Sierra Nevada Girl

I've oft complained of twangy voices and country drawls, but today we have a reprieve of sorts: No complaining! I just plain like this! Wikipedia describes the genre as "psych folk" and "New Weird America" music. See what you think.

ALELA DIANE - Dry Grass & Shadows

RoughTradeRecordsUK — February 03, 2009 — Check out this intimate live rendition of Dry Grass & Shadows (accompanied by her father on mandolin) from DUMBO Session West

Or watch the video here.

...Inside your mouth, when you laugh, all the star thistles tumble out...

Cycling: Norway's Answer to Steep Hills

Norway's Answer to Steep Hills

(No, it's not a polka dot jersey)

It's the Trampe, in Trondheim, Norway--a bicycle "lift" that helps cyclists conquer Brubakken Hill. Before you laugh, keep in mind that in Norway, the definition of "steep hill" can be as much as 20% grade. Using the electric-powered Trampe, cyclists hitch a 130m ride up the hill at a whopping pace of 2m/second--not bad at all.

You can read about it on the official web site, read the Wikipedia article, or view this YouTube video:




Enjoy!