Adventure Canoe Forum » Forum: Mindless Dribble

Adventure Canoe Forum » Forum: Mindless Dribble - Recent Topics http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/forum/mindless-dribble Canoe Camping & River Tripping Discussion en-US Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:20:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/search.php RiverTrekker.com http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/rivertrekkercom#post-1863 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:01:25 +0000 DamnTrue 1863@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ So is Greg's "RiverTrekker.com" site/forum gone or am I doing something wrong? The forum background is there but there is a message about trouble with an update. Been that way for a while. Where has everyone been? http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/where-has-everyone-been#post-1770 Mon, 24 May 2010 19:49:57 +0000 natecanoes 1770@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ Been spending my time not working by doing some constructive paddling. Interval training on the river for racing, my first of which starts on Memorial Day weekend. Been doing some canoe fishing, caught some cats which were nothing to brag about. Anyone else? Anyone been paddling at all? http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/anyone-been-paddling-at-all#post-1743 Sun, 02 May 2010 12:19:32 +0000 natecanoes 1743@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ Seems to be pretty quiet in here. Maybe you all are out on the water.   Too darn cold and windy here the last few days. 40 degrees and 30 mph winds make the river tripping too unfun to go. Added more padding and tie down loops on the Kruger this weekend. 'Glassed in a new seat in my QCC 700x kayak and padded that also. Soon as it gets warm again I am headed out to try a overnight 40 miler. Should be fun. iPad or other technology in a Canoe - My iPad has arrived http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/ipad-or-other-technology-in-a-canoe#post-1627 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:19:57 +0000 James 1627@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ <img src="http://www.makescreativematter.com/wp-content/hero_20100127.png" alt="Apple iPad" width="570" height="690" /> I am really excited about Apple's new iPad. I've written a few articles about it at <a title="Makes Creative Matter" href="http://www.makescreativematter.com/" target="_blank">http://www.makescreativematter.com</a> I think it's really going to do some cool stuff. Anyway, I've measured my Pelican case and it looks like the iPad will fit perfectly. I was wondering what you guys think about bringing technology into the wilderness. I’m not so much concerned with breaking it, but I wonder what you guys think about watching a movie in your tent instead of reading a book or listening to the cicadas hum. The iPad has 10 hours of battery life and you could recharge it with a <a href="http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=7436" target="_blank">Brunton solar panel</a>. I’ve been stuck in my tent in a rain storm reading the back of a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26node%3D%26search-alias%3Daps%26ref_%3Dsr%5Fgnr%5Ffkmr0%26qid%3D1267806097%26field-keywords%3Dtrails%2520illustrated%2520river&tag=adventurepaddle-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957" target="_blank">National Geographic Trails Illustrated</a> map for entertainment. So should the canoe and wilderness be reserved for getting away from it all or is a diversion a diversion.   It's Canoeing Weather! http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/its-canoeing-weather#post-1643 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:05:36 +0000 James 1643@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ To bad I'm stuck at the office staring out the window. I did get out for a ride on the KTM last weekend though. <img src="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs458.snc3/26196_342325153714_653408714_3832365_3660098_n.jpg" alt="" width="604" height="453" /> Thats Taylor and his BMW X-Challenge on the left and my KTM 640 Adventure on the right. <a href="http://altrec.com/eagles-nest-outfitters" target="_blank"><img src="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs478.snc3/26196_342496683714_653408714_3832923_3692897_n.jpg" alt="" width="453" height="604" /></a> I got to try out the <a href="http://altrec.com/eagles-nest-outfitters" target="_blank">Eno Nest</a> Taylor's wife got me for Christmas...Super comfortable. <img src="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs478.snc3/26196_342502433714_653408714_3832959_3861260_n.jpg" alt="" width="604" height="453" /> Taylor relaxing in my homemade version. I'll post sewing instructions soon. Hammocks are surprisingly comfortable to sleep in. I wish we would have brought some pads for insulation though, my back was freezing while my front side was nice and toasty. I guess the bridges may freeze before roads maxim holds true for hammocks too. <img src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs478.ash1/26196_342628423714_653408714_3833224_6602641_n.jpg" alt="" width="604" height="453" /> We stopped by Boo's market for wings and the trip turned into a real adventure when my keys went missing. <img src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs471.snc3/25850_343551243714_653408714_3836669_3327269_n.jpg" alt="" width="453" height="604" /> After digging though the trash and pulling the booth in a fruitless search for the keys we took the ignition apart and rode back to the campsite. I wasn’t much in the mood for riding on Sunday, so I packed it up and went home. Luckily I was only a few miles down a gravel road because my right fork leg started spooging oil out all over the place and turned the bike into a monofork. <img src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs503.snc3/26432_1373864904630_1172033220_1092837_5836679_n.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="540" /> Taylor did go out with some others we met up with and had a good ride. I’ve ordered new fork seals and all the parts...Taylor and I are going down to the <a href="http://www.gatewaybmw.com/2010-gs-challenge-april-9-11/" target="_blank">GS Challenge in April</a> so I’ve got plenty of time for a little work in the shop. I’ll get back in the canoe soon... they just work. If you're bored and want to see some more moto photos click here <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jamesddixson/RandomMotorcyclePhotos" target="_blank">http://picasaweb.google.com/jamesddixson/RandomMotorcyclePhotos</a>   Is Bryan Hansel the most famous peron on here? http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/is-bryan-hansel-the-most-famous-peron-on-here#post-1542 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:40:36 +0000 natecanoes 1542@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ He must be, I saw him on TV this morning! (for about 15 seconds) Congrats on your 15 seconds of fame Bryan. One of my favorite books Undaunted Courage -The Lewis and Clark Journey http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/one-of-my-favorite-books-undaunted-courage-the-lewis-and-clark-journey#post-1544 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:35:44 +0000 Darren 1544@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ Winter is here and since I can't canoe I like to kill time with some reading, and one of my favorite reading topics is American history with the book Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose as my absolute favorite book. It's about the Lewis & Clark journey up the Missouri River to the Pacific and probably my favorite read because the Lewis & Clark trip, in my mind, was the greatest wilderness canoe trip. It happens that maybe one in every ten books I read are so engaging that I can't put it down, and Undaunted Courage was one of those books. I recommend it to any paddler who is suffering from the winter blues.   Happy reading. Why You Might Need To Consider A Career Change http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/why-you-might-need-to-consider-a-career-change#post-1475 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:51:24 +0000 Dennis 1475@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ Check out this link - <a href="http://money.cnn.com/video/fortune/2010/01/20/f_bctwf_rei_outdoors.fortune/?hpt=Sbin" target="_blank">http://money.cnn.com/video/fortune/2010/01/20/f_bctwf_rei_outdoors.fortune/?hpt=Sbin</a> Or, "No wonder those people are so cheerful when I go in there." Signup for the Missouri River 340 is open http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/signup-for-the-missouri-river-340-is-open#post-1444 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:11:13 +0000 natecanoes 1444@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ I made it in, #18 in the mens solo division. No more spots for solo, but a few tandem spots still open. If anyone on here races, this is the big one and sounds like its pretty fun. Now for the hard part of the race.....losing the post-holidays blubber so my heart won't explode halfway to the finish line. <a href="http://www.rivermiles.com" target="_blank">http://www.rivermiles.com</a> if anyone is interested. North Face Files Suit http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/north-face-files-suit#post-1399 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:25:28 +0000 Dennis 1399@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ I first noticed this product line the other day when I was walking past the pharmacy window on Maryland Ave. <a href="http://www.kmov.com/news/local/The-North-Face-files-suit-over-South-Butt-parody-79256557.html" target="_blank">http://www.kmov.com/news/local/The-North-Face-files-suit-over-South-Butt-parody-79256557.html</a> Wolves! My amazing true story of survival http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/wolves-my-amazing-true-story-of-survival#post-1334 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:38:36 +0000 natecanoes 1334@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ Today when I went to work, I parked about a block and a half from the jobsite due to mud and walked in. I was carrying my lunchbox. Halfway there lo and behold I saw a honest to god timber wolf. Then one more on my left and two more on my right. While this would have struck fear into the hearts of lesser men, not so with me. I talked to them calmly and walked along, avoiding eye contact. They followed. They got closer. I stopped and stood my ground, and they approched to within a few feet. I kept talking to them. They kept getting closer. I did what people do with dogs, and held my hand closer, and one approched to within a few inches and sniffed. Figuring it was worth risking losing a finger, I then reached through the fence and scratched its nose. Soon all five wolves were like huge puppies happy to see me. I scratched their ears through the fence, and one showed his appreciation by bringing me a whitetail deer head and shaking it violently in front of me. Probably my best day at work. Man those wolves are huge. Their paws were bigger than my hands. I wouldn't recommend petting the wolves in the wild. Probably not a good idea when working at the zoo either, but I did it.     Happy Thanksgiving To all of you http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/happy-thanksgiving-to-all-of-you#post-1314 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:29:12 +0000 natecanoes 1314@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ and happy birthday to me! (Actually yesterday, but I was "celebrating" so hard I couldn't post)    I'm going to eat till I explode today. : ) 157 Pound Bluefin Hauled in By a Guy in a Kayak http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/157-pound-bluefin-hauled-in-by-a-guy-in-a-kayak#post-1302 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:08:44 +0000 James 1302@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ From the New York Times Article <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/23/sports/23fishing.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/23/sports/23fishing.html</a> <blockquote><img src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/11/22/sports/23fishing_337-span/articleLarge.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="330" /> His most recent catch, on Nov. 5, was a 157-pound bluefin, a record tuna for an unassisted kayak fisherman, and a near record over all, topped only by a 183-pound halibut caught by Howard McKim, an Alaskan, in 2004. Reeling in a halibut, though, has been likened to hauling in a load of plywood, and some of Lamoureux’s admirers consider landing a bluefin, known for its power and ferocity, the greater feat. He is a hero at bait shops up and down Cape Cod. On fishing blogs, a few grumblers call him a dangerous idiot. </blockquote> This guy reminds me of Santiago in Old Man and the Sea. Tallulah Ozark Dixson - I got a Australian Shepherd Puppy for my Birthday http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/tilley-ozark-dixson-i-got-a-australian-shepherd-puppy-for-my-birthday#post-816 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 14:21:01 +0000 James 816@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ My birthday is October 14th. Cate decided to get me a new puppy a couple weeks early because it's hard to time puppies and exceptionally hard to hide them for three weeks in the top of a closet. This is a collection of iPhone photos of the new baby. We call her Tilley. <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/3967013706_aeeafbd09f_o.jpg" alt="Miniature Australian Shepherd" width="768" height="1024" /> Riding home from Troy Missouri <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/3966238475_19822295d4_o.jpg" alt="Miniature Australian Shepherd" width="800" height="600" /> Playing around in Ellen's back yard. <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3967014052_90552b5af0_o.jpg" alt="Miniature Australian Shepherd" width="768" height="1024" /> Pensively sitting in the rose garden <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/3967015512_8bf7e49f1b_o.jpg" alt="Miniature Australian Shepherd" width="768" height="1024" /> Riding in Cate's bag <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3473/3967016052_6c72794b82_o.jpg" alt="Miniature Australian Shepherd" width="768" height="1024" /> Playing with Cate in the grass at Forest Park <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3422/3966240391_e1a023be40_o.jpg" alt="Miniature Australian Shepherd" width="768" height="1024" /> Being good at a picnic Getting Back to Nature With Artificial Lighting http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/getting-back-to-nature-with-artificial-lighting#post-1091 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:36:57 +0000 Dennis 1091@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ For anyone who happens to be interested in off camera lighting stuff, I have posted a brief review of the Yongnuo RF-602 wireless remotes over at my blog. <a href="http://www.insidetheviewfinder.com/yongnuo-rf-602-wireless-remote-review/" target="_blank">http://www.insidetheviewfinder.com/yongnuo-rf-602-wireless-remote-review/</a> The most interesting thing for canoeist and kayakers may be the fact that these remotes can also be used to remotely trigger the shutter on your digital SLR camera. That means you can set up your camera on shore and take photos of yourself canoeing from around 200 feet or more away from the camera. Best of all, you could use this setup to take photos of you AND your paddling partner in action at the same time. I changed my name http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/i-changed-my-name#post-1009 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:18:09 +0000 natecanoes 1009@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ from davyjones to natecanoes. Trying to get the same name on all the forums I visit.     Canoe Cowboy Poetry Contest http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/canoe-cowboy-poetry-contest#post-944 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:40:56 +0000 Dennis 944@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ I was thinking ahead to the winter months when the lakes and rivers will be frozen over and most of us will only be daydreaming about canoes and paddling. I would like to propose a theme for our next contest which should give everyone something to do for at least twenty minutes out of the coming long and dreary winter. Watch those spurs as you enter and exit the boat. My canoe is like a horse that trots on water Someday I'll die and pass it on to a son or a daughter My canoe is old but it's tried and true It's long and fast and turns good too Summer is over and my canoe rests alone behind the shed As I dream fondly of canoeing asleep in my bed           Scary Stories & Tall Tales http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/scary-stories-tall-tales#post-938 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:15:35 +0000 Dennis 938@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ It's getting to be that time of year when the sun sets early and people seem to gather closer around the campfires. When is the last time you heard (or told) a great story animated by the flickering light and shadows of an open fire? I was thinking of inviting everyone to submit a short story or contribute a line or two to a progressive story using their favorite campfire story elements. Back when the Lads were wee small things they would always begin the tale the same way every time we went on a campout. "Antonio, Antonio, tell us a story-o" And Antonio began... It was a dark night and the wind began to howl through the trees. It's My Birthday - October 14th http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/its-my-birthday-october-14th#post-925 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:02:32 +0000 James 925@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ <img src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs228.snc1/7534_151264758714_653408714_2890231_2088808_n.jpg" alt="" width="453" height="604" /> So far I am doing pretty well. This delicious cake was delivered to my office thanks to my wife.  She also got me a new puppy a couple of weeks ago that we named <a href="http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/tilley-ozark-dixson-i-got-a-australian-shepherd-puppy-for-my-birthday" target="_blank">Tilley</a>. <img src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs204.snc1/7135_137709798714_653408714_2779524_422946_n.jpg" alt="" width="453" height="604" /> I got a cool new Swiss Army watch from her parents. My parents got me a new watch band for my even cooler Timex field watch. I bought myself an <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10032&pw=21361&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.altrec.com%2Fnrs%2Fultra-farmer-john-wetsuit" target="_blank">NRS wetsuit</a>.  <img src="http://images.nrsweb.nrsweb.com.edgesuite.net/image/media/2215_left_012507_400x400.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="400" /> And tonight I get to play guest bar tender at <a href="http://www.portabellarestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Portabella Restaurant</a>. I also bought myself an <a href="//www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A8C604?ie=UTF8&tag=adventurepaddle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000A8C604" target="_blank">MSR Outfitter Wing</a> but that's for my canoe class and not really my birthday. <img src="http://media.rei.com/media/r/1443750.jpg" alt="" width="440" height="440" /> All said, it's been a great birthday so far. FTC & Keeping Adventure Canoe Afloat http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/ftc-keeping-adventure-canoe-alive#post-850 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 06:57:05 +0000 James 850@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ It looks like the FTC wants me to tell all of you that I make money by posting links to products on this site and on the blog. Well I do. If you buy anything from <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=18989&pw=21361" target="_blank">NRS</a>, <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10032&pw=21361&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.altrec.com%2F" target="_blank">Altrec</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FOutdoor-Recreation%2Fb%3Fie%3DUTF8%26node%3D706814011%26ref%255F%3Damb%255Flink%255F83824211%255F10&tag=adventurepaddle-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957" target="_blank">Amazon</a> or <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10049&pw=21361&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rockcreek.com%2F" target="_blank">Rock Creek</a> I get a commission for sending you there. I use this $ to pay for hosting and things of that nature. So if you're planning on buying any gear from any of these places click on one of my links first. It's that easy. <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=14213&pw=21361" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10032/14213/17405/21361/image.gif" alt="" width="728" height="90" /></a> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=19041&pw=21361" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10525/19041/17405/21361/image.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="90" /></a> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=23303&pw=21361" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10049/23303/17405/21361/image.jpg" alt="" width="585" height="200" /></a> So there's my advertising. I am trying to keep the site from becoming cluttered with this kind of stuff so all of you can read about canoeing and paddling. If you look at my signature there are links to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FOutdoor-Recreation%2Fb%3Fie%3DUTF8%26node%3D706814011%26ref%255F%3Damb%255Flink%255F83824211%255F10&tag=adventurepaddle-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=18989&pw=21361" target="_blank">NRS</a>, <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10032&pw=21361&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.altrec.com%2F" target="_blank">Altrec</a> and <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10049&pw=21361&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rockcreek.com%2F" target="_blank">Rock Creek</a>. Click those if you're going to buy something outdoorsy.       Here's the news according to AdAge <a href="http://adage.com/digital/article?article_id=139457" rel="nofollow">http://adage.com/digital/article?article_id=139457</a> <blockquote> FTC Cracks Down on Blogger Payola, Celebrity Tweets NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- The Federal Trade Commission is cracking down on blogger payola. The agency, which protects consumers from fraud or deceptive business practices, voted 4 to 0 to update its rules governing endorsements, and the <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005endorsementguidesfnnotice.pdf" target="_blank">new guidelines</a> require bloggers to clearly disclose any "material connection" to an advertiser, including payments for an endorsement or free product. It's the first time since 1980 that the FTC has updated its rules on the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. In addition to covering bloggers, the new FTC rules state that celebrity endorsers can be held liable for false statements about a product, and all endorsements must include results consumers can "generally expect." Previously, an advertiser could cover their claims by the disclaimer "results not typical." But the new rules on bloggers are the most far-reaching attempt to stamp some guidelines of conduct on the blogosphere, which generally operates according to informal codes and the notion that "inauthentic" bloggers -- including those not disclosing commercial relationships -- will suffer in the web's court of public opinion. The new rules go into effect Dec. 1, and penalties include $11,000 in fines per violation. The FTC wasn't specific about how disclosures must be communicated but said its decisions would be made on a "case-by-case" basis. Rules for everyone Specifically covered in the new rules is the use of social media, such as Twitter, by celebrities to endorse a product. That's now a no-no unless the commercial relationship is disclosed. So, too, are celebrity mentions of products in other media, such as talk shows. But the new rules on blogging will have the farthest-reaching influence. They are, in effect, the first rules imposed on a general public that no longer needs access to TV, print or radio to publish opinions or create a personal media channel. "In 1980 most of all advertising was disseminated by the advertisers themselves; today a good part of that advertising is being disseminated by users," said Richard Cleland, assistant director- division of advertising practices at the FTC. The government agency has been reviewing its nearly 40-year-old rules on testimonials and endorsements for the better part of a year, and marketers have been anticipating a change. The new guidelines for social media are "relatively consistent with preexisting principles that have applied to traditional forms of advertising," said C. Lee Peeler, president and CEO of the National Advertising Review Council. Some think the rules could spur brand involvement in the social media space by better defining what's OK and what's not. Clearing the air "The legal departments of big brands don't like ambiguity, and that has been a challenge for us," said Joe Chernov, VP-communications for word-of-mouth marketing firm BzzAgent. Now that the dust has settled, the rules are more or less clear, he said. "If a consumer's speech has been materially influenced by a marketer, it must be disclosed. That speech, the consumer's speech, also must be restricted to their own personal experience," he said. Within the text of the new rules, the FTC gives many hypothetical scenarios, including that of a college student who maintains a "blog where he posts entries about his gaming experiences." If that student receives a console from a gaming company and posts a review, "the blogger should clearly and conspicuously disclose that he received the gaming system free of charge." Mr. Cleland said the guidelines include posts on review sites such as Yelp or online stores such as Amazon, where the writer is being compensated in some way. That would include an employee of a restaurant giving it a stellar review, or the author of a book. ~ ~ ~ Contributing: Abbey Klaassen </blockquote>