Apparently bringing rail lines and high speed trains to the US has been a task no one has yet been able to accomplish.  However, many agree that the $8 billion from the stiumulus will give HSR a decent shot in the United States.

Anyone who has been to Europe, and I assume most of this readership has, will tell you the rail system is terrific.  Probably one of the main factors that make backpacking in Europe financially possible.  The USHSR is dedicated to doing it.  They have been around for a little while, this is nothing brand new, but they are marketing this decade as the decade of high speed rail.  While their logo is pretty sweet…their website is not so much, but regardless, they do have information and future plans for the first rail network.

One.org.  I find this picture quite intriguing.  I’m picturing the marketing dept. for the organization at a table in a high rise New York building saying “we want to be Abercrombie yet…multi-dimensional.”  That at least explains why the guy in white does not fit in to your traditional marketing techniques.  I like that guy in white.  I like how they made him stand out.  That guy is my kind of guy…2 to 1 he’s got a better story than the two to his right.

Anyways.  One.org is a non-profit (with Bono attached to it) that wants to end poverty.  Attached with Africa in many ways, they tackle poverty issues in various places and has the reach to do it.  In fact I just purchased 10 ‘One’ bracelets.  I feel that education helps solve problems later, so they’ve sold me by bringing up that point on their site.  It’s the whole ‘give a man a fish’ argument.  One.org seems to understand that.

I’m not sure how they find so many maps, but they do.  StrangeMaps is the place to go if you are like me and find maps simply enjoyable.  Every kind of map and graphic you would think of is on this site.  So kudos to the creators of strange maps.

What does a travel guy do when he’s bored and out of money?  He watches the Travel Channel…and gets hungry when he sees the Chowdown Countdown.

I also became a little upset because most all these places look great but who is going to write all that information down on the chance they will be in the area.  Not me.  Luckily I was not so upset after visiting the TC website and finding that they already did the logistics with google maps.  All 101 eateries on the countdown are on the website….listed by state.  I’m not saying it’s the most navigation friendly way of searching, but at least they published it online.  As for the restaurants…they are for the most part ma & pop shops with original recipes, great atmospheres, and what appears to be great food.  Somebody needs to make an app for this kind of food.

This graphic reminds me of the days I use to watch Survivor.  You know…way back in season one.
What would it take for a piece of gear to win you over that is not a hat or beanie?  Perhaps a great design, or perhaps a piece that you could wear just about anyway for any occasion?  Well Buff Headwear gives you both.  I am impressed with this company.  They have great products that are all versatile with great designs.  I’m picturing myself in Vilnius with a neckerchief right now.  Ahh.

Since I’m on a bit of a bag kick lately, here is the Ivan from Chrome.  Here are the pros of Chrome and this particular bag.  Chrome makes very industrial style bags for the urban environment.  What I mean is that they are designed to hold up to people who are rough on their equipment…myself included.  They remind me of Crumpler bags in the way they are constructed with tough materials…not so much design-wise though.  More pros are the ability to throw really about anything you can think of into this bag and it will handle it.  (note picture of ice!)  The roll top design is good for times when you have something that sticks out the top.  Where the regular backpack can’t be closed with large objects, here you have the option.

Just discovered an excellent post (and good design) from Carryology.  They compare backpacks and messenger bags to determine who needs which.  It’s slightyly humorous while making good arguments for each.  I agree with much of what they say, and while I own both, for day to day activities, I prefer the messenger for the simply pure reason that it’s more stylish.  But for backpacking, I’ve never found a use for one.  Maybe I’ll try it on my next trip to appear more local and not so touristy.

photo by jonwild – Flickr

Well, post failure of my tick list 2009, I’ve decided to try it again (with modifications of sorts)  So here it is my Tic List 2010…and why I failed in 2009.

• Learn/Experience meditation practices.  I’ve yet to meet anyone who fully understands meditation techniques and the possibilities that come from mediation.  And surprisingly I have not discovered great material on the Internet as of today.  So I’ve already got my first book, and my hope is that I’ll find something that will blow my hair back.  I beleive there is something to it…I just haven’t discovered it yet.
• Be able to speak conversational Traditional Chinese….maybe Rosetta Stone?  I personally think Japanese would be easier for myself, however being able to sputter out a few basics in Chinese would help me out in my own life.
• Create better content for IzunoTravel.com.  My 2009 goal was to update 3 times a week, however I found myself putting up crap in order to reach that goal as I was wearing myself out.  So “better content” is a more attainable goal I feel.  Ideally I’d still like to increase the post rate, but not at the cost of content.
• Be more outdoorsy….specifically, get outside more and go rock climbing a couple of times, biking in Colorado at least once and don’t miss any opportunities.
• Go vegetarian for one month.  (A carry over from 2009).  I attempted this on more than one occasion, however it makes you realize the importance of food in our lives, as food carries more than just nutritional elements, it’s a culture and social based necessity.  You realize just how much vegetarians give up for their chosen lifestyle.
• Learn more about fonts and calligraphy.  (A modified carry over from 2009).  As I did study quite a bit about calligraphy in 2009, I never became obsessed with it.  There are those out there with tremendous knowledge of fonts, my goal is to not reach their level, but increase my current knowledge.
• Try to go 20 days straight without criticizing anyone/anything.
• Get my manuscript I’ve been writing for over 4 years now to the point I can give it to someone to read.
• And for number nine, I’ve decided to make a list of things I’d like to attempt to do in 2010 (but depends on external forces):

1. eat at the Woodfire Grill in Atlanta (Kevin’s restaurant from Top Chef)
2. See Jehro in Concert
3. travel to three new countries
4. go white water rafting
5. read two classics (Catcher in the Rye and Sun Tzu’s Art of War)
6. more to be added