Trackstand v6.0

This video is pretty sweet.

  

Prague

Carmen wants me to visit her in Prague over the summer. At first I wasn't really into it. Then she sent me pictures and I liked them. Next she called and talked about how I need to go. I haven't been legitimately out of the country since Ecuador (the Mexicos don't count).

Pros: Visit new foreign country. Pretty. Hang out with Carmen. New experiences...especially being in a country where I can't communicate (except everyone knows English).

Cons: I don't speak a word of Czech. $$$.

I think that if I can find a plane ticket for under $500, then I might as well make use of my passport. I'm doing a lot of traveling this summer. Hopefully my folks will decide when we're going to Virginia. I was thinking of going to Prague between VA & the beginning of teaching. Here's a list of the other places I'm going:
Panama City - Half Ironman race
Gainesville - wedding
Baton Rouge - Aunt/Grandmother + cultural activities
(Nashville) - was going for Mani's birthday, but he'll be in the Keys
Virginia - see some older family members while we still can
Tampa? or Jacksonville? - heavy metal concert (roommate's friend's band)
Key Largo - lobster diving (after teaching)

Agave Nectar

Javi was over at my house before Collegiate Nationals and he told me that he has been making his own sports drinks by mixing stuff together.  Black strap molases, agave nectar, salt, whatever else.  He recommended that I try some agave nectar.  I queried if it tastes anything like tequila (which comes from blue agave) and he said no.  I picked some up at Publix (in the organic section) and tried it.  Doesn't taste like tequila...actually pretty good.  It's got a really low glycemic index so it'll give you sustained energy.  I've mixed it in with smoothies a couple times and that works out pretty well.  I think you could also cook with it in leiu of honey.

As for tequila...I just don't like it.  Lotsa kids have a bad tequila night that makes them develop resentment for that kind of fire water.  I never had one of those nights.  I just don't like the scent or the taste of tequila plata or oro.  

Pick #124

Stereo Fuse - "Everything" from All That Remains

Invest in Energy Efficiency

You can get pretty awesome, tax free returns from investing in energy efficiency. The way you make these returns is by saving money on your utility bill. Basically, the money you save is like a dividend payment on your initial investment. One really cool difference between these dividends and those that are paid by the bank: you don't pay taxes on these dividends. You aren't actually "making" money, you're just saving it so you can spend it on other stuff. There's also the added bonus of better services from appliances. For instance, if you put in a new refrigerator, it's likely to have spill proof (resistant) shelves where your old fridge had the wire racks...or it makes ice faster...or there's a light in the freezer, etc. My gas stove saves me time by heating up faster.

You can often get tax credits or grants or some other credit for making energy efficiency improvements to your house. Another advantage is the stability of your investment. It's not volatile like the stock market. Also, it's countercyclical. In times when energy prices rise, you'll be getting a higher return on your investment. Right now, many people are scared to invest in stocks and real estate, so this provides a good alternative to holding your money under the mattress. There's never been a better time to invest in energy efficiency.

Old Ladies on a 4-Wheeler

I think this is pretty funny. If I remember correctly, the driver's son got this for Christmas and she wanted to take it for a spin. Went & picked up back seat passenger for a spin down the road. :::w00t!:::

Money Changes People

I was talking to Dan about how money changes people. Say you get a windfall of several million dollars. Your behavior will definitely change. But is it because you have changed as a person? I contend that the answer is no.

Basically, I say that your budget constraint has changed but your underlying preferences (utility function, if you will) hasn't changed. The things you start doing are things that you would have done before if you could have.

I realize that tons of $$$ can change the way people treat you and likewise the way you treat them back. However, I don't think that the thing changing is your core being. It's just that now you can do bigger things than you ever used to.