53.3 kbps

Last winter, my parents bought a new computer from the Dell Man. Thinking to replace our Windows 95-running, Age of Empires capable (but by no means stellar) Gateway computer that we bought in 1996, we now own this royal P.O.S. As we do not have high speed internet, our average modem speed is 53.3 kbps--even with the Earthlink Accelerator for no extra charge per month. And for some reason Google gmail will not open. This means that on the weekends I call Aaron at home and ask him to check my Gmail account.

I still haven't bought my bicycle yet. Tom's been looking out for me and it's narrowed down to either a Raleigh Supercourse or a Grand Prix (both the '05 model). Can't wait. I want to start riding soon!

Sleater-Kinney is playing the 9:30 Club on my birthday next weekend. I can't wait! Their new album, "The Woods" is great, I really enjoyed it. A little heavier than their earlier ones, but a great listen. Rolling Stone gives it a great review.

Last night I went to Red, Hot, & Blue Happy hour with Bennett and Theresa. We had cheap food, cheap beer, and lots of laughs. It was definitely a great evening. I think after talking to them, my next feature piece will profile my great-aunt. She would travel around the world collecting rocks from famous places...these rocks were more than likely chipped off the famous places she had visited. She gave me a few of her pieces as a birthday present one year. I have a piece of the Sphinx. Yes, that Sphinx. It may be its nose, even. Ah, my family.

My Super 8mm Kodachome movie film experiment was a success! I have a camera that works beautifully and the film was processed and transferred without a problem! The test rolls are funny to watch. The film looks like it could be from the 1950's or '60's, but there's Aaron and I at Burke Lake and Bill and Aaron riding bikes. It's definitely a laugh. And of course no sound. Now, if we could find some old cars to set the scene, we could really throw folks for a loop.

Sorry, no pics for now, but I'll try to have some of that 8mm footage up soon!