RFID zapper

In order to counteract the spread of RFID tags, homebrew techs are starting to come up with means of disabling RFID tags once they leave the store. Seeing as how it will probably be only a matter of time before RFID is used for such things as omnipresent marketing, and possibly monitoring, I will keep a close eye on these solutions.

New passion: Trail biking

I've been debating buying a new bicycle for a while, and decided to take the plunge last Wednesday. I picked up a used Gary Fisher Aquila for $75 off of craigslist. I took the bike out for some short street rides Thursday and Friday, and then went out Saturday on some trails around Lake Massabesic for about an hour. I had forgotten just how much I enjoyed cycling until I went out. I am hoping to get one to two months of cycling in before it gets too cold to cycle any more. If I manage to keep cycling on a regular basis, I may end up purchasing a new bike in the spring.

Canadians make the best friends

Well, I knew this already, but here's proof:

Canadians are more welcoming and make better friends than people in 34 other countries around the world, says a survey ranking the strength of different countries' "brands."

Of course you know that I am being facetious in my national pride, but I did find it amusing that one of the stereotypes of Canadians has been borne out by research.

Return to the hiking trail

I'm happy to report that I managed to hit the hiking trail this past Saturday, hiking up Mount Major. While it was a very short hike both in distance and elevation, nonetheless I was happy to strap on the hiking boots and get on some elevation. It was a very mild day, so although I was sweating pretty heavily in my exertion, I didn't get overheated. There was a lot of wind at the summit, so I had to throw on my fleece while I had my water and Clif bar before heading back down. I ascended by the more difficult rock ledge route, mainly because I have found in the past that going up these ledges is easier than trying to go down them. After the summit, the second half of the loop follows a very easy path, which is probably an old logging road as many of the hiking trails in New Hampshire are. While at some points I questioned my sanity, based on my physical fitness, of undertaking such a hike, I got past my initial reservations and got through the hike without event. My body didn't complain very much the next day except for a slight twinge in my ankle because I got an unsure footing a couple times on the descent. I would like to follow through with a slightly higher and longer hike next Saturday. Hopefully I can report back some success on that front.