BradsBlog

Ultimate list of Blogger resources

2010-02-10T10:16:00.000-08:00

http://www.bloggerthemes.net/2009/05/ultimate-list-of-blogger-resources.html

Lightning Strike

2010-02-03T09:32:00.001-08:00

Engineers Turned Into Human Cannonballs to Recreate Intel Chime [Intel]

2009-12-17T13:06:00.000-08:00

Engineers Turned Into Human Cannonballs to Recreate Intel Chime [Intel]: "
I've suspected that Intel's engineers were somewhat crazy, but I never thought they'd hop into cannons and shoot themselves toward giant tube-shaped bells in order to recreate that catchy 'Intel inside' chime. Ding-ba-bing-ba-ding-ouch! Looks painful, even if probably fake.
The stunt really looks like it should result in some major neck injuries, safety gear or not. So, these men and women of Intel are either far braver and crazier than I, or there's definitely some clever editing going on. [Intel via All Things D]

Worst Wipeouts - 2009/2010 Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau

2009-12-17T12:15:00.001-08:00

Heat 8 On Demand of the 2009 The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau

2009-12-17T12:09:00.001-08:00

The Innocence of Youth

2009-12-03T10:47:00.000-08:00

A father watched his young daughter playing in the garden. 
He smiled as he reflected on how sweet and pure his little girl was. 
Tears formed in his eyes as he thought about her seeing the wonders of 
nature through such innocent eyes.   
Suddenly she just stopped and stared at the ground. 
He went over to her to see what work of God had captured her attention.  
  
He noticed she was looking at two spiders mating. 
 'Daddy, what are those two spiders doing?' she asked. 
 'They're mating,' her father replied. 
 'What do you call the spider on top?' she asked 
 'That's a Daddy Longlegs,' her father answered. 
 'So, the other one is a Mommy Longlegs?' the little girl asked. 
 As his heart was filled with the joy of such a cute and innocent question he 
chuckled, 'No dear.. Both of them are  Daddy Longlegs' 
 
The little girl, looking a little puzzled, thought for a moment... then 
lifted her foot and  stomped them flat. 
 
'Well, that may be OK in California, but we're not having any of that 
shit in Texas ,' she said.

Bookstore

2009-12-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

I went to buy a book,
but couldn't find it.
Then I realized -
I had been looking in the.......................

Oh Christmas Tree!

2009-11-30T12:58:00.001-08:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

THIS GUY CAN DRIVE !!!!!

2009-10-09T09:23:00.001-07:00

Backwards Painted Truck Doubles as Pants Crapper 3000 [Image Cache]

2009-09-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

Backwards Painted Truck Doubles as Pants Crapper 3000 [Image Cache]: "

I can't imagine the momentary terror of a semi coming straight at me on the open road, nor can this trucker imagine the keying coming his way the first time someone crashes as result of his prank. [imgur via jalopnik]

Survival Websites

2009-09-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

Survival Websites: "
Off Grid Survival’s Huge list of survival websites and blogs.

The key to survival is knowledge and all of these websites can help you gain the skills you need to survive any situation.

Survival Blogs & Survival Websites



Off Grid Survival Be a Survivor Bison Survival Bo BS Survival Circle of the Oroborous Challenged Survival Coffee with the Hermit Confessions of an overworked Mom Daily Survival Destiny Survival Foraging Prepper Gallimaufree Green Surviving Keep it Simple Survival	Mountain Steps No BS survival Notes from the Bunker Prepared Christian Preparing for Tyranny R.E.A.L. Survivability Rhino Survival Scoutinlife’s Homestead She Survives SHTFblog Something Wicked Comes Staying Alive Stealth Survival Survival Blog Survival Cooking	Survival Lady Survival Mama Surviving in Argentina Survivalism Survive the Worst Tactical Gearhead The Aspiring Survivalist The Backwoods Survival The Bear Ridge Project The Suburban Prepper The Survival Mom The Survivalist Blog The Urban Survivalist Total Survivalist Libertarian Rantfest





Preparedness Blogs & Preppers Websites
American Preppers Network Canadian Preppers Network DIY Preparedness Down To Earth Everyday Prepper Getting Started In Emergency Preparedness Just in Case Book	I am Prepared If Ye Are Prepared In Case of Emergency Blog iPrepared Houston Mom Prepare Prepare for Peace Prepare your family Prepared For Survival Prepared LDS Family Preparedness Pro	Preparing for Emergencies Que Sera Sera Radio’s Preparedness subculture blog The Preparedness Blog Totally Ready Viking Preparedness Your House in Order

Food Storage & Survival Cooking Websites & Blogs
All About Food Storage Everyday Food Storage Food Storage – Not Just for Storing Emergency Preparedness Filling Your Ark Food Storage Made Easy	Food Storage. Alright, Let’s Begin Food Storage: A Necessary Adventure Get Me Ready Let Us Prepare My Food Storage Deals Pflugerville Pfood Storage	Preparedness Matters Safely Gathered In Sisters Always Simplifying Survival Cooking The Pantry Panel Towards Sustainability

Self Sustained Living & Homesteading
Self Sustained Living Sense and Self Sufficiency Adventures in Self Reliance	Hillbilly Housewife Wretha’s Adventures Living 100% Off-Grid The Sustainable Home	My Modern Country Home one acre homestead A Homesteading Neophyte

Bushcraft
Suburban Bushcraft backyard bushman Bearclaws Bushcraft	bush mastery Bushcraft and Life Bushcraft Skills	Mungo Says Bah Our Wilderness

The Ultimate Collection of Survival Resources

2009-09-22T08:27:00.001-07:00

The Ultimate Collection of Survival Resources

Shared via AddThis

MONKEY BALLS

2009-09-08T17:16:00.001-07:00

Hey Ya Cover

2009-08-28T11:18:00.001-07:00

1934 Ford Coupe 1st run

2009-08-25T09:11:00.001-07:00

R.A.W. RODS SHOP TRUCK F100

2009-08-25T09:06:00.001-07:00

Twin engine 1956 Ford F150 (Part 1)

2009-08-25T09:04:00.001-07:00

American Grafitti 32 Ford

2009-08-25T08:57:00.001-07:00

Milners Coupe..Clone

2009-08-25T08:54:00.001-07:00

First drive! 1933 Rat Rod roadster... Yee Haw!

2009-08-25T08:36:00.001-07:00

Awesome Ratrod at Summernats 22

2009-08-25T08:35:00.001-07:00

When Cars Had Fins

2009-08-25T08:34:00.001-07:00

The Coolest Cisco Links of All

2009-08-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

The Coolest Cisco Links of All: "

Okay, here's my thought. I've got some links that I have found very handy in the Cisco world over the years...links that I typically forget about, but then someone shows me the same link months later and I get all excited about them again. Rather than continuing the cycle, I was hoping to enlist your help to create a post that has all sorts of great links. Eventually, we can compile a list and put them in some permanent place on the website. These links include cool resources, utilities (cheap or free), and 'tips'. Please don't include blogs in this list (not that they're not valuable...just a different category). So, here's what I've got so far:

1. Top 100 Security Tools (http://sectools.org/)

2. Switch Inspector (sweet, inexpensive switchport mapper - http://www.switchinspector.com/)

3. MRTG (traffic statistics, free - http://oss.oetiker.ch/mrtg/), PRTG (traffic statistics, cheap - http://www.paessler.com/prtg)

4. Level 7 Password Decryption (http://cfz.ir/ot/?what=ciscocracker)

5. Cain and Able Security Audit util (http://www.oxid.it/cain.html)

6. Kiwi Syslog (free, good syslog server - http://www.kiwisyslog.com/products.php#syslog)

7. Kiwi CatTools (configuration management / change tracking - http://www.kiwisyslog.com/products.php#cattools)

8. TFTP Server (overcomes 32MB limit - http://tftpd32.jounin.net/tftpd32_download.html)

9. IOS Configuration Editor, fairly cheap (http://www.winagents.com/en/products/cisco-config-editor/)

10. IP Chicken - external IP from anywhere...no pop-up ads (www.ipchicken.com)

11. Bandwidth Gauge (Speakeasy has always been my fav. - http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/)

12. Tera Term - my favorite Windows telnet/SSH client (http://hp.vector.co.jp/authors/VA002416/teraterm.html)

13. Boson's Free Utils - bunch of handy/goof around utils (http://www.boson.com/FreeUtilities.html)

That's all I could think of off the top of my head. What else do ya'll got?

Stack Rock Overlook

2009-08-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

Stack Rock Overlook: "

Stack Rock Overlook is found along a very popular stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located at mile 304.6, it is between the Grandfather Mountain entrance to the BRP and the Linn Cove Viaduct. A short trail (approx. 1/2 mile) leads to enormous boulders (which are so large they're hard to photograph) which the trail climbs around. Above is a small cascade found near the rock formations.

The trail is actually part of the Tanawha Trail that leads from the Beacon Heights Overlook to Price Lake 13.5 miles away. When entering the woods from the parking area at Stack Rock Overlook, turn left on the Tanawha Trail.

How to sing Falsetto

2009-08-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

The Gear Junkie: Family-Tent Roundup

2009-08-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

From Outside Blog's Gear Junkie
The Gear Junkie: Family-Tent Roundup: "

By Stephen Regenold

Swooping nylon and linked poles, zippered doors, screened windows, and stakes in the dirt holding it down--the humble formula for a tent has long prevailed as an ultimate outdoors habitat for humans in need of a temporary home.

But today's campground cabanas are far from the basic designs of decades past. Indeed, leaky roofs, clammy quarters, and complex setups that take away from your fireside time are not a trait to any quality
tent today.

This column highlights new tents made for families of four or more. Be it in the backcountry, on a canoe trip, or car camping at an area state park, one of these shelters is sure to fit your family's preference for sleeping outside under the summer stars.

Big Agnes Flying Diamond 8 Tent
This top-end shelter accommodates eight adults and is marketed as the "grand daddy of all base camp-style tents." Made for year-round use--winter camping included--the Flying Diamond features a zippered partition wall to create a two-room suite. The tent body is a breathable polyester with nylon mesh windows. Its rain fly and floor are made of polyester rip-stop nylon with a waterproof polyurethane coating. There are 10 mesh storage pockets and a vestibule off the main room. For setup, the behemoth comes with a total of 20 lightweight aluminum stakes. Price: $599.95. Contact: www.bigagnes.com

Kelty Yellowstone 4 Tent
A budget buy from Kelty, the Yellowstone 4 (available for $144.95 on sites like REI.com) is a freestanding four-person shelter good for car camping or canoe trips. It packs for transport to a manageable 10 pounds, 14 ounces, and its nylon walls are watertight, as expected. A mesh ceiling promotes breathability on hot nights. Put on the rain fly and this three-season tent will ensconce you and your little campers even if gray skies and rain drops try and ruin your weekend away. Contact: www.kelty.com

Nemo Asashi
Gear storage is the name of the game with the Asashi, a 63-square-foot shelter that sleeps four and has an optional "garage" vestibule attachment big enough to set up beach chairs inside or store bicycles
standing upright. While the garage is optional--it costs an extra $139--Nemo includes a standard vestibule and four large interior pockets. A gear loft, which hooks to the ceiling and adds a mesh shelf inside the tent, is an extra $18. For dog owners, the Asashi can be fitted with Nemo's Pawprint floor, a polyester covering that snaps on and protects the fabric from dog claws running in and out of the nylon den. Price: $399 (tent only). Contact: www.nemoequipment.com

Eureka N!ergy 9 tent
Light up the backcountry with this two-pole dome tent. The Eureka N!ergy 9, touted as a "powered home away from home," is compatible with the company's E! Power Pack batteries. Charge up the pack at home. Then at your campsite pick from a fan, lights, vacuum cleaner, and other accessories. Further, a 12v DC (cigarette-lighter type) outlet lets campers power items such as laptops, iPods, cell phones or
air-mattress pumps with the appropriate plugs and adaptors. The tent weighs about 15 pounds and sets up to a nine by nine foot shelter to sleep four to five people. Price: $209 (tent only; accessories extra).
Contact: www.eurekatent.com

Sierra Designs Lightning XT 4
Backpackers take note: This mesh tent weighs less than seven pounds but can accommodate four campers and their gear. With 57 square feet of floor space the Lightning XT 4--which comes with a rain fly for bad weather--is an ultimate big tent for use on the trail. Divvy up its contents--stakes to one hiker, poles to another--and each person only has to add two pounds of weight to his or her pack. (Exact
total tent weight is 6 pounds, 13 ounces.) Two doors and two vestibules add easy access to gear stowed outside. Price: $449. Contact: www.sierradesigns.com

--Stephen Regenold writes a blog on outdoors gear at www.gearjunkie.com.

Trail Mix

2009-08-20T10:40:00.000-07:00

From CampingBlogger
Trail Mix: "

4 3/4 Cups of trail mix goodness

Popcorn and s’mores provide plenty of nighttime enjoyment around the campfire, but trail mix is the fuel that keeps the family going, on hikes and excursions during the day. There are as many variations of trail mix as there are stars in the sky, but the classic mix is peanuts, M&Ms, and raisins. The M&Ms tend to melt in hot weather, though, so it is a good idea to substitute additional dried fruits, such as bananas, apples, mangos, or apricots.

If hot weather is not an issue, however, you can really pull out all the stops and create a trail mix that the whole family will clamor for. The first course of action is to dress up those peanuts by substituting mixed nuts, instead. These come in both lightly salted and unsalted varieties, and commonly contain peanuts, almonds, cashews, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, and pecans. This base is definitely a lot more exciting than just peanuts.

Next up is the M&Ms and raisins, just like the traditional trail mix recipe. You can also add a bit more variety to the mix with some dried cranberries, along with the raisins. The final touch, though, is ½ to ¾ cup of Reese’s® Peanut Butter Chips. These are sometimes difficult to find, but are usually in your grocer’s baking section. These add just a bit more pizzazz to the mix, although they will melt into a gooey mess quicker than the M&Ms, in hot weather.

10 oz. Can of Mixed Nuts

6 oz. Plain M&Ms

1/2 Cup raisins

1/2 Cup dried cranberries

6 oz. Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips

See also…

Campfire S’mores

Campfire Popcorn

Top 10 Foods for Family Camping

Resources: Free eBook: Introduction To Family Camping | Authentic Whitewater Family Excursions | Outdoor Gear for Pets and People

Tigé Boats Gets Touch Screen Control System [Summermodo]

2009-08-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

From Gizmodo

Tigé Boats Gets Touch Screen Control System [Summermodo]: "

We don't hear much about in-boat technology, but at this week's Surf Expo Industry Show manufacturer of watersport tow boats Tigé is debuting its touch interface for its 2010 Tigé RZ and Vé models.

Dubbed TigéTouch the inboard system uses 'proprietary Tigé software' that includes engine and speed control functions. With the tap of a finger you can create up to 20 athlete presets that can save riding speed, ballast settings and TAPS2 positioning (which is apparently technology that adjusts the size of a wake). It also has the expected iPod interface functionality for rocking some waves.

No mention of the type of touchscreen (assuming resistive) or if the screen is waterproof, but we assume they thought of that. [Tigé Boats]

Mt. Mitchell

2009-08-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

Mt. Mitchell: "

Mt. Mitchell, originally uploaded by boonejag75.
A detour off the Blue Ridge Parkway worth taking is up to Mt. Mitchell. A wonderful NC state park hosting the highest peak east of the Mississippi. The actual height of Mt. Mitchell is 6′684ft. This is a view from the top parking lot, just below the observation deck. It’s beautiful mountain and a has spectacular view all around you.

BerryAddon All-In-One Utility

2009-08-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

BerryAddon All-In-One Utility: "

I came across a cool app in the forums called BerryAddon which is currently in beta. The app adds a ton of cool features to your device, and acts as an "All-In-One" for tweaking simple tasks on your device. BerryAddon has a small footprint and huge output. Some of the features are:

Vibrate on call connect/disconnect

Vibrate when ringing

After call, prompt to add call number to addressbook

When creating contact, you can add new contact or update exist contact

Log blocked call to calendar

Email signature

Save sms/email/pin message as text document

Insert contact's number or email address into sms/email/pin message

Auto lock keypad when screen goes blank. you can create exceptions to disable this feature

The app is availble to download during the beta, and a full version is set to be released soon. You can check out the forum thread to view updates and discussion. Check out the OTA links below to download.

Download BerryAddon for OS 4.5>>

Download BerryAddon for OS 4.6>>

CrackBerry.com's feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. BerryAddon All-In-One Utility

Official OS 4.5.0.138 For The BlackBerry Pearl 8130 And Curve 8330 From Verizon

2009-08-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

Official OS 4.5.0.138 For The BlackBerry Pearl 8130 And Curve 8330 From Verizon: "

Joe let me know that Verizon has just released OS 4.5.0.138 for the BlackBerry Pearl 8130 and the Curve 8330.

The BlackBerry Curve 8330 update resolves the following issues:

Email received by the mail application with a registered attachment handler (such as RSA Token) no longer loses attachments.

The RSS rendering engine no longer impacts the Repligo application when used as an embedded screen.

Third-party headsets were sometimes not detected correctly by the device when used on AUX-capable car stereo systems. This has been corrected.

When answering a call, the BlackBerry sometimes triggered a short, loud noise on the receiving end. This has been corrected.

The BlackBerry Pearl 8130 update resolves the following issue:

Email received by the mail application with a registered attachment handler (such as RSA Token) no longer loses the attachment.

This is not the latest available OS for either BlackBerry (4.5.0.160 is), but some might only be able to upgrade if it’s from their own carrier.

To get this update head on over to the Verizon BlackBerry download page at vzw.smithmicro.com/blackberry. Don’t forget to make a backup first, or if you need help upgrading your OS click here.

Related Posts:

Verizon now allows BlackBerry Maps with GPS on Pearl 8130 and Curve 8330

Official OS 4.5.0.81 for the Curve 8320 from T-Mobile

New from Verizon: Pink Pearl(8130) and Curve(8330)

Official OS 4.5.0.131 for the BlackBerry Pearl 8130 and Curve 8330 from Sprint

Official OS 4.5.0.124 for the BlackBerry Pearl 8120 from T-Mobile

This story originated from BlackBerry Rocks! and is sponsored by the BlackBerry Rocks! Store. All your favorite BlackBerry apps, games, themes and accessories in one location, now with a Mobile App Store which you can download at blackberryrocks.com/appstore.

Follow @BlackBerryRocks on Twitter and check out the Facebook Page!

Link: Official OS 4.5.0.138 For The BlackBerry Pearl 8130 And Curve 8330 From Verizon

Create your own BlackBerry quick launch icons

2009-08-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

Create your own BlackBerry quick launch icons: "

Where has this application been all my life? So many times I’ve thought that I visit a particular website, or a particular portion of a website, so often that I should just have an icon on my BlackBerry desktop for it. After all, these quick launch icons exist for plenty of sites — and there’s even a site that compiles them — but to date I haven’t seen an application which allows me to create my own. That is, until I happened upon this post by Bla1ze. The application is called LaunchPad, and it allows you to create your own quick launch icons, from the URL to the icon itself.

After entering in the URL, you can then choose the icon you want to appear. Making LaunchPad even better is a feature which allows you to grab the favicon from the website. This will make the icon the same as the one which appears in your address bar. If you for some reason can’t get the favicon, or just want to use an icon of your own, you can choose one from your device memory or memory card — the max size is 72 x 72, so you’ll probably have to do some resizing first.

Of course, you can create your own quick launch icons for free, but it requires a bit of know-how. LaunchPad just makes the process so much easier. Plus, it’s super cheap. You can get LaunchPad for just 99 cents at the BBGeeks Store until August 15, at which point it will return to its normal $1.99 price, still pretty cheap. Unfortunately it’s only available for OS 4.6 and up. If you’ve got it, though, I definitely recommend this one.

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about Verizon BlackBerry.

Create your own BlackBerry quick launch icons

This post originated at BBGeeks.com - home to all things Blackberry! Also a great source of info about Verizon BlackBerry.

Create your own BlackBerry quick launch icons

Cops Bust Guy Selling Oven Door Disguised as HDTV [Crime]

2009-08-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

Cops Bust Guy Selling Oven Door Disguised as HDTV [Crime]: "

Wow, good try. San Leandro, California police stopped a man after reports he tried to sell an HDTV at a Wal-Mart parking lot. However! It turned out to be a plastic-wrapped glass oven door with Sony and Best Buy stickers.

The man is suspected of trying to charge $100 for what appeared to be a 37-inch flat screen television. He had even stuffed electronic cables and a manual in the back.

San Leandro police Lt. Pete Ballew called it a variation on the old 'rocks in a box' scam, in which a box is presented as containing new, expensive electronics for sale but is actually full of rocks.

Most of us would spot the scam a mile away, but it does make you wonder if anyone would fall for it. I certainly know a couple of people (including my Dad) who might. [The Oakland Tribune via Gear Diary via Slashgear]

Hidden hiking treasures of the Blue Ridge Parkway

2009-08-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hidden hiking treasures of the Blue Ridge Parkway: "Karen Chavez from the Asheville Citizens-Times published an article yesterday that points out some of the hidden treasures of the Blue Ridge Parkway – places tourists often pass by.

Among some of the lesser-known “must-sees” along the parkway, the article included a handful of trails that beg to be explored:

• Chris Ulrey, the parkway's plant ecologist, suggest taking the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, near Milepost 363 at the Graybeard Overlook, and walking north for about a mile. “You'll be on top of a ridge, where you'll see Carolina phlox, azaleas and rhododendron, Turk's cap lily, all through the summer something is blooming. And in late July and early August there will be blueberries.”

• The Douglas Falls Trail is one of the less crowded hiking trails along the parkway. Start just north of the Craggy Gardens area at the Graybeard Overlook at Milepost 363. This rugged trail drops down into virgin hardwood forest on its way to the 70-foot Douglas Falls, deep in the Pisgah National Forest. It's a 7.2 miles round trip.

• The Richland Balsam Trail touches the highest point for any hiking trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway, peaking at an altitude of 6,410 feet. Just 1.4 miles, round trip, with an elevation gain of less than 400 feet, the trail begins at Milepost 431, roughly 50 miles southwest of Asheville. The pull-off parking area offers an extraordinary view of the Shining Rock Wilderness, including Cold Mountain. The trail traverses through a spruce-fir forest reminiscent of the northern, rather than the Southern Appalachians, and it's scenic, peaceful and un-crowded at any time of year.

• The Tanawha Trail is an excellent choice for autumn hiking. This 13-mile long trail, starting at Milepost 304, is in the Grandfather Mountain region of the parkway. In the fall, the tulip poplars, hickories and maples are blazing with color, which you’ll see up close and from rock outcroppings that offer sweeping panoramas of color. The Tanawha, which means “great hawk” in Cherokee, also passes under the Linn Cove Viaduct, the engineering masterpiece completed in 1987 that swings out and away from the fragile plant life on Grandfather Mountain.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amazon.com is offering an opportunity to receive a FREE National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Go to Amazon’s new Outdoor Recreation Store for more details.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Hiking the Boone Fork Trail

2009-08-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

Hiking the Boone Fork Trail: "

Price Park Campground and the Boone Fork Trail

By Virtual Blue Ridge Intern, Mary Clark

On Monday I took a friend and set out to hike the Boone Fork Trail! This trail conveniently loops around Price Park Campground allowing campers to hike through many different environments during their stay.

More than half of the trail runs beside Bee Tree Creek, which includes many interesting sections of moderate to slow moving rapids.

It would be a good idea to wear appropriate hiking sandals so you can get your feet wet. Chacos or Tevas are among sandals that were made for the type of terrain Boone Fork Trail entails.

I dipped my feet in the cold mountain water at every creek crossing. It was very refreshing on this warm summer day. If you enjoy being alone, plan your hike for a weekday and you won’t be disappointed!

We started at 4:30 in the afternoon and hiked on into the summer evening. On weekends the trails tend to be busier, but a 5-mile stretch allows hikers to set their own pace and generally be alone. Just be sure you allow at least three hours of daylight to complete the trail.

I would go as far to say this is my favorite North Carolina hiking trail. With so many changes of scenery, it is far from being dull. About a quarter mile into the trail, I heard some rustling in a thicket behind me. Suddenly a light brown figure came running towards the trail.

Not used to seeing wildlife on the weekdays, I immediately thought “Oh no! Someone has lost their golden retriever”. To my surprise a large deer had emerged from the trees and ran across the path.

This time camera ready, another deer crossed at the same spot just in time for me to get a photo. Wildlife is prominent in this area and at any time of the year you may come across one of these creatures. I also saw grey squirrels, dragonflies, and a very neatly constructed beaver dam.

Rhododendron bushes greet hikers on every mile of the wooded journey. In my opinion, this plant gives the North Carolina Mountains its distinct smell. If you don’t smell rhododendron, check to make sure you are still in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

White or pink blooms and long slick leaves set these bushes apart from the rest of the forest. Pine trees can also be found along the Boone Fork Trail. These become recognizable when the path starts to be scattered with brown pine needles.

A personal favorite of mine were the ferns. Not as frequent as the rhododendron, but certainly as enjoyable, the ferns lined at least a quarter of the trail.

I highly recommend this trail to hikers ready for a long picturesque walk. Take a friend with you, bring some water, and set out to enjoy this awesome trail!

If you plan to spend a day in the area, also take advantage of the campgrounds in addition to this trail.

Linville Falls Campground, Peaceful, Charming, Picturesque

2009-08-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

Linville Falls Campground, Peaceful, Charming, Picturesque: "

By Virtual Blue Ridge Intern, Mary Clark

The Vastness of the Blue Ridge Mountains never ceases to take my breath away. When you live in Boone, the parkway and all it has to offer seems as if it should be for tourists only.

For those who haven’t had the opportunity to soak up the inconceivable views, sleep among the North Carolina trees, or feel the cool evening breeze all around them.

Reality is, those privileged enough to call the mountains home, love the surroundings just as much as the visitors of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

On my trip to Linville Falls Campground, I stopped at several parkway overlooks. Around milepost 300 the parkway opens up on the left side and there are no longer trees blocking the view of the mountains.

The mountains stretch as wide as the eye can see, and just tall enough to make you feel like an ant. With monarch butterflies stopping on each wildflower, it was a beautiful sight.

I saw many cameras, and even some bikers stop to take a breather from their cycling. In the daytime I spotted numerous cyclists.

Soon after, around milepost 315 I crossed the Linville River Bridge. Next, on the right came signs leading to Linville Falls visitor center and campground. Once the road split off, the first turn was to the campground.

I stopped at the registration center to pick up some information and was greeted by two very friendly hosts of the campground. They directed me in the steps of registration as I picked up a few maps.

I continued on to loop A to check out the river behind some of the campsites. The sound of the river created a very peaceful atmosphere and a great place to set up camp. Out of all the sites, these were my favorite.

Just off the road through the campground, there is a large open field with a forest at the edge. This edge also houses a few campsites for visitors to set up camp. The contrast of the field against the trees leading into the riverbank was very picturesque.

Like any campground, Linville Falls was filled with that inviting smell of a campfire. The thing I liked most about this campground was how quaint it was. The entirety was about medium size, as the sites were fairly spread out.

In my opinion, it was big enough to be able to walk around and explore, but small enough for it not to feel crowded. Sites in Loop B had a large field beside them. This allows children and pets to roam around freely.

Also with Linville Falls large trail system right around the corner, the days spent in the area are sure to be exciting. What I gathered from my trip to Linville Falls Campground was that it is a peaceful, charming area that should be taken advantage of.

Whether you venture north or south on the parkway from the campground, there is plenty to keep you occupied and plenty of views to take in.

After the Rain

2009-08-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

After the Rain: "

If you’ve seen Cataract or Laurel Falls on an average Summer day, you won’t believe how they looked after the heavy downpour we had last Friday! Click here or on the photo to view the video.

Closed captioning is available for this video by clicking the caption button in the lower right-hand corner of the video controls.

Twisting Falls

2009-08-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

Twisting Falls: "Twisting Falls (also known as Compression Falls) is found in the Elk Mills area of Carter County near the border with North Carolina. As you can see this waterfall is a popular place to be in the summer. It's listed as 30 feet high, but that seems to be a low estimate. Of course it made me nervous watching the young people climb the rope to the right and then either slide down or jump off the falls. Above the main falls, they were also jumping into another large pool from a high perch above. Obviously this is dangerous and not something I can recommend... Back in June a college student was injured there and it took rescuers five hours to bring her safely out. To be honest, I'm surprised (and very thankful) it doesn't happen more often. That said, this waterfall is in a beautiful, remote setting -- open to the sun, with the falls large enough to send out a constant spray of mist, perfect on a hot summer day. But getting there is pretty tough. It's not a long hike (about 3/4 mile) but it is the steepest 'trail' I've seen in this area. The first part of the trail leads you through the woods to a clearing where there are overhead power lines. Bang a left, and you begin your descent. It's straight down. And down, and down. Hiking poles or walking sticks may help. I can't imagine attempting to make it down the trail after a rain -- it was treacherous enough when dry. There was a rope halfway down that really helped -- although I'm not sure if it's always there or not. But take your time, watch your footing, and you'll reach the Elk River. At this point, you'll hear the falls from around the corner to your left. A trail will lead you over and around the slippery rocks until you reach the nearby falls. Enjoy the view and be careful! Click here for more information.

Directions: Take highway 19E to Hampton, TN and then turn north onto route 321/67 toward Mountain City. Drive 9.7 miles and turn right on route 321 which leads to Boone, NC. Drive 7.2 miles till you reach Elk Mills Store (which will be on your right), turn right after the store onto Poga Road. After 0.2 miles the road will split, keep left, cross Jack Campbell Bridge, and then you'll immediately turn right again to continue following Poga Road for 3.6 miles. Then turn right onto Clawson Road and drive 0.5 miles. You then turn right onto Dark Ridge Road and drive another 0.5 miles (it will eventually turn to gravel). You'll see an old barn up on the hill to your left, there is a parking area next to it. The trail head is across the road from the parking area and marked with yellow and red paint on a tree.

Wild and Crazy Banjo Guy

2009-08-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

Wild and Crazy Banjo Guy: "Steve Martin—side-splitting Saturday Night Live comedian, blockbuster film star, and prolific author—is now exposing the world to his musical talent on the banjo. That’s right, the Hollywood legend picks a mean tune, which can be heard on his recently released album The Crow. But this year Martin is also bringing his five-string on the road [...]"

facebook test

2009-07-29T20:06:00.001-07:00

facebok test

66towtruck@gmail.com sent you a link to content of interest

2009-06-30T06:38:00.001-07:00

66towtruck@gmail.com sent you a link to the following content:

Entire New 13-Story Building Tips Over in Shanghai [Architecture]
http://gizmodo.com/5304233/entire-new-13+story-building-tips-over-in-shanghai/gallery/

The sender also included this note:

Amazing

--
Sent via a FeedFlare link from a FeedBurner feed.
http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/publishers/feedflare

Steves Riding Lawn Mower DUI Arrest Video

2009-06-29T06:56:00.005-07:00

Steves Riding Lawn Mower DUI Taser Arrest Video 2

2009-06-29T06:56:00.003-07:00

Steve the Lawn Mower Guy's Domestic Arrest Video 3

2009-06-29T06:56:00.001-07:00

Political Cartoon: Make Mine Freedom (1948)

2009-06-29T06:36:00.001-07:00

Cartoon predicts the future 50 years ago. This is amazing insight!

2009-06-29T06:35:00.001-07:00

Video: Bighorn vs. 4Runner

2009-06-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

Video: Bighorn vs. 4Runner

2009-06-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

Video: Bighorn vs. 4Runner

Boone

2009-06-17T14:08:00.001-07:00

Boone Blugrass 3

2009-06-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

On Sale At Newstands Now !

2009-06-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

Iv'e been inspired

2009-06-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

Forgive me, but -

This almost put a lump in my throat...
I seldom pass along inspirational stuff, but this one got to me.
I do believe, that in these difficult and mean-spirited times in
which we live, there needs to be a message of hope. We can
all use a single image that speaks to us of truth, love, harmony.
peace, and joy. An image that suggests the universality and the shared humanity of us
all. I have been sent that image, and I want to share it with
you. All I ask is that you take a moment to reflect upon it...

Peace,

What Drug Problem

2009-06-17T10:39:00.001-07:00

Boone Bluegrass 2

2009-06-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

Green Berets

2009-06-17T10:30:00.001-07:00

Boone Bluegrass 1

2009-06-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

Free Ebooks

2009-06-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

http://manybooks.net/
http://www.free-ebooks.net/
http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://www.mobipocket.com/en/HomePage/default.asp?Language=EN

Lots of FREE Movies for you BB!

2009-06-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

Lots of FREE Movies for you BB!

ULTIMATE Official tips/tricks ONLY

2009-06-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

ULTIMATE Official tips/tricks ONLY

Blackberry Movies

2009-06-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

http://forums.crackberry.com/f66/my-first-movies-post-194778/

Ouch!

2009-05-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

How to avoid the swine flu

2009-05-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

Stupid Terrorist

2009-05-29T07:12:00.001-07:00

They know who to pull over

2009-05-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

Things Gone Wrong (5/25/09)

2009-05-29T06:33:00.001-07:00

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

BlackBerry Apps/Themes/Sites

2009-05-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

Apps
3rd Party Apps
Bplay.com Themes/Games/Ringtones
BlackBerry Freeware
BlackBerry Forums Free App Post
Bolt Browser
Amaze Free GPS
From BerryReview.com
BerryReview Top 10
BlackBerry Killer Software & Utilities Thread

BlackBerry Forums Aftermarket Sofware Thread

BlackBerry Forums Free Power Toys Thread

Themes
Bplay BlackBerry Themes
Pimp My Berry

Mobile Web Sites
BlackBerry Forums Mobile Website List

BlackBerry FAQs

2009-05-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

FAQ Main Page

General
How to prevent duplicate g-mail sent items
How do I edit the "Sent from my BlackBerry®..." message?
How do I free up memory on my device?
Can I edit and save MS Office files on the BlackBerry?

Internet
Using BlackBerry As Modem
Internet Browser FAQ
Email & Message Folder Shortcuts

BIS
Where can I log into my BIS account?
Prevent G-mail "Sent Items" from arriving your handheld

A & V
How do I edit my notification tones (profiles)?
How do I get ringtones on my BlackBerry?
What kind of ringtones/audio can my Blackberry have?
Additional WAV, MP3, and MIDI file support
Adding Themes & RingTones

Media Card
How do I add media files to my microSD card?
What type and size Media Card can I use in my device?

Apps and OS
How do I upgrade the OS on my BlackBerry?
How do I backup my Third Party Applications on my BB?
How do I delete BBMaps from the device?

Blackberry Resources and Information
Resources
BlackBerry Operating System Downloads
BlackBerryForums.com
3rd Party Application Tips
3rd Party Application List

Information
BlackBerry Glossary
BlackBerry Myths Busted!
BlackBerry Software Shops
BlackBerry News Sites

Additional FAQs
Tips and Tricks
Maximum Battery Life
Voicemail with Voice-to-Text Automatic Transfer
How do I change the color of my trackball?
How do I clean the trackball?
Painting DIY

Joke - A Frog Goes Into A Bank

2009-05-07T07:14:00.001-07:00

A frog goes into a bank and approaches the teller. He can see from her nameplate that her name is Patricia Whack.

'Miss Whack, I'd like to get a $30,000 loan to take a holiday.'

Patty looks at the frog in disbelief and asks his name. The frog says his name is Kermit Jagger, his dad is Mick Jagger, and that it's okay, he knows the bank manager.

Patty explains that he will need to secure the loan with some collateral.

The frog says, 'Sure. I have this,' and produces a tiny porcelain elephant, about an inch tall, bright pink and perfectly formed.

Very confused, Patty explains that she'll have to consult with the bank manager and disappears into a back office.

She finds the manager and says, 'There's a frog called Kermit Jagger out there who claims to know you and wants to borrow $30,000, and he wants to use this as collateral.'

She holds up the tiny pink elephant. 'I mean, what in the world is this?'

(you're gonna love this)

The bank manager looks back at her and says...

'It's a knickknack, Patty Whack. Give the frog a loan, His old man's a Rolling Stone.'

(You're singing it, aren't you? Yeah, I know you are........)

Never take life too seriously! Come on now, you grinned, I know you did!!!
Have a lovely day

Video - Bird Loves Ray Charles

2009-05-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

http://www.maniacworld.com/bird-loves-ray-charles.html

I'm Driving

2009-05-06T13:29:00.002-07:00

What A Ride !

2009-05-06T13:29:00.001-07:00

Bug List

2009-05-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

Sweet

2009-05-06T13:21:00.001-07:00

I Knew I Forgot To Tighten Something

2009-05-06T13:19:00.001-07:00

Uh Oh !

2009-05-06T13:17:00.001-07:00

Dudes A Beast

2009-05-06T13:15:00.000-07:00

Art of Survival

2009-05-06T13:13:00.001-07:00

Huntin Dogs of the South

2009-05-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

2009-05-05T13:26:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Old Skool Cars

2007-09-11T19:52:00.002-07:00

http://oldskoolcars.blogspot.com/

Bonsai

2007-09-11T19:52:00.001-07:00

http://bonsaitreez.blogspot.com/