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The Internets. . . and River Rafting

The internet has been a boon and, of course, a bane. Like all inventions, the internet cannot dodge the Law of Unintended Consequences.

The convenience of using the internet is unparalleled --- for banking, ticket reservations, research (Do Encyclopedia Britannica salesmen exist anymore?) and delivering entertainment content. Simultaneously, it has never been simpler to be bombarded by unwanted solicitation, it has never been easier for crooks to steal your identification and smut has become ubiquitous online. Who needs a pornography stash anymore?

Well, former President Bush's "internets" have certainly been a boon to the acquisition of river rafting permits. No longer do you have to submit paperwork by mail and jump through hoops that sometimes were not obvious. No longer do you have to deal with voice mail hell, or even, humans. No longer do you have to coordinate a snail mail response by a group of your friends or family which is only slightly easier than herding ferrets on an interstate.

For the premier Idaho river permits --- the Middle Fork of the Salmon, the Selway, the Main Salmon and the Snake --- it is as foolproof as ordering train tickets through Amtrak. And the Forest Service promises they are not 'out-sourcing' everything through India. Here is your Idaho river permit link.

According to the site you can submit an application beginning Tuesday, December 1st, through January 31st.

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