I'm trying to think, and nothing happens.

2010-05-23T20:04:00.000-04:00

Free TV : Ustream

2010-05-23T18:01:00.001-04:00

Free TV : Ustream

2010-05-23T15:43:00.001-04:00

Free video streaming by Ustream

Jessie Pledge

2009-10-10T10:40:00.001-04:00

Rep. Tom Price admonishes govt-takeover of healthcare

2009-08-16T22:25:00.001-04:00

Evian Roller Babies Interview US Version

2009-08-14T21:53:00.001-04:00

kid gets hit by bicycle

2009-06-24T22:22:00.001-04:00

A father shows the way

2009-06-15T21:10:00.001-04:00

2009-05-13T21:17:00.001-04:00

May 13, close but so far, it's 33 x 36 inches and compressed charcoal
if you are interested, and yes I will sell it to you.

2009-05-13T21:15:00.001-04:00

2009-05-13T21:14:00.003-04:00

2009-05-13T21:14:00.001-04:00

2009-05-13T21:13:00.001-04:00

Stage one of some art I am working on

Darrell Scott Comments....Interesting.....

2009-04-28T10:09:00.001-04:00

On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton , Colorado , was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful.

"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out f or answers.

"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.

"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.

I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best.

Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!

" Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational
systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.

"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your
own heart before casting the first stone!

My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"

Auto-Tune the News #2: pirates. drugs. gay marriage.

2009-04-24T21:21:00.001-04:00

(no subject)

2009-04-21T09:10:00.001-04:00

Test Test Test

2009-04-21T09:01:00.000-04:00

Testing testing testing....

Sent from my iPhone

Inspired Bicycles - Danny MacAskill April 2009

2009-04-20T21:48:00.001-04:00

unbelievable....every time

Knight rider in tour de france!

2009-04-15T11:39:00.001-04:00

Alternative way for cheating in Tour de France

2009-04-15T11:36:00.001-04:00

Phill, from the Amazing Race

2009-03-31T09:14:00.001-04:00

Amazing Race Guy, doing his own little RAAM.

why can't this be going on in my town.

2009-03-31T08:58:00.001-04:00

http://urbanvelo.org/the-novices-guide-to-bike-polo/

2009-03-03T11:07:00.000-05:00

So our 3rd "winter event" finially came and actually did what they said it would. I had no work Monday, so we played. Today I have a "work day" so as I "work" on my blog here at school as Jessie watches Madagascar on the Lcd Projector, I assure you your tax dollars are at good use.

Are you there God? Its me Margarette.

2009-02-08T18:51:00.003-05:00

About a month ago I was messing aronud taking pictures of the moon since it was showing off for me. I was especially proud of this one. Makes me think about a lot when you can look at the moon this clearly. Always seemed like such a mystery when you are a kid. I certianly use to talk to God, while looking at it as a kido.

Hudson Plane Crash Hero Vs. Bird

2009-01-30T21:20:00.001-05:00

New Years Canon Shooting..Yes it was loud, thats the point.

2009-01-01T12:21:00.000-05:00

2008-12-30T22:57:00.001-05:00

2008-12-30T22:57:00.000-05:00

The Famous Big Tree In Iron Station

2008-12-30T09:52:00.000-05:00

Famous Carlton Dance (a compilation)

2008-12-29T20:00:00.001-05:00

2008-12-28T22:36:00.000-05:00

2008-12-28T22:29:00.000-05:00

2008-12-28T22:24:00.000-05:00

Wheelie Man Charlotte North Carolina

2008-12-10T14:51:00.001-05:00

manualist plays guns n roses - sweet child o' mine!

2008-12-03T10:11:00.001-05:00

What if Starbucks Marketed Like a Church? A Parable.

2008-12-01T11:32:00.001-05:00

Jessie's School Thanksgiving Celebration

2008-11-26T11:28:00.001-05:00

RAD -

2008-11-17T14:33:00.001-05:00

Rad Intro

2008-11-17T14:29:00.001-05:00

BMX Bande / BMX Bandits (1983)

2008-11-17T14:28:00.001-05:00

Street Art: Joshua Allen Harris' Inflatable Bag Monsters

2008-11-13T21:07:00.001-05:00

PROPS 61 - BONE DETH

2008-11-03T15:19:00.001-05:00

why some people should not hunt

2008-10-25T17:03:00.001-04:00

TEXAS MONTHLY TALKS - TED NUGENT

2008-10-25T13:35:00.001-04:00

Copenhagen Guns teaser

2008-10-21T16:43:00.001-04:00

dynamite surfing

2008-10-20T17:53:00.001-04:00

my hero

2008-10-17T18:47:00.001-04:00

Get even with cyclist

2008-10-14T13:52:00.001-04:00

Beastie Boys killing it live on Letterman '04

2008-10-08T11:20:00.001-04:00

check me out up to 1:36

2008-10-06T15:25:00.001-04:00

man cold

2008-10-03T20:01:00.001-04:00

MASH SF AUSTIN WITH LANCE ARMSTRONG

2008-09-20T09:10:00.001-04:00

Cruzbike curb climbing

2008-09-18T23:02:00.001-04:00

I don't care who you are thats funny right there.

2008-09-17T16:22:00.001-04:00

I don't care to discuss polotics with anyone really, and I don't really give a flip who you are voting for, I am also not really sure who this video makes more fun of, who cares this is funny, and someone has WAY to much free time and needs an outdoor hobby.

Lance Armstrong at Leadville 2008

2008-09-16T16:01:00.001-04:00

eastern crew

2008-09-16T15:26:00.001-04:00

Japan film festival...sick

2008-09-16T15:15:00.000-04:00

http://vimeo.com/1736186

sean yates

2008-09-15T20:51:00.001-04:00

sean yates

2008-09-12T10:35:00.001-04:00

belt drives are coming.

The Mechanics of the Man Hug

2008-08-26T20:53:00.000-04:00

Mechanics of the Man hug. You have to see this.

Feeling bad? Try swinging with a beautiful girl.

2008-08-25T15:03:00.001-04:00

Uploaded by www.cellspin.net

Feeling bad? Try swinging with a beautiful girl.

2008-08-25T15:01:00.001-04:00

Uploaded by www.cellspin.net

I hope my kids get the F Gene. But I'll love them if they don't.

2008-08-24T22:00:00.001-04:00

By Kelley Moen, 8-20-08



	Charlie's got the fishing gene

In our family, we like to believe that fishing is a genetically inherited trait: the fish gene, or the f-gene, as we call it.

While my four-month-old baby, Charlie, grips my finger, his knuckles white in a deadlock hold that could now probably fight even the biggest Oregon trout, I ponder the biological (or not so biological) phenomenon.

Does the pair of 23 chromosomes, stacked up like the Olympic rowing team, our very own Team DNA, determine everything that our children will become?

The whole concept is so very abstract to me. With a non-scientific brain, one that understands poetry stanzas better than science experiments, I remember my high school textbooks depicting the twisted, chain-linked pair of chromosomes that make up DNA. Each geometric shape determines something specific: Blue eyes or green? Brown hair or blonde? Height and the shape of nose or chin? Hmmmm. Do these microscopic minis really have that much power?

I do see the physically inherited traits clearly. My son has his dad’s swirling cowlick of hair, the same beautifully shaped cranium, similarly pouty lips and dimpled chin. Charlie may have my ski-jump nose and his great grandfather’s blue eyes.

But what about the non-biological traits: things like taste preferences, hobby interests, sense of humor and personality? And what about this fishing gene?

Has he inherited the f-gene? And if so, is it the dominant or recessive gene? Will the waters of Oregon satisfy him? Will he be content to fish the Deschutes, Metolius, Fall River and dozens of small lakes in the Cascade Lakes region near Bend and Mt. Bachelor? Or, as I did, will he move away from home, the moment he reaches driving-age, to be near Montana’s blue-ribbon trout streams, the waters romanticized in “The River Runs Through It”?

I know I have to wait a good 14 years to find out if this trait is apparent in Charlie, it won’t hurt to look at his chances by tracking the history of this gene in our family.

The dominant form, the F-gene with a capital F, began with Charlie’s namesake, his great grandpa Charles. A bait fisherman, he’s been in pursuit of lake trout and west coast steelhead for a good portion of his 85 years of life.

A s a younger man, Grandpa Charles lived near Washington west coast streams, fishing for the big steelhead that he would bring home as dinner for his family, which was my grandma, mom, two aunts and uncle.

A t his lake house, Grandpa’s garage wall told his fishing story. It was covered with rods, lined floor to ceiling in horizontal rows like regimented artillery ready to tackle the water. He had a set-up for every occasion, with reels, lewers and lines for each. Mepp’s, a red and white striped spinner, was his favorite. I am sure now that I remember the smell of fish lingering in the air every time I’d pass that wall.

He recently moved away from this North Idaho lake cabin, his home fishing waters for nearly 40 years. My earliest memories as a child are those of my tall, lanky Grandpa in his trucker-mesh fishing cap and striped overalls getting ready for an evening fishing troll on Spirit Lake. The sun setting, shadows dancing across the dark glassy lake, the fish were getting “hungry,” and he would look to the island across the bay and see the fisherman’s dream: a lake with no boats. “It’s time”, he would say, and begin gathering the tackle box, his big aluminum net, a couple of his rods and a plastic Tupperware of “fishing candy” (either black licorice or the Pepto Bismol-pink colored mint lozenges that leave a chalky dust on your lips.)

Grandpa would often take Grandma along, trolling the lake for kokanee in his aluminum boat, which was later replaced by a more comfortable, gutted ski boat with big folding chairs and a windshield for Grandma. (I remember Grandma singing the fishing song to me, a toddler with my own tiny rod in hand: “Fishy fishy in the brook, come and bite my little hook.”)

Grandpa passed the F-gene along to his daughter, my mother. Her love for fishing began as a 14-year-old with their weekend, father-daughter steelheading trips. It was a special occasion, a reason to rise in the wee hours of morning dark. They would leave early before sunup and cook toast and coffee on one of Washington’s ocean-bound streams.

My mom, now retired to her western Montana cabin on the river, has a major case of the fishing gene. She spends more hours in the water than anyone I know, and if there is a fish within a cast, she will catch it. Luckily, she is married to a guy with the recessive f-gene, one who prefers to row the boat than throw a line. It works out well, I hear.

So following this gene pool, I inherited the fishing gene from my mom. Although recessive (I admit I enjoy the pursuit of fish and the hiking or rowing required to get there most), I do have the f-gene. And I suppose that by marrying a Montana fishing guide, one who now makes a living in the fishing industry , I may have boosted that recessive f-gene up a notch. We spend our free time on rivers here in Oregon, on Montana rivers, and on rivers around the world.

Will Charlie inherit the fishing gene?

Time will tell.

When Charlie was just one month old, I was reminded of something important by our Pastor Tim at Sisters Community Church: As parents, we often make the mistake of imposing our own dreams upon our children.

I admit it. We have already done this to our poor kid. With the dozens of fly rods propped in corners around our home, the photos of “best catches” from Alaska to South America framed on our walls, and even Charlie’s own trout-themed bedroom, we have imposed this love of fishing on our child.

But, ultimately I guess the f-gene will either be there or not. He will decide for himself if his dream includes a fly rod and waders.

All I can do is hope that if he does have the f-gene, it won’t take him too far away from us. And if it does, if this love for fishing pulls him away from Bend, I hope he will be like a good fish and remember his home waters.

Another Sketch

2008-08-11T11:49:00.003-04:00

Saw this cool picture at Trout Underground. Normally after Sunday lunch I like to get out instead of sitting in the house for 3-4 more hours with everyone, anti-social no, just want to be outside, and my ADD will just not allow that. So in an effort to keep my drawing juices stirred up and get back to my doing some art work, I sat down in the recliner with my Moleskine at sketched this out. Its not great, but I must say it is nice to be doing artwork again, and not feeling burt out from teaching it all day. Headed to Jackson County for some fly fishing on Wed, and looking forward to fishing as much as I am taking my sketchbook with me to capture some insect drawings as well. We will see, I am not sure I can put my rod down long enough to draw if they are bitting, but I will be more of a guide on this trip so I might not be fishing as much as I think.

Went Fishing

2008-08-09T22:36:00.002-04:00

All day on the roof, putting on shingles is tough work. I am certianly glad I don't do that for a living. As the three of us finished, I decided we needed to go fishing. I did not enjoy shingles, but I did enjoy my fishing trip down the street to our local fishing hole. Here are some pictures of the bigger of the 5 Bass I caught. It was a good day.

Felt like drawing a fish, so I did.

2008-08-06T00:11:00.005-04:00

I love moleskine, I love drawing, I love Trout, So I drew one. I have been really missing doing art since I quit teaching it at the High School. I am thinking about starting to draw some fish. Not just because I like fish, but because I want too. Teaching Art all day does not make me want to come home and draw. I see so many artist's on my favorite sites, troutunderground, and midcurrent, that it has inspired me to get my art going. Its nice to want to create for the joy of it again. I would love to sell a piece or two as well. I have stolen and idea of drawing some catch and release photos, I am going to give it a shot with a bass I recently caught. Not because I am a big fan of bass but that I took it with my really nice camera. Speaking of really nice camera, this drawing was taken with an iphone camera, not a really nice camera. So send me a great shot of your fish, and let me get some interest, maybe I will do good enough to make a few bucks. With a dream of a booth at the Fly fishing Show, in Charlotte one day. I am a long way from putting up 650.00 to not get any of it back yet though. Here is some more of my work if you are interested.

Gardening

2008-08-05T17:45:00.002-04:00

So I have atempted gardening this summer for the 3 rd time. With the drought it has been hard but apparently Jessie and I know how to grow cucumbers well. This is a pile that I pull off about every two days. Can I make fuel from cucumbers because I would have enough to supply the state of NC I think. If anyone wants any cucumbers I only have about 4 bag fulls left in the fridge.

Gardening

2008-08-05T17:42:00.001-04:00

Uploaded by www.cellspin.net

2008-08-05T16:41:00.002-04:00

Turtle Back Falls, Yet another gift that NC has given us. In the western end of Jackson County. Great place to go with the heat like it has been, I am headed up on Thursday for a little dip. Grab your friends, kids and road trip for the day..its worth it. There is more falls and great hiking all over the place once you get there. Let me know if you check it out.

Fishin with Jessie

2008-08-04T21:48:00.001-04:00

Uploaded by www.cellspin.net

Posted on 04 Aug 2008 at 13:40 UTC

2008-08-04T09:35:00.001-04:00

Testing testing