Balloon Lawn Chair Arrives

A viable alternative transportation method it is not.  Yesterday, Kent Couch filled his 150 balloons, tied them to a lawn chair and flew from Bend, OR to Cambridge, Idaho.  To land, he shot balloons with a BB gun. The 235 mile trip took nine hours to complete.  His total cost - $6,000. Ouch.

Alternative Trasportation: Lawn Chair?

It's not a bird or a plane, and it sure isn't faster than a speeding bullet, but it is a Kent. Of sorts. This is Kent Couch, who took a lawn chair instead of a couch, tied 150 helium-filled party balloons to it, strapped on a parachute and took off. His flight plan - fly from central Oregon to Idaho. The last time he tried, he made it 193 miles, with this morning's launch his third try. If this is what gas station owners are trying, what should the rest of us do?

Inbox: Political Spin

Sometimes, what comes into my Inbox is just too good not to share. Though this one may be past its prime, it does highlight the ways a few select words can change the meaning behind a story. Enjoy.

Judy Wallman, a professional genealogical researcher, discovered that Hillary Clinton's great-great uncle, Remus Rodham, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889.

The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows. On the back of the picture is this inscription: 'Remus Rodham; horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1883, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted, and hanged in 1889.'

Judy e-mailed Hillary Clinton for comments and Hillary's staff sent back the following biographical sketch:

"Remus Rodham was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory. His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad.

Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to service at a government facility, finally taking leave in 1887 to resume his dealings with the railroad. Subsequently, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honor, when the platform on which he was standing collapsed.'

And that is how it's done, folks!