Book Excerpt: 'The Fox Effect' | National Memo | Breaking News, Smart PoliticsA smart political news site and daily email newsletter delivers original reporting and commentary to a smart audience. We cover campaigns, elections, the White House, unions, the environment, and poli...

Fox News has certainly refined the modern digital tabloid to an art form. No one does it better.

2nd UPDATE: Microsoft Agrees To Buy Skype For $8.5B - WSJ.com

2nd UPDATE: Microsoft Agrees To Buy Skype For $8.5B - WSJ.com

Bummer! I was hoping that Google was going to buy and then integrate into gmail or some sort of new chat service.

Mother's Day Mt. Bike Ride

This is the mt. bike ride that I took today.  It was a terrific ride!

Mother's Day Mt. Bike Ride

Find the best hikes in New Hampshire

Spring

Isn't it supposed to be Spring?  It feels like March to me - and "pre-Spring" March at that!

New Mexico Vacation 2010

I spent about four days in the high desert of New Mexico - Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu.  Attached are some of the photos taken with my iPhone.  Absolutely stunning scenery.  Photo Album

Gulf Coast vs. Southern Vermont

It seems that no one really knows the extent of the damage (or the potential extent of the damage) from the Gulf oil spill, because it's essentially impossible to know how much oil has been spilled.

Gulf oil spill: real disaster might be lurking beneath the surface - CSMonitor.com

Contrast this photo from the news article (as well as others now floating around -pardon the pun) with the photos posted below. The environment here is largely pristine; there are no oil wells or toxic waste dumps (besides Vermont Yankee); the prospect of local environmental degradation is slim- especially if people remain vigilant. I'm fortunate to live where I do.

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

12138 North Lamar Blvd.

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is a 200 acre urban oasis located in North Austin, Texas.  Framed by several major roadways, it is an accessible, and much sought after refuge from daily urban life.  Located just West of Interstate 35, this gem can be accessed from the main entrance at 12138 North Lamar Blvd.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, swimmer, ball player, or just want to relax with your family in the shade or walk your dog, you're sure to find a park-provided activity to your liking.  There are several softball fields, a soccer field, a basketball court, a volleyball court, a playground, a picnic pavilion, picnic tables, a restroom, a municipal pool and trails - which weave their way through the its 200 acres. http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/images/walnutcreekmetropark.jpg

Reportedly, there are over 14 miles of trails, which draw quite a few hikers and cyclists, who compete for space on the crowded avenues, especially on the eastern (N. Lamar) end of the park.

On the western end of the park, away from crowds and ball fields, is where the park seems to thrive, its hidden beauty revealing itself.  Check out the Waterfall Xing trail, complete with a seasonal cascade, as well as the cedar and oak canopied Log Loop trail.

Daily hours are from 5 A.M. to 10 P.M.