Nathan Botts

Hiking around NYC

2009-01-08T19:20:00.000-08:00

I like hiking around NYC. Especially in the winter. I find the cold, austerity, and lonliness to be sublime. And best of all, I haven't been on a hike yet that I would consider difficult -- sorry guys, but even my hometown in CA has more treacherous climbs than Breakneck Ridge. Today was slippery and snowy trip through Harriman State Park. We had had a recent ice storm which coated the forest in a spectacular glassy silver. And in spite of forcasts for a cold, sunny day, we hit the trail in windy snow flurries. The sun finally broke through just as we were approaching the "summit" and what a view.

Vegetarianism and America's greatest export -- the Drive Through

2008-02-21T13:53:00.000-08:00

I came to the realization the other day that I'm essentially becoming a vegetarian. Well not exactly a vegetarian, but pretty close. I'll admit that I don't necessarily have an aversion to eating meat, but in good conscience I can't stand to support the callous, disgusting, not to mention inhumane "growing" of meat for consumption that takes place in the USA (and other places). If this most recent beef recall doesn't confirm in everyone's mind that something horribly wrong is going on in these carcass processing plants, I don't know what would. While I don't necessarily agree with all the particulars of the PETA-Vegan movement, I will say that I admire their respect for life, in all it's forms. Not going to go into details here... after all, this blog does begin with a photo of me "kicking" a pigeon in Venice. To be brief, I would say a more moderate approach is in order. But what are you going to do when you live in the country that invented the drive through? At first it was hamburgers, then medicines, and weddings. Then in the cold weather climes the banks got into the act, and finally in Ohio.... the coup de gråce of our humanity and culture.... drive through liquor. I'm glad I don't live in Ohio. Note the very typically bulbous proportions of the local shopkeep (read: the fat guy in the picture!). And below that, our greatest export, as I found it in Assisi, Italy. Rendered so appetizingly refreshing as "McDrive." Ooooh, can I have some McHypertension and McDiabetes with that?

Kicking Back

2008-01-21T05:05:00.000-08:00

In the face of so much encouragement and teasing how could I not start a blog? So with this post I take the plunge into the headiness of the blogosphere, raising my voice where no one will listen, registering my opposition where no one cares, shouting at everyone and everything, and finally kicking back in futility. Like pushing water away from you in a swimming pool. Maybe my family will enjoy this, but don't expect personal updates. I'm far to suspicious of the internet to allow the posting of personal photos and such. Only the linguistic vomit of an active mind.