Alpha 700 shots

There's more images and discussion about the new Alpha 700 at the PhotoClub Alpha site. A detailed discussion of the hardware is included, along with close up shots. I like the lens discussion, which also is in-depth. More images to come.

Lifeknot - Why not?

LifeKnot is a social networking site based around common activities. If you are looking for a companion for your next hike or ski trip or whatever you like to do, check it out. Browse activity profiles at Lifeknot.com and you may find a friend or someone special.

Rick Ankiel story

I was thinking last night that the Rick Ankiel story has to be one of the most unbelievable comebacks in sports. The guy went from a pitcher who couldn't deal with the pressure to a slugger who is just hitting the ball like crazy. Unfortunately, it seems like HGH may have played a part in his quick transformation. Since it wasn't outlawed by baseball when he got it and there is probably no proof he used it, I don't think anything will happen. I'd like to get more information about how long the impact of taking things like HGH and steroids last. Do they wear off after a year or is it just a matter of building up your body more quickly during that time and then keeping that? It does seem like some guys are smaller, like Sammy Sosa and Pudge Rodriguez, but who knows?

Apparently Ankiel says it was all prescribed stuff from a doctor. Time will tell.

Traffic hasn't changed

I was away from work for 5 weeks, but going back gave me a rude reminder of how little I enjoy the commute. The last 3-4 miles to work are just brutal and then those same 3-4 miles are much worse when I leave for home. The freeway construction doesn't seem to make much progress and there are more and more cars and trucks clogging the road. I'll bet that once the construction is done, the road will be similar to the way it is now -- very very slow during commute times. I need to negotiate for more telecommuting time with my new boss.

Sweating while you work

It's 100 degrees outside today. No sign of thunderstorms or much in the way of clouds. Very uncomfortable. Inside, people have the lights off to stay cooler, but since the hallways are not air conditioned, it's very warm moving from A to B. Even the bathrooms don't have A/C. Not a relaxing environment.