So, I was looking at jewelry recently, and was shocked out how much some of this stuff costs!  Seriously, who knew a diamond tennis bracelet could cost over a hundred thousand dollars?  Crazy stuff.  Diamonds are funny since their price is artificially controlled, and the demand artificially created.  If it wasn't for strict controls and clever marketing, they would just be another rock.  

The digital SLR world has been flooded recently with new models.  First, Canon annouced the 50D, the successor to the very popular 40D.  The 50D has several improvements, most notably higher resolution at supposedly lower noise levels.  It will be interesting to see how well this new sensor design works.

On the Nikon side of things, the D90 is a another interesting design.  As an upgrade from the D80, the D90 delivers.  One interesting feature is its ability to take full 720p HD video.  This is a first for a digital SLRs, and it will be interesting to see what the market makes of it.

One camera that is conspicuously missing is a replacement for the Canon 5D, an affordable full frame model.  A replacement for this is expected to be announced at any time, and many fans of the camera are waiting anxiously to see if there will be a new model, and what kind of features it will bring.  Exciting stuff, for sure!

I love music.  I believe that everyone should learn how to play a musical instrument, because it really does add a lot of enjoyment to your life.

I started off by playing the piano, like most kids.  I enjoyed my lessons, but I really never applied myself to my practice as much as I should have.  Still, though, these lessons help lay down the base for my musical understanding, which has proved invaluable.  I've unfortunately got out of practice since attending college (no piano handy), but I still try to play every know and then.

Like every other teenager in America, I took up guitar in my early teens.  I enjoyed this a fair amount, but never really progressed beyond a certain level in my practice.  I did at one time have a sweet Fender Stratocaster, which I sold off a few years ago (on eBay, as it turns out). I still play, though now I just have an accoustic.

In college, I began to learn the instrument I had always wanted to play:  the cello.  The cello is the most beautiful sounding instrument in the world.  Unfortunately, its also one of the hardest to play.  I grow better at it all the time, though, and I'm sure I'll catch on as time goes on.

Recently, I picked up a cheap bass guitar.  I want to learn to play bass because it seems bands are always in need of bass players, and I think they sound cool.  My SX Precision bass may be cheap, but its been super solid so far.  Along with my Acoustic brand bass amp, its a pretty rocking combination.  I hope to start playing in bands soon.

Overall, I love playing music, and I hope that I can continue to do so well into the future.  There is a part of me that wants to take up some sort of wind type instrument (French horn, tenor sax, clarinet?).  But, I probably play too many instruments already.  We'll see what the future brings, though.

I've always been a fan of bike commuting.

So, I have to say I'm somewhat pleased with the current driving situation, with many scrambling to find other ways of getting around.  To me, bike commuting helps solve a myriad of problems beyond the obvious gas savings.

First of all, bike commuting is relaxing.  Very relaxing.  If you're used to driving your car everywhere, you're probably not aware of how much stress you develop as a result of driving.  When you're biking, especially on a secluded biking trail, you're amazingly relaxed and free.  It's just you and your bike, cruising along in the great outdoors.  It's hard to explain unless you've tried it, but the simplicity of it really is beautiful.

Secondly, its great exercise.  Many people come into work early to get a workout in at the company gym, so why not just ride to work, save gas, get relaxed, and take up the same amount of time as before?  It's a pretty sweet deal.

Of course, bike commuting won't work for everyone.  Many people live far away from their work, or have crowded roads the entire way over.  Others live in climates with a lot of severe weather (though some of this can be mitagate with proper bike clothing).  If these limits don't apply to you, though, I would encourage you to dust off that old bike at some point, and give commuting a shot.  If you let it, it will change your life. 

So, I friend just ask recently if I wanted to go skydiving with a group.  It will cost $150, and I'll get a tandem dive with about 60 seconds of freefall. 

Is this worth it?  I've always wanted to try it, but thats expensive for me at the moment.  We shall see.  I might have to hold off until I'm a little richer before I go, but then again I don't want to turn down what I'm sure will be a once in a lifetime experience.  Comments and experiences would be most welcome.