DSC03623, originally uploaded by unclemase.

Finally got around to taking some photos of the TT today. I have had the Car since May of 08 and really have been too busy to take pictures. I honestly had a great time and can't wait to do a few upgrades here and there. She is a sexy beast.

Flickr Link: http://flickr.com/photos/unclemase/sets/72157613895819837/

IMG_0006, originally uploaded by unclemase.

Got a chance to try out these new shoes from Newton. They are called the Motion Trainer. I have been reading a lot about this new running technology that focuses on forefront striking versus heel striking. It makes sense if you listen to what the folks around the running community are saying. If you were to run barefoot would you heel strike? Of course not it would take no time to shatter your heel and or cause major damage to your shins. See animation here: http://www.newtonrunning.com/run-better/optimal-running-form

Most running shoes come with massive springy heels that are meant to propel you forward. Several doctors have noted that this is not natural and is often the cause behind many running related injuries. So Newton had put the Springy material near the front that way when you forefoot strike you propel yourself forward on each step.

More about the science behind the shoe:
http://www.newtonrunning.com/science/action-reaction-technology

The Run:
So I ran one of my usual routes, 5.2 miles. The Route goes along on the river in downtown Leeds and then finishes off in the heart of downtown. The first 2 miles took some getting used to you really have to lean forward for these shoes to work. Ohh but do they work. The last 3 miles were amazing. I shaved a full 13seconds per mile off my total time!!! I will post again after 15 or so runs to make sure this isn't a placebo effect. I have a good feeling that this will be the future of running shoes.

Link to companies webpage:
http://www.newtonrunning.com/

Link to the Motion Trainer:
http://www.newtonrunning.com/newton-products/the-shoes/mens-shoes/men-trainers/men-stability-trainer?s=003

So I took a trip to London. Got there around 2pm and had to catch the 8pm home so wasn't sure how much fun I was going to have. I had a blast. It was supposed to piss down rain and it turned out to be absolutely gorgeous. I started my journey in Leeds and arrived to Kings Cross, London around 1408. I then took the tube on the Piccadilly Line to Piccadilly Circus. Once I got to Piccadilly circus I walked around a bit and found the "Big Bus Company" who took 24 GBP (43 bucks) out of my pocket. It was worth the few hours I spent on it. Wish I would have had more time as they also included a free boat tour too. The bus tour had a live guide who was A) British and B) Funny, double score. Side note: On my travels throughout the UK and Ireland most tour guides have been of Eastern European decent which takes a bit away from the authenticty factor. Next time I am in London I will be using the "Big Bus Company" again :) So I jumped off the bus around MOD HQ and walked up by the Westminster bridge, where Big Ben sits. Everytime I see Big Ben I think of Eurpean Vacation with Chevy Chase, lol.

I walked down towards Parliament Square to get a good shot of Big Ben and ran into a anti Iraq war protest. I videoed a bit of it and then hung around afterward to hear what the guy was saying. Very young guy, compassionate about the topic but talking out his ass when it comes to factual information. Said his parent were Iraqi so I can understand in part his anger. But really dude it could be worse, Saddam could be in charge!
I then walked up Whitehall and went to the "Red Lion" Pub which used to be Winston Churchill's hangout and pub of choice. 600 Years old they said it was on the bus tour, wowsers. It was a pretty chill place, typical old English pub with wood carvings etched glass etc. I had a pint of Carling, which I recently read in The Times was the most ordered/consumed beer in the UK. Tasty it was :)
I hung around Whitehall area and saw many things including the PM residence, from a distance. They have the whole damn street blocked off with Police everywhere. Honestly this terrorism BS is the real inconvenient truth. I also witnesses a bit at the train station. I had noticed this a the Leeds train station too. You can't find a damn trash can to save your life. Saw a sign at Kings Cross Train Station today that said "Due to security concerns rubbish bins were not kept in the station" Sick.
Walked down to Trafalgar Square where there was some huge statue of some royal navy guy. You can tell that was not what drew me there. What caught my attention where the amount of people just hanging out and climbing on statues etc. Things you see in the "Big City" that folks do that doesn't cost much.

Video of Big Ben and Iraq War protesters

I honestly trust Google more than any government out there. Remember their founding motto was "Don't Be Evil." Well after reading about some of their latest ventures I hope they stick to this motto.

Google to buy GeoEye satellite imagery

Revamped Google Picasa site identifies photo faces

Saw this one coming last year when Google added that unadvertised feature of "&imgtype=face"
that you can put at the end of any google images search to only return faces

And while they are at it they are releasing "Chrome" the new browser that comes out today

"More on Chrome"

In the end I hope Larry and Sergey work for the US Gov't and Google is just a front company!