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Wednesday, August 31, 2005My Broken LegMyBrokenLeg.com:
The site for people with broken legs. If you're stuck at home with your leg on a pillow, surfing the net desperately looking for a distraction - here it is.
(Thanks Jabberwocky)My Broken LegMyBrokenLeg.com:
The site for people with broken legs. If you're stuck at home with your leg on a pillow, surfing the net desperately looking for a distraction - here it is.
(Thanks Jabberwocky)Mad Meg Meg says:
Since the beginning of 2001, I draw in small notebooks 11 cm X 15 cm (approximately), always with a ballpoint pen, always on same paper, always in black. I contrained myself never to tear a page off, what is done...is done. I put the date at the beginning and the end of each notebook. Each day I spend one hour or two drawing in these notebooks. At this day,I made approximately 450 pages distributed in 12 notebooks.
(Some drawings are NSFW)Mad MegMeg says:
Since the beginning of 2001, I draw in small notebooks 11 cm X 15 cm (approximately), always with a ballpoint pen, always on same paper, always in black. I contrained myself never to tear a page off, what is done...is done. I put the date at the beginning and the end of each notebook. Each day I spend one hour or two drawing in these notebooks. At this day,I made approximately 450 pages distributed in 12 notebooks.
(Some drawings are NSFW)The Mummies of Guanajuato This is the first time I have heard of this.
The Guanajuato mummies were discovered in a cemetery of A Guanajuato Mummya city named Guanajuato northwest of Mexico City (near Léon). They are accidental modern mummies and were literally "dug up" between the years 1896 and 1958 when a local law required relatives to pay a kind of grave tax. You could pay the tax once (170 pesos) and be done with it; this option may have appealed to wealthier individuals. But you were also allowed to pay a yearly fee (20 pesos); this would have appealed to less wealthy families. However, if the relatives could not pay this yearly tax for three years, the body (which had, by the way, become accidentally mummified) was dug up from the cemetery and (if the fee still wasn't paid) placed on display in El museo de las momias. [Of course, what if the person's family had moved from town--or what if the person was the last person from their family? Well, it didn't matter; the law was the law!]
Some freaky pictures of the mummies are here.
(Thanks Jabberwocky)The Mummies of GuanajuatoThis is the first time I have heard of this.
The Guanajuato mummies were discovered in a cemetery of A Guanajuato Mummya city named Guanajuato northwest of Mexico City (near Léon). They are accidental modern mummies and were literally "dug up" between the years 1896 and 1958 when a local law required relatives to pay a kind of grave tax. You could pay the tax once (170 pesos) and be done with it; this option may have appealed to wealthier individuals. But you were also allowed to pay a yearly fee (20 pesos); this would have appealed to less wealthy families. However, if the relatives could not pay this yearly tax for three years, the body (which had, by the way, become accidentally mummified) was dug up from the cemetery and (if the fee still wasn't paid) placed on display in El museo de las momias. [Of course, what if the person's family had moved from town--or what if the person was the last person from their family? Well, it didn't matter; the law was the law!]
Some freaky pictures of the mummies are here.
(Thanks Jabberwocky)Classic Short StoriesA nice collection of short stories.
Fewer and fewer people these days read short stories. This is unfortunate--so few will ever experience the joy that reading such fine work can give. The goal of this site is to give a nice cross section of short stories in the hope that these short stories will excite these people into rediscovering this excellent source of entertainment.
(via del.icio.us/kfutter)Classic Short StoriesA nice collection of short stories.
Fewer and fewer people these days read short stories. This is unfortunate--so few will ever experience the joy that reading such fine work can give. The goal of this site is to give a nice cross section of short stories in the hope that these short stories will excite these people into rediscovering this excellent source of entertainment.
(via del.icio.us/kfutter)Gasoline Price History
One man's gas price history.
The following plot shows how much I paid for each gallon of gas I bought over the past 26 years or so. The data has a somewhat varied pedigree. Most of the purchases from 1979-1982 were in the Rio Vista/Fort Worth, Texas area. From late 1982-1983 was from College Station/Rio Vista about equally. From 1984-1987 was a Rio Vista/College Station/Houston mix and from 1987 on has been mostly Houston with a little Fort Worth thrown in. Just about everything pre-1984 was full service and everything since has been self-serve. Every tank shown was "super" unleaded (92-93 octane).
(via del.icio.us/iftfth)Gasoline Price History
One man's gas price history.
The following plot shows how much I paid for each gallon of gas I bought over the past 26 years or so. The data has a somewhat varied pedigree. Most of the purchases from 1979-1982 were in the Rio Vista/Fort Worth, Texas area. From late 1982-1983 was from College Station/Rio Vista about equally. From 1984-1987 was a Rio Vista/College Station/Houston mix and from 1987 on has been mostly Houston with a little Fort Worth thrown in. Just about everything pre-1984 was full service and everything since has been self-serve. Every tank shown was "super" unleaded (92-93 octane).
(via del.icio.us/iftfth)Katrina ThreadI will be updating this thread through the day as I find links that are related to Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath.Wikipedia's entry on Hurricane Katrina is still the most comprehensive coverage on one page. Flickr coverage: Photos tagged with Katrina Photos tagged with hurricanekatrina NOLA.com has been providing extensive coverage including pictures and stories submitted by residents including this letter about the Superdome:
I was awakened a couple of hours ago by a very disturbing phone call regarding the fate of some of the rugeees who followed the mayor's advice to seek shelter at the dome as a last resort.
The media has laid it all out for us: no plumbing,no power, and recent reports of criminal activity. From a family menmber I was told that a young girl had been assaulted and the death of a man from apparent suicide. My sister said they did not eat Tuesday because all their rations and food supply had run out. The one thing she seemed distraught about was the lack of political presence. They want to know that the very people who were elected by them care enough to be among them during this horrific ordeal. I was also asked to call the radio station to get the word to the officials about the dire straits the evacuees are in. They fear for their well being and safety of themselves and the children in their care. Let the media in for all the world to see the situation as it really is. If the officials are ashamed then maybe they should be among their people at the Superdome. Katrina ThreadI will be updating this thread through the day as I find links that are related to Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath.Wikipedia's entry on Hurricane Katrina is still the most comprehensive coverage on one page. Flickr coverage: Photos tagged with Katrina Photos tagged with hurricanekatrina NOLA.com has been providing extensive coverage including pictures and stories submitted by residents including this letter about the Superdome:
I was awakened a couple of hours ago by a very disturbing phone call regarding the fate of some of the rugeees who followed the mayor's advice to seek shelter at the dome as a last resort.
The media has laid it all out for us: no plumbing,no power, and recent reports of criminal activity. From a family menmber I was told that a young girl had been assaulted and the death of a man from apparent suicide. My sister said they did not eat Tuesday because all their rations and food supply had run out. The one thing she seemed distraught about was the lack of political presence. They want to know that the very people who were elected by them care enough to be among them during this horrific ordeal. I was also asked to call the radio station to get the word to the officials about the dire straits the evacuees are in. They fear for their well being and safety of themselves and the children in their care. Let the media in for all the world to see the situation as it really is. If the officials are ashamed then maybe they should be among their people at the Superdome. As Nero Played the Fiddle... Pathetic.
President Bush plays a guitar presented to him by Country Singer Mark Wills, right, backstage following his visit to Naval Base Coronado, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005.
As Nero Played the Fiddle...Pathetic.
President Bush plays a guitar presented to him by Country Singer Mark Wills, right, backstage following his visit to Naval Base Coronado, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005.
Where Is the National Guard During A Disaster Like Katrina?In Iraq.
Most Americans identify the National Guard with providing emergency services during natural disasters. But over the past three years, numerous Guard units have been sent to Iraq to fight alongside regular forces.
(Thanks PVC)Asked how his troops felt being in Iraq while their state was in such difficulty, Jones replied: "Well, we all know our primary mission is the federal one." "The secondary mission is to serve at the pleasure of the governor in disaster-relief and other missions," said Jones, 44, who works for a company managing the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Louisiana National Guard troops left back home have been busy rescuing people from the deluge and bringing them to safety in their trucks. In other Gulf states, more than 1,600 Mississippi National Guardsmen were activated to help with the recovery, and the Alabama Guard was planning to send two battalions to Mississippi, the hardest-hit area. One of the Mississippi National Guard units, the 155th Armored Brigade, is attached to the II Marine Expeditionary Force in Iraq. Where Is the National Guard During A Disaster Like Katrina?In Iraq.
Most Americans identify the National Guard with providing emergency services during natural disasters. But over the past three years, numerous Guard units have been sent to Iraq to fight alongside regular forces.
(Thanks PVC)Asked how his troops felt being in Iraq while their state was in such difficulty, Jones replied: "Well, we all know our primary mission is the federal one." "The secondary mission is to serve at the pleasure of the governor in disaster-relief and other missions," said Jones, 44, who works for a company managing the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Louisiana National Guard troops left back home have been busy rescuing people from the deluge and bringing them to safety in their trucks. In other Gulf states, more than 1,600 Mississippi National Guardsmen were activated to help with the recovery, and the Alabama Guard was planning to send two battalions to Mississippi, the hardest-hit area. One of the Mississippi National Guard units, the 155th Armored Brigade, is attached to the II Marine Expeditionary Force in Iraq. Coverage of Katrina KHOU.com has a lot of video and photos of the aftermath of Katrina. It's difficult to imagine how things could be worse. (Thanks Kelly) Coverage of KatrinaKHOU.com has a lot of video and photos of the aftermath of Katrina. It's difficult to imagine how things could be worse. (Thanks Kelly) Tuesday, August 30, 2005Bush's Obscene Tirades Rattle White House Aides Hmmmmmmmmmmm...
While President George W. Bush travels around the country in a last-ditch effort to sell his Iraq war, White House aides scramble frantically behind the scenes to hide the dark mood of an increasingly angry leader who unleashes obscenity-filled outbursts at anyone who dares disagree with him.
(Thanks PVC)“I’m not meeting again with that goddamned bitch,” Bush screamed at aides who suggested he meet again with Cindy Sheehan, the war-protesting mother whose son died in Iraq. “She can go to hell as far as I’m concerned!” Bush flashes the bird, something aides say he does often and has been doing since his days as governor of Texas. Bush, administration aides confide, frequently explodes into tirades over those who protest the war, calling them “motherfucking traitors.” He reportedly was so upset over Veterans of Foreign Wars members who wore “bullshit protectors” over their ears during his speech to their annual convention that he told aides to “tell those VFW assholes that I’ll never speak to them again is they can’t keep their members under control.” White House insiders say Bush is growing increasingly bitter over mounting opposition to his war in Iraq. Polls show a vast majority of Americans now believe the war was a mistake and most doubt the President’s honesty. “Who gives a flying fuck what the polls say,” he screamed at a recent strategy meeting. “I’m the President and I’ll do whatever I goddamned please. They don’t know shit.” Bush, while setting up for a photo op for signing the recent CAFTA bill, flipped an extended middle finger to reporters. Aides say the President often “flips the bird” to show his displeasure and tells aides who disagree with him to “go to hell” or to “go fuck yourself.” His habit of giving people the finger goes back to his days as Texas governor, aides admit, and videos of him doing so before press conferences were widely circulated among TV stations during those days. A recent video showing him shooting the finger to reporters while walking also recently surfaced. Bush’s behavior, according to prominent Washington psychiatrist, Dr. Justin Frank, author of “Bush on the Couch: Inside the Mind of the President,” is all too typical of an alcohol-abusing bully who is ruled by fear. Bush's Obscene Tirades Rattle White House AidesHmmmmmmmmmmm...
While President George W. Bush travels around the country in a last-ditch effort to sell his Iraq war, White House aides scramble frantically behind the scenes to hide the dark mood of an increasingly angry leader who unleashes obscenity-filled outbursts at anyone who dares disagree with him.
(Thanks PVC)“I’m not meeting again with that goddamned bitch,” Bush screamed at aides who suggested he meet again with Cindy Sheehan, the war-protesting mother whose son died in Iraq. “She can go to hell as far as I’m concerned!” Bush flashes the bird, something aides say he does often and has been doing since his days as governor of Texas. Bush, administration aides confide, frequently explodes into tirades over those who protest the war, calling them “motherfucking traitors.” He reportedly was so upset over Veterans of Foreign Wars members who wore “bullshit protectors” over their ears during his speech to their annual convention that he told aides to “tell those VFW assholes that I’ll never speak to them again is they can’t keep their members under control.” White House insiders say Bush is growing increasingly bitter over mounting opposition to his war in Iraq. Polls show a vast majority of Americans now believe the war was a mistake and most doubt the President’s honesty. “Who gives a flying fuck what the polls say,” he screamed at a recent strategy meeting. “I’m the President and I’ll do whatever I goddamned please. They don’t know shit.” Bush, while setting up for a photo op for signing the recent CAFTA bill, flipped an extended middle finger to reporters. Aides say the President often “flips the bird” to show his displeasure and tells aides who disagree with him to “go to hell” or to “go fuck yourself.” His habit of giving people the finger goes back to his days as Texas governor, aides admit, and videos of him doing so before press conferences were widely circulated among TV stations during those days. A recent video showing him shooting the finger to reporters while walking also recently surfaced. Bush’s behavior, according to prominent Washington psychiatrist, Dr. Justin Frank, author of “Bush on the Couch: Inside the Mind of the President,” is all too typical of an alcohol-abusing bully who is ruled by fear. Dangerous Spacecraft ReentriesDid you know that the U.S. State Department once received a $400 fine for littering from the authorities in the town of Esperance, Australia? What exactly was the litter that prompted the fine? Skylab.Space.com has a cool article on dangerous spacecraft reentries. Dangerous Spacecraft ReentriesDid you know that the U.S. State Department once received a $400 fine for littering from the authorities in the town of Esperance, Australia? What exactly was the litter that prompted the fine? Skylab.Space.com has a cool article on dangerous spacecraft reentries. The World's First Photo?
One summer day in France in 1826, Joseph Niepce took the world's first photograph. It's a photo of some farm buildings and the sky. It took an exposure time of 8 hours. Voila! It had to feel pretty incredible, like magic.
(via Make:Blog)No one's exactly sure how he did this or what chemicals were used. All that's known for sure is that the photo is on an 8"x 6.5" pewter plate. It's so faint it has to be tilted in order for the light to catch it just right, to see it. The Getty Museum in California did two weeks of tests in 2003 in a joint project involving the Rochester Institute of Technology and France's Centre de Recherches sur la Conservation des Documents Graphiques (try saying that three times fast). Then it went back on display at the University of Texas in a new air tight case, where it's been on display since 1964. The World's First Photo?
One summer day in France in 1826, Joseph Niepce took the world's first photograph. It's a photo of some farm buildings and the sky. It took an exposure time of 8 hours. Voila! It had to feel pretty incredible, like magic.
(via Make:Blog)No one's exactly sure how he did this or what chemicals were used. All that's known for sure is that the photo is on an 8"x 6.5" pewter plate. It's so faint it has to be tilted in order for the light to catch it just right, to see it. The Getty Museum in California did two weeks of tests in 2003 in a joint project involving the Rochester Institute of Technology and France's Centre de Recherches sur la Conservation des Documents Graphiques (try saying that three times fast). Then it went back on display at the University of Texas in a new air tight case, where it's been on display since 1964. How To Make an Erupting Volcano Cake The most delicious 4th grade science project ever. (via Make:Blog) How To Make an Erupting Volcano CakeThe most delicious 4th grade science project ever. (via Make:Blog) Tom Cruise Recalls His Past LivesThis reads more like parody than a news report and it is from The Daily Record but since it deals with the completely insane Tom Cruise I don't completely doubt this:
Cruise, a devoted follower of the bizarre Church of Scientology, said: "I was much happier in previous existences when I wrote plays, composed music, conquered nations, discovered continents and developed cures for diseases"I only took my present form because Bingodulla, whom all Scientologists worship as the Supreme Thetan, selected me to spread the gospel of Scientology to the glib, uninformed masses.
(via Linkfilter)"I really would have preferred being a brain surgeon or a research scientist in this life." Tom Cruise Recalls His Past LivesThis reads more like parody than a news report and it is from The Daily Record but since it deals with the completely insane Tom Cruise I don't completely doubt this:
Cruise, a devoted follower of the bizarre Church of Scientology, said: "I was much happier in previous existences when I wrote plays, composed music, conquered nations, discovered continents and developed cures for diseases"I only took my present form because Bingodulla, whom all Scientologists worship as the Supreme Thetan, selected me to spread the gospel of Scientology to the glib, uninformed masses.
(via Linkfilter)"I really would have preferred being a brain surgeon or a research scientist in this life." CapoteTrailer for Capote (embedded .mov) with Philip Seymour Hoffman playing the author. Looks good and I'm glad to see Hoffman in a lead role for a movie. (via Robot Wisdom)CapoteTrailer for Capote (embedded .mov) with Philip Seymour Hoffman playing the author. Looks good and I'm glad to see Hoffman in a lead role for a movie. (via Robot Wisdom)Earth Departure Movie An awe inspiring movie from the MESSENGER spacecraft.
The Mercury-bound MESSENGER spacecraft captured several stunning images of Earth during a gravity assist swingby of its home planet on Aug. 2, 2005. Several hundred images, taken with the wide-angle camera in MESSENGER’s Mercury Dual Imaging System (MDIS), were sequenced into a movie documenting the view from MESSENGER as it departed Earth.
Earth Departure MovieAn awe inspiring movie from the MESSENGER spacecraft.
The Mercury-bound MESSENGER spacecraft captured several stunning images of Earth during a gravity assist swingby of its home planet on Aug. 2, 2005. Several hundred images, taken with the wide-angle camera in MESSENGER’s Mercury Dual Imaging System (MDIS), were sequenced into a movie documenting the view from MESSENGER as it departed Earth.
Flying Spaghetti Monster Goes Mainstream FSM made the NY Times. If you don't know what FSM is, welcome to the internet :) (via Waxy) Flying Spaghetti Monster Goes MainstreamFSM made the NY Times. If you don't know what FSM is, welcome to the internet :) (via Waxy) The Correct Way to Handle Fox NewsI wish more people would handle a stupid question from a tv reporter the way this guy did. Bonus points because it is Fox News. Super duper bonus points because it happened to Shep Smith.
Shepard Smith identified himself as from Fox news and said they were live on air, then asked a New Orleans man what he was still doing in the city. The man replied "None of your f--king business"
The best part is listening Shep Smith get angry about it afterwards.
Shepard: " I'm watching two dogs drink out of a glass of ice water, and it's none of my business why they are still here."
NOYFB should always be the answer when you talk to Fox News.The Correct Way to Handle Fox NewsI wish more people would handle a stupid question from a tv reporter the way this guy did. Bonus points because it is Fox News. Super duper bonus points because it happened to Shep Smith.
Shepard Smith identified himself as from Fox news and said they were live on air, then asked a New Orleans man what he was still doing in the city. The man replied "None of your f--king business"
The best part is listening Shep Smith get angry about it afterwards.
Shepard: " I'm watching two dogs drink out of a glass of ice water, and it's none of my business why they are still here."
NOYFB should always be the answer when you talk to Fox News.Monday, August 29, 2005Angry CNN Weatherman You wait your entire career for a storm like this and then the damn anchor won't let you talk. BTW, I watched way too much cable news about the storm. Does it make me a bad person when I kept wishing for any of the reporters who were out in the middle of the storm while telling people NOT to be out in the middle of the storm to have a roof fall on top of them? Angry CNN WeathermanYou wait your entire career for a storm like this and then the damn anchor won't let you talk. BTW, I watched way too much cable news about the storm. Does it make me a bad person when I kept wishing for any of the reporters who were out in the middle of the storm while telling people NOT to be out in the middle of the storm to have a roof fall on top of them? The Sandwich ProjectWant a recipe for a sandwich? Try The Sandwich Project.
Hot Sex on Toast
(via del.icio.us/AbbyLikes)What’s in it? Toast the bread, butter quickly while still hot with vitalite and add a seperated 4 finger Kit-Kat (and optional 5th finger for purists). Add top slice and allow chocolate to melt slightly. Enjoy hot sex on toast. What should we know? This will keep you going till lunch Bread Type? White Warburtons Toastie (toasted) The Sandwich ProjectWant a recipe for a sandwich? Try The Sandwich Project.
Hot Sex on Toast
(via del.icio.us/AbbyLikes)What’s in it? Toast the bread, butter quickly while still hot with vitalite and add a seperated 4 finger Kit-Kat (and optional 5th finger for purists). Add top slice and allow chocolate to melt slightly. Enjoy hot sex on toast. What should we know? This will keep you going till lunch Bread Type? White Warburtons Toastie (toasted) Hitchcock QuotesAhhhh Hitchcock.
When an actress asked Hitchcock if her right or left profile was better, he told her, "My dear, you're sitting on your best profile."
(via The Guabancex Blog)To a woman who complained that the shower scene so frightened her daughter that the girl would no longer shower: "Then Madam I suggest you have her dry cleaned." "The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder" Hitchcock QuotesAhhhh Hitchcock.
When an actress asked Hitchcock if her right or left profile was better, he told her, "My dear, you're sitting on your best profile."
(via The Guabancex Blog)To a woman who complained that the shower scene so frightened her daughter that the girl would no longer shower: "Then Madam I suggest you have her dry cleaned." "The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder" How To Make A Gyro Cooker
I enjoy good gyro meat in sandwiches or in a greek salad. There's a good place near the office (with a surly owner) that makes pretty good stuff. For those that don't know, gyro meat is cooked on a vertical skewer and cooked with radiated heat. As the meat browns, the outer meat is sliced off and served.
(via del.icio.us/tjic)One day, my co-worker Yoshi mentioned that Alton Brown of Good Eats had discussed making gyros. I love Alton Brown and if he said it could be done, then I could do it. Yoshi mentioned that his plan kinda sucked because it wasn't cooked by the traditional method of a rotisserie. At that point I decided to build my own gyro cooker. How To Make A Gyro Cooker
I enjoy good gyro meat in sandwiches or in a greek salad. There's a good place near the office (with a surly owner) that makes pretty good stuff. For those that don't know, gyro meat is cooked on a vertical skewer and cooked with radiated heat. As the meat browns, the outer meat is sliced off and served.
(via del.icio.us/tjic)One day, my co-worker Yoshi mentioned that Alton Brown of Good Eats had discussed making gyros. I love Alton Brown and if he said it could be done, then I could do it. Yoshi mentioned that his plan kinda sucked because it wasn't cooked by the traditional method of a rotisserie. At that point I decided to build my own gyro cooker. A Hurricane Hunter's Photo Album
Have you ever wondered what it's like to fly inside a hurricane or typhoon? Well, I've been there and done that! Way back in the early 1980's, I was a navigator in the U.S. Air Force, flying WC-130 weather reconnaissance aircraft. My first assignment was as a "Typhoon Chaser", based on the tropical island of Guam. Then I became a "Hurricane Hunter", and lived in Biloxi, MS. On some missions, I brought along a camera - you can see the results in the following pages.
A Hurricane Hunter's Photo Album
Have you ever wondered what it's like to fly inside a hurricane or typhoon? Well, I've been there and done that! Way back in the early 1980's, I was a navigator in the U.S. Air Force, flying WC-130 weather reconnaissance aircraft. My first assignment was as a "Typhoon Chaser", based on the tropical island of Guam. Then I became a "Hurricane Hunter", and lived in Biloxi, MS. On some missions, I brought along a camera - you can see the results in the following pages.
Sunday, August 28, 2005Hurryicane Katrina News and UpdatesWikipedia's coverage has been superb so far.(via Backwards City) Hurryicane Katrina News and UpdatesWikipedia's coverage has been superb so far.(via Backwards City) Haunting Images
This online exhibit features part of our collection of approximately two hundred dissection images. Most of these intriguing photographs feature a group of students gathered around the cadaver, either actively dissecting or just posing, often wearing their best suits.
(via del.icio.us/ercu)Haunting Images
This online exhibit features part of our collection of approximately two hundred dissection images. Most of these intriguing photographs feature a group of students gathered around the cadaver, either actively dissecting or just posing, often wearing their best suits.
(via del.icio.us/ercu)The Ted Kierscey Photo Collection A wonderful gallery of old railroad photos from Colorado. (via del.icio.us/Gnomarta) The Ted Kierscey Photo CollectionA wonderful gallery of old railroad photos from Colorado. (via del.icio.us/Gnomarta) Installation Cool demo video. (Opens to embedded QT)
Installation is a system created by Simon Greenwold at the Aesthetics and Computation Group at the MIT Media Lab, consisting of a viewing window and a stylus with which users can create virtual forms and install them permanently into a real space.
(via del.icio.us/WCityMike)
InstallationCool demo video. (Opens to embedded QT)
Installation is a system created by Simon Greenwold at the Aesthetics and Computation Group at the MIT Media Lab, consisting of a viewing window and a stylus with which users can create virtual forms and install them permanently into a real space.
(via del.icio.us/WCityMike)
H.R. Giger Gallery
If you don't know, he is the artist best known for his design work on the Alien films. (NSFW) H.R. Giger Gallery
If you don't know, he is the artist best known for his design work on the Alien films. (NSFW) Hurricane KatrinaSheesh, my thoughts are with anybody in the path of Hurricane Katrina. Check out the weather advisory for New Orleans.
WWUS74 KLIX 282139
Has anyone ever seen an advisory like that before?NPWLIX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW ORLEANS LA 413 PM CDT SUN AUG 28 2005 ...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS HURRICANE KATRINA CONTINUES TO APPROACH THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER DELTA... ...DEVASTATING DAMAGE EXPECTED... MOST OF THE AREA WILL BE UNINHABITABLE FOR WEEKS...PERHAPS LONGER. AT LEAST ONE HALF OF WELL CONSTRUCTED HOMES WILL HAVE ROOF AND WALL FAILURE. ALL GABLED ROOFS WILL FAIL...LEAVING THOSE HOMES SEVERELY DAMAGED OR DESTROYED. THE MAJORITY OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WILL BECOME NON FUNCTIONAL. PARTIAL TO COMPLETE WALL AND ROOF FAILURE IS EXPECTED. ALL WOOD FRAMED LOW RISING APARTMENT BUILDINGS WILL BE DESTROYED. CONCRETE BLOCK LOW RISE APARTMENTS WILL SUSTAIN MAJOR DAMAGE...INCLUDING SOME WALL AND ROOF FAILURE. HIGH RISE OFFICE AND APARTMENT BUILDINGS WILL SWAY DANGEROUSLY...A FEW TO THE POINT OF TOTAL COLLAPSE. ALL WINDOWS WILL BLOW OUT. AIRBORNE DEBRIS WILL BE WIDESPREAD...AND MAY INCLUDE HEAVY ITEMS SUCH AS HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND EVEN LIGHT VEHICLES. SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS WILL BE MOVED. THE BLOWN DEBRIS WILL CREATE ADDITIONAL DESTRUCTION. PERSONS...PETS...AND LIVESTOCK EXPOSED TO THE WINDS WILL FACE CERTAIN DEATH IF STRUCK. POWER OUTAGES WILL LAST FOR WEEKS...AS MOST POWER POLES WILL BE DOWN AND TRANSFORMERS DESTROYED. WATER SHORTAGES WILL MAKE HUMAN SUFFERING INCREDIBLE BY MODERN STANDARDS. THE VAST MAJORITY OF NATIVE TREES WILL BE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. ONLY THE HEARTIEST WILL REMAIN STANDING...BUT BE TOTALLY DEFOLIATED. FEW CROPS WILL REMAIN. LIVESTOCK LEFT EXPOSED TO THE WINDS WILL BE KILLED. Hurricane KatrinaSheesh, my thoughts are with anybody in the path of Hurricane Katrina. Check out the weather advisory for New Orleans.
WWUS74 KLIX 282139
Has anyone ever seen an advisory like that before?NPWLIX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW ORLEANS LA 413 PM CDT SUN AUG 28 2005 ...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS HURRICANE KATRINA CONTINUES TO APPROACH THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER DELTA... ...DEVASTATING DAMAGE EXPECTED... MOST OF THE AREA WILL BE UNINHABITABLE FOR WEEKS...PERHAPS LONGER. AT LEAST ONE HALF OF WELL CONSTRUCTED HOMES WILL HAVE ROOF AND WALL FAILURE. ALL GABLED ROOFS WILL FAIL...LEAVING THOSE HOMES SEVERELY DAMAGED OR DESTROYED. THE MAJORITY OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WILL BECOME NON FUNCTIONAL. PARTIAL TO COMPLETE WALL AND ROOF FAILURE IS EXPECTED. ALL WOOD FRAMED LOW RISING APARTMENT BUILDINGS WILL BE DESTROYED. CONCRETE BLOCK LOW RISE APARTMENTS WILL SUSTAIN MAJOR DAMAGE...INCLUDING SOME WALL AND ROOF FAILURE. HIGH RISE OFFICE AND APARTMENT BUILDINGS WILL SWAY DANGEROUSLY...A FEW TO THE POINT OF TOTAL COLLAPSE. ALL WINDOWS WILL BLOW OUT. AIRBORNE DEBRIS WILL BE WIDESPREAD...AND MAY INCLUDE HEAVY ITEMS SUCH AS HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND EVEN LIGHT VEHICLES. SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS WILL BE MOVED. THE BLOWN DEBRIS WILL CREATE ADDITIONAL DESTRUCTION. PERSONS...PETS...AND LIVESTOCK EXPOSED TO THE WINDS WILL FACE CERTAIN DEATH IF STRUCK. POWER OUTAGES WILL LAST FOR WEEKS...AS MOST POWER POLES WILL BE DOWN AND TRANSFORMERS DESTROYED. WATER SHORTAGES WILL MAKE HUMAN SUFFERING INCREDIBLE BY MODERN STANDARDS. THE VAST MAJORITY OF NATIVE TREES WILL BE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. ONLY THE HEARTIEST WILL REMAIN STANDING...BUT BE TOTALLY DEFOLIATED. FEW CROPS WILL REMAIN. LIVESTOCK LEFT EXPOSED TO THE WINDS WILL BE KILLED. Tiki Bar Reviews
A list of Tiki Bars from around the US. Some of them have reviews such as the Mai Kai (told you it was my favorite place)
You see, after visiting Mai Kai, all of the other Polynesian Restaurants you might venture to will pale in comparison. It is for this reason that I strongly recommend a visit to Ft. Lauderdale... after you make one last trip to the Kahiki, after you make the trek up to Montreal to visit Jardin Tiki, and after you experience some of the remaining Trader Vicâs locations. Otherwise, you just won't be impressed by all of these other great locations. The Mai Kai is that cool.
Tiki Bar Reviews
A list of Tiki Bars from around the US. Some of them have reviews such as the Mai Kai (told you it was my favorite place)
You see, after visiting Mai Kai, all of the other Polynesian Restaurants you might venture to will pale in comparison. It is for this reason that I strongly recommend a visit to Ft. Lauderdale... after you make one last trip to the Kahiki, after you make the trek up to Montreal to visit Jardin Tiki, and after you experience some of the remaining Trader Vicâs locations. Otherwise, you just won't be impressed by all of these other great locations. The Mai Kai is that cool.
Tiki Bars I'm a sucker for Tiki Bars. This site has a gallery and short history of some Tiki Bars from around the country including my favorite, Mai Kai in Ft. Lauderdale. (via Linkfilter) Tiki BarsI'm a sucker for Tiki Bars. This site has a gallery and short history of some Tiki Bars from around the country including my favorite, Mai Kai in Ft. Lauderdale. (via Linkfilter) CVS Camcorder Rocket ProjectThe videos are short but neat.
When the CVS Camcorder first came to our attention, we quickly realized the potential for this very inexpensive and light weight device. Our first thought was to launch it on a model airplane, but many people had already done that.
(via Linkfilter)When we realized no one had yet launched one in a rocket, we set out to be the first. The rocket of choice was the Estes X Prize Canadian Arrow. It has a very large nose cone to house the camera and takes D size engines standard. CVS Camcorder Rocket ProjectThe videos are short but neat.
When the CVS Camcorder first came to our attention, we quickly realized the potential for this very inexpensive and light weight device. Our first thought was to launch it on a model airplane, but many people had already done that.
(via Linkfilter)When we realized no one had yet launched one in a rocket, we set out to be the first. The rocket of choice was the Estes X Prize Canadian Arrow. It has a very large nose cone to house the camera and takes D size engines standard. Friday, August 26, 2005Friday Cat Blogging Will somebody please stop this fool from taking my picture every Friday? I'm a bit busy at the moment so I'll let Cynikitty finish off this week with some cat links: Cats in Sinks. Pictures of cats in..... guess. Warning to diabetics, have insulin at the ready for this link. (Thanks Cobra427) Kitten Cannon. Launch the kitty and see how far he will travel. My best was 561 feet before the cat was impaled on some anti-sitting spikes. The Calvin Pelorian Cat Project. This is a clear cut case of animal abuse.  C-ya next week, same channel.. Friday Cat BloggingWill somebody please stop this fool from taking my picture every Friday? I'm a bit busy at the moment so I'll let Cynikitty finish off this week with some cat links: Cats in Sinks. Pictures of cats in..... guess. Warning to diabetics, have insulin at the ready for this link. (Thanks Cobra427) Kitten Cannon. Launch the kitty and see how far he will travel. My best was 561 feet before the cat was impaled on some anti-sitting spikes. The Calvin Pelorian Cat Project. This is a clear cut case of animal abuse. C-ya next week, same channel.. Wikipedia's List of SuicidesWikipedia is a savior to link bloggers who are going through a link slump.
This is a list of famous people who are known to have committed suicide. Year of their deaths are given in parenthesis.
Wikipedia's List of SuicidesWikipedia is a savior to link bloggers who are going through a link slump.
This is a list of famous people who are known to have committed suicide. Year of their deaths are given in parenthesis.
John Stewart Interviews Christopher HitchinsJohn Stewart triumphs again. Forget Christopher Walken, I know who my write in candidate is for 2008.John Stewart Interviews Christopher HitchinsJohn Stewart triumphs again. Forget Christopher Walken, I know who my write in candidate is for 2008.Anti-sit Devices A gallery of spikes and other nasty impediments aimed at stopping people from sitting on ledges, hydrants, etc. (via Presurfer) Anti-sit DevicesA gallery of spikes and other nasty impediments aimed at stopping people from sitting on ledges, hydrants, etc. (via Presurfer) Thursday, August 25, 2005Lovers Exchange Ring FingersA disturbing interview with a couple who decided to amputate and exchange their ring fingers. Some explicit photos of the lopped off digits in the article so don't click if you are squeamish. Oh, and the way they actually cut off their fingers isn't really the most "tasteful" way to sever an appendage. If you excuse me, I am going to go throw up in my mouth.
BME:
Update:Why not just give her a promise ring or something? GILLIAN: I’m not dating a ring, and I don’t want a ring. I’m dating flesh, and I want flesh to make a commitment to me. What good is a ring to me? It doesn’t really mean anything. I’ve been engaged before — and look where that took me: Nowhere. I wanted this time to be different. Plus, he’s been previously married, and I wanted to make sure that it wasn’t a repeat of that relationship. I told him if he was serious about this, he had to prove it — and that I was willing to do the same. In the comments, Dan alerts us to the date that this article originated on. April 1, 2005 so I am going to assume it is a April Fool's joke from last year. A very good one at that. I wasn't able to eat my chicken fingers for lunch because of this damn article. Lovers Exchange Ring FingersA disturbing interview with a couple who decided to amputate and exchange their ring fingers. Some explicit photos of the lopped off digits in the article so don't click if you are squeamish. Oh, and the way they actually cut off their fingers isn't really the most "tasteful" way to sever an appendage. If you excuse me, I am going to go throw up in my mouth.
BME:
Update:Why not just give her a promise ring or something? GILLIAN: I’m not dating a ring, and I don’t want a ring. I’m dating flesh, and I want flesh to make a commitment to me. What good is a ring to me? It doesn’t really mean anything. I’ve been engaged before — and look where that took me: Nowhere. I wanted this time to be different. Plus, he’s been previously married, and I wanted to make sure that it wasn’t a repeat of that relationship. I told him if he was serious about this, he had to prove it — and that I was willing to do the same. In the comments, Dan alerts us to the date that this article originated on. April 1, 2005 so I am going to assume it is a April Fool's joke from last year. A very good one at that. I wasn't able to eat my chicken fingers for lunch because of this damn article. The Astronomical Clock
The astronomical clock in Prague has kept time for over six centuries and continues to keep accurate time to the present day. It draws many tourists to the city and is a lasting tribute to the craftsmen of the day.
(via Bifurcated Rivets)The movements of the clock are provided by large wheels mounted on the same axle. The first gear contains three hundred and sixty-five teeth and drives the zodiac. The second gear contains three hundred and sixty-six teeth and rotates the sun indicator. The third gear drives the moon pointer and contains three hundred and seventy-nine teeth. The clock also contains a half silvered and half black ball that rotates and displays the phase of the moon. Thousands of tourists and visitors crowd into the Old Town Square in Prague to watch the Astronomical Clock strike the hour. The Astronomical Clock
The astronomical clock in Prague has kept time for over six centuries and continues to keep accurate time to the present day. It draws many tourists to the city and is a lasting tribute to the craftsmen of the day.
(via Bifurcated Rivets)The movements of the clock are provided by large wheels mounted on the same axle. The first gear contains three hundred and sixty-five teeth and drives the zodiac. The second gear contains three hundred and sixty-six teeth and rotates the sun indicator. The third gear drives the moon pointer and contains three hundred and seventy-nine teeth. The clock also contains a half silvered and half black ball that rotates and displays the phase of the moon. Thousands of tourists and visitors crowd into the Old Town Square in Prague to watch the Astronomical Clock strike the hour. Hacking Google TalkFor those who wish to tweak their GTalk already. (I didn't even get a chance for much of a test run yesterday. Perhaps later today)Hacking Google TalkFor those who wish to tweak their GTalk already. (I didn't even get a chance for much of a test run yesterday. Perhaps later today)Wednesday, August 24, 2005Project HabbakukCool. An ice ship.
Project Habbakuk was a plan by the British in World War II to construct an "unsinkable" aircraft carrier out of ice, for use against German U-boats in the mid- Atlantic, which was out of range of land-based planes.
Project HabbakukCool. An ice ship.
Project Habbakuk was a plan by the British in World War II to construct an "unsinkable" aircraft carrier out of ice, for use against German U-boats in the mid- Atlantic, which was out of range of land-based planes.
The Christian Guide To Small ArmsWhy turn the other cheek when you can smite your enemies with a burst from your Uzi?
The Christian's Guide to Small Arms was developed in response to the fact that most American Christians have fallen into ignorance concerning the responsibilities and skills required of the Christian freeman.
CGSA is not intended to be THE definitive source on this subject, but rather a primer for the Christian who is beginning to reject the false theology that requires him to be a pacifistic patsy in the face of heathen hordes. The Christian Guide To Small ArmsWhy turn the other cheek when you can smite your enemies with a burst from your Uzi?
The Christian's Guide to Small Arms was developed in response to the fact that most American Christians have fallen into ignorance concerning the responsibilities and skills required of the Christian freeman.
CGSA is not intended to be THE definitive source on this subject, but rather a primer for the Christian who is beginning to reject the false theology that requires him to be a pacifistic patsy in the face of heathen hordes. P-Mate Slightly NSFW.
The unique and original P-Mate enables woman to pee neatly while standing upright.
(via Strange New Products)Once you have used it, you can't do without it. The P-Mate gives you more freedom, safety and hygiene. It was developed using the feedback from thousands of women who have tested the P-Mate internationally. The P-Mate eliminates the need to hover over a dirty toilet seat and is the perfect solution to combat those 'less than desirable' public restroom situations and traveling emergencies. P-MateSlightly NSFW.
The unique and original P-Mate enables woman to pee neatly while standing upright.
(via Strange New Products)Once you have used it, you can't do without it. The P-Mate gives you more freedom, safety and hygiene. It was developed using the feedback from thousands of women who have tested the P-Mate internationally. The P-Mate eliminates the need to hover over a dirty toilet seat and is the perfect solution to combat those 'less than desirable' public restroom situations and traveling emergencies. Cynical-C 101Sandwiched in between emails from Paypal telling me that my non-existent account has been suspended and an email from an over exuberant christian telling me that I was going to hell for posting links about atheism, I found this:
I'm a Professor of English in a Korean University. In this country english is a national obsession, and they start learning it in preschool. By the time I get them, at the undergrad and grad school levels, they're so sick and tired of traditional textbooks that it's practically impossible to keep their attention and interest in reading assignments.
Is it considered jumping the shark when your blog becomes somebody's homework assignment? Two thoughts crossed my mind when I read this letter:However, last year I found your excellent weblog, and in the fall and spring sememesters I began including several of your articles and links in a few of my class plans. I can't even begin to describe the many uses I've found for all your stuff. It has livened up the material of study, but even more important, it has allowed me to show a different face of America than the one commercialized by the mainstream media and entertainment industries. This coming fall sememster Cynical-C is required research for several of my classes, and daily reading for my Journalism grad students. I'm not sure where this will lead them, since I'm setting up a semester-long assignment that basically says: read here, and think. Then write up your conclusions and analysis. Anyways, just thought you'd like to know some of the far reaching effects your work has. Keep up the good work. 1. I really should start proofreeding my etnries. 2. What will the analysis be like for the menstruating Barbie dolls I posted about last week? I emailed the professor of the course and asked if I could publish this letter and if he could send me an update as to how things went using this blog as an assignment for his class. He has promised to keep us posted. Cynical-C has now spread to inside the classroom. My master plan is starting to come together. Bwahahaha. Cynical-C 101Sandwiched in between emails from Paypal telling me that my non-existent account has been suspended and an email from an over exuberant christian telling me that I was going to hell for posting links about atheism, I found this:
I'm a Professor of English in a Korean University. In this country english is a national obsession, and they start learning it in preschool. By the time I get them, at the undergrad and grad school levels, they're so sick and tired of traditional textbooks that it's practically impossible to keep their attention and interest in reading assignments.
Is it considered jumping the shark when your blog becomes somebody's homework assignment? Two thoughts crossed my mind when I read this letter:However, last year I found your excellent weblog, and in the fall and spring sememesters I began including several of your articles and links in a few of my class plans. I can't even begin to describe the many uses I've found for all your stuff. It has livened up the material of study, but even more important, it has allowed me to show a different face of America than the one commercialized by the mainstream media and entertainment industries. This coming fall sememster Cynical-C is required research for several of my classes, and daily reading for my Journalism grad students. I'm not sure where this will lead them, since I'm setting up a semester-long assignment that basically says: read here, and think. Then write up your conclusions and analysis. Anyways, just thought you'd like to know some of the far reaching effects your work has. Keep up the good work. 1. I really should start proofreeding my etnries. 2. What will the analysis be like for the menstruating Barbie dolls I posted about last week? I emailed the professor of the course and asked if I could publish this letter and if he could send me an update as to how things went using this blog as an assignment for his class. He has promised to keep us posted. Cynical-C has now spread to inside the classroom. My master plan is starting to come together. Bwahahaha. 5 MenWhat happens when five voice over guys share a limo to an awards show? This is pretty funny. (Links to .mov)(via Bifurcated Rivets) 5 MenWhat happens when five voice over guys share a limo to an awards show? This is pretty funny. (Links to .mov)(via Bifurcated Rivets) Woman Files Complaint After Doctor Tells Her She's ObeseGood for her! I'm suing my doctor for groping me when he did that hernia test. I felt so violated.
ROCHESTER, N.H. -- The New Hampshire attorney general is investigating a Rochester doctor because a patient complained that he bluntly told her she needed to lose weight.
Dr. Terry Bennett said that he's outraged by what he calls a baseless complaint. A patient was apparently insulted when Bennett told her that she was obese and could only get healthier by losing weight. Woman Files Complaint After Doctor Tells Her She's ObeseGood for her! I'm suing my doctor for groping me when he did that hernia test. I felt so violated.
ROCHESTER, N.H. -- The New Hampshire attorney general is investigating a Rochester doctor because a patient complained that he bluntly told her she needed to lose weight.
Dr. Terry Bennett said that he's outraged by what he calls a baseless complaint. A patient was apparently insulted when Bennett told her that she was obese and could only get healthier by losing weight. Google Talk The latest and greatest from Google. Google Talk. I just downloaded it and am giving it a test run. Has anybody else given it a try yet? Update: Here is a quick review of Google Talk here. Google TalkThe latest and greatest from Google. Google Talk. I just downloaded it and am giving it a test run. Has anybody else given it a try yet? Update: Here is a quick review of Google Talk here. Tuesday, August 23, 2005Wikipedia Entry on RedshirtsWhat? I never picked up on this. Is this common knowledge or is it just another example of my lack of observational powers?
A redshirt is a stock character in science fiction whose sole purpose is to die violently soon after being introduced. Redshirts are a plot device used to indicate the dangerous circumstances faced by the main characters at the start of a narrative.
(via del.icio.us/sonya)Wikipedia Entry on RedshirtsWhat? I never picked up on this. Is this common knowledge or is it just another example of my lack of observational powers?
A redshirt is a stock character in science fiction whose sole purpose is to die violently soon after being introduced. Redshirts are a plot device used to indicate the dangerous circumstances faced by the main characters at the start of a narrative.
(via del.icio.us/sonya)Positive Atheism's Big List of QuotationsQuotes for the enlightened.
I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires.
(via del.icio.us/jimm)-- Susan B. Anthony in 1896, addressing the National American Woman Suffrage Association meeting Creationists make it sound as though a "theory" is something you dreamt up after being drunk all night. --Isaac Asimov The gods offer no rewards for intellect. There was never one yet that showed any interest in it. -- Mark Twain, Notebook Positive Atheism's Big List of QuotationsQuotes for the enlightened.
I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires.
(via del.icio.us/jimm)-- Susan B. Anthony in 1896, addressing the National American Woman Suffrage Association meeting Creationists make it sound as though a "theory" is something you dreamt up after being drunk all night. --Isaac Asimov The gods offer no rewards for intellect. There was never one yet that showed any interest in it. -- Mark Twain, Notebook Secret Waiter MessagesPay close attention to what is written on a pen that a waiter gives you to sign for a check. It may have a hidden meaning.Secret Waiter MessagesPay close attention to what is written on a pen that a waiter gives you to sign for a check. It may have a hidden meaning.Old Man's War If you want to know why I haven't gotten a chance to post anything today, blame John Scalzi. I am totally engrossed in his book, Old Man's War. Luckily, it is only about 300 pages so I am just about done with it. Ok, enough blogging, gotta go finish. Old Man's WarIf you want to know why I haven't gotten a chance to post anything today, blame John Scalzi. I am totally engrossed in his book, Old Man's War. Luckily, it is only about 300 pages so I am just about done with it. Ok, enough blogging, gotta go finish. Monday, August 22, 2005How To Poach An Egg
So I thought to myself, "surely there's a website that'll give me advice on the perfect poached egg?"
(via Linkfilter)And to google I go, and of course there is a thousand and one bloody sites. And guess what? It's a hotbed of conflicting advice. Every chef has a different method. I'm confused, I don't want choice - I want results. Hmmm. The only thing to do is to try out a few methods and see which ones the best. How To Poach An Egg
So I thought to myself, "surely there's a website that'll give me advice on the perfect poached egg?"
(via Linkfilter)And to google I go, and of course there is a thousand and one bloody sites. And guess what? It's a hotbed of conflicting advice. Every chef has a different method. I'm confused, I don't want choice - I want results. Hmmm. The only thing to do is to try out a few methods and see which ones the best. The Art of Retouching  Another website where you can roll your mouse over the photo and see what it looked like before it was retouched. The Art of RetouchingAnother website where you can roll your mouse over the photo and see what it looked like before it was retouched. Naval Art From the Atomic Bomb Test in Bikini Atoll Fascinating gallery.
In contrast to all later atmospheric nuclear tests, a large media contingent was present for the two Crossroads detonations. They were allowed to cover the test atomic bomb explosions "with sufficient thoroughness to satisfy the public as to the fairness and general results of the experiment." Quartered aboard USS Appalachian (AGC-1), 131 newspaper, magazine, and radio correspondents from the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, the Republic of China, the Soviet Union, and Britain covered the detonations, turning these experiments into major media events. In addition, the three artists presented here also recorded the project: Gunnery Sergeant Grant Powers, USMC, was the official combat artist for the operation while Lieutenant Commander Arthur Beaumont, USNR, and Captain Charles Bittinger, USNR, were observers.
(via Rashomon)Naval Art From the Atomic Bomb Test in Bikini AtollFascinating gallery.
In contrast to all later atmospheric nuclear tests, a large media contingent was present for the two Crossroads detonations. They were allowed to cover the test atomic bomb explosions "with sufficient thoroughness to satisfy the public as to the fairness and general results of the experiment." Quartered aboard USS Appalachian (AGC-1), 131 newspaper, magazine, and radio correspondents from the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, the Republic of China, the Soviet Union, and Britain covered the detonations, turning these experiments into major media events. In addition, the three artists presented here also recorded the project: Gunnery Sergeant Grant Powers, USMC, was the official combat artist for the operation while Lieutenant Commander Arthur Beaumont, USNR, and Captain Charles Bittinger, USNR, were observers.
(via Rashomon)The Piris Reis Map I hadn't heard of this before.
In 1929, a group of historians found an amazing map drawn on a gazelle skin.
Research showed that it was a genuine document drawn in 1513 by Piri Reis, a famous admiral of the Turkish fleet in the sixteenth century...
And here is another site discussing the Piris Reis Map.The Controversy The Piri Reis map shows the western coast of Africa, the eastern coast of South America, and the northern coast of Antarctica. The northern coastline of Antarctica is perfectly detailed. The most puzzling however is not so much how Piri Reis managed to draw such an accurate map of the Antarctic region 300 years before it was discovered, but that the map shows the coastline under the ice. (via del.icio.us/amitp) The Piris Reis MapI hadn't heard of this before.
In 1929, a group of historians found an amazing map drawn on a gazelle skin.
Research showed that it was a genuine document drawn in 1513 by Piri Reis, a famous admiral of the Turkish fleet in the sixteenth century...
And here is another site discussing the Piris Reis Map.The Controversy The Piri Reis map shows the western coast of Africa, the eastern coast of South America, and the northern coast of Antarctica. The northern coastline of Antarctica is perfectly detailed. The most puzzling however is not so much how Piri Reis managed to draw such an accurate map of the Antarctic region 300 years before it was discovered, but that the map shows the coastline under the ice. (via del.icio.us/amitp) Railroad Radio
Welcome to RailroadRadio.net, the most popular live railroad radio site on the internet.
By clicking on the buttons to the left you will find links to several live railroad radio feeds.
(via Metafilter)Railroad Radio
Welcome to RailroadRadio.net, the most popular live railroad radio site on the internet.
By clicking on the buttons to the left you will find links to several live railroad radio feeds.
(via Metafilter)Esquire Cover Gallery From 1933 to present. Come to think of it, I don't think I have ever even thumbed through Esquire. (via del.icio.us/rolenzo) Esquire Cover GalleryFrom 1933 to present. Come to think of it, I don't think I have ever even thumbed through Esquire. (via del.icio.us/rolenzo) Martin Luther's 95 ThesesHis penmanship must have been teeny tiny.
Here are the 95 Theses Martin Luther nailed on the church door at Wittenburg.
(via del.icio.us/hauntedpalace)Martin Luther's 95 ThesesHis penmanship must have been teeny tiny.
Here are the 95 Theses Martin Luther nailed on the church door at Wittenburg.
(via del.icio.us/hauntedpalace)Popular Songs in American HistoryA list of songs from the 17th century to the early 20th. Each song has the lyrics and a brief history.(via del.icio.us/blain) Popular Songs in American HistoryA list of songs from the 17th century to the early 20th. Each song has the lyrics and a brief history.(via del.icio.us/blain) DANGER! Flying Objects!
Once you've been in the MRI field for any length of time, you start hearing all of the various horror stories about things that have flown into a scanner. Often, newcomers don't take the real danger of flying objects seriously until they witness an oxygen tank or gurney flying into a magnet themselves. This page will contain a collection of pictures and stories of metalic projectiles.
(via Metafilter)DANGER! Flying Objects!
Once you've been in the MRI field for any length of time, you start hearing all of the various horror stories about things that have flown into a scanner. Often, newcomers don't take the real danger of flying objects seriously until they witness an oxygen tank or gurney flying into a magnet themselves. This page will contain a collection of pictures and stories of metalic projectiles.
(via Metafilter)Friday, August 19, 2005Friday Afternoon Cat Blogging Cynical-Cat has some guidelines for cats:
Chairs and Rugs:
If you have to throw up, get to a chair quickly. If you cannot manage in time, get to an Oriental rug. If there is no Oriental rug, shag is good. When throwing up on the carpet, make sure you back up so that it is as long as the human's bare foot. Bathrooms: Always accompany guests to the bathroom. It is not necessary to do anything . . . just sit and stare. Friday Afternoon Cat BloggingCynical-Cat has some guidelines for cats:
Chairs and Rugs:
If you have to throw up, get to a chair quickly. If you cannot manage in time, get to an Oriental rug. If there is no Oriental rug, shag is good. When throwing up on the carpet, make sure you back up so that it is as long as the human's bare foot. Bathrooms: Always accompany guests to the bathroom. It is not necessary to do anything . . . just sit and stare. Photographing Flying Insects With High-Speed Photography and Lasers
Be sure to scan through the pages for some of his photos of insects he has taken with this setup. Very impressive.
The design begins with construction of a laser module. It is set up to contain 8 laser pointers, plus an additional IR (infrared) laser. This allows for sufficient expansion for other uses, including general high speed photography. A detector is provided for each laser. By pulsing the lasers, it is possible to connect multiple lasers to a single detector. That permits the use of fewer detectors and wires. Each laser can be turned on and off separately. LEDs show the state of each detector. One camera output is set up to handle the metering and the shutter.
(via Borklog)Photographing Flying Insects With High-Speed Photography and Lasers
Be sure to scan through the pages for some of his photos of insects he has taken with this setup. Very impressive.
The design begins with construction of a laser module. It is set up to contain 8 laser pointers, plus an additional IR (infrared) laser. This allows for sufficient expansion for other uses, including general high speed photography. A detector is provided for each laser. By pulsing the lasers, it is possible to connect multiple lasers to a single detector. That permits the use of fewer detectors and wires. Each laser can be turned on and off separately. LEDs show the state of each detector. One camera output is set up to handle the metering and the shutter.
(via Borklog)How To Make A Menstruating Barbie The site is in German but I think the pictures are in Esperanto. Um, let's label this one NSFW. Yikes. (via del.icio.us/elgato) How To Make A Menstruating BarbieThe site is in German but I think the pictures are in Esperanto. Um, let's label this one NSFW. Yikes. (via del.icio.us/elgato) The Exciting Game of Career Girls A board game from 1966:
It's called "What Shall I Be?", and I imagine that when the Bay Shore, NY-based Selchow & Righter Company sent it to toy store shelves in 1966 that they saw it as a progressive step. "Let's get our little American girls ready for the wide-open working world!".
(via RobotWisdom)The Exciting Game of Career GirlsA board game from 1966:
It's called "What Shall I Be?", and I imagine that when the Bay Shore, NY-based Selchow & Righter Company sent it to toy store shelves in 1966 that they saw it as a progressive step. "Let's get our little American girls ready for the wide-open working world!".
(via RobotWisdom)Product of the WeekHeightMax!
HeightMax™ is our revolutionary, trademark, patent-pending nutrition supplement that is taking the nation by storm. HeightMax™ is the only all-natural, completely safe nutrition supplement that enhances your height potential to the maximum your genetic composition will allow. Take HeightMax™ twice a day to ensure that your body is receiving all the vitamins, minerals and amino acids necessary to enhance your growth, and create a taller, healthier you!
Wow, that's wonderful. Finally a way to gain a few inches. Who does it work on?
This product works for adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 25 only. We could easily say that this product is for everyone in an attempt to sell more of it, but that would be a disservice to you, and tarnish our outstanding reputation.
Be sure to check out the testimonials if you don't believe this product really works. It is amazing how many adolescents grew while taking HeightMax! I mean, what are the chances of anybody growing a few inches between the ages of 12 and 25 years of age? (Thanks Trace) Product of the WeekHeightMax!
HeightMax™ is our revolutionary, trademark, patent-pending nutrition supplement that is taking the nation by storm. HeightMax™ is the only all-natural, completely safe nutrition supplement that enhances your height potential to the maximum your genetic composition will allow. Take HeightMax™ twice a day to ensure that your body is receiving all the vitamins, minerals and amino acids necessary to enhance your growth, and create a taller, healthier you!
Wow, that's wonderful. Finally a way to gain a few inches. Who does it work on?
This product works for adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 25 only. We could easily say that this product is for everyone in an attempt to sell more of it, but that would be a disservice to you, and tarnish our outstanding reputation.
Be sure to check out the testimonials if you don't believe this product really works. It is amazing how many adolescents grew while taking HeightMax! I mean, what are the chances of anybody growing a few inches between the ages of 12 and 25 years of age? (Thanks Trace) Congratulations President Bush: You Broke the Record!!!The Daily Pick gives us the scoop:
Heartfelt congratulations to President Bush, who on Friday August 19th breaks Ronald Reagan's all-time record for most vacation days. The old record was 335 days, though Reagan took his sweet time of eight years to accomplish this feat. President Bush did it in nearly half the time.
Congratulations President Bush: You Broke the Record!!!The Daily Pick gives us the scoop:
Heartfelt congratulations to President Bush, who on Friday August 19th breaks Ronald Reagan's all-time record for most vacation days. The old record was 335 days, though Reagan took his sweet time of eight years to accomplish this feat. President Bush did it in nearly half the time.
Thursday, August 18, 2005CelebAtheistsA wiki of celebrity atheists.
Welcome to The Celebrity Atheist List, an offbeat collection of
notable individuals who have been public about their lack of belief in deities.
(via del.icio.us/marom.net)CelebAtheistsA wiki of celebrity atheists.
Welcome to The Celebrity Atheist List, an offbeat collection of
notable individuals who have been public about their lack of belief in deities.
(via del.icio.us/marom.net)How To Fake Fingerprints I'm trusting that you won't use this for evil purposes, right? (via del.icio.us/beowulf) How To Fake FingerprintsI'm trusting that you won't use this for evil purposes, right? (via del.icio.us/beowulf) The Ghost Village of Imber
In the winter of 1943, the War Office informed the inhabitants of the small Wiltshire village of Imber that their home was being requisitioned for the war effort. With the D-Day landings just a few months away, the government needed places to train American troops for the sort of house-to-house fighting that they expected to encounter in Nazi-occupied Europe, and presumably because of its location in the middle of Salisbury Plain, Imber was an ideal candidate. The villagers were given a month to evacuate, and told they'd be allowed back when the war was over. They never were.
(via Monkeyfilter)The Ghost Village of Imber
In the winter of 1943, the War Office informed the inhabitants of the small Wiltshire village of Imber that their home was being requisitioned for the war effort. With the D-Day landings just a few months away, the government needed places to train American troops for the sort of house-to-house fighting that they expected to encounter in Nazi-occupied Europe, and presumably because of its location in the middle of Salisbury Plain, Imber was an ideal candidate. The villagers were given a month to evacuate, and told they'd be allowed back when the war was over. They never were.
(via Monkeyfilter)How To Make A Steel Drum
There are 3 phases involved in the creation of this unique instrument. First, a 55-gallon oil drum is selected for the quality of its steel. A 40-pound sledgehammer is then applied to the bottom of the barrel, stretching the metal into a concave bowl or dish shape. This is called "sinking the pan" and is the noisiest and most physically exhausting part of the process. It is very important to stretch the metal evenly without tearing it or deforming the rim. Sinking a pan can take up to 5 hours of hammering!
How To Make A Steel Drum
There are 3 phases involved in the creation of this unique instrument. First, a 55-gallon oil drum is selected for the quality of its steel. A 40-pound sledgehammer is then applied to the bottom of the barrel, stretching the metal into a concave bowl or dish shape. This is called "sinking the pan" and is the noisiest and most physically exhausting part of the process. It is very important to stretch the metal evenly without tearing it or deforming the rim. Sinking a pan can take up to 5 hours of hammering!
Grave Addiction More ghost stories here than you can shake a stick at.
This site contains photos I have taken at all of the cemeteries, haunted places, abandoned buildings, and historical parks that I have visited. I'm always exploring new places, so the site is updated with new photos and stories on a regular basis (I attempt to make an update at least once a week).
(via del.icio.us/didgebaba)Grave AddictionMore ghost stories here than you can shake a stick at.
This site contains photos I have taken at all of the cemeteries, haunted places, abandoned buildings, and historical parks that I have visited. I'm always exploring new places, so the site is updated with new photos and stories on a regular basis (I attempt to make an update at least once a week).
(via del.icio.us/didgebaba)Slavery As We've Heard It
Incredible!
In the Fall of 1932 the students at Jonesboro Elementary School, Greensboro, N.C., under the direction of Mr. Abraham H. Peeler, undertook an oral history project to document the memories of their parents, grandparents, or relatives. They captured these memories in brief compositions, which were placed in a folder "Slavery As We’Ve Heard It."
(via Backwards City)Slavery As We've Heard It
Incredible!
In the Fall of 1932 the students at Jonesboro Elementary School, Greensboro, N.C., under the direction of Mr. Abraham H. Peeler, undertook an oral history project to document the memories of their parents, grandparents, or relatives. They captured these memories in brief compositions, which were placed in a folder "Slavery As We’Ve Heard It."
(via Backwards City)How To Build Your Own Hooves It is customary for me to put anything that starts out with "How To.." in the title to put it in the How To section. This one I'm going to label as Strange.
The procedure outline below is for single-toed hooves: ie, horses, donkeys, and zebras. With some thought however, there is no reason why the same technique cannot be adapted for bifurcated hooves, so all you wouldbe unicorns, deer, goats, sheep, and cattle - don't despair:)
(via del.icio.us/grrrlmeetsworld)How To Build Your Own HoovesIt is customary for me to put anything that starts out with "How To.." in the title to put it in the How To section. This one I'm going to label as Strange.
The procedure outline below is for single-toed hooves: ie, horses, donkeys, and zebras. With some thought however, there is no reason why the same technique cannot be adapted for bifurcated hooves, so all you wouldbe unicorns, deer, goats, sheep, and cattle - don't despair:)
(via del.icio.us/grrrlmeetsworld)My Homemade Pipe Organ
The following website describes the process of how I designed and am currently building a 5 stop, 5 rank, all wood pipe organ for my house. I'm not an organist and I can barely play piano but I love music, organs and woodworking. Add to that that I'm a mechanical engineer and you have all the ingredients for a project like this.
(via Linkfilter)My Homemade Pipe Organ
The following website describes the process of how I designed and am currently building a 5 stop, 5 rank, all wood pipe organ for my house. I'm not an organist and I can barely play piano but I love music, organs and woodworking. Add to that that I'm a mechanical engineer and you have all the ingredients for a project like this.
(via Linkfilter)Group Wants to Transplant African Animals To...The Great Plains:
DENVER - Lions stalking deer in the stubble of a Nebraska corn field. Elephants trumpeting across Colorado's high plains. Cheetah slouching through the West Texas scrub.
(via MonkeyFilter)Prominent ecologists are floating an audacious plan that sounds like a Jumanji sequel — transplant African wildlife to the Great Plains of North America. Their radical proposal is being greeted with gasps and groans from other scientists and conservationists who recall previous efforts to relocate foreign species halfway around the world, often with disastrous results. The authors contend it could help save Africa's poster species from extinction, where protection is spotty and habitat is vanishing. Group Wants to Transplant African Animals To...The Great Plains:
DENVER - Lions stalking deer in the stubble of a Nebraska corn field. Elephants trumpeting across Colorado's high plains. Cheetah slouching through the West Texas scrub.
(via MonkeyFilter)Prominent ecologists are floating an audacious plan that sounds like a Jumanji sequel — transplant African wildlife to the Great Plains of North America. Their radical proposal is being greeted with gasps and groans from other scientists and conservationists who recall previous efforts to relocate foreign species halfway around the world, often with disastrous results. The authors contend it could help save Africa's poster species from extinction, where protection is spotty and habitat is vanishing. Cindy Sheehan Comments on the Right Wing Smears Against HerI personally find her captivating and inspiring. The strength that it must take to stand out there day after day while the wingnuts slander your character after losing your son in a war is beyond comprehension. Shame on anybody who doesn't believe she has a right to a legal and peaceful protest.(via Robot Wisdom) Cindy Sheehan Comments on the Right Wing Smears Against HerI personally find her captivating and inspiring. The strength that it must take to stand out there day after day while the wingnuts slander your character after losing your son in a war is beyond comprehension. Shame on anybody who doesn't believe she has a right to a legal and peaceful protest.(via Robot Wisdom) To the guy who mowed down the crosses at Camp CaseyVery poignant letter:
Mr. Northern:
I am a Veteran of the Iraq war, having served with the 4th Infantry Division on the initial invasion with Force Package One. While I was in Iraq,a very good friend of mine, Christopher Cutchall,was killed in an unarmoredHMMWV outside of Baghdad. He was a cavalry scout serving with the 3d ID.Once he had declined the award of a medal because Soldiers assigned to him did not receive similar awards that he had recommended. He left two sons and awonderful wife. On Monday night, August 16, you ran down the memorial cross erected for him by Arlington West. One of my Soldiers in Iraq was Roger Turner. We gave him a hard time because he always wore all of his protective equipment, including three pairs of glasses or goggles. He did this because he wanted to make sure that he returned home to his family. He rode a bicycle to work every day to make sure that he was able to save enough money on his Army salary to send his son to college. At Camp Anaconda, where the squadron briefly stayed, a rocket landed inside a tent, sending a piece of debris or fragment into him and killed him. On Monday night, August 16, you ran down the memorial cross erected for him by Arlington West. One of my Soldiers was Henry Bacon. He was one of the finest men I ever met. He was in perfect shape for a man over forty, working hard at night. He told me that he did that because he didn't have much money to buy nice things for his wife, who he loved so much, so he had to be in good shape for her. He was like a father to many young men in his section of maintenance mechanics. They fixed our vehicles with almost no support and fabricated parts and made repairs that kept our squadron rolling on the longest, fastest armor advance ever made under fire. He was so very proud of his son-in-law that married the beautiful daughter so well raised by Henry. His son-in-law was a helicopter pilot with the 1st Cavalry Division, who died last year. Henry stopped to rescue a vehicle belonging to another unit on what was to be his last day in Iraq. He could have kept rolling - he was headed to Kuwait after a year's tour. But he stopped. He could have sent others to do the work, but he was on the ground, leading by example, when he was killed. On Monday night, August 16, you took it upon yourself to go out in the country, where a peaceful group was exercising their constitutional rights, and harming no one, and you ran down the memorial cross erected for Henry and for his son-in-law by Arlington West. Mr. Northern - I know little about Cindy Sheehan except that she is a grieving mother, a gentle soul, and wants to bring harm to no one. I know little about you except that you found your way to Crawford on Monday night in August with chains and a pipe attached to your truck for the sole purpose of dishonoring a memorial erected for my friends and lost Soldiers and hundreds of others that served this nation when they were called. I find it disheartening that good men like these have died so that people like you can threaten a mother who lost a child with your actions. I hope that you are ashamed of yourself. Perry Jefferies, First Sergeant, USA (retired) To the guy who mowed down the crosses at Camp CaseyVery poignant letter:
Mr. Northern:
I am a Veteran of the Iraq war, having served with the 4th Infantry Division on the initial invasion with Force Package One. While I was in Iraq,a very good friend of mine, Christopher Cutchall,was killed in an unarmoredHMMWV outside of Baghdad. He was a cavalry scout serving with the 3d ID.Once he had declined the award of a medal because Soldiers assigned to him did not receive similar awards that he had recommended. He left two sons and awonderful wife. On Monday night, August 16, you ran down the memorial cross erected for him by Arlington West. One of my Soldiers in Iraq was Roger Turner. We gave him a hard time because he always wore all of his protective equipment, including three pairs of glasses or goggles. He did this because he wanted to make sure that he returned home to his family. He rode a bicycle to work every day to make sure that he was able to save enough money on his Army salary to send his son to college. At Camp Anaconda, where the squadron briefly stayed, a rocket landed inside a tent, sending a piece of debris or fragment into him and killed him. On Monday night, August 16, you ran down the memorial cross erected for him by Arlington West. One of my Soldiers was Henry Bacon. He was one of the finest men I ever met. He was in perfect shape for a man over forty, working hard at night. He told me that he did that because he didn't have much money to buy nice things for his wife, who he loved so much, so he had to be in good shape for her. He was like a father to many young men in his section of maintenance mechanics. They fixed our vehicles with almost no support and fabricated parts and made repairs that kept our squadron rolling on the longest, fastest armor advance ever made under fire. He was so very proud of his son-in-law that married the beautiful daughter so well raised by Henry. His son-in-law was a helicopter pilot with the 1st Cavalry Division, who died last year. Henry stopped to rescue a vehicle belonging to another unit on what was to be his last day in Iraq. He could have kept rolling - he was headed to Kuwait after a year's tour. But he stopped. He could have sent others to do the work, but he was on the ground, leading by example, when he was killed. On Monday night, August 16, you took it upon yourself to go out in the country, where a peaceful group was exercising their constitutional rights, and harming no one, and you ran down the memorial cross erected for Henry and for his son-in-law by Arlington West. Mr. Northern - I know little about Cindy Sheehan except that she is a grieving mother, a gentle soul, and wants to bring harm to no one. I know little about you except that you found your way to Crawford on Monday night in August with chains and a pipe attached to your truck for the sole purpose of dishonoring a memorial erected for my friends and lost Soldiers and hundreds of others that served this nation when they were called. I find it disheartening that good men like these have died so that people like you can threaten a mother who lost a child with your actions. I hope that you are ashamed of yourself. Perry Jefferies, First Sergeant, USA (retired) Wednesday, August 17, 2005The President Calling American RadioWorks has audio clips and transcripts of some of Kennedy, LBJ and Nixon's phone conversations online. Some are particularly amusing like this audio clip and transcript of LBJ ordering pants:
President Johnson: And make these a half an inch bigger in the waist. And make the pockets at least an inch longer, my money, my knife, everything falls out - wait just a minute.
(via del.icio.us/bushwald)Operator - Would you hold on a minute please? [Haggar is put on hold] LBJ: (cont'd) -Now the pockets, when you sit down, everything falls out, your money, your knife, everything. So I need at least another inch in the pockets. And another thing - the crotch, down where your nuts hang - is always a little too tight, so when you make them up, give me an inch that I can let out there, uh because they cut me, it's just like riding a wire fence. These are almost, these are the best I've had anywhere in the United States. Haggar: Fine. The President CallingAmerican RadioWorks has audio clips and transcripts of some of Kennedy, LBJ and Nixon's phone conversations online. Some are particularly amusing like this audio clip and transcript of LBJ ordering pants:
President Johnson: And make these a half an inch bigger in the waist. And make the pockets at least an inch longer, my money, my knife, everything falls out - wait just a minute.
(via del.icio.us/bushwald)Operator - Would you hold on a minute please? [Haggar is put on hold] LBJ: (cont'd) -Now the pockets, when you sit down, everything falls out, your money, your knife, everything. So I need at least another inch in the pockets. And another thing - the crotch, down where your nuts hang - is always a little too tight, so when you make them up, give me an inch that I can let out there, uh because they cut me, it's just like riding a wire fence. These are almost, these are the best I've had anywhere in the United States. Haggar: Fine. The Dukes of Hazzard Album Oh boy. Someone took the Dukes of Hazzard album from 1982 and uploaded the songs. I'm not going to say if it is bad or not but when you have an album with a song that the car sings...... (via Linkfilter) The Dukes of Hazzard AlbumOh boy. Someone took the Dukes of Hazzard album from 1982 and uploaded the songs. I'm not going to say if it is bad or not but when you have an album with a song that the car sings...... (via Linkfilter) My Rattlesnake BiteI'm going to warn you right now, don't click on the pictures page unless you don't mind some gore. Bleh.
On July 21, 2002, just after my 13th birthday, I was bitten by a Western Diamondback rattlesnake. I was located on a trail in a hiking area near Yosemite National Park, California. The bite occurred when I was sitting on a small boulder at a distance of 4.5 miles from the trailhead with my cabin group at camp. I had my arms dangling at my side, and a 5 foot long rattlesnake bit me in the middle of my left palm.
(via del.icio.us/ethanb)From this point, an amazing rescue took place, taking 4 hours to transport me the 4.5 miles to the trailhead. The camp director had previously called the hospital, and a helicopter was waiting at the trailhead. During the 30 minute helicopter ride I was going in and out of consciousness, having trouble keeping my eyes open. We arrived at the Modesto, CA hospital, where the doctor in the emergency room decided that my case was too severe to treat at that medical center. He told me this, which was the last thing I heard before going unconscious. Although I was unconscious for approximately the next 24 hours, I have heard about the following events from my parents. My Rattlesnake BiteI'm going to warn you right now, don't click on the pictures page unless you don't mind some gore. Bleh.
On July 21, 2002, just after my 13th birthday, I was bitten by a Western Diamondback rattlesnake. I was located on a trail in a hiking area near Yosemite National Park, California. The bite occurred when I was sitting on a small boulder at a distance of 4.5 miles from the trailhead with my cabin group at camp. I had my arms dangling at my side, and a 5 foot long rattlesnake bit me in the middle of my left palm.
(via del.icio.us/ethanb)From this point, an amazing rescue took place, taking 4 hours to transport me the 4.5 miles to the trailhead. The camp director had previously called the hospital, and a helicopter was waiting at the trailhead. During the 30 minute helicopter ride I was going in and out of consciousness, having trouble keeping my eyes open. We arrived at the Modesto, CA hospital, where the doctor in the emergency room decided that my case was too severe to treat at that medical center. He told me this, which was the last thing I heard before going unconscious. Although I was unconscious for approximately the next 24 hours, I have heard about the following events from my parents. What Would The U.S. Do?
Satellite picture of the disputed Hans Island Last month I posted about Hans Island, a tiny uninhabited island just off of Greenland which is claimed by both Canada and Denmark. So far the dispute has led to both countries putting up their flags on the island and on August 4, Denmark sent the HDMS Tulugag, a patrol cutter, to the vicinity (Once a Viking, always a Viking). This got me thinking of what would happen if the U.S. were to get involved. I'm guessing it would go something like this: August 17, 2005 President George W. Bush receives a daily brief titled "Hans Islanders Determined to Strike in US". He quickly puts it aside to play horseshoes with Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice. September 8, 2005 Refreshed from vacation, Pres. Bush meets with constituents, aka Halliburton, where he is told that Hans Island is crucial in experimenting with oil rigs. A plan is drawn up to take control of Hans Island if Bush can get Vice President Dick Cheney's approval. September 9, 2005 Cheney gives Bush the OK with a nod and emphatic grunt. September 11, 2005 In a speech honoring the victims of 9/11, Bush refers to the Axis of Evil still operating in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Hans Island. The main stream media, puzzled by the reference to an uninhabited arctic island, just shrugs September 17, 2005 During an interview on Meet The Press, Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, refers to the growing threat of countries who are developing nuclear weapons such as Iran and even worse yet, that "derelict island off of Greenland". Tim Russert looks confused. September 18, 2005 During a press briefing about the condition of the President after falling off a Segway while choking on a pretzel on the previous day, Scott McLellan states that the President is fine and will be able to give his full attention to the growing threat of that "derelict island off of Greenland". Helen Thomas throws up in her mouth. September 23, 2005 With still nary a mention in the press about the nuclear threat by Hans Island, the President switches gears. During a nationally televised speech about "The War on Terror", Bush goes on record saying that he believes that Al Qaeda, although weakened, has recently set up terrorist training camps in a small arctic island called Hans Island. Not only that, but Hans Island is not a democracy and might even be a dictatorship therefore it is a threat to our national security. Oh, yeah, and they have Weapons of Mass Destruction. How did I almost forget about the Weapons of Mass Destruction? September 24, 2005 Paul Krugman writes an Op-Ed piece in the NY Times about his meeting with a scientist for the USGS, Dr. Richard Emmers, who is adamant that not only does Hans Island not have a dictatorship for a government, it doesn't even have a population. September 25, 2005 Robert Novak writes an article disclosing that Dr. Richard Emmers is a CIA Operative. September 25, 2005 Instapundit links to an article in the Wall Street Journal about the threat of having Al Qaeda in the arctic to worry about and says "Indeed". Damn that guy is good. September 26, 2005 Somewhere in the cold black of night, Dick Cheney growls at the moon. September 28, 2005 Greta Van Sustern reports on her "news" show that a teenage girl, let's call her Blondie, on a school trip in Greenland is missing. CNN immediately picks up the story and questions if this is related to Hans Island. Nobody asks what kind of school goes on a trip to Greenland. September 30, 2005 President Bush sets a deadline for the peaceful surrender of Hans Island by October 5th. Hans Island remains defiantly quiet. October 1, 2005 Michelle Malkin on The O'Reilly Factor calls for the internment of all Hans Islanders currently living in the United States. October 2, 2005 Atrios links to a video of Michelle Malkin's rant on Crooks and Liars which is then picked up by a diarist for The Daily Kos who writes about the one Hans Islander living in the US named Poko, a polar bear currently incarcerated in Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro, MA. The War of Hans Island is officially blogworthy now. October 6, 2005 Sean Penn announces that he will visit Hans Island but unfortunately gets in a scuffle with the helicopter pilot during the flight which goes down into the frigid waters. There are no survivors. October 6, 2005 The deadline for the surrender of Hans Island passes with no response. Bush does a jig. October 7, 2005 Congress quickly passes a resolution giving President Bush authority for the use of military force in dealing with Hans Island. Senator John Kerry issues the statement "I am against any invasion of a peaceful arctic island." He votes in favor of the resolution. October 8, 2005 President Bush gives a televised address about the situation in Hans Island. Karl Rove chortles. October 9, 2005 In an OxyContin fueled tirade, Rush Limbaugh accuses Bush of being too soft on Hans Island. He says, "I mean ladies and gentlemen, the deadline passed 4 days ago and still no action. This is all Bill Clinton's fault of course. If he had worried more about Hans Island than interns..." The red states are now fully backing the Hans Island War. October 10, 2005 6:00am The invasion of Hans Island begins. Donald Rumsfeld announces that "Operation Whatcha Gonna Do About It?" has begun. Casualties are light and the Hans Islanders resistance is almost nill except for a pesky otter who tries to play fetch with a marine landing unit. October 10, 2005 6:25am In a stunning lightning-fast victory, the Marine landing forces have the entire island contained and have set up a perimeter around, well, around the entire island. October 10, 2005 10:00am Congress passes an 80 billion dollar spending package for Hans Island including funding to rebuild roads, buildings and whatever else you can think of damaged during the invasion. Senator John Kerry issues the statement "I am against any spending package where we waste taxpayers money." He votes in favor of the package. October 12, 2005 Canada and Denmark both shrug. Ok, did I miss anything? What Would The U.S. Do?
Satellite picture of the disputed Hans Island Last month I posted about Hans Island, a tiny uninhabited island just off of Greenland which is claimed by both Canada and Denmark. So far the dispute has led to both countries putting up their flags on the island and on August 4, Denmark sent the HDMS Tulugag, a patrol cutter, to the vicinity (Once a Viking, always a Viking). This got me thinking of what would happen if the U.S. were to get involved. I'm guessing it would go something like this: August 17, 2005 President George W. Bush receives a daily brief titled "Hans Islanders Determined to Strike in US". He quickly puts it aside to play horseshoes with Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice. September 8, 2005 Refreshed from vacation, Pres. Bush meets with constituents, aka Halliburton, where he is told that Hans Island is crucial in experimenting with oil rigs. A plan is drawn up to take control of Hans Island if Bush can get Vice President Dick Cheney's approval. September 9, 2005 Cheney gives Bush the OK with a nod and emphatic grunt. September 11, 2005 In a speech honoring the victims of 9/11, Bush refers to the Axis of Evil still operating in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Hans Island. The main stream media, puzzled by the reference to an uninhabited arctic island, just shrugs September 17, 2005 During an interview on Meet The Press, Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, refers to the growing threat of countries who are developing nuclear weapons such as Iran and even worse yet, that "derelict island off of Greenland". Tim Russert looks confused. September 18, 2005 During a press briefing about the condition of the President after falling off a Segway while choking on a pretzel on the previous day, Scott McLellan states that the President is fine and will be able to give his full attention to the growing threat of that "derelict island off of Greenland". Helen Thomas throws up in her mouth. September 23, 2005 With still nary a mention in the press about the nuclear threat by Hans Island, the President switches gears. During a nationally televised speech about "The War on Terror", Bush goes on record saying that he believes that Al Qaeda, although weakened, has recently set up terrorist training camps in a small arctic island called Hans Island. Not only that, but Hans Island is not a democracy and might even be a dictatorship therefore it is a threat to our national security. Oh, yeah, and they have Weapons of Mass Destruction. How did I almost forget about the Weapons of Mass Destruction? September 24, 2005 Paul Krugman writes an Op-Ed piece in the NY Times about his meeting with a scientist for the USGS, Dr. Richard Emmers, who is adamant that not only does Hans Island not have a dictatorship for a government, it doesn't even have a population. September 25, 2005 Robert Novak writes an article disclosing that Dr. Richard Emmers is a CIA Operative. September 25, 2005 Instapundit links to an article in the Wall Street Journal about the threat of having Al Qaeda in the arctic to worry about and says "Indeed". Damn that guy is good. September 26, 2005 Somewhere in the cold black of night, Dick Cheney growls at the moon. September 28, 2005 Greta Van Sustern reports on her "news" show that a teenage girl, let's call her Blondie, on a school trip in Greenland is missing. CNN immediately picks up the story and questions if this is related to Hans Island. Nobody asks what kind of school goes on a trip to Greenland. September 30, 2005 President Bush sets a deadline for the peaceful surrender of Hans Island by October 5th. Hans Island remains defiantly quiet. October 1, 2005 Michelle Malkin on The O'Reilly Factor calls for the internment of all Hans Islanders currently living in the United States. October 2, 2005 Atrios links to a video of Michelle Malkin's rant on Crooks and Liars which is then picked up by a diarist for The Daily Kos who writes about the one Hans Islander living in the US named Poko, a polar bear currently incarcerated in Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro, MA. The War of Hans Island is officially blogworthy now. October 6, 2005 Sean Penn announces that he will visit Hans Island but unfortunately gets in a scuffle with the helicopter pilot during the flight which goes down into the frigid waters. There are no survivors. October 6, 2005 The deadline for the surrender of Hans Island passes with no response. Bush does a jig. October 7, 2005 Congress quickly passes a resolution giving President Bush authority for the use of military force in dealing with Hans Island. Senator John Kerry issues the statement "I am against any invasion of a peaceful arctic island." He votes in favor of the resolution. October 8, 2005 President Bush gives a televised address about the situation in Hans Island. Karl Rove chortles. October 9, 2005 In an OxyContin fueled tirade, Rush Limbaugh accuses Bush of being too soft on Hans Island. He says, "I mean ladies and gentlemen, the deadline passed 4 days ago and still no action. This is all Bill Clinton's fault of course. If he had worried more about Hans Island than interns..." The red states are now fully backing the Hans Island War. October 10, 2005 6:00am The invasion of Hans Island begins. Donald Rumsfeld announces that "Operation Whatcha Gonna Do About It?" has begun. Casualties are light and the Hans Islanders resistance is almost nill except for a pesky otter who tries to play fetch with a marine landing unit. October 10, 2005 6:25am In a stunning lightning-fast victory, the Marine landing forces have the entire island contained and have set up a perimeter around, well, around the entire island. October 10, 2005 10:00am Congress passes an 80 billion dollar spending package for Hans Island including funding to rebuild roads, buildings and whatever else you can think of damaged during the invasion. Senator John Kerry issues the statement "I am against any spending package where we waste taxpayers money." He votes in favor of the package. October 12, 2005 Canada and Denmark both shrug. Ok, did I miss anything? Shoot To KillThis whole story sickened me. Almost as bad were how many people actually defended the police for killing this man without knowing any of the facts. What have we become?
ITV News, citing documents and photographs, reported that de Menezes was not carrying any bags when he entered the Stockwell Tube station and was wearing a denim jacket, rather than a bulky coat as police had previously said.
De Menezes walked at a normal pace, did not vault any barriers and even stopped to pick up a newspaper, ITV News reported. He descended to the train slowly on an escalator, then ran toward the open subway car and took a seat, according to ITV, which based its account on a document outlining what was captured on surveillance footage. At about the same time, armed officers were provided with positive identification that de Menezes was either Hamdi Issac, also known as Osman Hussain, one of the suspected bombers from the day before, or another suspect, at which point he was shot, ITV News reported. Shoot To KillThis whole story sickened me. Almost as bad were how many people actually defended the police for killing this man without knowing any of the facts. What have we become?
ITV News, citing documents and photographs, reported that de Menezes was not carrying any bags when he entered the Stockwell Tube station and was wearing a denim jacket, rather than a bulky coat as police had previously said.
De Menezes walked at a normal pace, did not vault any barriers and even stopped to pick up a newspaper, ITV News reported. He descended to the train slowly on an escalator, then ran toward the open subway car and took a seat, according to ITV, which based its account on a document outlining what was captured on surveillance footage. At about the same time, armed officers were provided with positive identification that de Menezes was either Hamdi Issac, also known as Osman Hussain, one of the suspected bombers from the day before, or another suspect, at which point he was shot, ITV News reported. Tuesday, August 16, 2005Ebert's Most Hated MoviesMeow.
"Freddy Got Fingered"
This movie doesn't scrape the bottom of the barrel. This movie isn't the bottom of the barrel. This movie isn't below the bottom of the barrel. This movie doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence with barrels. Ebert's Most Hated MoviesMeow.
"Freddy Got Fingered"
This movie doesn't scrape the bottom of the barrel. This movie isn't the bottom of the barrel. This movie isn't below the bottom of the barrel. This movie doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence with barrels. Photo of Your Fridge Fridge pics from all over the world. You can tell by the liquid multi-vitamins in the door of this fridge that the owner is a health nut. (via del.icio.us/navelfluff) Photo of Your FridgeFridge pics from all over the world. You can tell by the liquid multi-vitamins in the door of this fridge that the owner is a health nut. (via del.icio.us/navelfluff) Human Space Flight Gallery In this view, taken from the Lunar Module (LM), the Command and Service Module (CSM) are seen preparing to rendezvous with the LM. Note the reflection of the lunar surface on the CSM. A tremendous collection of photos, videos and audio clips from Mercury Missions to the Space Shuttles. Some of the video clips, especially from Apollo, are particularly amazing. Human Space Flight GalleryIn this view, taken from the Lunar Module (LM), the Command and Service Module (CSM) are seen preparing to rendezvous with the LM. Note the reflection of the lunar surface on the CSM. A tremendous collection of photos, videos and audio clips from Mercury Missions to the Space Shuttles. Some of the video clips, especially from Apollo, are particularly amazing. Interesting High-speed (super slow-motion) Video Clips
The lower you scroll on the page the more interesting the clips get. (via del.icio.us/mpilat) Interesting High-speed (super slow-motion) Video Clips
The lower you scroll on the page the more interesting the clips get. (via del.icio.us/mpilat) Bad Astronomy BlogI just found out that Phil Plait who runs the most excellent Badastronomy.com has added a blog to it. Now if you don't mind, I have about 6 months of his archived entries to go through.Bad Astronomy BlogI just found out that Phil Plait who runs the most excellent Badastronomy.com has added a blog to it. Now if you don't mind, I have about 6 months of his archived entries to go through.Why I Hate PETA I really can't think of a more offensive ad campaign than this. How can any rational person try to compare the horrors of slavery, the holocaust and any other example of human suffering to animal abuse? This makes me so angry I can't think straight so I'll let Penn tell PETA what they should do: 
Why I Hate PETAI really can't think of a more offensive ad campaign than this. How can any rational person try to compare the horrors of slavery, the holocaust and any other example of human suffering to animal abuse? This makes me so angry I can't think straight so I'll let Penn tell PETA what they should do:
Competitive Eating RecordsA list of competitive eating records.
Cow Brains
(Thanks Anonymous)57 (17.7 pounds) 15 minutes Takeru Kobayashi Competitive Eating RecordsA list of competitive eating records.
Cow Brains
(Thanks Anonymous)57 (17.7 pounds) 15 minutes Takeru Kobayashi The Iranian-Soldier Bear of Monte Cassino Best story I have seen this week so far.
After the Battle of Monte Cassino, one of the fiercest and bloodiest conflicts of the Second World War, many accounts emerged of the bravery and heroism of the soldiers. But perhaps the strangest story of all was of an Iranian brown bear who served alongside the allied soldiers in the worst heat of the battle. Despite the incessant bombardment and constant gunfire, the bear carried vital supplies of ammunition and food to his fellow-soldiers fighting on the mountainside. Many observers who witnessed his remarkable actions doubted the reality of what they were seeing. But the story was no legend....
(Thanks Jabberwocky, outstanding link!)...If the unit was ordered to march out, he would march with them on two legs like a soldier. When they were being transported to some distant location, he would ride in the front seat of the jeeps (or transport wagons) to the great amazement of passers-by. More than anything, however, he loved to wrestle with the soldiers, taking on three or four of them at a time. Sometimes he was even gracious enough to allow them the courtesy of winning. Over the next few years, he shared all their fortunes, and went with them wherever they were posted throughout the Middle East. He grew to be almost six feet tall and weighed 500 pounds. The Iranian-Soldier Bear of Monte CassinoBest story I have seen this week so far.
After the Battle of Monte Cassino, one of the fiercest and bloodiest conflicts of the Second World War, many accounts emerged of the bravery and heroism of the soldiers. But perhaps the strangest story of all was of an Iranian brown bear who served alongside the allied soldiers in the worst heat of the battle. Despite the incessant bombardment and constant gunfire, the bear carried vital supplies of ammunition and food to his fellow-soldiers fighting on the mountainside. Many observers who witnessed his remarkable actions doubted the reality of what they were seeing. But the story was no legend....
(Thanks Jabberwocky, outstanding link!)...If the unit was ordered to march out, he would march with them on two legs like a soldier. When they were being transported to some distant location, he would ride in the front seat of the jeeps (or transport wagons) to the great amazement of passers-by. More than anything, however, he loved to wrestle with the soldiers, taking on three or four of them at a time. Sometimes he was even gracious enough to allow them the courtesy of winning. Over the next few years, he shared all their fortunes, and went with them wherever they were posted throughout the Middle East. He grew to be almost six feet tall and weighed 500 pounds. Redneck NeighborWith pictures.
In case you're wondering, this Web page is about my next-door neighbors. Since my neighbors have been driving me crazy and no amount of civilized reasoning and/or negotiations have worked - I have decided to dedicate a small corner of cyber-space to them.
(Thanks Steve)My family and friends are constantly asking me to tell them the "latest" thing my neighbor has done so this page will save me from repeating myself. Besides, I thought it would be fun. Everything you read here is entirely true, that's what makes it so funny. Enjoy! Redneck NeighborWith pictures.
In case you're wondering, this Web page is about my next-door neighbors. Since my neighbors have been driving me crazy and no amount of civilized reasoning and/or negotiations have worked - I have decided to dedicate a small corner of cyber-space to them.
(Thanks Steve)My family and friends are constantly asking me to tell them the "latest" thing my neighbor has done so this page will save me from repeating myself. Besides, I thought it would be fun. Everything you read here is entirely true, that's what makes it so funny. Enjoy! Monday, August 15, 2005Snake Caught in PC
This customer called up tech support complaining that their computer was making a strange hissing and crackling noise then smoking on and off. These are the pictures they took when the customer brought in the PC.
Wait a minute, the customer didn't see the snake's head hanging from the fan?(via Reality Carnival) Snake Caught in PC
This customer called up tech support complaining that their computer was making a strange hissing and crackling noise then smoking on and off. These are the pictures they took when the customer brought in the PC.
Wait a minute, the customer didn't see the snake's head hanging from the fan?(via Reality Carnival) Las Vegas Casino Death WatchOnly Vegas freaks will be interested in this. But, I'm a Vegas freak.
This is Nick Christenson's Las Vegas Casino Death Watch page. Here we track the hotel/casinos that we feel are most likely to close their doors in the near future.
I noticed that the Tropicana has filed for construction although it seems they will just be adding on. Hopefully, they will do what the Trop in Atlantic City did with their "The Quarter". This page focuses on the larger Las Vegas Strip and Downtown hotel/casino combination properties. We're not going to make quite the same effort to keep track of the locals places since unless their name has "Station" or "Coast" in it, they all look to us like they might close their doors at any time. Of course, these days there aren't that many locals joints that don't have "Station" or "Coast" in their names. Also, these properties don't tend to have the same sort of history associated with them that the more familiar names do. Las Vegas Casino Death WatchOnly Vegas freaks will be interested in this. But, I'm a Vegas freak.
This is Nick Christenson's Las Vegas Casino Death Watch page. Here we track the hotel/casinos that we feel are most likely to close their doors in the near future.
I noticed that the Tropicana has filed for construction although it seems they will just be adding on. Hopefully, they will do what the Trop in Atlantic City did with their "The Quarter". This page focuses on the larger Las Vegas Strip and Downtown hotel/casino combination properties. We're not going to make quite the same effort to keep track of the locals places since unless their name has "Station" or "Coast" in it, they all look to us like they might close their doors at any time. Of course, these days there aren't that many locals joints that don't have "Station" or "Coast" in their names. Also, these properties don't tend to have the same sort of history associated with them that the more familiar names do. A Lesson In Switch PitchingI have always wondered about this.
Greg Harris of the Montreal Expos, a natural right-hander, is the only pitcher in modern baseball history (since 1900) to throw with both hands in a Major League game. It was on September 28, 1995, against Cincinnati in the final week of the season when the Expos were 24 ½ games out of the lead in the National League East.
and some rules for switch pitching:
The ambidextrous Harris worked a scoreless ninth inning in a 9-7 loss. Using a special reversible six-finger glove, which had two thumbs, Harris faced four batters, two right-handed and two left-handed. He allowed one runner, on a walk.
American League president Dr. Bobby Brown, a one-time Yankee infielder who batted .349 in 17 World Series games, was aware a two-way pitcher would have a rare advantage and would neutralize and diminish the effectiveness of every batter. Unwilling to weaken his kinship with the offense, Dr. Brown prepared for the possibility by issuing a directive to his umpires:
(via del.icio.us/fhqwhgads)a) The pitcher must indicate which hand he intended to use. b) The pitcher may change arms on the next hitter but must indicate the arm to be used. c) There will be no warmup pitches between the change of arms. d) If an arm is injured, the pitcher may change arms and the umpire must be notified of the injury. The injured arm can not be used again in that game. A Lesson In Switch PitchingI have always wondered about this.
Greg Harris of the Montreal Expos, a natural right-hander, is the only pitcher in modern baseball history (since 1900) to throw with both hands in a Major League game. It was on September 28, 1995, against Cincinnati in the final week of the season when the Expos were 24 ½ games out of the lead in the National League East.
and some rules for switch pitching:
The ambidextrous Harris worked a scoreless ninth inning in a 9-7 loss. Using a special reversible six-finger glove, which had two thumbs, Harris faced four batters, two right-handed and two left-handed. He allowed one runner, on a walk.
American League president Dr. Bobby Brown, a one-time Yankee infielder who batted .349 in 17 World Series games, was aware a two-way pitcher would have a rare advantage and would neutralize and diminish the effectiveness of every batter. Unwilling to weaken his kinship with the offense, Dr. Brown prepared for the possibility by issuing a directive to his umpires:
(via del.icio.us/fhqwhgads)a) The pitcher must indicate which hand he intended to use. b) The pitcher may change arms on the next hitter but must indicate the arm to be used. c) There will be no warmup pitches between the change of arms. d) If an arm is injured, the pitcher may change arms and the umpire must be notified of the injury. The injured arm can not be used again in that game. Japanese Propaganda Booklet From WW2
While back home in the US this month I went through some old photos and papers of my great aunt who passed away a couple years ago and was in the Women's Army Corp during WW II. A sampling of some Japanese WW2 propaganda emerged. Curious scenes of oppressed/colonized Asia and liberated/happy Asia, from the imperialist Japanese perspective...
(via Backwards City)Japanese Propaganda Booklet From WW2
While back home in the US this month I went through some old photos and papers of my great aunt who passed away a couple years ago and was in the Women's Army Corp during WW II. A sampling of some Japanese WW2 propaganda emerged. Curious scenes of oppressed/colonized Asia and liberated/happy Asia, from the imperialist Japanese perspective...
(via Backwards City)The Zombie Poison... and how Clairvius Narcisse became a zombie.
When Clairvius Narcisse entered the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, he appeared to be suffering from malnutrition, high fever, and aches throughout his body. His condition deteriorated rapidly as he developed respiratory problems, became unresponsive, and then slipped into a coma. Two days later, on May 2, 1962, he was declared dead by two attending physicians. His sister, Angelina, identified the body, and another sister, Marie Claire, authenticated the death certificate by placing her fingerprint on it. The next day Angelina, Marie Claire, and the rest of the family buried Clairvius in a small cemetery near their village of l’Estere. Here the saga of Clairvius Narcisse should have ended, but 18 years later, in 1980, a shuffling, vacant-eyed man approached Angelina in the village marketplace and identified himself as her brother, Clairvius. His family and many villagers recognized him immediately, and he told them a fantastic tale of being dug up from his grave, beaten to his senses, and led away to work as a slave on a remote sugar plantation.
The Zombie Poison...and how Clairvius Narcisse became a zombie.
When Clairvius Narcisse entered the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, he appeared to be suffering from malnutrition, high fever, and aches throughout his body. His condition deteriorated rapidly as he developed respiratory problems, became unresponsive, and then slipped into a coma. Two days later, on May 2, 1962, he was declared dead by two attending physicians. His sister, Angelina, identified the body, and another sister, Marie Claire, authenticated the death certificate by placing her fingerprint on it. The next day Angelina, Marie Claire, and the rest of the family buried Clairvius in a small cemetery near their village of l’Estere. Here the saga of Clairvius Narcisse should have ended, but 18 years later, in 1980, a shuffling, vacant-eyed man approached Angelina in the village marketplace and identified himself as her brother, Clairvius. His family and many villagers recognized him immediately, and he told them a fantastic tale of being dug up from his grave, beaten to his senses, and led away to work as a slave on a remote sugar plantation.
The Ewing TheoryBill Simmons explains The Ewing Theory:
It's bigger than the "SI Jinx." It makes the "Curse of the Bambino" look like child's play. It's creepier than the "Curse of the 'Spinal Tap' Drummers" and the "Curse on the Careers of Everyone Who Leaves 'NYPD Blue' " combined. Quite simply, it's the most life-altering sports phenomenon of this lifetime.
Here's everything you need to know about the Ewing Theory, in the form of a Q & A: The Ewing TheoryBill Simmons explains The Ewing Theory:
It's bigger than the "SI Jinx." It makes the "Curse of the Bambino" look like child's play. It's creepier than the "Curse of the 'Spinal Tap' Drummers" and the "Curse on the Careers of Everyone Who Leaves 'NYPD Blue' " combined. Quite simply, it's the most life-altering sports phenomenon of this lifetime.
Here's everything you need to know about the Ewing Theory, in the form of a Q & A: Duke Smarthouse
The Duke Smart House is a 4,500 square foot live-in research laboratory operated by Duke's Pratt School of Engineering. The Smart House, part of a Duke Engineering Living Technology Advancement project, creates a dynamic "living laboratory" e nvironment that contributes to the innovation and demonstration of future residential building technology.
(via Make:Blog)Duke Smarthouse
The Duke Smart House is a 4,500 square foot live-in research laboratory operated by Duke's Pratt School of Engineering. The Smart House, part of a Duke Engineering Living Technology Advancement project, creates a dynamic "living laboratory" e nvironment that contributes to the innovation and demonstration of future residential building technology.
(via Make:Blog)Monday Morning TriviaStrange things you likely didn't know.
Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying.
(via Bifurcated Rivets)The phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb. If one places a tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion, it will instantly go mad and sting itself to death. Monday Morning TriviaStrange things you likely didn't know.
Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying.
(via Bifurcated Rivets)The phrase "rule of thumb" is derived from an old English law which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb. If one places a tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion, it will instantly go mad and sting itself to death. Sunday, August 14, 2005Oral Histories From 9/11In pdf.
The Sept. 11 Records
A rich vein of city records from Sept. 11, including more than 12,000 pages of oral histories rendered in the voices of 503 firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians, were made public on Aug. 12. The New York Times has published all of them. Oral Histories From 9/11In pdf.
The Sept. 11 Records
A rich vein of city records from Sept. 11, including more than 12,000 pages of oral histories rendered in the voices of 503 firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians, were made public on Aug. 12. The New York Times has published all of them. Dead Man Eating WeblogA blog dedicated to documenting the last meal of executed convicts.
TEXAS LAST MEAL
(via del.icio.us/reenum)GARY LYNN STERLING August 10, 2005 Last Meal: Sterling requested a chicken fried steak, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, French fries, pecan pie, sweet tea and a vanilla milkshake. The skinny: Sterling, former farm worker from Central Texas was executed for using a car bumper jack to fatally beat and rob a man during a violent spree 17 years ago that also left three other people dead. Dead Man Eating WeblogA blog dedicated to documenting the last meal of executed convicts.
TEXAS LAST MEAL
(via del.icio.us/reenum)GARY LYNN STERLING August 10, 2005 Last Meal: Sterling requested a chicken fried steak, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, French fries, pecan pie, sweet tea and a vanilla milkshake. The skinny: Sterling, former farm worker from Central Texas was executed for using a car bumper jack to fatally beat and rob a man during a violent spree 17 years ago that also left three other people dead. Plane Being Struck By Lightning
Cool but scary animated gif.
The images below show an aircraft being affected by a lightning flash. To the authors knowledge, nobody on the plane was injured. It is unknown if the aircraft experienced any damage. According to the scientist who acquired this imagery, the airplane itself triggered the lightning discharge.
Plane Being Struck By Lightning
Cool but scary animated gif.
The images below show an aircraft being affected by a lightning flash. To the authors knowledge, nobody on the plane was injured. It is unknown if the aircraft experienced any damage. According to the scientist who acquired this imagery, the airplane itself triggered the lightning discharge.
Extreme Quarter BouncingThe result of a person having way too much time. (embedded vid)(via Metafilter) Extreme Quarter BouncingThe result of a person having way too much time. (embedded vid)(via Metafilter) Catsup Crapper A finalist in MIT's unuseless contest. Be sure to check out the video. (via Linkfilter) Catsup CrapperA finalist in MIT's unuseless contest. Be sure to check out the video. (via Linkfilter) Topless Women Protest Sexual HarrassmentFrom News24.com (with pic, NSFW)
Pretoria - An expression of disbelief was clearly visible on the face of Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang when about 15 women decided to keep abreast of things and celebrate Women's Day in Pretoria topless.
The pic in the story looks like she went from being sexually harrassed to being sexually assaulted. The women, who work for a cleaning and laundry business in Rosslyn that does work for, among others, state hospitals, sent their tops flying in protest against sexual harassment at their place of work and their conditions of service. Topless Women Protest Sexual HarrassmentFrom News24.com (with pic, NSFW)
Pretoria - An expression of disbelief was clearly visible on the face of Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang when about 15 women decided to keep abreast of things and celebrate Women's Day in Pretoria topless.
The pic in the story looks like she went from being sexually harrassed to being sexually assaulted. The women, who work for a cleaning and laundry business in Rosslyn that does work for, among others, state hospitals, sent their tops flying in protest against sexual harassment at their place of work and their conditions of service. Map of Indian TribesAn ugly but informative (would it have killed them to draw in Canada and Mexico?) map of Native American tribes.and Federally Recognized Indian Reservations map. Map of Indian TribesAn ugly but informative (would it have killed them to draw in Canada and Mexico?) map of Native American tribes.and Federally Recognized Indian Reservations map. Saturday, August 13, 2005Kerouac's Belief and Technique for Modern ProseA list of his writing tips. Sadly, typing your manuscript on scroll paper is a tip that is not on the list.
Try never get drunk outside yr own house
(via RobotWisdom)Write what you want bottomless from bottom of mind Don't think of words when you stop but to see picture better Kerouac's Belief and Technique for Modern ProseA list of his writing tips. Sadly, typing your manuscript on scroll paper is a tip that is not on the list.
Try never get drunk outside yr own house
(via RobotWisdom)Write what you want bottomless from bottom of mind Don't think of words when you stop but to see picture better Friday, August 12, 2005Friday Night Cat Blogging You call that an apology? The Cynical-Cat weighs in on an earlier post. And I swear, this is the last of cat blogging. Not kidding this time. Seriously! Friday Night Cat BloggingYou call that an apology? The Cynical-Cat weighs in on an earlier post. And I swear, this is the last of cat blogging. Not kidding this time. Seriously! Christopher Walken for Pres., 2008 Please let this be for real. I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell. (via Screenhead) Christopher Walken for Pres., 2008Please let this be for real. I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell. (via Screenhead) View From a Satellite
To view the Earth as currently seen from a satellite in Earth orbit, choose the satellite from the list below and press the "View Earth from Satellite" button. The satellite database is updated regularly but may not reflect the current position of satellites, such as the U.S. Space Shuttle, which maneuver frequently after reaching orbit.
And if you want to see which satellite will be passing over your skies at any moment, you can always use Heavens Above.
(via Populicio.us) View From a Satellite
To view the Earth as currently seen from a satellite in Earth orbit, choose the satellite from the list below and press the "View Earth from Satellite" button. The satellite database is updated regularly but may not reflect the current position of satellites, such as the U.S. Space Shuttle, which maneuver frequently after reaching orbit.
And if you want to see which satellite will be passing over your skies at any moment, you can always use Heavens Above.
(via Populicio.us) Teens operate on dead cat, saving kittens From CBC News:
Two teenagers performed a caesarean section on a dead cat they found along a New Brunswick road, saving two of four kittens.
(via J-Walk)They told a French-language newspaper, the Acadie Nouvelle, that they recognized the cat and knew it was pregnant. After discovering that the cat's body was still warm, they decided to try to save its kittens – even though neither of them knew how to do a caesarean section or had studied biology. Kim borrowed a sweater, knife and some cotton swabs from a nearby house. They decided Monica would do the surgery. She told the newspaper she wasn't sure where to cut, but made an incision into the mother cat's belly and could see the kittens. She pulled them out and found that two of four kittens were still alive, so she cut their umbilical cords and wiped the mucus from their noses. Teens operate on dead cat, saving kittensFrom CBC News:
Two teenagers performed a caesarean section on a dead cat they found along a New Brunswick road, saving two of four kittens.
(via J-Walk)They told a French-language newspaper, the Acadie Nouvelle, that they recognized the cat and knew it was pregnant. After discovering that the cat's body was still warm, they decided to try to save its kittens – even though neither of them knew how to do a caesarean section or had studied biology. Kim borrowed a sweater, knife and some cotton swabs from a nearby house. They decided Monica would do the surgery. She told the newspaper she wasn't sure where to cut, but made an incision into the mother cat's belly and could see the kittens. She pulled them out and found that two of four kittens were still alive, so she cut their umbilical cords and wiped the mucus from their noses. Purr Detector
A California company has developed a cat collar that glows whenever the cat purrs.
(via Strange New Products)The Sound Guy, Inc., of Seaside, California, has developed the Purr Detector lighted cat collar. In addition to providing family fun, the Purr Detector can also flash when the cat is outside at night, for improved safety and visibility. Purr Detector
A California company has developed a cat collar that glows whenever the cat purrs.
(via Strange New Products)The Sound Guy, Inc., of Seaside, California, has developed the Purr Detector lighted cat collar. In addition to providing family fun, the Purr Detector can also flash when the cat is outside at night, for improved safety and visibility. Famous Monkeys Through History For Cybexvisine(who wanted a link about monkeys). A list of famous monkeys through history. Above is Gordo, a squirrel monkey who is famous for:
US Army Ape-O-Naut. First Ape in space. Flew Jupiter AM-13 mission 12/13/58. Brutally murdered by humans who designed nose cone to sink in ocean AFTER flying successfully in space
Famous Monkeys Through HistoryFor Cybexvisine(who wanted a link about monkeys). A list of famous monkeys through history. Above is Gordo, a squirrel monkey who is famous for:
US Army Ape-O-Naut. First Ape in space. Flew Jupiter AM-13 mission 12/13/58. Brutally murdered by humans who designed nose cone to sink in ocean AFTER flying successfully in space
Saving The WorldJessica Simpson has a plan:
LONDON: Dukes of Hazzard star Jessica Simpson says she wants to do missionary work in a bid to save the world.
I don't know about you but I feel much better now.The actress also wants to visit Third World countries with hubby Nick Lachey and adopt children from that region. "We'd still like to do some mission work, visit Third World countries - I have this whole plan to save the world," Fox News quoted Jessica as telling OK! magazine in an interview. (via The Huffington Post) Saving The WorldJessica Simpson has a plan:
LONDON: Dukes of Hazzard star Jessica Simpson says she wants to do missionary work in a bid to save the world.
I don't know about you but I feel much better now.The actress also wants to visit Third World countries with hubby Nick Lachey and adopt children from that region. "We'd still like to do some mission work, visit Third World countries - I have this whole plan to save the world," Fox News quoted Jessica as telling OK! magazine in an interview. (via The Huffington Post) Space Mission Patches
This site covers the patches for all US manned missions prior to the Space Shuttle. It does not cover Shuttle mission or ISS expedition patches (though a reference section that provides images of these patches is available via the "later patches" link at the top of each page); nor patches for Soviet missions or unmanned missions. Some of the "unofficial" patches created during this era are treated.
(via Grow a Brain)Space Mission Patches
This site covers the patches for all US manned missions prior to the Space Shuttle. It does not cover Shuttle mission or ISS expedition patches (though a reference section that provides images of these patches is available via the "later patches" link at the top of each page); nor patches for Soviet missions or unmanned missions. Some of the "unofficial" patches created during this era are treated.
(via Grow a Brain)Blog Etiquette Can someone please tell this blogger that copying one of my posts word for word and then reposting them on her blog without so much as a link back to me is very bad form. Here is my post on Skinny Water and here is hers(you have to scroll down to August 10th since her site doesn't have permalinks). I wouldn't have even made a post about this except after I left a comment on her site about it she responded with this:
First off, it's not angelina- it's Tressa. 2nd, your post is all off the skinnywater.com website word for word so what if mine says the same thing because it's all there anyway! shessh.
Anything I get off of a website is in a little grey box and my comments are not. I thought this was fairly obvious. I am peeved because it is obvious she just cut and pasted the entire post, including my comments and passed it off as her own. Is it that difficult to come up with your own comment about a post?Blog EtiquetteCan someone please tell this blogger that copying one of my posts word for word and then reposting them on her blog without so much as a link back to me is very bad form. Here is my post on Skinny Water and here is hers(you have to scroll down to August 10th since her site doesn't have permalinks). I wouldn't have even made a post about this except after I left a comment on her site about it she responded with this:
First off, it's not angelina- it's Tressa. 2nd, your post is all off the skinnywater.com website word for word so what if mine says the same thing because it's all there anyway! shessh.
Anything I get off of a website is in a little grey box and my comments are not. I thought this was fairly obvious. I am peeved because it is obvious she just cut and pasted the entire post, including my comments and passed it off as her own. Is it that difficult to come up with your own comment about a post?Bumvertising Sheesh.
Bumvertising™, or the use of sign holding vagrants to advertise, is a development of PokerFaceBook.com's most recent advertising campaign. Homeless men are able to provide a valuable and tangible service to a company, while receiving an additional revenue stream in combination with their normal donations from begging.
ABC News has an article about Bumvertising here.(via We Make Money Not Art) BumvertisingSheesh.
Bumvertising™, or the use of sign holding vagrants to advertise, is a development of PokerFaceBook.com's most recent advertising campaign. Homeless men are able to provide a valuable and tangible service to a company, while receiving an additional revenue stream in combination with their normal donations from begging.
ABC News has an article about Bumvertising here.(via We Make Money Not Art) MST3K Poster Index
Ten seasons worth of movies posters of movies that have appeared on Mystery Science Theater 3000 (via Rashomon) MST3K Poster Index
Ten seasons worth of movies posters of movies that have appeared on Mystery Science Theater 3000 (via Rashomon) Thursday, August 11, 2005MazdaPC
I am throwing up this page because I have yet to see a decent LINUX based CarPC that shows the potential of what can be achieved if the effort is put forth. I have spent the last month or so tweaking the software as well as fabricating the LCD and controls to the point where I am satisfied with the result.
(via del.icio.us/angusf)What I CAN do: * Listen to music * Watch videos/movies * Control audio with steering wheel control. Since the audio is fed into the HU with a P.I.E adapter, the steering wheel is my "master" volume control. * View Pictures in a slideshow * Sniff wireless networks and plot them with GPS - I've plotted the APs I've found, and integrated it with Google's Map API, check it out. * Download and view local Weather info, including 3 day forcast and doplar radar * Browse the web with Firefox * Connect to my cell phone with bluetooth, and connect to Verizon's EVDO network * Stream DirecTV from my house. * Remote start my car, and connect to it from inside my house. I can SSH in, and transfer files without even getting off my couch :) MazdaPC
I am throwing up this page because I have yet to see a decent LINUX based CarPC that shows the potential of what can be achieved if the effort is put forth. I have spent the last month or so tweaking the software as well as fabricating the LCD and controls to the point where I am satisfied with the result.
(via del.icio.us/angusf)What I CAN do: * Listen to music * Watch videos/movies * Control audio with steering wheel control. Since the audio is fed into the HU with a P.I.E adapter, the steering wheel is my "master" volume control. * View Pictures in a slideshow * Sniff wireless networks and plot them with GPS - I've plotted the APs I've found, and integrated it with Google's Map API, check it out. * Download and view local Weather info, including 3 day forcast and doplar radar * Browse the web with Firefox * Connect to my cell phone with bluetooth, and connect to Verizon's EVDO network * Stream DirecTV from my house. * Remote start my car, and connect to it from inside my house. I can SSH in, and transfer files without even getting off my couch :) WebscumJohn from The J-Walk Blog has, in my opinion, one of the best weblogs on the net. Every once in a while he will do a spoof such as his classic 3rd Annual Nigerian Direct Mail Conference bit. He has recently found out that not only did somebody take his idea for his WiFi Speed Spray ad, they stole the entire content for the joke from his site and just took his name off the bottom.John talks about it in this post including an email from the thieving webscum which basically says na na nanana. I guess the thief is going to try to sell it as a "gag" gift. So let's get this straight. He steals the idea, steals the entire content from John's site and is going to try to market and sell a fictitional product. I think this places him somewhere between primordial ooze and spammer on the evolutionary scale. Update: Be sure to check out the comments on that post where John has a link to the webscum's picture and resume. WebscumJohn from The J-Walk Blog has, in my opinion, one of the best weblogs on the net. Every once in a while he will do a spoof such as his classic 3rd Annual Nigerian Direct Mail Conference bit. He has recently found out that not only did somebody take his idea for his WiFi Speed Spray ad, they stole the entire content for the joke from his site and just took his name off the bottom.John talks about it in this post including an email from the thieving webscum which basically says na na nanana. I guess the thief is going to try to sell it as a "gag" gift. So let's get this straight. He steals the idea, steals the entire content from John's site and is going to try to market and sell a fictitional product. I think this places him somewhere between primordial ooze and spammer on the evolutionary scale. Update: Be sure to check out the comments on that post where John has a link to the webscum's picture and resume. Linux, Bluetooth and a Microhelicopter
RC model helicopter prices have reached a point where all sorts of challenging (i.e. crash-prone) robotics projects become affordable. This document explains how to build a 300 g, 3D-capable helicopter with embedded Linux and Bluetooth datalink for less than 500 EUR.
(via del.icio.us/webcompanion)As a proof of concept, we provide software which allows the helicopter to be remotely controlled over Bluetooth with a PC joystick. Future work will focus on the integration of sensors (IMU, altitude, magnetic compas, GPS, camera) and flight control software (either third-party or dedicated). Linux, Bluetooth and a Microhelicopter
RC model helicopter prices have reached a point where all sorts of challenging (i.e. crash-prone) robotics projects become affordable. This document explains how to build a 300 g, 3D-capable helicopter with embedded Linux and Bluetooth datalink for less than 500 EUR.
(via del.icio.us/webcompanion)As a proof of concept, we provide software which allows the helicopter to be remotely controlled over Bluetooth with a PC joystick. Future work will focus on the integration of sensors (IMU, altitude, magnetic compas, GPS, camera) and flight control software (either third-party or dedicated). Collected Quotes of Albert EinsteinHere are a few of my favorites:
"Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen."
(via del.icio.us/lautaro)"Science is a wonderful thing if one does not have to earn one's living at it." "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." Collected Quotes of Albert EinsteinHere are a few of my favorites:
"Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen."
(via del.icio.us/lautaro)"Science is a wonderful thing if one does not have to earn one's living at it." "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." Stoned ScientistsA small article about some prominent scientists (Gould, Sagan, Feynman, etc.) and their experiences with illegal drugs.(via Reality Carnival) Stoned ScientistsA small article about some prominent scientists (Gould, Sagan, Feynman, etc.) and their experiences with illegal drugs.(via Reality Carnival) Threading Hair Removal Device for Facial Hair That's gotta smart.
EpicareTM (patent pending), the first ever Do-It-Yourself threading hair removal device offers a quick and simple yet effective way to remove unwanted facial hair in the comfort of your home.
(via Strange New Products)What is THREADING hair removal? Conventional threading is the removal of facial hair from the roots with the use of a cotton thread by trained professionals. Threading Hair removal is currently gaining popularity in the U.S. and worldwide. It is the most talked about method of facial hair removal today. Threading Hair Removal Device for Facial HairThat's gotta smart.
EpicareTM (patent pending), the first ever Do-It-Yourself threading hair removal device offers a quick and simple yet effective way to remove unwanted facial hair in the comfort of your home.
(via Strange New Products)What is THREADING hair removal? Conventional threading is the removal of facial hair from the roots with the use of a cotton thread by trained professionals. Threading Hair removal is currently gaining popularity in the U.S. and worldwide. It is the most talked about method of facial hair removal today. Boxer Portraits
The Harry E. Winkler Photographic Collection includes more than 7,500 different boxing related images in various formats. Winkler was a longtime Los Angeles area fight figure and California correspondent for The Ring magazine from 1939 to 1953. He is best remembered, however, for his extensive collection of boxing photographs, many of which were acquired by the University Libraries of Notre Dame in 1977
(via Jaf Project)Boxer Portraits
The Harry E. Winkler Photographic Collection includes more than 7,500 different boxing related images in various formats. Winkler was a longtime Los Angeles area fight figure and California correspondent for The Ring magazine from 1939 to 1953. He is best remembered, however, for his extensive collection of boxing photographs, many of which were acquired by the University Libraries of Notre Dame in 1977
(via Jaf Project)Donald Trump, BloggerFrom TechWeb:
Add online blogger to the list of media ventures on the resume of real-estate mogul and reality TV star Donald Trump.
His blog goes by the ambiguous name The Trump Blog.Trump's eponymous blog, which is subtitled "ideas and opinions from Donald Trump and his circle of experts," is connected to Trump University, an online education Web site begun in late May. "It's another channel to get his message out, it gives him another forum to reach his audience," said Michael Sexton, president of Trump University. "It'll be reflective of what's topical in the news, business, and education, [though] he won't tackle popular culture or entertainment. Everybody wants to hear what he's up to next." (via The Huffington Post) Donald Trump, BloggerFrom TechWeb:
Add online blogger to the list of media ventures on the resume of real-estate mogul and reality TV star Donald Trump.
His blog goes by the ambiguous name The Trump Blog.Trump's eponymous blog, which is subtitled "ideas and opinions from Donald Trump and his circle of experts," is connected to Trump University, an online education Web site begun in late May. "It's another channel to get his message out, it gives him another forum to reach his audience," said Michael Sexton, president of Trump University. "It'll be reflective of what's topical in the news, business, and education, [though] he won't tackle popular culture or entertainment. Everybody wants to hear what he's up to next." (via The Huffington Post) Yu-Mex Be sure to listen to some music samples.
In 1948, the Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito (May 7, 1892 - May 4, 1980) broke up with the Soviet leader Iosif Vissarionovich Stalin (Dec. 21, 1879 - March 5, 1953) and Yugoslavia was on the brink of war with the Soviet Union. There were tanks on both sides of the border and Tito's regime imprisoned many Soviet sympathizers (real or just suspected). Russian films were suddenly not so popular anymore.
(via Bibi's Box)Yugoslav authorities had to look somewhere else for film entertainment. They found a suitable country in Mexico: it was far away, the chances of Mexican tanks appearing on Yugoslav borders were slight and, best of all, in Mexican films they always talked about revolution in the highest terms. How could an average moviegoer know that it was not the Yugoslav revolution? Yu-MexBe sure to listen to some music samples.
In 1948, the Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito (May 7, 1892 - May 4, 1980) broke up with the Soviet leader Iosif Vissarionovich Stalin (Dec. 21, 1879 - March 5, 1953) and Yugoslavia was on the brink of war with the Soviet Union. There were tanks on both sides of the border and Tito's regime imprisoned many Soviet sympathizers (real or just suspected). Russian films were suddenly not so popular anymore.
(via Bibi's Box)Yugoslav authorities had to look somewhere else for film entertainment. They found a suitable country in Mexico: it was far away, the chances of Mexican tanks appearing on Yugoslav borders were slight and, best of all, in Mexican films they always talked about revolution in the highest terms. How could an average moviegoer know that it was not the Yugoslav revolution? U.S. Defends Detentions at AirportsCan we start referring to the years following 2001 in the U.S. as "The Gulag Period".
Foreign citizens who change planes at airports in the United States can legally be seized, detained without charges, deprived of access to a lawyer or the courts, and even denied basic necessities like food, lawyers for the government said in Brooklyn federal court yesterday.
The assertion came in oral arguments over a federal lawsuit by Maher Arar, a naturalized Canadian citizen who charges that United States officials plucked him from Kennedy International Airport when he was on the way home on Sept. 26, 2002, held him in solitary confinement in a Brooklyn detention center and then shipped him to his native Syria to be interrogated under torture because officials suspected that he was a member of Al Qaeda. Syrian and Canadian officials have cleared Mr. Arar, 35, of any terrorist connections, but United States officials maintain that "clear and unequivocal" but classified evidence shows that he is a Qaeda member. They are seeking dismissal of his lawsuit, in part through the rare assertion of a "state secrets" privilege. U.S. Defends Detentions at AirportsCan we start referring to the years following 2001 in the U.S. as "The Gulag Period".
Foreign citizens who change planes at airports in the United States can legally be seized, detained without charges, deprived of access to a lawyer or the courts, and even denied basic necessities like food, lawyers for the government said in Brooklyn federal court yesterday.
The assertion came in oral arguments over a federal lawsuit by Maher Arar, a naturalized Canadian citizen who charges that United States officials plucked him from Kennedy International Airport when he was on the way home on Sept. 26, 2002, held him in solitary confinement in a Brooklyn detention center and then shipped him to his native Syria to be interrogated under torture because officials suspected that he was a member of Al Qaeda. Syrian and Canadian officials have cleared Mr. Arar, 35, of any terrorist connections, but United States officials maintain that "clear and unequivocal" but classified evidence shows that he is a Qaeda member. They are seeking dismissal of his lawsuit, in part through the rare assertion of a "state secrets" privilege. Toilet Training Your Cat To be honest, this creeps me out.
The CitiKitty Toilet Training Kit teaches your cat to use the toilet through a series of gradual steps. In just a few weeks your cat can be using the toilet.
(via The Presurfer)Toilet Training Your CatTo be honest, this creeps me out.
The CitiKitty Toilet Training Kit teaches your cat to use the toilet through a series of gradual steps. In just a few weeks your cat can be using the toilet.
(via The Presurfer)Unintelligent DesignYou know, now that I look at it this way...
I have a new theory - Unintelligent Design, which is the same as Intelligent Design, except that the creator is either a moron or Satan.
(via Kottke.org)This theory has no less evidence to support it than Intelligent Design, since its mechanisms are identical. This theory is more compatible with religious teachings in that it proposes that suffering happens to creatures made by the devil. This theory is more compatible with Darwinian evolution in that species change through mistakes and random bad design. Unintelligent DesignYou know, now that I look at it this way...
I have a new theory - Unintelligent Design, which is the same as Intelligent Design, except that the creator is either a moron or Satan.
(via Kottke.org)This theory has no less evidence to support it than Intelligent Design, since its mechanisms are identical. This theory is more compatible with religious teachings in that it proposes that suffering happens to creatures made by the devil. This theory is more compatible with Darwinian evolution in that species change through mistakes and random bad design. Wednesday, August 10, 2005Praying Mantis vs. Hummingbird From Birdwatchersdigest.com:
As you can see from the photographs this hungry mantis captured and killed a hummingbird not much smaller than itself. The hummer measured 2 inches and the mantis was about the same! The mantis used its spiny left foreleg to impale the hummingbird through the chest while leaving his right leg free.
(via del.icio.us/catshive)Praying Mantis vs. HummingbirdFrom Birdwatchersdigest.com:
As you can see from the photographs this hungry mantis captured and killed a hummingbird not much smaller than itself. The hummer measured 2 inches and the mantis was about the same! The mantis used its spiny left foreleg to impale the hummingbird through the chest while leaving his right leg free.
(via del.icio.us/catshive)Jana Skinny Water Finally, a non-fattening water.
Jana Skinny Water, a no-calorie water, enhanced with a unique combination of ingredients to help people lose and maintain their weight.
And at $43.20 for a case of 24 bottles it is a steal. You guess who is robbing who.Developed after 3 years of research, working closely with prominent food scientists and a major nutraceutical manufacturer, Jana Skinny Water has an enhanced natural artesian water taste and appearance with a hint of lemon. The water is put through a flash pasteurization process removing the tiniest amounts of trace particles. (via Strange New Products) Jana Skinny WaterFinally, a non-fattening water.
Jana Skinny Water, a no-calorie water, enhanced with a unique combination of ingredients to help people lose and maintain their weight.
And at $43.20 for a case of 24 bottles it is a steal. You guess who is robbing who.Developed after 3 years of research, working closely with prominent food scientists and a major nutraceutical manufacturer, Jana Skinny Water has an enhanced natural artesian water taste and appearance with a hint of lemon. The water is put through a flash pasteurization process removing the tiniest amounts of trace particles. (via Strange New Products) W and Cindy SheehanMaureen Dowd has a great Op-Ed today in the NY Times.
The Bush team tried to discredit "Mom" by pointing reporters to an old article in which she sounded kinder to W. If only her husband were an undercover C.I.A. operative, the Bushies could out him. But even if they send out a squad of Swift Boat Moms for Truth, there will be a countering Falluja Moms for Truth.
It's amazing that the White House does not have the elementary shrewdness to have Mr. Bush simply walk down the driveway and hear the woman out, or invite her in for a cup of tea. But W., who has spent nearly 20 percent of his presidency at his ranch, is burrowed into his five-week vacation and two-hour daily workouts. He may be in great shape, but Iraq sure isn't. It's hard to think of another president who lived in such meta-insulation. His rigidly controlled environment allows no chance encounters with anyone who disagrees. He never has to defend himself to anyone, and that is cognitively injurious. He's a populist who never meets people - an ordinary guy who clears brush, and brush is the only thing he talks to. Mr. Bush hails Texas as a place where he can return to his roots. But is he mixing it up there with anyone besides Vulcans, Pioneers and Rangers? W and Cindy SheehanMaureen Dowd has a great Op-Ed today in the NY Times.
The Bush team tried to discredit "Mom" by pointing reporters to an old article in which she sounded kinder to W. If only her husband were an undercover C.I.A. operative, the Bushies could out him. But even if they send out a squad of Swift Boat Moms for Truth, there will be a countering Falluja Moms for Truth.
It's amazing that the White House does not have the elementary shrewdness to have Mr. Bush simply walk down the driveway and hear the woman out, or invite her in for a cup of tea. But W., who has spent nearly 20 percent of his presidency at his ranch, is burrowed into his five-week vacation and two-hour daily workouts. He may be in great shape, but Iraq sure isn't. It's hard to think of another president who lived in such meta-insulation. His rigidly controlled environment allows no chance encounters with anyone who disagrees. He never has to defend himself to anyone, and that is cognitively injurious. He's a populist who never meets people - an ordinary guy who clears brush, and brush is the only thing he talks to. Mr. Bush hails Texas as a place where he can return to his roots. But is he mixing it up there with anyone besides Vulcans, Pioneers and Rangers? Mayor of Baghdad Is DeposedMission accomplished .
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Aug. 10 - Armed men entered Baghdad's municipal building during a blinding dust storm on Monday, deposed the city's mayor and installed a member of Iraq's most powerful Shiite militia.
Mayor of Baghdad Is DeposedMission accomplished .
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Aug. 10 - Armed men entered Baghdad's municipal building during a blinding dust storm on Monday, deposed the city's mayor and installed a member of Iraq's most powerful Shiite militia.
Da Vinci Plot May Get New Twist to Placate CatholicsSony is making a really smart move here. I mean, the religious controversy REALLY hurt book sales.
The film version of The Da Vinci Code is attempting to reduce the offence that the best-selling book caused to Roman Catholics. Now, if they could only get the magic out of the Harry Potter movies.
(via Linkfilter)Sony Pictures, the studio behind the film starring Tom Hanks and Sir Ian McKellen, is reported to have been so concerned that it has consulted Catholic and other Christian specialists on how it might alter the plot of the novel to avoid offending the devout. Da Vinci Plot May Get New Twist to Placate CatholicsSony is making a really smart move here. I mean, the religious controversy REALLY hurt book sales.
The film version of The Da Vinci Code is attempting to reduce the offence that the best-selling book caused to Roman Catholics. Now, if they could only get the magic out of the Harry Potter movies.
(via Linkfilter)Sony Pictures, the studio behind the film starring Tom Hanks and Sir Ian McKellen, is reported to have been so concerned that it has consulted Catholic and other Christian specialists on how it might alter the plot of the novel to avoid offending the devout. Is My Child Becoming HomosexualFocusonyourchild.com has a list of 7 signs that show that your son may be a homosexual. Here a couple of examples from the list:
2. A tendency to cry easily, be less athletic, and dislike the roughhousing that other boys enjoy.
Wait is this a list to figure out who is gay or who is a geek? But nevertheless, they do have another list on how you can prevent your child from becoming a 5. A susceptibility to be bullied by other boys, who may tease them unmercifully and call them “queer,” “fag” and “gay.”
4. The father plays an essential role in a boy’s normal development as a man. “The truth is, Dad is more important than Mom. Mothers make boys. Fathers make men.… Girls can continue to grow in their identification with their mothers. On the other hand, a boy has an additional developmental task — to disidentify from his mother and identify with his father.”
Fafblog has a more in depth list on finding out if your son is a homosexual.
Place two photographs in front of your son lying face down. On the left place a photograph of Tom Welling, TV's gay Superman; on the right place the stern but genial visage of James Dobson. Flip them over simultaneously. Which does your son look at first? If he looks at Tom Welling, he is gay. If he looks at James Dobson, he is gay with an unnatural fixation for James Dobson.
Is My Child Becoming HomosexualFocusonyourchild.com has a list of 7 signs that show that your son may be a homosexual. Here a couple of examples from the list:
2. A tendency to cry easily, be less athletic, and dislike the roughhousing that other boys enjoy.
Wait is this a list to figure out who is gay or who is a geek? But nevertheless, they do have another list on how you can prevent your child from becoming a 5. A susceptibility to be bullied by other boys, who may tease them unmercifully and call them “queer,” “fag” and “gay.”
4. The father plays an essential role in a boy’s normal development as a man. “The truth is, Dad is more important than Mom. Mothers make boys. Fathers make men.… Girls can continue to grow in their identification with their mothers. On the other hand, a boy has an additional developmental task — to disidentify from his mother and identify with his father.”
Fafblog has a more in depth list on finding out if your son is a homosexual.
Place two photographs in front of your son lying face down. On the left place a photograph of Tom Welling, TV's gay Superman; on the right place the stern but genial visage of James Dobson. Flip them over simultaneously. Which does your son look at first? If he looks at Tom Welling, he is gay. If he looks at James Dobson, he is gay with an unnatural fixation for James Dobson.
Brian's PredictionsBe sure to browse his prediction drawings at the bottom.
Each day after work, I update this website with scanned copies of my dream drawings from the previous night. I try and have this completed no later than 5PM EST (GMT-4) everyday. I also offer these predictions via email, and the system usually sends out my daily predictions at the same time.
(via Presurfer)Brian's PredictionsBe sure to browse his prediction drawings at the bottom.
Each day after work, I update this website with scanned copies of my dream drawings from the previous night. I try and have this completed no later than 5PM EST (GMT-4) everyday. I also offer these predictions via email, and the system usually sends out my daily predictions at the same time.
(via Presurfer)Tuesday, August 9, 2005Exit MundiA collection of end-of-world scenarios.
Some people collect postal stamps; Exit Mundi collects scenarios of what could go wrong with the world. Sure, our planet could get hit by an asteroid. But hey, that's nothing. Did you know we could all be munched away by hungry molecules? Or that our physicists could unintentionally wipe us all out while tinkering with particles?
(via Reality Carnival)Exit MundiA collection of end-of-world scenarios.
Some people collect postal stamps; Exit Mundi collects scenarios of what could go wrong with the world. Sure, our planet could get hit by an asteroid. But hey, that's nothing. Did you know we could all be munched away by hungry molecules? Or that our physicists could unintentionally wipe us all out while tinkering with particles?
(via Reality Carnival)The Christian ParadoxFrom Harpers.org:
America is simultaneously the most professedly Christian of the developed nations and the least Christian in its behavior. That paradox—more important, perhaps, than the much touted ability of French women to stay thin on a diet of chocolate and cheese—illuminates the hollow at the core of our boastful, careening culture.
(via Kottke.org)The Christian ParadoxFrom Harpers.org:
America is simultaneously the most professedly Christian of the developed nations and the least Christian in its behavior. That paradox—more important, perhaps, than the much touted ability of French women to stay thin on a diet of chocolate and cheese—illuminates the hollow at the core of our boastful, careening culture.
(via Kottke.org)Kung Fu Science 
The study of martial arts is the study of physics as it relates to the human body. The various types of martial art evolved as different approaches to the same problem - what is the most effective way of using the body to defend and attack? We shouldn't be surprised to find that the most effective methods of blocking and striking, perfected over hundreds of years, use the laws of physics to maximum effect.
(via Linkfilter)Kung Fu Science
The study of martial arts is the study of physics as it relates to the human body. The various types of martial art evolved as different approaches to the same problem - what is the most effective way of using the body to defend and attack? We shouldn't be surprised to find that the most effective methods of blocking and striking, perfected over hundreds of years, use the laws of physics to maximum effect.
(via Linkfilter)Monday, August 8, 2005The Universal Packing ListSelect a few parameters and this site will help tell you what to pack for almost any trip.The Universal Packing ListSelect a few parameters and this site will help tell you what to pack for almost any trip.List of Wars and Disasters by Death CountI think this may be the list of the week. Below is a section based on death by contractible diseases.
* 300,000,000+ - Smallpox (20th Century)
(via del.icio.us/cws)* 200,000,000 - Bubonic Plague (worldwide, 1300s) * 100,000,000 - Plague of Justinian (Europe 540-590) (disputed) * 10,000,000 - 100,000,000 - deaths from diseases in Europe(millions) and the Americas (tens of millions) from diseases exchanged between continents after 1492 * 50,000,000 - Spanish Flu (worldwide, 1918 - 1919) * 19,000,000 - AIDS (worldwide, 1981 - ) * 10,000,000 - Bubonic Plague (China, 1892 - 1896) * 5,000,000 - Antonine Plague Roman Empire 165 - 180 * 4,000,000 - Asian Flu pandemic (worldwide, 1957) * 1,000,000 - Hong Kong Flu pandemic (worldwide, 1968) * 130,000 - North American smallpox epidemic (1775 - 1782) * 60,000 - Great Plague of London (1665) * 775 - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) (Mostly East Asia, few cases in Europe, Canada and United States, 2002-2003) * 677 - West Nile Virus outbreak (North America, 1999 - 2004) List of Wars and Disasters by Death CountI think this may be the list of the week. Below is a section based on death by contractible diseases.
* 300,000,000+ - Smallpox (20th Century)
(via del.icio.us/cws)* 200,000,000 - Bubonic Plague (worldwide, 1300s) * 100,000,000 - Plague of Justinian (Europe 540-590) (disputed) * 10,000,000 - 100,000,000 - deaths from diseases in Europe(millions) and the Americas (tens of millions) from diseases exchanged between continents after 1492 * 50,000,000 - Spanish Flu (worldwide, 1918 - 1919) * 19,000,000 - AIDS (worldwide, 1981 - ) * 10,000,000 - Bubonic Plague (China, 1892 - 1896) * 5,000,000 - Antonine Plague Roman Empire 165 - 180 * 4,000,000 - Asian Flu pandemic (worldwide, 1957) * 1,000,000 - Hong Kong Flu pandemic (worldwide, 1968) * 130,000 - North American smallpox epidemic (1775 - 1782) * 60,000 - Great Plague of London (1665) * 775 - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) (Mostly East Asia, few cases in Europe, Canada and United States, 2002-2003) * 677 - West Nile Virus outbreak (North America, 1999 - 2004) 20 Mishaps That Might Have Started Accidental Nuclear WarNine of them are from the Cuban Missle Crisis. And you can't convince me that #19 wasn't because of the WOPR.
19) June , 1980: Faulty Computer Chip
(via del.icio.us/kingturtle)The Warning displays at the Command Centers mentioned in the last episode included windows that normally showed 0000 ICBMs detected 0000 SLBMs detected At 2:25 a.m. on June 3, 1980, these displays started showing various numbers of missiles detected, represented by 2's in place of one or more 0's. Preparations for retaliation were instituted, including nuclear bomber crews staring their engines, launch of Pacific Command's Airborne Command Post, and readying of Minutemen missiles for launch. It was not difficult to assess that this was a false alarm because the numbers displayed were not rational. While the cause of that false alarm was still being investigated 3 days later, the same thing happened and again preparations were made for retaliation. The cause was a single faulty chip that was failing in a random fashion. The basic design of the system was faulty, allowing this single failure to cause a deceptive display at several command posts. The following incident is added to illustrate that even now, when the Cold War has been over for 8 years errors can still cause concern. This particular one could have hardly brought nuclear retaliation.; but there are still 30,000 nuclear weapons deployed, and two nuclear weapon states could get into a hostile adversarial status again. 20 Mishaps That Might Have Started Accidental Nuclear WarNine of them are from the Cuban Missle Crisis. And you can't convince me that #19 wasn't because of the WOPR.
19) June , 1980: Faulty Computer Chip
(via del.icio.us/kingturtle)The Warning displays at the Command Centers mentioned in the last episode included windows that normally showed 0000 ICBMs detected 0000 SLBMs detected At 2:25 a.m. on June 3, 1980, these displays started showing various numbers of missiles detected, represented by 2's in place of one or more 0's. Preparations for retaliation were instituted, including nuclear bomber crews staring their engines, launch of Pacific Command's Airborne Command Post, and readying of Minutemen missiles for launch. It was not difficult to assess that this was a false alarm because the numbers displayed were not rational. While the cause of that false alarm was still being investigated 3 days later, the same thing happened and again preparations were made for retaliation. The cause was a single faulty chip that was failing in a random fashion. The basic design of the system was faulty, allowing this single failure to cause a deceptive display at several command posts. The following incident is added to illustrate that even now, when the Cold War has been over for 8 years errors can still cause concern. This particular one could have hardly brought nuclear retaliation.; but there are still 30,000 nuclear weapons deployed, and two nuclear weapon states could get into a hostile adversarial status again. WWI StatisticsThis site has all kinds of interesting stats to keep a history buff occupied for some time.WWI StatisticsThis site has all kinds of interesting stats to keep a history buff occupied for some time.Global Rich ListEnter in your annual income and see how you rate on the Global Rich List.(via del.icio.us/liujiyu) Global Rich ListEnter in your annual income and see how you rate on the Global Rich List.(via del.icio.us/liujiyu) The Eight Clown CommandmentsIn case you were wondering:
I will keep my acts, performance and behavior in good taste while I am in costume and makeup. I will remember at all times that I have been accepted as a member of the clown club only to provide others, principally children, with clean clown comedy entertainment. I will remember that a good clown entertains others by making fun of himself or herself and not at the expense or embarrassment of others.
(via Linkfilter)The Eight Clown CommandmentsIn case you were wondering:
I will keep my acts, performance and behavior in good taste while I am in costume and makeup. I will remember at all times that I have been accepted as a member of the clown club only to provide others, principally children, with clean clown comedy entertainment. I will remember that a good clown entertains others by making fun of himself or herself and not at the expense or embarrassment of others.
(via Linkfilter)Cat Blogging
Get that damn camera away from me. Two weeks ago, a neighbor was giving away free kittens and I made the mistake of going to take a look at them. There were five of them and all but one came over to me and the soon to be Mrs Cynic. The one that stayed behind had such a look of disgust at his brothers and sisters and their unabashed sycophantical meowing that I knew that this cat had to go home with us. So ladies and gents I introduce to you Cynical-C(at). And I promise, this will be the last cat blogging post. I swear. Seriously. Cat Blogging
Get that damn camera away from me. Two weeks ago, a neighbor was giving away free kittens and I made the mistake of going to take a look at them. There were five of them and all but one came over to me and the soon to be Mrs Cynic. The one that stayed behind had such a look of disgust at his brothers and sisters and their unabashed sycophantical meowing that I knew that this cat had to go home with us. So ladies and gents I introduce to you Cynical-C(at). And I promise, this will be the last cat blogging post. I swear. Seriously. West Bank Wall Spray Paintings
Secretive "guerrilla" artist Banksy has decorated Israel's controversial West Bank barrier with satirical images of life on the other side.
The nine paintings were created on the Palestinian side of the barrier. One depicts a hole in the wall with an idyllic beach, while another shows a mountain landscape on the other side. West Bank Wall Spray Paintings
Secretive "guerrilla" artist Banksy has decorated Israel's controversial West Bank barrier with satirical images of life on the other side.
The nine paintings were created on the Palestinian side of the barrier. One depicts a hole in the wall with an idyllic beach, while another shows a mountain landscape on the other side. Sunday, August 7, 2005List of Artificial Objects on the MoonOh Wikipedia..
The following table is a partial list of artificial objects on the surface of the Moon. They have been abandoned after having served their purpose. The list does not include smaller objects such as the retroreflectors.
List of Artificial Objects on the MoonOh Wikipedia..
The following table is a partial list of artificial objects on the surface of the Moon. They have been abandoned after having served their purpose. The list does not include smaller objects such as the retroreflectors.
The Daily Kitten A new kitten every day at 3:07pm. Awww. Perhaps I should submit my new kitty, Cynical-Cat. 
(via Linkfilter) The Daily KittenA new kitten every day at 3:07pm. Awww. Perhaps I should submit my new kitty, Cynical-Cat.
(via Linkfilter) Mike Tyson QuotesWikipedia with a list of Tyson quotes which makes me wonder why Mike doesn't have a reality show yet.
“[He] called me a ‘rapist’ and a ‘recluse.’ I’m not a recluse.”
(via del.icio.us/lcbo)"I really dig Hannibal. Hannibal had real guts. He rode elephants into Cartilage." [To a female reporter] "It's no doubt I am going to win this fight and I feel confident about winning this fight. I normally don't do interviews with womens unless I fornicate with them. So you shouldn't talk anymore... Unless you want to, you know." Mike Tyson QuotesWikipedia with a list of Tyson quotes which makes me wonder why Mike doesn't have a reality show yet.
“[He] called me a ‘rapist’ and a ‘recluse.’ I’m not a recluse.”
(via del.icio.us/lcbo)"I really dig Hannibal. Hannibal had real guts. He rode elephants into Cartilage." [To a female reporter] "It's no doubt I am going to win this fight and I feel confident about winning this fight. I normally don't do interviews with womens unless I fornicate with them. So you shouldn't talk anymore... Unless you want to, you know." Scanned Images From Old Books Another time drain for history buffs.
Over 680 images scanned from old books, most with multiple high-resolution versions! They are all public domain (copyright-free, out of copyright) unless otherwise noted, and can be used as historical reference in teaching, royalty-free stock images, scrapbook clip art, or even on your own Web site.
(via del.icio.us/pinecone)Scanned Images From Old BooksAnother time drain for history buffs.
Over 680 images scanned from old books, most with multiple high-resolution versions! They are all public domain (copyright-free, out of copyright) unless otherwise noted, and can be used as historical reference in teaching, royalty-free stock images, scrapbook clip art, or even on your own Web site.
(via del.icio.us/pinecone)A Collection of Found Photos
The collection contains 464 photos.
These photos were either lost, forgotten, or thrown away. The images now are nameless, without connection to the people they show, or the photographer who took them.
(via del.icio.us/Manuelvdw)A Collection of Found Photos
The collection contains 464 photos.
These photos were either lost, forgotten, or thrown away. The images now are nameless, without connection to the people they show, or the photographer who took them.
(via del.icio.us/Manuelvdw)Before and After Photos of a Supernova  Good ole Hubble.
A new study of Hubble Space Telescope images reveals just the sixth example of a star that was identified before and after it went supernova.
(via Linkfilter)The problem, in part, is that the vast majority of supernovas that are spotted exist beyond our Milky Way Galaxy. While the supernovas become bright and obvious, it is challenging to resolve images of individual regular stars in other galaxies. When a supernova in the Whirlpool galaxy was spotted in late June, plans were made to point Hubble that way. An image of the exploded star was made July 11. In a Hubble archive image of the Whirlpool galaxy taken in January, astronomers were able to find the supernova's progenitor star in the same location. Before and After Photos of a SupernovaGood ole Hubble.
A new study of Hubble Space Telescope images reveals just the sixth example of a star that was identified before and after it went supernova.
(via Linkfilter)The problem, in part, is that the vast majority of supernovas that are spotted exist beyond our Milky Way Galaxy. While the supernovas become bright and obvious, it is challenging to resolve images of individual regular stars in other galaxies. When a supernova in the Whirlpool galaxy was spotted in late June, plans were made to point Hubble that way. An image of the exploded star was made July 11. In a Hubble archive image of the Whirlpool galaxy taken in January, astronomers were able to find the supernova's progenitor star in the same location. WWI and Early Aviation Image Archive Tremendous gallery.
From the realization of powered flight by an obscure Bavarian emigrant
to the weapons of aerial destruction used by Richthofen's Flying Circus,
this project attempts to @rchive vintage photographs of flying machines
flown during the first two decades of the 20th century.
(via Monkeyfilter)WWI and Early Aviation Image ArchiveTremendous gallery.
From the realization of powered flight by an obscure Bavarian emigrant
to the weapons of aerial destruction used by Richthofen's Flying Circus,
this project attempts to @rchive vintage photographs of flying machines
flown during the first two decades of the 20th century.
(via Monkeyfilter)Iraqi Shipwrecks From Google Sightseeing:
In the waters of Shatt al-Arab in Basrah, Iraq, lie the wrecks of several ships, some just lying there floating on their sides, others half-submerged and seemingly covered in rust (or perhaps it’s actually damage from explosions?)
Iraqi ShipwrecksFrom Google Sightseeing:
In the waters of Shatt al-Arab in Basrah, Iraq, lie the wrecks of several ships, some just lying there floating on their sides, others half-submerged and seemingly covered in rust (or perhaps it’s actually damage from explosions?)
Friday, August 5, 2005The Little Rock Nine An amazing photo collection of what was by far the most difficult walk to school ever. Here is Wikipedia's entry about The Little Rock Nine:
The Little Rock Nine is the common term applied to the nine African-American students who were prevented from attending Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas during 1957.
(via Jardin De Flores Curiosas)The integration crisis was a major event during the American civil rights movement. Earlier in 1957, the Little Rock school board had voted to integrate their school system. It was not expected to meet too much resistance since Arkansas was considered a fairly progressive southern state. A crisis erupted, however, when Governor of Arkansas Orval Faubus called out the National Guard on September 4 to prevent the Little Rock Nine from attending high school... ...This act was in defiance of Federal court orders and the United States Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) that called for the racial desegregation of public schools. Faubus's order set him on a collision course with President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was determined to enforce the orders of the Federal courts, even though not known as a strong supporter of desegregation of public schools. Update: In case anyone is wondering what happened to the students who were known as "The Little Rock Nine". The Little Rock NineAn amazing photo collection of what was by far the most difficult walk to school ever. Here is Wikipedia's entry about The Little Rock Nine:
The Little Rock Nine is the common term applied to the nine African-American students who were prevented from attending Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas during 1957.
(via Jardin De Flores Curiosas)The integration crisis was a major event during the American civil rights movement. Earlier in 1957, the Little Rock school board had voted to integrate their school system. It was not expected to meet too much resistance since Arkansas was considered a fairly progressive southern state. A crisis erupted, however, when Governor of Arkansas Orval Faubus called out the National Guard on September 4 to prevent the Little Rock Nine from attending high school... ...This act was in defiance of Federal court orders and the United States Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) that called for the racial desegregation of public schools. Faubus's order set him on a collision course with President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was determined to enforce the orders of the Federal courts, even though not known as a strong supporter of desegregation of public schools. Update: In case anyone is wondering what happened to the students who were known as "The Little Rock Nine". The Balloon Hat Experience
n 1996, Addi Somekh and Charlie Eckert began traveling to different places in the world to make balloon hats for people and take photos of them. The goal was to show people all over the world laughing and having fun, and to emphasize the fact that all human beings are born with the ability to experience joy. In total, they visited 34 countries and have over 10,000 pictures.
(via Jaf Project)The Balloon Hat Experience
n 1996, Addi Somekh and Charlie Eckert began traveling to different places in the world to make balloon hats for people and take photos of them. The goal was to show people all over the world laughing and having fun, and to emphasize the fact that all human beings are born with the ability to experience joy. In total, they visited 34 countries and have over 10,000 pictures.
(via Jaf Project)Hotel SignsHehe.
In a Tokyo Hotel: It is forbidden to steal hotel towels please. If you are not person to do such thing is please not to read notis.
(via del.icio.us/mcmire)In a Yugoslavian hotel: The flattening of underwear with pleasure is the job of the chambermaid. In a Yugoslavian hotel: The flattening of underwear with pleasure is the job of the chambermaid. Hotel SignsHehe.
In a Tokyo Hotel: It is forbidden to steal hotel towels please. If you are not person to do such thing is please not to read notis.
(via del.icio.us/mcmire)In a Yugoslavian hotel: The flattening of underwear with pleasure is the job of the chambermaid. In a Yugoslavian hotel: The flattening of underwear with pleasure is the job of the chambermaid. Thursday, August 4, 2005Christ Portrayed Mark of Exclamation Mark has a new blog dedicated to pictures of Jesus from different time periods, cultures, etc. Christ PortrayedMark of Exclamation Mark has a new blog dedicated to pictures of Jesus from different time periods, cultures, etc. Wedding Cam
Why can't the drive thru chapel in Vegas have a webcam too?
Las Vegas Weddings "Live Web Cam" from our Chapel 1 in Las Vegas Nevada. Watch your friends or family members get married from your home or office.
Wedding Cam
Why can't the drive thru chapel in Vegas have a webcam too?
Las Vegas Weddings "Live Web Cam" from our Chapel 1 in Las Vegas Nevada. Watch your friends or family members get married from your home or office.
First Family of Windows Vista Viruses UnleashedDon't sell any of your Symantec stock yet.
An Austrian hacker earned the dubious distinction of writing what are thought to be the first known viruses for Microsoft Corp.’s Windows Vista operating system. Written in July, the viruses take advantage of a new command shell, code-named Monad, that is included in the Windows Vista beta code.
The viruses were published last month in a virus-writing tutorial written for an underground hacker group calling itself the Ready Ranger Liberation Front, and take advantage of security vulnerabilities in the new command shell. Unlike the traditional Windows graphical user interface, which relies heavily on the mouse for navigation, command shells allow users to use powerful text-based commands, much like Windows’ predecessor, DOS. First Family of Windows Vista Viruses UnleashedDon't sell any of your Symantec stock yet.
An Austrian hacker earned the dubious distinction of writing what are thought to be the first known viruses for Microsoft Corp.’s Windows Vista operating system. Written in July, the viruses take advantage of a new command shell, code-named Monad, that is included in the Windows Vista beta code.
The viruses were published last month in a virus-writing tutorial written for an underground hacker group calling itself the Ready Ranger Liberation Front, and take advantage of security vulnerabilities in the new command shell. Unlike the traditional Windows graphical user interface, which relies heavily on the mouse for navigation, command shells allow users to use powerful text-based commands, much like Windows’ predecessor, DOS. How To Call In Sick When You Just Need A Day OffI especially loved this tip (er, not that I would ever use it. Ahem):
Keep an eye out for other people who have been sick at work and use the 'I must have gotten it from ...' excuse.
How To Call In Sick When You Just Need A Day OffI especially loved this tip (er, not that I would ever use it. Ahem):
Keep an eye out for other people who have been sick at work and use the 'I must have gotten it from ...' excuse.
Media Mirror
The Media Mirror is an interactive video installation, in which 200+ channels of live cable television are continuously arranged in real-time to form a mosaic representation of the person that stands in front of it.
(via del.icio.us/mecredis)Media Mirror
The Media Mirror is an interactive video installation, in which 200+ channels of live cable television are continuously arranged in real-time to form a mosaic representation of the person that stands in front of it.
(via del.icio.us/mecredis)Why Do We Sneeze When We Look Up At The Sun?That's just great. So I have "wires crossed"?
In the pupillary light reflex, shining a light in the eye causes nerve signals to go from the eye to the brain and then back the eye again, telling the pupil to constrict. In the usual sneeze reflex, tickling the nose causes nerve signals to go from the nose to the brain and then back out to the nose, mouth, chest muscles and everything else involved in the actual sneeze. The key point is that the nerve signals take complicated routes through the brain, but usually the pupillary light reflex and sneeze reflex take different routes. Apparently what happens in sun-sneezers is that shining a bright enough light in the eye ALSO sends nerves signals from the eye to the brain and then back out to the nose, mouth and chest! In short, the wires are crossed a little bit in some people, and so shining a light in the eye "accidentally" activates two different outgoing pathways.
Why Do We Sneeze When We Look Up At The Sun?That's just great. So I have "wires crossed"?
In the pupillary light reflex, shining a light in the eye causes nerve signals to go from the eye to the brain and then back the eye again, telling the pupil to constrict. In the usual sneeze reflex, tickling the nose causes nerve signals to go from the nose to the brain and then back out to the nose, mouth, chest muscles and everything else involved in the actual sneeze. The key point is that the nerve signals take complicated routes through the brain, but usually the pupillary light reflex and sneeze reflex take different routes. Apparently what happens in sun-sneezers is that shining a bright enough light in the eye ALSO sends nerves signals from the eye to the brain and then back out to the nose, mouth and chest! In short, the wires are crossed a little bit in some people, and so shining a light in the eye "accidentally" activates two different outgoing pathways.
Assassination Attempts on Hitler's LifeMost of these I had never heard of before.
On November 8, 1939, George Elser, a swiss clock maker who had worked in Germany for several years and bitterly resented the Nazi stranglehold on labour unions, decided to kill Hitler by placing a time bomb in one of the columns behind the podium where Hitler was to give a speech in the Burgerbrau Beer Celler. Set to detonate at preciesly 9.20pm on Wednesday, Nov. 8. At 8.10 Hitler enters the beer hall but at 9.12pm he suddenly ends his speech and departs. Eight minutes later the bomb explodes killing eight people and wounding sixty-five. Elser is later arrested and confined to the concentration camp at Sachsenhousen for six and a half years. Two weeks before the war ended in Europe, Elser was executed by the SS.
(via Information Junk)Assassination Attempts on Hitler's LifeMost of these I had never heard of before.
On November 8, 1939, George Elser, a swiss clock maker who had worked in Germany for several years and bitterly resented the Nazi stranglehold on labour unions, decided to kill Hitler by placing a time bomb in one of the columns behind the podium where Hitler was to give a speech in the Burgerbrau Beer Celler. Set to detonate at preciesly 9.20pm on Wednesday, Nov. 8. At 8.10 Hitler enters the beer hall but at 9.12pm he suddenly ends his speech and departs. Eight minutes later the bomb explodes killing eight people and wounding sixty-five. Elser is later arrested and confined to the concentration camp at Sachsenhousen for six and a half years. Two weeks before the war ended in Europe, Elser was executed by the SS.
(via Information Junk)Critiquing the AlphabetHeh.
Puhleez! The capital I without the crossbars top and bottom is either the laziest piece of design in history, or an elegant stroke of modernism. With the crossbars it’s just clunky, boring and awkward. The lowercase i is kind of cute with that little dot, I suppose, but I’m not really buying it. This one should have never made it out of the comp stage.
(via Kottke.org)Critiquing the AlphabetHeh.
Puhleez! The capital I without the crossbars top and bottom is either the laziest piece of design in history, or an elegant stroke of modernism. With the crossbars it’s just clunky, boring and awkward. The lowercase i is kind of cute with that little dot, I suppose, but I’m not really buying it. This one should have never made it out of the comp stage.
(via Kottke.org)The Slacker PresidentAt least there isn't a war on or anything.
WACO, Texas — President Bush is getting the kind of break most Americans can only dream of: nearly five weeks away from the office, loaded with vacation time.
The president departed yesterday for his longest stretch yet away from the White House, arriving at his Crawford ranch in the evening for a round of clearing brush, visiting with family and friends, and tending to some outside-the-Beltway politics. It is the longest presidential retreat in at least 36 years. The August getaway is Bush's 49th trip to his cherished ranch since taking office and the 319th day that Bush has spent, entirely or partially, in Crawford — nearly 20 percent of his presidency to date, according to Mark Knoller, a CBS Radio reporter known for keeping better records of the president's travel than the White House itself. Weekends and holidays at Camp David or at his parents' compound in Kennebunkport, Maine, bump up the proportion of Bush's time away from Washington even further. Bush's long vacations are more than a curiosity: They play into diametrically opposite arguments about his leadership style. To critics and late-night comics, they symbolize a lackadaisical approach to the world's most important day job, an impression bolstered by Bush's two-hour midday exercise sessions and his disinclination to work nights or weekends. The Slacker PresidentAt least there isn't a war on or anything.
WACO, Texas — President Bush is getting the kind of break most Americans can only dream of: nearly five weeks away from the office, loaded with vacation time.
The president departed yesterday for his longest stretch yet away from the White House, arriving at his Crawford ranch in the evening for a round of clearing brush, visiting with family and friends, and tending to some outside-the-Beltway politics. It is the longest presidential retreat in at least 36 years. The August getaway is Bush's 49th trip to his cherished ranch since taking office and the 319th day that Bush has spent, entirely or partially, in Crawford — nearly 20 percent of his presidency to date, according to Mark Knoller, a CBS Radio reporter known for keeping better records of the president's travel than the White House itself. Weekends and holidays at Camp David or at his parents' compound in Kennebunkport, Maine, bump up the proportion of Bush's time away from Washington even further. Bush's long vacations are more than a curiosity: They play into diametrically opposite arguments about his leadership style. To critics and late-night comics, they symbolize a lackadaisical approach to the world's most important day job, an impression bolstered by Bush's two-hour midday exercise sessions and his disinclination to work nights or weekends. Avert Your Eyes!Is this letter real and if so, is looking at the President now a threat to security?
On Wednesday August 03, 2005, this area will be under tight security. President George W. Bush will be arriving by Helicopter at a landing zone across the street from Fire Station #1....
(via Linkfilter)The part of the security measures that may concern you is that no one will be allowed to be standing on the apartment patios or even looking out of the windows toward the landing zone (You wouldn't want to be confused for a sniper trying to harm the President)... Avert Your Eyes!Is this letter real and if so, is looking at the President now a threat to security?
On Wednesday August 03, 2005, this area will be under tight security. President George W. Bush will be arriving by Helicopter at a landing zone across the street from Fire Station #1....
(via Linkfilter)The part of the security measures that may concern you is that no one will be allowed to be standing on the apartment patios or even looking out of the windows toward the landing zone (You wouldn't want to be confused for a sniper trying to harm the President)... Wednesday, August 3, 2005The Cottingley Fairies A wonderful site that goes into detail about the strange case of the Cottingley Fairies. BTW, what was Sir Conan Doyle thinking?
In July 1917, two young girls claimed to have taken photographs of real life fairies at the bottom of their garden. When the genius behind the Sherlock Holmes stories, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, presented the pictures to the public as evidence of the existence of fairies, the tale of the two little girls in Cottingley was immortalised.
Like a pebble dropped into the middle of a pond, the Cottingley tale travelled across the globe and onto the lips of millions. Every few years, the story is resurrected and once again enchants a generation. The Cottingley FairiesA wonderful site that goes into detail about the strange case of the Cottingley Fairies. BTW, what was Sir Conan Doyle thinking?
In July 1917, two young girls claimed to have taken photographs of real life fairies at the bottom of their garden. When the genius behind the Sherlock Holmes stories, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, presented the pictures to the public as evidence of the existence of fairies, the tale of the two little girls in Cottingley was immortalised.
Like a pebble dropped into the middle of a pond, the Cottingley tale travelled across the globe and onto the lips of millions. Every few years, the story is resurrected and once again enchants a generation. Undrinkable CocktailsSome of the more interesting alcoholic beverages.
Army worm wine: In 2001, Ray Reigstad, an amateur wine maker in Northern Minnesota, decided to brew up 11-gallons of white wine. Northern Minnesota is not particularly known for its wine grapes, but that didn’t matter to Reigstad, as he wasn’t planning to use grapes anyway. Instead, he planned to use something that already grew in abundance in the Northland: the forest tent caterpillar, commonly called the army worm. Reigstad had heard about the recipe from a coworker who claimed his grandfather made it, and the winemaker saw a peculiar logic in using the insects as an ingredient for winemaking. “Army worms eat leaves,” he told the Duluth News Tribune. “So essentially they’re a combination of fruit and flowers.”
(via Linkfilter)Undrinkable CocktailsSome of the more interesting alcoholic beverages.
Army worm wine: In 2001, Ray Reigstad, an amateur wine maker in Northern Minnesota, decided to brew up 11-gallons of white wine. Northern Minnesota is not particularly known for its wine grapes, but that didn’t matter to Reigstad, as he wasn’t planning to use grapes anyway. Instead, he planned to use something that already grew in abundance in the Northland: the forest tent caterpillar, commonly called the army worm. Reigstad had heard about the recipe from a coworker who claimed his grandfather made it, and the winemaker saw a peculiar logic in using the insects as an ingredient for winemaking. “Army worms eat leaves,” he told the Duluth News Tribune. “So essentially they’re a combination of fruit and flowers.”
(via Linkfilter)Tip 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All TimeHow is Annie Hall ranked #6 over Indiana Jones, Charles Foster Kane and Travis Bickle? Jeff Spicoli over Hannibal Lecter? This list is horrible.(via Bibi's Box) Tip 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All TimeHow is Annie Hall ranked #6 over Indiana Jones, Charles Foster Kane and Travis Bickle? Jeff Spicoli over Hannibal Lecter? This list is horrible.(via Bibi's Box) Tuesday, August 2, 2005How To Make a Ferrari Out of an Acura NSX A huge gallery of every step of the process. Very impressive. (via Make:Blog) How To Make a Ferrari Out of an Acura NSXA huge gallery of every step of the process. Very impressive. (via Make:Blog) Hacking ElevatorsIf this is true, my life at work just got soooo much easier.
"The designers of some elevators include a hidden feature that is very handy if you're in a hurry
or it's a busy time in the building (like check-out time in a hotel). While some elevators require
a key, others can be put into "Express" mode by pressing the "Door Close" and "Floor" buttons at
the same time. This sweeps the car to the floor of your choice and avoids stops at any other floor.
(via Make:Blog)Hacking ElevatorsIf this is true, my life at work just got soooo much easier.
"The designers of some elevators include a hidden feature that is very handy if you're in a hurry
or it's a busy time in the building (like check-out time in a hotel). While some elevators require
a key, others can be put into "Express" mode by pressing the "Door Close" and "Floor" buttons at
the same time. This sweeps the car to the floor of your choice and avoids stops at any other floor.
(via Make:Blog)An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and SupernaturalFrom the James Randi Educational Foundation .
abracadabra While the actual origin of the word is uncertain, it has been said that it was the name of the supreme deity of the Assyrians, but it may also be an Aramaic phrase. It is a magical word often appearing on amulets, and was first mentioned by the third-century physician Quintus Severus Sammondicus. It is often seen in the configuration of a diminishing triangle:
(via Backwards City)A B R A C A D A B R A A B R A C A D A B R A B R A C A D A B A B R A C A D A A B R A C A D A B R A C A A B R A C A B R A A B R A B A It was believed that certain evils would diminish and vanish in the same way the word did. The word was often used by conjurors as an exclamation at the culmination of a trick. Now not so often employed, and in any case totally ineffective. An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and SupernaturalFrom the James Randi Educational Foundation .
abracadabra While the actual origin of the word is uncertain, it has been said that it was the name of the supreme deity of the Assyrians, but it may also be an Aramaic phrase. It is a magical word often appearing on amulets, and was first mentioned by the third-century physician Quintus Severus Sammondicus. It is often seen in the configuration of a diminishing triangle:
(via Backwards City)A B R A C A D A B R A A B R A C A D A B R A B R A C A D A B A B R A C A D A A B R A C A D A B R A C A A B R A C A B R A A B R A B A It was believed that certain evils would diminish and vanish in the same way the word did. The word was often used by conjurors as an exclamation at the culmination of a trick. Now not so often employed, and in any case totally ineffective. Is 'The Aristocrats' a Hoax?The Slumbering Lungfish's conspiracy theory.
My theory: this joke didn't exist before circa 2001. The actualy joke, really, is that they're making up this dirty joke, having a hundred comedians tell it, and billing it as a documentary with historical significance.
(via Robot Wisdom)Right now, I have two pieces of, well let's charitably call it evidence. First, Penn Jillette. If anyone was going to make up a dirty joke, then fool millions of people into thinking it's a super-secret comedian thing, it would be Jillette. Secondly, I can't find any evidence that it was posted to the Web or any other section of the Internet before 2001. Update: Looks like the joke is a bit older than The Slumbering Lungfish thought. Is 'The Aristocrats' a Hoax?The Slumbering Lungfish's conspiracy theory.
My theory: this joke didn't exist before circa 2001. The actualy joke, really, is that they're making up this dirty joke, having a hundred comedians tell it, and billing it as a documentary with historical significance.
(via Robot Wisdom)Right now, I have two pieces of, well let's charitably call it evidence. First, Penn Jillette. If anyone was going to make up a dirty joke, then fool millions of people into thinking it's a super-secret comedian thing, it would be Jillette. Secondly, I can't find any evidence that it was posted to the Web or any other section of the Internet before 2001. Update: Looks like the joke is a bit older than The Slumbering Lungfish thought. Monday, August 1, 2005African Hairstyles of the 50s and 60s
Photographies de Coiffures (Tressages) Années 50-60
(via Jaf Project)African Hairstyles of the 50s and 60s
Photographies de Coiffures (Tressages) Années 50-60
(via Jaf Project)Surviving an Earthquake QuizTake this short quiz and see if you know what to do in the event of an earthquake. I did rather poorly. In fact, after this quiz I am fairly certain that the best case scenario for me during an earthquake would for the Earth to swallow me whole preventing me from blundering around wreaking havoc amongst friends and loved ones.(via Information Junk) Surviving an Earthquake QuizTake this short quiz and see if you know what to do in the event of an earthquake. I did rather poorly. In fact, after this quiz I am fairly certain that the best case scenario for me during an earthquake would for the Earth to swallow me whole preventing me from blundering around wreaking havoc amongst friends and loved ones.(via Information Junk) New FeatureI have finally added categories to each post so that you can now browse the archives by either date or by subject. Or at least you will be able to browse the new posts by category. I have over 2,000 posts in the archive and I am far too lazy to go back and assign each of those posts to a category.Also, I haven't gotten a chance to muck with the template for the category archives so it is rather bland at the moment but isn't functionality more important than aesthetics? Well? Isn't it? New FeatureI have finally added categories to each post so that you can now browse the archives by either date or by subject. Or at least you will be able to browse the new posts by category. I have over 2,000 posts in the archive and I am far too lazy to go back and assign each of those posts to a category.Also, I haven't gotten a chance to muck with the template for the category archives so it is rather bland at the moment but isn't functionality more important than aesthetics? Well? Isn't it? Submarine Training Manuals Online I can enjoy Das Boot on a higher level now. (via Information Junk) Submarine Training Manuals OnlineI can enjoy Das Boot on a higher level now. (via Information Junk) Gallery of Portrait Tattoos 44 pages of people with pictures of other people permanently etched into their skin. Non-members can only see the first 10 pages. Trust me, that's more than enough. (via CityRag.com) Gallery of Portrait Tattoos44 pages of people with pictures of other people permanently etched into their skin. Non-members can only see the first 10 pages. Trust me, that's more than enough. (via CityRag.com) |
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