MLK Rome GA

 

Plant Bowen

Plant Bowen, Euhuralee GA

The Water Wars portion of the 2.8 Project has acknowledged some of the other forces in play on the Etowah River. The Atlanta Journal Constitution report in the January 12, 2012 edition documents the EPA findings on power plant pollution in the US.  Georgia has the dubious honor of having the two power plants contributing the most greenhouse gases in America.

This in reality identifies the largest coal-fired generators in the nation. That fact should not give these plants a pass. Southern Company built these plants and they owe the citizens and rate payers of Georgia and Alabama a safe, clean environment. Admittedly it is difficult and complicated, but the talent and engineering that have gone into Plants Bowen and Sherer will always be challenged until they solve their emissions failings.

Riverview Farms Grits

Riverview Farms in Ranger, GA is run by the Swancy Clan. It’s one of the oldest and largest organic farms in the state. Brad Swancy is a licensed miller and jam-up piano tuner.

An old International Harvester Farmall powers the 1916 Meadows Mill. It’s a labor intensive process that requires Brad’s full attention.

Brad tends to the grits output. The mill produces grits, polenta and blue corn grits. They operate CSA’s for their vegetables, beef, pork and chicken.

Looking for Sandhill Cranes

Winter migration is a boon for southern bird watchers.  Birders observing a flock of Sandhill Cranes in a large field west of Rome, GA.

Bloomington, MN: Fall Impressions

I’ve spent almost two weeks this year working in and around Bloomington, MN. , home of the famed Mall of America.  Each visit I keep trying to get my arms around the community.  It’s a pleasant  suburban city without a central hub.  Intersected by I-494 and I-35W, modern high rise office buildings line the expressways.  Everything else seems to be a patchwork of homes, lakes and parks.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is 14,000 acres of protected land.  The Long Meadow Lakes section is within a mile of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  When you get off of  I-494 you can make a left to the airport or go right to 2400 acres of protected floodplain forest, ponds, marshes, bluffs, spring fed streams and historic sites.  Go figure.

Photo Shoot: Henepin Island Park

I was back up in the Twin Cities for work.  I had just crossed the Stone Arch Bridge and saw this group shooting along the east side of Minneapolis.

The 2.8 Project is now available in Book form

The 2.8 Project by Paul O’Mara | Make Your Own Book

I signed up for a Blurb/X-Rite webinar a few weeks ago, hoping that I would learn some new tip or trick.  While well presented, I really did not get much out of it.  Ten minutes after the presentation I get a thank you e-mail with a $15 coupon: now you’re talkin’!  I put together a soft-cover 10×8 book using their premium paper.  I will call this version 1 since I intend to republish as the projects grow.

Chili Cook Off Judging: Rome, GA

The Chili Cook-off at Ridge Ferry Park, Rome, GA just finished it’s 15th year.  Seventy-five teams competed for bragging rights, helping the Coosa Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited continue funding their University of Georgia Foundation scholarship for cold water fisheries research at the UGA Warnell School of Forestry.

REI Bloomington, MN- Further Afield

Driving from MSP to Bloomington, MN on I-494 this awesome edifice that is an inclosed rock climbing wall stands out from the mirrored boxes that line the highway.  Maybe I’ll go inside one day.

Earl’s Hanger Luncheon

Regional competition for the International Aerobatic Club were being held at Richard B. Russell Field/Admiral John Towers Regional Airport, Rome, GA. on August 27 and 28, 2010.  Earl Tillman had a hot dog lunch at his hanger during the event.  Eating under the wings was an honor.