James Kim and his family may have been misled by GPS navigation on their way to Gold Beach, OR. I heard this on the radio this morning, and I could not find any articles, so I decided to blog it.

I did a comparison between Google Maps and MapQuest to see the default directions given to a user when plotting a route from Grants Pass, OR to Gold Beach OR.

This is the map given by Google:













This is the map from MapQuest:













As you will notice, Google Maps seems to have a shorter route. However, to the untrained driver, some of the roads proposed in the shorter route are apparently only open during certain seasons. I, personally, had a similar experience using DeLorme's TopoUSA.

We had an assignment at an unnamed military base. Since we were not familiar with the area, we decided to plot directions to our destination. To make a long story short, TopoUSA led us to back roads that turned out to be live fire ranges.

The bottom line is: use online directions and GPS navigation with caution. Ask the locals around for the preferred route. I personally would stick to major roads especially during winter times.

My thoughts are with James' and his family. Hopefully, they'll find him soon.

Lechon Head 

Life at Tuburan Bay 

Liquor Store Tuburan Style 

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Pissing by the sea 

Tuburan Bay 

Confusing thoughts and jagged visions. Last mile ahead. One more road block to go and another one to follow.

The wheel keeps on spinning, and I keep on going. The smell of burned rubber is ignored. The car makes a strong statement via the knocking noise from behind. The clock reads 10:30 PM. Flat tire. Dark skies. No phone. Three hours later I'm home. It should have been 20 minutes.

Ivan! Ivan! How dare you go chasing after Charley and Frances? The tears and whining that you bring; may they be your downfall. I shall not run away.

Frances. Oh, Frances. Stop sobbing and whining. The trees can't take it anymore.

I think. Therefore, I teach. I love. Therefore, I ache.

Oh Charley, where art thou? Boarded windows. Out-of-stock shelves. Tree trimming. Tampa on alert. Your eye is nowhere to be seen.

A song is stirring in my head. I can't think of the lyrics. A book is swimming in my head. Writer's block.

Heavy lifting leads to neck injury, but can be alleviated by the alcholic contents of the object.

An unexpected Milkshake joins the family. Arf, arf, arf she goes. Cute puppy!

Multiple events coincide with a mean final exam. It's not my fault.