The decline of good conversation

Is it possible that American values such as free choice maybe hurting us? I would argue yes. Think about the last ten years. How many new cable channels do you now have? How many new video game systems have been invented? How many extreme sports have been invented? This appears to be positive, because we all know that diversity is good right? Now think of how many friends you have now compared to how many friends you had ten years ago.  Most likely the number of friends you have will not have varied, unless your a politician or won the lottery (in both cases they're probably not "real" friends).  So with the number of friends staying constant but the number of hobbies and interests increasing rapidly we are as a society becoming more individualistic. The problem lies in the inherent need for us to be understood by our peers. As we become more individualistic the chances we share the same interests as our close friends decreases. Consequently we feel isolated and depressed or we turn to new mediums such as the internet for our basic needs. Here's an example of a not so uncommon lunch conversation...

Dave: Didn't anyone see the new episode of Gray's Anatomy last night?
Daryl: No I was watching Major League Soccer.
Dave: Well you missed a good one. Sophia contracted Cancer. It was heartwrenching.
Frank: Sounds.... interesting! *stifling yawn*
Dave: Next week she is starting chemo and we find out if Brad is going to leave her.
Frank: I see.
Frank: Hey did anyone play new Grand Theft Auto game yet? I spent all last night playing.
Bill: Sorry I was at karate practice.
Ted: No I'm busy watching the Battlestar Galatica season three on DVD.

Unfortuntately it doesn't appear that we'll be having less choices anytime soon. So it might be best to take a rain check next time your invited to a group lunch. The new book by Steven Pinker may prove a more stimulating alternative.

Colorado Day Two and Three - Hiking, Hiking and more Hiking

Sunday, our first full day in Colorado, we left early in the morning for Rocky Mountain State Park. We decided to do some light hiking (no mountains) so we did a 6 -7 mile loop from the Bear Lake Trail head. The trail head starts around 9000 feet and the highest part is a little over 10,000. This might not be that bad if you weren't staying at sea level the day before. With in the first five minute my chest was tightening up and I felt a shortness of breath. Luckily after a few minutes later the altitude sickness symptoms disappeared and I felt pretty good. Here's a picture of me in front of Emerald Lake with the Rockies in the background.



Monday morning we left at dawn to climb Flattop Mtn. The trail starts at the Bear Lake trail head and climbs 2,800 feet in about 4.5 miles. My biggest fear going into the hike was that we still hadn't fully acclimatized. The first 3 miles went fairly well, then came the big surprise. At around 11,000 feet we left the treeline and the winds picked up. With temperature in the 30's and very high winds made the uphill climb even more difficult. The top of the mountains were covered in snow and ice which was intimidating because Carol and I don't usually climb mountains. Nevertheless we made it in around four hours. Here's a pic from the summit.

Colorado Day One

We're finally here! After months of waiting, I'm now in Estes Park at the end of day one of our Colorado trip. It felt like we traveled most of the day. We left Old Bridge before 6AM and drove to Northern NJ to Carol's Mom's. She gave us a ride to Newark so we could catch our flight which departed at 9AM. At the airport we ran into our first "hiccup". I had agreed to take the laptop bag as a carry on and Carol said she was going to take our hiking backpack. Only problem was we didn't think to go through the backpack until were standing in line at the security checkpoint. So I going digging around there to check to make sure we have no liquids or chapsticks or anything like that and what do I find but my large knife! NO! It was a wedding present that I hated to get rid of but we had already checked our main bags so I had to deposit it in the trashcan before we got to the checkpoint. Sad .. sad..sad that was a good knife. Anyway after that we found out as soon as we boarded the plane that we were delayed a half hour for take off because of the fog. Thanks for telling us after were sitting on a hot plane with no AC.

We arrived in Denver a little after noon. After picking up our backage we picked up our rental car and then it was off to Estes Park. The first thing I noticed driving was how dry the landscape was. I had recalled while looking at houses online that green lawns were scarce, and after seeing the landscape it was no surpise. For the beginning of the drive the terrain was pretty flat but as we approached the rockies we saw more hills and large rock formations.

We stopped for a late lunch at Perkins in Longmont and surpisingly they did not have the "Denver" omelette I usually get in NJ (the heartland was a good substitute however). We also stopped at the Longmont Walmart and picked up some snacks for hiking and lots of fluids. They had a new variety of Lay's Barbecue I was excited about so I got them to give them a try. Another hour drive through more twisty roads and large boulders we reached Estes Park.

Estes being being a sort of gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park is the largest town before your in the heart of the Rockies. Sitting at around 7000 feet compared to Longmonts 5000 was a big leap. Interesting science took place in my bag of chips during the drive to a higher elevation. I'll try to post a pic later. At the center of Estes is a big lake that is surrounded by hills. On top the hill leading to the Rocky Mountains sits the Stanley Hotely. The Stanley some of you may recall was the inspiration for Stephen King's the shining. Well unfortuately its 2007 and the "Shining" Hotel is now eclipsed by a McDonalds from the center of town.



We checked into our cheap hotel and unpacked then headed towards the visitor center to pick up some maps. There we learned about the wild elk that liked to roam around town. The Visitor Center lady was super nice and told us that now was one of the best times to see the elk, and if we hiked around the north part of the lake we might catch a glimps. Sure enough after about a quarter mile there was a field FILLED with elk. We start taking pictures from afar but eventually got a little closer. My wife, much braver than I, walked within a few yards to get some great pictures I plan to upload soon. I loyally obeyed the signs that read DO NOT APPROACH THE ELK. I also wanted to make sure I was safe so in the event of any catastrophe I could tell everyone a great story of how my wife was run through by a huge elk.

We ended up at the Estes Park Brewery and unwinded with some specialty brews and a great plate of nachos. Now its time for some much needed sleep. Tomorrow we will being to tackle RMNP.

How about a side order of STFU you impatient SOB

I've been extra angry lately. It seems like the older I get the more pet peeves develop. We went to Boston Market for lunch today. We hadn't been there for a while, so they had changed their menu around. I assumed the usual "still deciding" position about five feet from the counter and even put on the confused look. But of course someone thought I looked like I need help. Well "usually" I politely respond "I'm still looking, thank you". However from past experiences this is usually acknowledged by the attendant going back to the kitchen and talking to other employees for a couple minutes. Then I end up waiting till the person gets back. So with anger flaring up, I say "Yeah, I"m ready.". Then after he asks me what I want I just stare at the food for a minute, then the menu for a minute and then back to the food. Eventually I say "I'd like..." then pause and look confused again. Of course I already made up my mind two or three minutes ago, I'm just making this captive employee suffer as long as I can.

I mean seriously who walks into a restaurant knowing what they want and stops five feet from the counter and stares at the menu. I can SEE the counter. I will PROCEED to the counter when I have decided what I am ordering and no sooner. I need no dialogue. My decision on what to eat is a two way communication between myself and my stomach. There is no third person involved. "Can I help you." No, Absolutely not you cannot help me unless you can read minds and then tell me what I'm about to order. If you are a mind reader I highly doubt your working for minimum wage in the food service industry.