1 min read      Rural Issues · Technology

The U.S. House has passed an appropriations bill for the Department of Agriculture that includes $678 million for rural telemedicine infrastructure. Telemedicine allows patients in rural areas to “meet” with doctors over high-speed internet connections with video and audio, and is an important component of bringing good healthcare to rural America.

      1 min read      Technology

Here’s a stark reminder to be sure to renew your domain registrations: two Chicago suburbs forgot to renew their domain registrations, and their domain names were purchased by pornography providers. Make sure you keep your domain registrations up to date - it’s only $10 a year.

      1 min read      Technology

Best Buy and CompUSA stores have apparently struck deals with Microsoft and AOL to automatically sign up customers for online accounts when they make store purchases. If you’ve made a computer-related purchase at Best Buy or CompUSA lately, make sure you don’t start getting billed a monthly internet service charge.

      1 min read      National/International Politics · Rural Issues · Technology

USDA has awarded $20 million through their Community Connect Grant Program to provide broadband network development in 40 rural communities across the country. Grants like these will be very necessary for the future of rural areas due to the difficulty of recouping infrastructure costs in areas with a low population density. I think an effort similar to the REA will be required to ensure that rural America is not left behind in this newest digital divide.

      1 min read      Technology

Midwest Wireless is offering a new wireless internet service called ClearWave in the Menomonie area. If you’re unable to get Charter high-speed internet or 24⁄7 Telcom DSL, this solution might work for you. You must be located within an 8-mile radius of the Midwest Wireless antenna, located on the tower just north of Menomonie. Rates are comparable to the other options.

      1 min read      Rural Issues · Technology

The Wisconsin Innovation Network will be hosting a conference to discuss the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) grant programs in Madison on June 19. The SBIR/STTR programs are great opportunities to obtain funding for research and development projects. You can see details about the conference at the Wisconsin Innovation Network web site, and learn more about the SBIR/STTR programs at the Wisconsin SBIR/STTR Outreach Office.

One Day Near Pepin, Wisconsin

      1 min read      Photography

Kathleen and I were out for a weekend drive when we discovered a migrating flock of Monarch butterflies on the grounds of a beautiful brick country church. Click here to see the pics.

Class of 1986 Reunion

      1 min read      Photography

See some pics of the Belmont High School Class of 1986 15th reunion here.

The Amundsen Wedding

      1 min read      Photography

View pics of Amy & Jeff Amundsen’s wedding here.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Wilderness

      1 min read      Photography

My dad and I recently took a great week-long canoe trip into the Boundary Waters. Click here for photos, or click here for my trip journal.