing afternoon reading and enjoying the beautiful weekend.
Went to hear the Hightown Strutters play and to a drum circle out at dogwood.

Today went to the blacksmoth shop and worked a good while making a hook thingy. Then went to the pond and jumped in. Man it was cold. Lotsa naked people. Came back up and read more for a class that I got to do a paper of on wedsday.

That’s all folks had a nice time….

good morning.
I am again straining at work, but hopefully will make it. Interesting day yesterday, It snowed like the dickens and yes it is the month of April. Crazy yet cool. Got some nice pictures from around campus.

I wasnt feeling as hot as I could a the night before last and Jess made me some really good pepperment and Ginsig tea which really lifted my sprits. This was really cool. Was it all pshycological? well yes, it was psycological to begain with.

I found out the big problem I have been having has been made not a problem anymore which is great but I am unsure if my thingy I want back the most will be included with the package deal.

I am already planning my trip out to New Mex and am really excited to get to see all my peoples from last summer. That will be awesome, I just got to get out there. But it will happen so I am not worried.

Umm... I thought I had alot more to say. But it just isnt comming out as much as I thought.

Thinking about going and seeing OAR when they come to town may 12th. I think that show would be really cool. Listening to the 03 Hampton Phish concert right now and having a good time. A little tired. Didnt go to bed till 2.30. I dunno why the last hour and a half of staying up was reading etc. But sometimes you feel tired at 12 then get this crazy burst of energy that keeps you up to well 2.30.
Oh well I think I will make tonight a early and cold one free night. Or at least try to.

The War is keep going on and I still dont really get it except George W just has some grudge against Saddam. Not that I like the dude in any respect either but can you just go in an take him over? Is all the stuff you are seeing on TV really Iraqi's rejoicing or is it smalls spurts that are made to look alot bigger and are some type of propoganda.
I think the next thing in his eye sites is syria but I dunno what they have their that we really want.

well im out...

Hey,
Today in work day. This weird day I go with my work supervisor to waffle house and had a nice meal courtesy of the WPO (work program office) Then we painted that damn building for a good while but it was very fun because I mean I had someone to talk to and chill with and found out a lot of interesting information about him. Like his time at MIT, his children and what they were up to quite interesting in my opinion.

Painting wasn’t that bad, Listened to some philmont songs, some Ernie’s, and fighting gravity. Fred is a fascinating man that is, well his social skills are odd but once you get past that small barrier he is very interesting to talk to and I tried to be as engaging as possible. That was fun, talking to him and made work go a lot faster. I painted and assumed he had gone to his office to do whatever but I come out and here he is cleaning those stairs like a villain. Crazy because as he and I know that tomorrow it will be dirty after only 1 class... Worth it? That Debatable.

I was thinking about being an RA but decided against it, I think I need to develop a little more before I am ready for that challenge. But I definitely see that in my future.

Talked to Jess a lot last night and it was cool, She is planning not to come back, but she wants to leave that option open. She asked me if I would be her roommate in the case that she comes back. I thought that was quite weird and cool at the same time. Totally Plutonic coed roommates. Interesting and I heard the dude who runs housing actually will do it...

As I heard once,
That’s Crazy!

Well that is all on my mind right now… Actually had something to say.

Hey.
As always at work just doing my great thingy. Whatever that is.
Life is good for the most part. I am looking at accomidations for next year for housing
and am a little miffed on what to do, or who to room with. I think dorland is where I will
be living it seems to me to be the 2nd year Sunderland which I think at this point is what I
am looking for....

I dunno we will see their are alot of questions That I got to resolve and figure out but I got
plenty of time. I thought the only person I could deal with would be andrew in terms of a roomate
we get along real well and it works nicely. I was asked by fillup if I wanted to room with him but I
declined because I didnt want to live in the Ballfields. The place with a different total culture and a hike just to get
to the damn academic buildings. But hey maybe it will all work out. Well I know it will it is just a matter of time....

School is going good. Trying to keep all those grades an A and if needed stop by teachers offices and talk to them
so I can get the real Scoop and the A grade....

Tomarrow is work day. It will be my first, hopefully not my last but I will see what happens and turn myself loose.
Philmont will be great, I got to figure out how to get out their and do my thing,
Maybe I can figure out a way to get out their. Something interesting driving two cars and etc and then getting to keep my
car out their and drive on my time off and on the way back.. I dunno I will see.

Get Mike and Jeremy to drive and have Brian pick them up or something on his loop back around the States. That would be awesome....
I dunno just ideas I can look around and figure stuff out as it comes available.

Yeah sure I am just blabbing but Having a great time trying to put these crazy ideas that are in my head on paper.

Here is a good description of where I will work.....
during the summer


Philmont's backcountry staffers, especially at the interpretive camps, are often as eccentric—and as unwashed—as Seton himself was. Living by the light of kerosene lanterns, sleeping rolled up in buffalo hides inside log cabins, they defy the Eagle Scout stereotype. This is where you find the ski bums, the potheads, the vegans. Like the original pioneers, these staffers are fiercely clannish and independent-minded, scornful of the soft bureaucrats back in the decadent imperial capital of base camp. Theirs are the jobs at Philmont that nearly everyone wants.

Letter written for WWC application

I love the environment. I love being outside. I am a city boy who found his real calling to be rural areas. There is something about the rural areas that just lets my soul rest. I did not do a very good job looking at colleges and was very reluctant to go. I only applied two places Unity College in Maine and Old Dominion University in Norfolk VA. I got in both places but chose ODU because I did not really want to go to Maine (to cold).
I have had an ok time here at ODU but I realized it is just not for me. Too big and the city is massive. I spent my summer working at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. I loved the mountains, where I lived and the fresh air it seemed to bring. One weekend back in Richmond my mother told me about a Warren-Wilson College and I should check it out. A few days later I went online and cried watching the video. I instantly said THAT is where I need to be.
I think that Warren-Wilson would be a great match because I love the environment, from the water to the mountains. I also really like the work program. I love to get on my hands and knees and really do something productive. I have not visited your campus but it looks beautiful. I plan to visit if you accept me, it not I don’t want to see what I missed out on. Here at ODU I have only met one other person in my Recreation and Tourism studies program but at WW there are a lot of students with similar majors to interact and share ideas with. I have a feeling that I will get to WW and it will fit me like a glove.

http://www.warren-wilson.edu/application/application2.html

Observation paper for English Class
September 21, 2002


William Tyler Grove
The atmosphere is odd. The purpose is the same. They sit, they sometimes talk. Friendships are built on this common bond. But they continue to sit, to enjoy the atmosphere. By golly this is part of their college experience, so they soak it up.
These are the habitual members of what can only be described as the Gresham Smokers Association. They sit all day and late into the night, sometimes as late as 3 AM. Sometimes, it is getting one last drag before class, other times one last drag before bed. Most importantly just getting that nicotine rush. But this is all just part of the magnificent college experience.
There are eight benches, in 2 groups with open canopies over them, but they don’t keep any rain off the Gresham Smokers Association (GSA) so they must smoke under the overhangs near the doors (20 feet away from the entrance? I don’t think so.) The benches are facing each other and are rather comfortable (In fact I am sitting in one now).
The common goal of the members of the GSA is to get an education. The odd thing about this smoking area unlike those in other dorms is that Gresham houses the International Hall. This “international atmosphere” leads to many languages being spoken and many different body languages being used. This includes something as simple as smoking a cigarette. If one thought smoking was big in the USA wait till he/she sees the GSA’s International members dropping butts right and left. But it is all good; I mean this is part of the college experience. They will be able to pass on traditions to future generations.
In front of Gresham Hall is 49th Street. There are no stop signs for a few blocks stretch so do the kids love to zoom past to show of their cars to the beautiful international students puffing away. Sometimes it is a little Honda or Toyota with massive rear wings and a beautiful paint job that shines many colors depending on where the light is located. Sometimes it is the old Dodge, Chevrolet or Ford with that is 25 years old with a ton of rust but an awesome exhaust note coming out of those two pipes sticking out the back. Giving new meaning to the comment “beauty is found within” because nobody could fall in love with the rust encrusting this old beater. Sometimes it is a brand new SUV from Cadillac or Lincoln with the large rims; (in fact I did not even know they made wheels that big). Sometimes there is the occasional music (well the classification of music is debatable). The music is all different types from the Rock and Roll to Rap blasting to get that much more attention.
Many people ask how anyone could resist this atmosphere and in a word I can I say “I do not know”. All the members who make this atmosphere what it is in a few words make it “unique”. The people, sights and sounds make this place so unique and I am doubtful this could be replicated anywhere else. This is by golly the college experience at its finest!

Cool Car List
odd ones that are cool....



1991 Dodge Spirit R/T
Volvo 850R Sedan
1992 JDM Toyota Celica GT-Four RC Car
GMC TYPHOON
GMC Syclone
Mitsubishi Galant VR-4

AUDI
urQuattro
urSport Quattro
S2
RS2
S4
RS4
S6
RS6
S8

Avant

BMW

M1
M3
M5
M6
M coupe
M roadster

Chevrolet
Camaro SS
Corvette
Monte Carlo SS

Dodge Stealth R/T
boasting 320 horsepower from a multipoint electronic fuel injected, twin-turbo charged, 3.0 liter V-6, delivered through a ZF 6-speed transmisison to All Wheel Drive, 4-wheel steering
1991 Dodge Spirit R/T

I wrote this October 17, 2002


The man walks. He just keeps going because there is nothing else to do. His time of hun has passed. He is now in the bad part but he must keep walking. It is his duty and there is light at the end of the tunnel. How dim it is now is not a concern. It is there and that is all that needs to be know. The atmosphere is still foreign. Still not making since, But because he has to be here, he stays, he endures, why he does not know. But he has good intentions in mind. It is very hard but the facts remain and the feelings are the same. The use of distractions aid in the feelings.

hey.
just sitting in work right now... getting tired of this B.S. Its just so monotonous and boring and doesnt feel like you are accomplishing anything that wont get wrecked tomarrow.

Went home for the weekend to try to get some stuff straight. Feel Like all I did was make more things a problem that I really am in no mood to deal with.

Things are looking up in some sences... Got my life figured out already and just need to pass all the courses to be successful.

Hello.
Just sitting at work as usual.
I am going home tonight to go to a date at 9 am tomarrow that I can't miss.
I have been thinking alot about where I am currently at, and where I want to go and I am rather pleased with the results. I am keeping my stuff in order and just got to figure everything out. I am excited about this summer, Philmont and excited about being on the automotive crew next year which is really cool and I think will help me to have more fun and stay focused. I have deicded to go the route of History/ Secondary education and maybe also Outdoor Leadership but we will see if I can work everyhting out. I have to do student teaching so that may have an effect on everything.

Not much really to report. Father is complaining about relationship with the girls but their is not much I can really do without stepping on people's toes which I really have to intention of doing because then that irritates everyone.

The day of judgment is tomarrow and will decide what my summer plans are which is excited and scary at the same time, we will see how it goes.

I had a poster for ENS due today and I really think I did a good job so I am excited to see what the teacher says.

I got into a ODL internship that I will use for Philmont so that will give me some credits so that is good and it is really cool to be in a class of older ODL students. But in some ways I wasnt impressed by their inabilitiy even at a junior level to complete a simple activity such as a cover letter. This I hope is not the standard student but we will see.

I talked to Jess and she said this is what I make it. So well lets see what I make off it hopefully all A+'s you know...
I don't think she is coming back which is sad cause I really like her on a freind basis, I know she feels the same way but you know, you got to go where the heart needs to go, not where the external things say to go.

I know for me it is time to be in school so that is what I am doing. I am excited by the prospect of possibly doing my student teaching at RCHS, now sure I made this idea up and havent gotten any real confermation we will see...

Went to Atlanta (ATL) last weekend and stayed with a friends roomate and then worked with kids with disabilities and had a blast. It was really really fun and I learned alot and I think they had as much fun and I did. Great experiences make a life.

We all have our crazy times but it is our meaningful times that we remember.

Ok well I think we can all one day when we are old and wise figure it all out.

But thinking deep is sometimes really challenging and forces us to think harder and sometimes not understand, But that is just the name of the game.
One day at a time....

Hello,
this is my opening journal. I think this might be a good idea to get ideas on a public yet interesting underground way. I am doing good right now, should be working but my supervisor is teaching a class so I can mess around. I mean my job really isnt that hard anyways and definitly does not require 15 hours a week to clean this small of a building. Sort of busy work to, well I dunno clean the building and then mess around or whatever. Good for studying I guess.

I just got back from visiting my cousin, I had a great time. I took this gal katie. It was funny. Well I think my supervisor just got out of class so better pretend I am working for another 15 minutes.