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Archive for January 27th, 2008

Snowkiting on Lake Calhoun

Sunday, January 27th, 2008

This weekend I had a chance to watch see what kind of outdoor sports folks around here like to do. I wasn’t planning to stop at Lake Calhoun, but when I saw all the kites I decided to see what was going on. Here I found a bunch of people snowkiting or kiteskiing/boarding or whatever they call it these days plus even more spectators and joggers. Several groups were on site giving lessons and renting equipment. Lake Calhoun is located just southwest of downtown Minneapolis. Apparently, motorized vehicles are prohibited on this lake.

This dog was getting a lot of extra exercise pulling the skier.

Outdoor water leak in the winter in Minnesota.

More pictures of Lake Calhoun here:

Snow-kiting on Lake Calhoun, 2008-01-26

Posted in Great Outdoors, Lake Calhoun, Minnesota, Snow | 1 Comment »

So KITT really could drive into the 18-wheeler at speed!

Sunday, January 27th, 2008

I was a fan of the early 80s TV show Knight Rider and I always wondered if it was really possible for KITT to drive right onto the ramp and into FLAG’s mobile HQ 18-wheeler at highway speed.

kitt2

Fortunately, MythBusters recreates the stunt and satisfies my curiosity. It turns out it’s not even a big deal thanks to the Newton’s first law of motion – the law of inertia. Because KITT and the truck are moving at the same speed, the car simply continues at the same speed (relative to the ground) once it is onboard. Unless Michael hit the gas on the ramp, the car won’t accelerate inside the truck.

Here’s some footage of KITT from the show (exits the driving truck 10 seconds in).

Hopefully the new made for TV Knight Rider movie will feature better acting that the original TV series. Will Arnet has a great voice for KITT. The new Knight Rider will premiere on February 17, Sunday at 9pm.

Posted in It's Science, TV | No Comments »

Lula Lake

Sunday, January 27th, 2008

If you are looking for a new place to spend the afternoon hiking along a bluff overlooking areas south of Chattanooga near Lookout Mountain or enjoy the sights from the waterfalls nearby, check out Lula Lake Land Trust. The private park that a friend of mine manages is open to the public every other Saturday from 9-5. Check their web site for more details. If you have a handheld GPS unit, be on the lookout for some geocaching sites on the property.

http://www.lulalake.org/

Driving directions

Find it on WikiMapia.

Lula Lake (not the main falls), view north of Lookout Mountain, geocache site