Live Maps Improvements

If you haven't used http://local.live.com/ yet then you should. If you've used it before but haven't tried the birds-eye view then check it out! They've just announced several new cities which have been mapped for birds-eye imagery including Toronto, Utrecht, Geneva and more. I created a Shared Collection for Utrecht that has some of the cities landmarks. Go here and click the Birds Eye button. This page explains how to use the functionality, but it's pretty simple. Once in Birds-Eye view you can drag the map around to navigate or zoom out to map-view and move around from there, then back to birds-eye. You can also change the angle of view with the compass shaped control.

If you don't want to navigate around yourself then checkout some collections other people have created. Collections.live.com contains a full directory of featured collections with walking tours of Dublin, Amsterdam and other destinations. BirdsEyeTourist is another way to travel from your own computer. This technology is just going to get more advanced and soon I think we'll be able to go pretty much anywhere virtually and even add to these collections with our own media and photos.

Friday media

Hey all, here's yet another compilation of media for your Friday viewing pleasure.

540 kick tutorial: I'm learning these in Capoeira. To train I've been wearing weights and doing a lot of jumping. My legs are getting quite a bit stronger which helps with the pop. I find that leaning forward helps. I'd also like to learn the sideflip.

Crash at Pacific Raceway: With the warmer weather marks the start of the 2007 track-season. Scroll backwards through the photos to see what happens. Both parties are okay. The track was cold and this was only the 3rd lap of the day. The rider that went down first had cold tires and was probably going in a little hot. Here's some discussion from the rider of the yellow bike.

Fireworks factory explosion: This guy survived with some injuries. Apparently these factories blow-up all the time. Not my choice of a place to work.

Furnishings

Speedo posted some thoughts on how disposable a lot of our furnishings have become. Much of the time we don't think about where they've come from or where they go when we throw them out. This got me thinking about my current position. Amanda's in school and we still have roomates so that puts us in college mode. Beg, borrow or buy used. I've never been to Ikea and the only new furniture I've ever purchased includes my computer desk from staples, some kitchen chairs at Bed/Bath&B and a desk-chair. Soon however things will change. In September Amanda and I are moving out on our own and we'll be forced to find all the basics... couches, tables and all. It's a scary thought. A lot of people have mentioned Area 51 in Capitol Hill which boasts environmentally friendly furnishings. We'll definitely be looking at alternatives come Fall.

Friday vids

It's Friday! Time to share some videos.

Kiteboarder getting blown away: can wind really lift a boarder? maybe

Capoeira Ne Veia: capoeira trailer with good tunes

BMW M3 on Isle of Man: insane driving

Capoeira Samba: crazy muscle control

Got any vids to share? Post a comment!

Victoria Batizado 2007

Last weekend Cam and I travelled to Victoria, BC for an Axé Capoeira event known as a Batizado. Cam has a pretty good summary of the event and training here. The highlights were training with Mestres from all over the world and parcipating in the Troca de Cordas, which literally means changing of the cords. Cam and myself were promoted to Azul and this comes with further responsibility such as playing more instruments and helping the less experienced students in our academy. I'd like to thank Matt who let a bunch of us crash at his place and drink his beer. Without him the trip would have been a lot more difficult. We used to be roomies back in University. I also got to spend some time showing Cam around Victoria and we ventured out for a few hours at night. It was just like old times! I partied at the same bars, saw some of the same people, and felt genuinely 21 all over again.

PICS you ask? Well there's not many since I've lost yet another battery charger but we do have some videos:

1) Advanced students performing Maculele and solos at the Batizado
2) Myself, Cam, Mike and Brian during the Troca de Cordas in that order

And to help you finish off the week here's my youtube video of the week:
Terje with a sick line in First Decent.