I REALLY hate brain dead forwarded Emails. Doesn't ANYONE know how to multiply? Doesn't ANYONE question before they hit SEND? 85 billion divided by 300 million is how much? Christ, a calculator is just a click away if you can't omit the zeros in your head.
What set me off? Getting that stupid Email from a secretary at my old college. Love the gal and I'd never go off on her, but come on, she represents my college!
Let me make it easy for you. Even 700 billion (the present bailout) divided by 200 million (Maybe the number of tax payers) only comes out to $3,500
People wonder why they are swamped with spam. sheesh.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Another Big Picture: The Russian Space Program
This week's Big Picture takes us to Baikonur Cosmodrome, launch facility for the Russian Space program. You can see a mockup of the Russian Space Shuttle in the background as this Soyuz is transported to the launch pad.
When the Shuttle retires in 2010, they are the only ticket to ride to the International Space Station for about five years until we get our new manned launch vehicles ready.
I am so used to seeing U.S. rocket design that I find it fascinating to look at other countries space programs. Everything looks different. Some of the differences are cosmetic, but there are also some different approaches to design evident.
Be sure to check out all the pictures.
When the Shuttle retires in 2010, they are the only ticket to ride to the International Space Station for about five years until we get our new manned launch vehicles ready.I am so used to seeing U.S. rocket design that I find it fascinating to look at other countries space programs. Everything looks different. Some of the differences are cosmetic, but there are also some different approaches to design evident.
Be sure to check out all the pictures.
Monday, September 29, 2008
First Snow of the Year...on Mars!
The Phoenix Mars Lander has seen its first snow! Well, kind of. The snow did not reach the ground as it isn't quite cold enough yet. Phoenix used an instrument called a LIDAR (think radar but it uses a laser instead of radar waves) to detect snow falling a few miles up in the atmosphere of Mars.One of the neat things to notice is that you can see the trails moving off to the right as the snow falls. The snow is falling into a lower layer of the atmosphere and the wind is altering the snow's path...yep, you can see wind on Mars!
Winter is coming...I think it would be really cool if we got to see some snow reach the ground before Phoenix runs out of power.
Pics from Up North
Hello everybody,I'm back! Yep,back from Up North. I had a great weekend. Spent some time with my family. Friday,the weather was gorgeous-did some fishing with my son,a little 4wheelin',and took some long walks into the woods to get some pics. The first three pictures were taken on the family property and the last one is the Wolf River,taken along the way through the Menominee Indian Reservation. Saturday,it rained. Did a little window shopping in Antigo. Got some of my mom's home cooking into me. Even brought home of my mom's world's best homemade chocolate-chip cookies!
At the bank today
I saw bank officers on the phones assuring customers their deposites were safe. I saw tellers counting out piles of cash to the customers at the windows. I saw looks on their faces like they had been gut kicked. Think maybe, just maybe it's time to buy into gold. Sure, your deposites are insured. If you have up to 100k in the bank, you can rest assured you will get 100k out of it even if it goes under. What you aren't assured is that the buying power of that 100k will be worth spit in the future.
Now see, they don't want you to panic and do a run on the banks. If that happens, a lot of folks lose. If there is a run on the banks and you don't, then you lose. WAMU was a big bank. WAMU went under because it endured a 1.4 billion run in a five week period. Gold will always keep pace with commodities. paper don't. Last time I said to buy gold, gold almost tripled. I'm saying it's time to buy gold again.
Now see, they don't want you to panic and do a run on the banks. If that happens, a lot of folks lose. If there is a run on the banks and you don't, then you lose. WAMU was a big bank. WAMU went under because it endured a 1.4 billion run in a five week period. Gold will always keep pace with commodities. paper don't. Last time I said to buy gold, gold almost tripled. I'm saying it's time to buy gold again.
Hubble Trouble
Breaking news today that the Hubble Space Telescope is having some trouble. The Control Unit/Science Data Formatter (CUSDF, great acronym people!) shut down. This means that no science data can be sent back to Earth. All cameras are shut down. It should be pointed out that this is side A of the CUSDF. Hubble has operated on side A its entire lifetime. As you probably expect by now, there is also a side B capable of performing exactly the same functions and NASA can switch to it with proper planning. It should be noted that side B has been in space for 18 years and never used, so hopefully, it it still functioning!Hubble is now in safe mode. Most satellites have a safe mode designed to kick in if something big goes wrong. Going into safe mode is a positive sign. Hubble will keep its batteries charged and essential systems are protected. If everything shut down and Hubble started tumbling, we wouldn't even be able to capture it for service.
Right now the next Shuttle is still scheduled to lift off on October 14th for a servicing mission. It may be delayed if they decide to try and replace side A of the CUSDF on this mission. They would have to get a replacement to the Cape, test it and train the astronauts how to install it which would take months. If they switch to side B and it works, they have a tough call on whatto do. They could let it fly with just one side functioning and no backup. This mission is the last scheduled servicing mission for Hubble, and it definitely won't last another 18 years. However, there is no guarantee side B will last as long as side A.
Here's hoping our 18 year old piece of space hardware is up to the task!
Suckers! I am Making Out on This Bailout!
Yep, while you all are left holding the $700 billion bag, I am going to be on a beach in Rio. I just got an email from the Minister of Treasure asking for my help in the money transfer ensuring me of a healthy commission for my efforts.
____________
Dear American:
I need to ask you to support an urgent secret business relationship with a transfer of funds of great magnitude.
I am Ministry of the Treasury of the Republic of America. My country has had crisis that has caused the need for large transfer of funds of 800 billion dollars US. If you would assist me in this transfer, it would be most profitable to you.
I am working with Mr. Phil Gram, lobbyist for UBS, who will be my replacement as Ministry of the Treasury in January. As a Senator, you may know him as the leader of the American banking deregulation movement in the 1990s. This transactin is 100% safe.
This is a matter of great urgency. We need a blank check. We need the funds as quickly as possible. We cannot directly transfer these funds in the names of our close friends because we are constantly under surveillance. My family lawyer advised me that I should look for a reliable and trustworthy person who will act as a next of kin so the funds can be transferred.
Please reply with all of your bank account, IRA and college fund account numbers and those of your children and grandchildren to wallstreetbailout@treasury.gov so that we may transfer your commission for this transaction. After I receive that information, I will respond with detailed information about safeguards that will be used to protect the funds.
Yours Faithfully Minister of Treasury Paulson
____________
Easy money...what could possibly go wrong?
____________
Dear American:
I need to ask you to support an urgent secret business relationship with a transfer of funds of great magnitude.
I am Ministry of the Treasury of the Republic of America. My country has had crisis that has caused the need for large transfer of funds of 800 billion dollars US. If you would assist me in this transfer, it would be most profitable to you.
I am working with Mr. Phil Gram, lobbyist for UBS, who will be my replacement as Ministry of the Treasury in January. As a Senator, you may know him as the leader of the American banking deregulation movement in the 1990s. This transactin is 100% safe.
This is a matter of great urgency. We need a blank check. We need the funds as quickly as possible. We cannot directly transfer these funds in the names of our close friends because we are constantly under surveillance. My family lawyer advised me that I should look for a reliable and trustworthy person who will act as a next of kin so the funds can be transferred.
Please reply with all of your bank account, IRA and college fund account numbers and those of your children and grandchildren to wallstreetbailout@treasury.gov so that we may transfer your commission for this transaction. After I receive that information, I will respond with detailed information about safeguards that will be used to protect the funds.
Yours Faithfully Minister of Treasury Paulson
____________
Easy money...what could possibly go wrong?
Sunny Day, Keepin' Al Qaeada Away!
It turns out that the Department of Homeland Security is worried that children won't know what to do in an emergency such as a terrorist attack or natural disaster. So how to teach kids without traumatizing them? Using the beloved characters from Sesame Street!You can download everything you need at the Ready Kids website and even watch the videos.
I haven't watched it yet, but look forward to the inevitable new characters such as Sammy Suicide Bomber, Hannah Hurricane, Tommy Tornado, Evan Earthquake, and Brian Bird Flu.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
I know.. this is Wi..
But I am a true BRETT fan!! I want him to succeed and have a really good season. I love watching him play. He's the reason I watched the Packers.
What a frigging game today he had! Scored a career high 6 touchdowns! He matched Joe Namath's record.
Wishing him the best of luck... 'not bad for an old guy' :)
Party like its 1982
Thank you Brewers.
Thank you Mark Antanasio for buying this team and investing money in it. Thank you for finally bringing a winner back to a city that loves this team. We have been saying for years "Just win and we will support this team" The fans proved it the last three years.
Thank you CC Sabathia for being the most dominating pitcher in the league.
Thank you Doug Melvin for getting CC and putting this team together. Now lets sign him for the future.
Thank you Ryan Braun for the home run today (And all your Home Runs)and your leadership to this team.
Thank you Prince Fielder for taking this team on your back in Setember.
Thank you Jason Kendall for being the unsung hero on this team and for catching an astonishing 147 out of 162 games.
Thank you Ben Sheets and Yovanni Gallardo for gutting it out.
Thank you Mike Cammeron and Craig Counsell for your veteran leadership.
Thank you Ned Yost for getting the team 5/6th of the way there.
Thank you Dale Sveum for changing the lineup and getting the team the rest of the way.
Thank you Brewer fans for waiting 26 years to make the playoffs.
Thank you NY Mets for losing and Florida Marlins for winning.
I cant wait to see how we do versus the Phillies and would love to play the Cubs for the pennant.
Howard Troxler's Rules For the Next Five Weeks...
I have linked to articles from Howard Troxler of the St. Petersburg Times before. He is one of my favorites (I have been reading him since 1994 when I moved to Florida and kept reading him online since I moved away).
Today, he gives his rules for the rest of the election cycle. To sum up: don't be distracted by trivia, don't believe forwarded emails, bloggers and talking head gasbags should be looked at with skpeticism, deal with facts even if you don't like them, and you don't get to call each other names.
Read his version...he says it well.
Today, he gives his rules for the rest of the election cycle. To sum up: don't be distracted by trivia, don't believe forwarded emails, bloggers and talking head gasbags should be looked at with skpeticism, deal with facts even if you don't like them, and you don't get to call each other names.
Read his version...he says it well.
The Lost Ladybug Project
Today I bring you another citizen science project: The Lost Ladybug Project. There are hundreds of species of ladybugs. Over the last 20 years, some species have been in serious decline while others are booming and we aren't sure why.Part of the problem is documenting which species are are doing well and which are disappearing in different parts of the country. It is difficult and expensive to dispatch that many researchers all over the place, so the idea is to engage students and citizens in the effort by photographing ladybugs. All you have to do is photograph ladybugs (tips are given on the web site) and upload your photos along with info such as the time, date, and location of the photo. The project is really targeting young students, but anyone is welcome to participate.
This effort reminds me a lot of the Great Backyard Bird Count or the Globe at Night Project. Sometimes scientists just can't collect the needed data.
If you have kids in school, pass this on to their teachers. I know ladybugs exist in Racine!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Prime mortage, prime rib, prime numbers....
Get a couple of computers, at lot of people at UCLA with too much time on their hands, and wola!...Come up with the longest biggest prime number. From Fox News; it is a 13 million digit prime number which now becomes the 46th Mersenne prime (named from a French mathematician Marine Mersenne). Prime numbers are only divisible by 1. Read about it here http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,429201,00.html. I'll have to jot it down myself. It may come in handy some day.
I gotta get me one of these....
http://www.defensetech.org/archives/004440.html
there would be no excuse for not bagging a deer during hunting season.
there would be no excuse for not bagging a deer during hunting season.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Bonus Video - Brewers almost in the playoffs
In honor of the big win tonight against the Cubs, and the fact the brewers are a Win (and Mets loss) away from the playoffs for the first time in 26 long years, please enjoy a little Brewers Love:
Friday Night's Lost Video
In 1988, Kieth Richards, guitarist extraordinaire put out a solo album with a back up band called The Xpensive Winos. The song is called "Take It So Hard" and features Keith on Lead Vocals. Who know Keith could sing ( sort of)........ Enjoy!
"Fusion Man" Makes Historic Channel Flight
LONDON (Reuters) - Swiss airline pilot Yves Rossy became the first person to fly between France and England on Friday with a jetpack strapped to his back.
Cool! I want one of those for short trips around town...
OPEN BLOG - HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!
Well gang, we've made it to Friday, yeah!!!!What's on your mind today??
Thursday, September 25, 2008
A couple of things . . .
There's a new section on the upper left sidebar of our page entitled 'Features.' It contains links to the most recent posts in some of the blogs that appear regularly here. If you'd like to post a regular blog and have it listed in Features, email me at: thesheriff@jtirregulars.com Also, if you already do one, please consider emailing me when you post your latest blog so that I can update the link as soon as possible.
At the bottom of the Features links is JTI CHAT. Some interest was expressed at the picnic about the previous Talkinator feature. There were problems with its size, though, and placement. We've decided to try it out on its own page. Right now, it's as big as it gets (500 pixels x 500 pixels) before it starts to distort. Let us know how you like it.
Finally, just below the West Racine weather on the sidebar, there is a new link to the Fall Color Report for Wisconsin. Drewzepmeister originally provided that link in a comment.
OK, that was more than a couple of things. That was three things.
And that made it four.
At the bottom of the Features links is JTI CHAT. Some interest was expressed at the picnic about the previous Talkinator feature. There were problems with its size, though, and placement. We've decided to try it out on its own page. Right now, it's as big as it gets (500 pixels x 500 pixels) before it starts to distort. Let us know how you like it.
Finally, just below the West Racine weather on the sidebar, there is a new link to the Fall Color Report for Wisconsin. Drewzepmeister originally provided that link in a comment.
OK, that was more than a couple of things. That was three things.
And that made it four.
Going Up North
Going up North this weekend,to visit my family and get away from the insanity of the city. Out there in the boondocks,I'm going to do some fishing with my boy,go 4 wheelin' in the woods with our ATV's ,and maybe get some fall pictures.So where does everybody when go when they want to getaway? Any vacation mermories?
The Quick Edit Pencil Icons Are Back
Previous blog here: http://www.jtirregulars.com/2008/09/where-are-quick-edit-links.html
We tried every fix that blogspot offered to restore the quick edit links, but nothing worked. We even posted a query on the Google Groups site. Still nothing.
Then, this morning, almost three days (the "transition period") to the minute after changing our URL address, they reappeared.
Thank you, o mighty gods of Google!
We tried every fix that blogspot offered to restore the quick edit links, but nothing worked. We even posted a query on the Google Groups site. Still nothing.
Then, this morning, almost three days (the "transition period") to the minute after changing our URL address, they reappeared.
Thank you, o mighty gods of Google!
Day 4 Chuckle
Hypnotist at the Senior Center
It was entertainment night at the Senior Center. Claude the hypnotist announced, 'I'm here to put you into a trance; I intend to hypnotize each and every member of the audience.'The excitement was almost electric as Claude withdrew a beautiful antique pocket watch from his coat. 'I want you each to keep your eyes on this antique watch. It's a very special watch. It's been in my family for six generations.'
He began to swing the watch gently back and forth while quietly chanting: 'Watch the watch, watch the watch, watch the watch...'
The crowd became mesmerized as the watch swayed back and forth, light gleaming off its polished surface. Hundreds of pairs of eyes followed the swaying watch, until, suddenly, it slipped from the hypnotist's finger and fell to the floor, shattering into a hundred pieces.; 'SHIT!' exclaimed the hypnotist.
It took three days to clean up the Senior Center.
It was entertainment night at the Senior Center. Claude the hypnotist announced, 'I'm here to put you into a trance; I intend to hypnotize each and every member of the audience.'The excitement was almost electric as Claude withdrew a beautiful antique pocket watch from his coat. 'I want you each to keep your eyes on this antique watch. It's a very special watch. It's been in my family for six generations.'
He began to swing the watch gently back and forth while quietly chanting: 'Watch the watch, watch the watch, watch the watch...'
The crowd became mesmerized as the watch swayed back and forth, light gleaming off its polished surface. Hundreds of pairs of eyes followed the swaying watch, until, suddenly, it slipped from the hypnotist's finger and fell to the floor, shattering into a hundred pieces.; 'SHIT!' exclaimed the hypnotist.
It took three days to clean up the Senior Center.
Brooklyn Man Dies After Police Use a Taser Gun
"A naked and apparently emotionally disturbed man fell to his death from a building ledge in Brooklyn on Wednesday after an officer shot him with a Taser stun gun, the police said."
I dunno. Seems kind of cold to Taser him knowing that there's concrete ten feet below, but I'm not a cop and I wasn't there. Maybe the lesson is: don't threaten police with a fluorescent light tube.
While naked.
And climbing a fire escape.
Downtown Racine to be on TV
Charkes Gibson bringing World News broadcast here
All Residents of Beckerville (aka Downtown) Ordered on Best Behavior
"Put on your Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes," people urged.
Regular Racine Residents Warned: Stay Away!
All Residents of Beckerville (aka Downtown) Ordered on Best Behavior
"Put on your Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes," people urged.
Regular Racine Residents Warned: Stay Away!
"We don't want the world's perception of Racine to be distorted by the reality of the city," said one local government official, "so we're asking that the poor, the unemployed, the criminal, and all the other undesirables find somewhere else to go on October 9. Is that too much to ask?"
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Dear Madame Zoltar
Hello everyone! It’s time for our weekly wander through the realm of the unknown.Our first question today comes from SER, who wrote: “I want to plan a trip...
What are the winning numbers going to be for Wednesday night’s Megabucks drawing?”
Dear Mr. SER: Of course, if I publish the winning numbers here, everyone who reads this will play them and there will be thousands of winners. Then you will maybe win a couple of dollars.
So, for security’s sake, I have sent the winning numbers to you telepathically. By now you should have received them and purchased your ticket. Congratulations, enjoy your trip, and please don’t forget my 15% gratuity.
Next, is a comment, I think, from a person, I think, who goes by the name ‘Karl Is Mad’:
Bom bom bom
I illiterate your fate with the back of my hand
and I'm crazy like a hound dog
no wait it's too late
I open heaven and then get shot down at the gate
and I have a gat
blat blat blat
I'm V-dub McLub with a ace o' club
skat skat skat skeet
wut up i have souls on my fiz-eet.
neat
Dear Mr. Karl Is Mad: Thank you for your interest in JT Irregulars.
Next is this from ‘Worried on Williams Street’: “Dear Madame Zoltar, I am very concerned about our economy. It seems like there is complete chaos on Wall Street and I don’t trust our government to do the right thing. (You know, the two biggest lies are ‘The check is in the mail,’ and ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help you.’) I’ve worked hard all my life for what I have and now I’m afraid it will disappear down a fiscal black hole. What do you suggest?”
Dear Worried: Are you old enough to remember the Marshall Plan? After World War II, we rebuilt the infrastructures and economies of our vanquished foes. Well, I think it’s pretty obvious that today we’ve lost the new war called Global Economy 101. I suggest that we surrender immediately and apply for aid from our conquerors. I also suggest taking some language classes in Arabic and/or Japanese. 幸運 !
[Confidential to Scandalized in City Hall: Slipping Antabuse into his coffee is probably illegal. Besides, I kind of look forward to watching him make an ass of himself at Party on the Pavement.]
That’s this week’s blog, my friends. I hope you enjoyed it. Please remember to keep those questions and comments coming to: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com
I hope you all have a very pleasant week and don’t forget, Madame Zoltar is watching over you. Au revoir!
How to Peel an Egg
This is too crazy; I may need to boil some eggs just to try it...
Instructions:
1. Cover the eggs with water and boil on low for about 12 minutes
2. Cool the eggs by placing them in cold water with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and ice. The baking soda raises the pH level and reduces adherence. If you choose not to use baking soda, be sure to move the eggs into cold water with plenty of ice immediately after boiling
3. Crack the top of the egg and remove a small piece
4. Crack the bottom (wide end) of the egg and remove a small piece
5. Hold the egg in your hand and blow vigorously into the narrow end of the egg, which will expel it out the wide end
Doesn’t get much easier than that! Just be ready to catch it when it comes out…
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
I Have No Idea What This Says About the Election...
Amazon.com sells these paper Halloween masks. As of right now, the Obama mask is ranked #1013 and the McCain mask is ranked #2456 in their best sellers. Does it mean that Obama is a beloved figure and will trounce McCain or that lots more people find him scary so McCain is really in the driver's seat?
Where Are The Quick Edit Links?
The Quick Edit links were those little yellow pencil links that appeared at the bottom right of the blogs we post:
If you saw an error in your blog after it was posted, or wanted to change something, you could just click on the pencil to go back to compose mode for that blog. They disappeared with our old url address and haven't been seen since. They are sorely missed.
The JTI staff is working feverishly on solving this problem. It probably is due to our address change, and, with any luck, it will resolve itself when the three day "transition" period is over. However, we will continue to prosecute the matter with the utmost diligence and concern.
In the meantime, you can edit your posted blogs the old fashioned way: from the website's main page, select the New Post link on the upper right:
When that opens to a new posting page, select the Edit Posts link on the left, next to Create:
From there, you can select which of your posts you wish to edit:
Please come back lil' Quick Edit. We miss you.
If you saw an error in your blog after it was posted, or wanted to change something, you could just click on the pencil to go back to compose mode for that blog. They disappeared with our old url address and haven't been seen since. They are sorely missed.
The JTI staff is working feverishly on solving this problem. It probably is due to our address change, and, with any luck, it will resolve itself when the three day "transition" period is over. However, we will continue to prosecute the matter with the utmost diligence and concern.
In the meantime, you can edit your posted blogs the old fashioned way: from the website's main page, select the New Post link on the upper right:
When that opens to a new posting page, select the Edit Posts link on the left, next to Create:
From there, you can select which of your posts you wish to edit:
Please come back lil' Quick Edit. We miss you.
Free at last, oh free at last.
Dag gone glitchy puter. Had a good time at the picnic. In fine form I made sure to wear my School's base ball cap. Located in sunny Henrieta New York, R.I.T. (Rochester Institute of Technology) had a fraternity selling hats for South Henrieta Institute of Technology. (S.H.I.T.) So here I am all freshly arrived to Pets and there is a group nice and close to the parking lot. A guy walks up to me and I ask, "Is this the picnic for the irregular support group?"
He looks at me, glances at my hat, gets a real weird look on his face and shudders as he says no. Now I'm quite oblivious forgetting what my hat says, but after time passed all I can think was the poor Iregular folks I was with across the way must have had a LOT of gossip about us from this first group afterI rolled away.
It was good meeting all of you and I think Orbs is bald. Only say this because the ball cap never came off. :-) I was actually sick from being overly full. That made for a great nap later that afternoon.
As I said when I was asked, next meet place, AMSTERDAM!
He looks at me, glances at my hat, gets a real weird look on his face and shudders as he says no. Now I'm quite oblivious forgetting what my hat says, but after time passed all I can think was the poor Iregular folks I was with across the way must have had a LOT of gossip about us from this first group afterI rolled away.
It was good meeting all of you and I think Orbs is bald. Only say this because the ball cap never came off. :-) I was actually sick from being overly full. That made for a great nap later that afternoon.
As I said when I was asked, next meet place, AMSTERDAM!
We Have A New Address
We are now officially at http://www.jtirregulars.com/
Please change your bookmarks/favorites accordingly.
This change should allow more people in more places to visit our website.
The old address, http://jtirregulars.blogspot.com/, will soon be redirecting to the new one.
Bumped on 9/23/08:
This conversion should present no problems to current users of this site. Login and posting procedures remain the same. You do not need to change anything. A number of bugs have popped up during the conversion process, though, and we're working on them.
We do have new email addresses for JT Irregulars: jtirregulars@jtirregulars.com and thesheriff@jtirregulars.com (The old addresses will continue to be monitored for awhile.) Please contact us if you have any difficulty with the site.
Email addresses at the jtirregulars domain are available for those who want them. You can have an address with your username@jtirregulars.com, but you do NOT need one of those to access, post on, or read this site. If you want a JTI email address, send an email to one of the above addresses.
Thank you for your patience during this time. Our intention in changing the address of the site was to make it available to more people, and we already know that has worked. Yay! More Irregulars means more fun!
Please change your bookmarks/favorites accordingly.
This change should allow more people in more places to visit our website.
The old address, http://jtirregulars.blogspot.com/, will soon be redirecting to the new one.
Bumped on 9/23/08:
This conversion should present no problems to current users of this site. Login and posting procedures remain the same. You do not need to change anything. A number of bugs have popped up during the conversion process, though, and we're working on them.
We do have new email addresses for JT Irregulars: jtirregulars@jtirregulars.com and thesheriff@jtirregulars.com (The old addresses will continue to be monitored for awhile.) Please contact us if you have any difficulty with the site.
Email addresses at the jtirregulars domain are available for those who want them. You can have an address with your username@jtirregulars.com, but you do NOT need one of those to access, post on, or read this site. If you want a JTI email address, send an email to one of the above addresses.
Thank you for your patience during this time. Our intention in changing the address of the site was to make it available to more people, and we already know that has worked. Yay! More Irregulars means more fun!
Monday, September 22, 2008
"The Front Fell Off..."
I just received the following very funny video forwarded from a friend...it shows that even massive oil spills can be funny.
As I hope at least some of you suspect, this isn't real (the Senator not being named first aroused my suspicion...progressively more ridiculous answers raised it higher). It is the Australian comedy duo John Clarke and Bryan Dawe. This video is debunked on Snopes. Even more amazing, this comes from the early '90s, so it just shows that some old legends can find new life on the internet.
The person who initially forwarded this passed it on as a real interview. I can look at the chain of people it went through and I know several of them. They are smart people (maybe too trusting sometimes) who got taken in by this video as being the real thing.
This once again points out the problems with trusting the validity of forwarded emails. I haven't posted there in a long time, but it seems this problem is epidemic on the old JT site these days (if you have looked there recently, you know the posters I am talking about!) Although this particular email was not political in nature, it is important to apply the same level of critical thinking skills to political posts as it is to these fluffier emails.
It is easy to be skeptical of claims made by your political opponents. It is tougher, and even more important, to be just as skeptical of the claims politicians you support.
As I hope at least some of you suspect, this isn't real (the Senator not being named first aroused my suspicion...progressively more ridiculous answers raised it higher). It is the Australian comedy duo John Clarke and Bryan Dawe. This video is debunked on Snopes. Even more amazing, this comes from the early '90s, so it just shows that some old legends can find new life on the internet.
The person who initially forwarded this passed it on as a real interview. I can look at the chain of people it went through and I know several of them. They are smart people (maybe too trusting sometimes) who got taken in by this video as being the real thing.
This once again points out the problems with trusting the validity of forwarded emails. I haven't posted there in a long time, but it seems this problem is epidemic on the old JT site these days (if you have looked there recently, you know the posters I am talking about!) Although this particular email was not political in nature, it is important to apply the same level of critical thinking skills to political posts as it is to these fluffier emails.
It is easy to be skeptical of claims made by your political opponents. It is tougher, and even more important, to be just as skeptical of the claims politicians you support.
Concert Memories
I've been to at least three dozen concerts over the years. Many of them excellent shows. So many memories. One of them was the second time I saw Rush at Alpine Valley on June 17,1990.It was a beautiful night and the moon was full. Hair metal band Mr. Big opened up the show playing their mediocre power ballads. Rush lit up place with a two hour show playing tunes from though out their career as well as their well known songs like "Tom Sawyer","The Spirit of Radio" and "YYZ".
The most impressive part of the show was the light show,which I felt was worth the ticket price alone. They had lasers everywhere. Off of the buildings in the back,in trees, and down thr aisles. Very impressive!
So what is your favorite concert or concert moment? If you have never been to a concert,what is your favorite moment in sports games,comedy shows,or whatever you been to. I'd like to hear stories.
This is stuck in my head, and now it will be stuck in yours too!
In researching videos for my postings last night, the wayback machine in my head remembered this annoying little nugget of music from a band called Ween, and of course I watched the video and now its stuck in my head and Im wistling it at work. (Plus the bass player freaks me out!) Get ready to have your brain infected by "Push tha' Little Daisies"
What, Me Worry?
http://news.racinepost.com/2008/09/mayor-police-chief-give-hispanics.html
The Racine Post is a respectable website run by responsible people who are devoted to the welfare and improvement of Racine. Please do not post nasty or offensive comments there. That's what this site is for.
Party on, Becker!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Bonus Video - Classic 80's
Back in 1984, this song was playing in the clubs and college radio. The band is called Talk Talk and the song is called "It's My Life". I still keep getting pulled back to it. And the original is so much better than the hack job No Doubt's version was. Sit back and enjoy a true 80's classic.
Firday night's lost video - Sunday version
Sorry for the delay guys. Been a little busy this weekend, but will be back on schedule next week!
Tonights song is from a band called The Dead Milkmen. Underated band, fun song. Enjoy "Punk Rock Girl".
Tonights song is from a band called The Dead Milkmen. Underated band, fun song. Enjoy "Punk Rock Girl".
Happy Equinox
Tomorrow is the first day of fall...well, at least from an astronomical sense. Astronomical fall begins on the day the Sun passes directly over the equator. On this day, the Sun will rise directly in the East and set directly in the west (if you live on an east-west street, watch the Sun rise and set at the end of your street!)
For meteorologists, however, fall is old news. Meteorologists define fall as the months of September, October and November.
Oh, and you can forget the nonsense about standing eggs on end on the equinox. Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day takes on that with with Phil Plait standing eggs on end on a random day in October.
For meteorologists, however, fall is old news. Meteorologists define fall as the months of September, October and November.
Oh, and you can forget the nonsense about standing eggs on end on the equinox. Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day takes on that with with Phil Plait standing eggs on end on a random day in October.
MoreCowbell.dj
| Make your own at MoreCowbell.dj | ||
I did Denise by Randy & the Rainbows "with 86% cowbell and 92% Walken."
Do Water Bears Push Each Other Out Airlocks in Their Science Fiction Stories?
Well, it wouldn't be the most effective ways for these little guys to kill their enemies. Water bears (proper name tardigrades) were launched into space aboard the European Space Agency's Foton M3 spacecraft last year. Water bears are small (about 1.5mm) long creatures They were exposed to the vacuum and radiation of space in various combinations and, even when exposed to the vacuum and UV radiation of space, researchers found a good number of survivors."So who cares?" I hear the naysayers cry. Surviving the high radiation environment indicates their cells have a remarkable ability to repair DNA damage. It doesn't take a lot of imagination to see potential medical benefits to us in figuring out how they repair this damage. If we can isolate the genes or proteins, we could use it to reduce damage to healthy cells in cancer therapy. I could even see preventive therapies coming from this type of research in the future.
And I sure hope they figure out how these guys pull it off in case I am ever thrown out an airlock of a spaceship by my evil nemesis!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Saturday Night Video
Big Head Todd and the Monsters were one of my favorite bands to came out in the 90's
Here is Circle,from their Sister Sweetly album.
Enjoy!
Here is Circle,from their Sister Sweetly album.
Enjoy!
JTI Picnic: the Brats and the Bees
Hi childrens!We had a great time at the picnic! I was summoned early on to help by telepathically broadcasting directions to those who were unsure of their way. Once on the grounds, there was this hint:
A special thank you to dears SER and Lizardmom for staking out a claim early. (I happen to know that they spent the time sharpening their skills in a certain criminal activity. Oh yes, you two, Madame Zoltar knows all!)
Unfortunately, even I couldn’t keep away the swarms of killer bees. Or yellow jackets. Or whatever those pesky little things are. I promise to have a potion ready for the next get-together.
I’m sorry, but I was much too preoccupied reading palms to notice who brought exactly what food. I know the burgers came from Timt49 and were delicious. Mr. drewzepmeister brought his fabulous chicken wings again. A veggie plate was contributed by our mystery guests. Only JT Irregulars and psychics may know their identity. Ooooooo-eeeeeeee-oooooooo!
I saw Huck Finn there and Cyndi and kkdither. Please, anyone who was there, please give credit where it is due for the food.
I’ll take credit for the weather, which was gorgeous.
See you all at the next soiree, dearies!
Friday, September 19, 2008
HAPPY FRIDAY!! Time for another OPEN BLOG!!!
YEAH!!! We made it to Friday!!How did you survive this past week??
(full moon and all!)
Who's up for a picnic?
Mayor Becker to Discuss Immigration Issues with Members of Racine Interfaith Coalition
http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2008/09/19/local_news/doc48d2a8f24a527054672138.txt
In a related development, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents annonunced that they will discuss Racine's financial, infrastructure, business, industrial, employment, criminal, educational, transportation, and environmental issues.
Agent Bob O'Link, spokesman for the United States' ICE agency, stated, "With Becker handling the immigration issues in Racine for us, we thought we'd return the favor and do his job for him. I mean, somebody has to do it. It's great when government agencies can help each other out like this."
In a related development, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents annonunced that they will discuss Racine's financial, infrastructure, business, industrial, employment, criminal, educational, transportation, and environmental issues.
Agent Bob O'Link, spokesman for the United States' ICE agency, stated, "With Becker handling the immigration issues in Racine for us, we thought we'd return the favor and do his job for him. I mean, somebody has to do it. It's great when government agencies can help each other out like this."
MIlwaukee Public Schools to Explore Dissolving District
Money pressure brings board’s surprising vote
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=796646
"While it is extremely far from this step to MPS going out of business — and the action might turn out to be largely a symbolic protest of the MPS financial situation — it was by far the board’s most dramatic reaction to the pressures it is under. Those pressures include wide demands for better student achievement, a tightening money vise and the strong prospect of a double-digit increase in the property tax levy to be imposed this fall.
“'We have ample evidence the current model is going to move us to ruination sooner or later,' [school board member Danny] Goldberg said."
“'Anybody else running it — good luck,' [budget committee chair Terry] Falk said."Thursday, September 18, 2008
Palin Email fiasco. It's all bad.
Yahoo bad for giving out the password.
Hacker bad for exploiting a broken system.
Net sites bad for posting the emails.
I'm bad for actually reading what should be private.
And Palin is bad for having lied about trooper gate.
)It's a small cruel world out there.
Hacker bad for exploiting a broken system.
Net sites bad for posting the emails.
I'm bad for actually reading what should be private.
And Palin is bad for having lied about trooper gate.
)It's a small cruel world out there.
What did he say???
OK, here is the 'did I hear that right?' blog.This week, Monday, I think,
We were asked "what time do you serve breakfast til?"
We answered "til 10:30 on weekdays and 11:00 on weekends"
This obviously led to great confusion by the one that asked,
to which the following question was asked....
"But what about Mondays???"
YIKES!!!!!
What is the oddest thing you've ever been told or asked??
Science Friday Live From Tucson
NPR's show Science Friday will be airing live from the Mars Phoenix building here in Tucson tomorrow 11am - 1pm MST (no daylight savings time here) which is 1pm-3pm CDT. They will be talking about Mars (duh!), chili peppers, and Arizona astronomy. I hear they are scalping tickets on Craigs List if you can believe that.
Unfortunately, I will not be in the audience as tomorrow is a special workshop for a program called Project Astro that pairs teacher with astronomers to do education. As an astronomer volunteer, I visit the classroom of my teacher to help lead activities and teach astronomy during the year. And our workshop goes all day tomorrow!
They may talk about a project I have a pretty good role in and that has some exciting Racine and Kenosha connections as well...I will post a follow up blog Saturday (I have to listen to the podcast of it first and, since we take the teachers up Kitt Peak Friday night, I won't even get to listen to the podcast at all tomorrow!)
You can try to find a station that airs Science Friday near you, but I don't know if you can pick any of them up in Racine. Or you can listen live streaming. If all else fails, you can be like me and listen to the podcast at your leisere.
So here is your heads up...more on Saturday.
Unfortunately, I will not be in the audience as tomorrow is a special workshop for a program called Project Astro that pairs teacher with astronomers to do education. As an astronomer volunteer, I visit the classroom of my teacher to help lead activities and teach astronomy during the year. And our workshop goes all day tomorrow!
They may talk about a project I have a pretty good role in and that has some exciting Racine and Kenosha connections as well...I will post a follow up blog Saturday (I have to listen to the podcast of it first and, since we take the teachers up Kitt Peak Friday night, I won't even get to listen to the podcast at all tomorrow!)
You can try to find a station that airs Science Friday near you, but I don't know if you can pick any of them up in Racine. Or you can listen live streaming. If all else fails, you can be like me and listen to the podcast at your leisere.
So here is your heads up...more on Saturday.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
See You (22,500 years) Later, Alligator!
Here is the discovery of a cosmic oddball with the not so poetic name of SQ372. The minor planet was discovered by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS)about 2 billion miles from the Sun (about the distance of Neptune). The unusual thing about this little guy is that its orbit is elliptical...very elliptical. It takes 22,500 years to complete one orbit and ends up about 150 billion miles away at its farthest point.
They were not even looking for asteroids or comets but supernova. The SDSS was scanning the same area of the sky every clear night looking for supernova. When you get this type of data, you can also find moving objects, but it takes a different computer program to find them. So they wrote the program and you can see the discovery images in the animation below.
Doesn't exactly jump out at you, does it? This guy is probably less than 30-60 miles across and has a composition similar to a comet. Unlike comets, it never gets close enough to the Sun to form a tail.
The significance of this discovery is that it is an object that appears to have originated between the Kuiper belt (a collection of icy bodies between Neptune and about 5 billion miles from the Sun) and the Oort Cloud (which should lie about a trillion miles from the Sun). Astronomers have dubbed this area the Inner Oort cloud (not exactly a creative name) and its existence is still controversial. However, a previously discovered body named Sedna (it was big enough to get a name) and now this guy are starting to provide a little more evidence for the Inner Oort Cloud model of the solar system.
This discovery is a nice example of science in action. Observations are made, predictions are made and tested by more observations and experiments. Ideas are revised based on new observations. I am looking forward to more discoveries as we try to piece together the mysteries of the outer solar system.
They were not even looking for asteroids or comets but supernova. The SDSS was scanning the same area of the sky every clear night looking for supernova. When you get this type of data, you can also find moving objects, but it takes a different computer program to find them. So they wrote the program and you can see the discovery images in the animation below.
Doesn't exactly jump out at you, does it? This guy is probably less than 30-60 miles across and has a composition similar to a comet. Unlike comets, it never gets close enough to the Sun to form a tail. The significance of this discovery is that it is an object that appears to have originated between the Kuiper belt (a collection of icy bodies between Neptune and about 5 billion miles from the Sun) and the Oort Cloud (which should lie about a trillion miles from the Sun). Astronomers have dubbed this area the Inner Oort cloud (not exactly a creative name) and its existence is still controversial. However, a previously discovered body named Sedna (it was big enough to get a name) and now this guy are starting to provide a little more evidence for the Inner Oort Cloud model of the solar system.
This discovery is a nice example of science in action. Observations are made, predictions are made and tested by more observations and experiments. Ideas are revised based on new observations. I am looking forward to more discoveries as we try to piece together the mysteries of the outer solar system.
Dear Madame Zoltar
Hello, everyones! Welcome to my weekly Wednesday blog.Madame Zoltar is not pleased. I was working on my blog this morning and had it nearly completed when there was a sudden power outage. I should’ve been OK because I have a battery backup for my computer manufactured by APC. I just tested it a couple of weeks ago. However, when the power went down, so did my computer, and I lost everything. Power was eventually restored and I rewrote the blog. All’s well that ends well, though, and I hope that the CEOs of WE Energies and APC enjoy their new incarnations as a jackass and platypus, respectively.
Today’s first question comes from one of my favorite contributors, Mr. Avenging Angel, who asks, “If Rocky fought Rambo, who would win?”
Why, Sylvester Stallone, of course: just think of all the money he would make! Seriously, though, this question reminds me of that old conundrum about an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. In that scenario, I like to think of Rambo as a collection of protons hurling in one direction inside of the Large Hadron Collider. By the same token, Rocky would be a different collection of protons hurling in the opposite direction. Then, if they were to collide, space and time as we know it would cease to exist. That’s not a big deal for me because I’m used to slipping in and out of the material world, but it may pose some problems for the rest of you. In short, Mr. AA, the answer to your question is that no one would win, but we would all lose. Let’s just keep the great, patriotic Americans like Rocky and Rambo fighting together for our side.
Our next comment comes from someone who wants her “name withheld for anonymity,” and once you’ve read the message, you’ll know why: “Dear Mme. Zoltar. I have been having these ‘special feelings’ about you lately. I am totally heterosexual and strictly into men though. Could it just be patient/psychic transfer that I'm experiencing? Please help. I am so uncomfortable having this sexual angst hanging over my head....”
My, I’m feeling rather flushed. Ah, er, yes, it’s that transfer thing, or something… Perhaps your feelings for me are really an expression of gratitude for the insight and wisdom I have brought into your life with my special powers. Or maybe you’re just horny. In any case, I recommend cold showers whenever you have those feelings – for both of us.
Here’s a query from a locally elected official: “Why do bloggers feel they have the right to comment on and criticize a public figure? Just because I campaigned for office and am paid by their tax dollars, they seem to think it’s OK to discuss my job performance. Why don’t they understand? I was duly elected by the people – now leave me alone!”
Sorry, but bloggers are a notoriously thick lot who can’t seem to shed those silly notions of democracy and civic duty that some damn fools drummed into their heads. Tell you what, for the right price (contact me), I can cast a spell that will blind them with celebrations and commercial distractions. They’ll be so busy with partying that they probably won’t even hear the gunfire in the distance.
Finally, here are my prognostications for this weekend’s JTI picnic: perfect weather, outstanding food, and great company. Remember, if you want me to make an appearance, gather into a circle, join hands, close your eyes, and chant my name. I will be there shortly. If that hussy “Bloody Mary” Worth shows up in my stead, please tell her to take a hike.
And don’t forget to email me at madamezoltar@wi.rr.com to see your questions and my answers published here every week.
Ciao!
September 17th....ahhhhhh!
Down here in the desert, September 17th is a somewhat important day in Tucson...it is the average date of the last 100 degree day of the year. Right now, no more are in sight. We could get another, but the odds are going down and we wont' get weeks at a time of them.
The saying here is that our first 100 degree day in the spring is when the "Ice breaks on the Santa Cruz River". Yep, here ice doesn't break until 100 degrees is hit.
So here we go for the nice fall weather, hikes in the national park, and road racing season picks up.
Enjoy the fall!
The saying here is that our first 100 degree day in the spring is when the "Ice breaks on the Santa Cruz River". Yep, here ice doesn't break until 100 degrees is hit.
So here we go for the nice fall weather, hikes in the national park, and road racing season picks up.
Enjoy the fall!
Fed in AIG Rescue - $85 Billion Loan
Government response reaches dramatic new level: U.S. will take 80% stake in nation's largest insurer to prevent global financial chaos.
http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/16/news/companies/AIG/?postversion=2008091710I'm not a high finance type guy, so I wouldn't pretend to know about these kinds of things, but even an idiot like me is getting a little worried. Our government is now financing 80% of a privately owned company, the nation's largest insurer, correct? And this is in addition to the previously announced bailouts, correct?
Just so you know, OrbsCorbs Inc. has suffered tremendous losses in the recent economic turmoil and is in great danger of collapsing, which would send ripples of uncertainty throughout the blogging community. How do I go about applying for one of these federal bailouts?
And where's my FEMA trailer?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Moonrise on Lake Michigan Revisited
About 7:30 this evening, I was down by Samuel Myers Park (aka 11th St. Beach). I looked off to the east, and there was a beautiful full moon just beginning to rise over the lake. It reminded me of the Solstice Moon that we discussed a few months ago: http://jtirregulars.blogspot.com/2008/06/solstice-moon-illusion.html.I thought of the great photos that drew took of that moon: http://jtirregulars.blogspot.com/2008/06/solstice-moon-pictures.html. I didn't have my camera with me and the light was fading fast, but I wanted to try to get some shots of this moonrise. So I raced home, grabbed my camera, and raced back down. By the time I arrived, it was almost dark. As I trotted toward the rocks, I suddenly remembered the tripod that I had left at home. Isn't it fun to get old?
Anyway, I tried to get some decent pics, but I was too winded to hold the camera steady, and very ticked off at myself for forgetting the tripod. The picture above is the best of the lot. And the one at right, well, I'm not sure exactly what happened there, but it reminds me of the 60's.
I'm boycotting political posts
There is the saying is that the one thing that can ruin a good friendship between a guy and girl, (two guys, two girls what ever) is marriage. The same can be said about politics. In some of the past blogs, we all may have shed some light on our leanings. I know mine came out. Some I agree with, some I don't. I don't thinks there is anything that anyone can say to change mine, and likewise for me to do the same to someone else. And I sure as hell don't want politics to come between the intelligent conversations, the unintelligent conversations, laughs, and general BS of my irregular friends. However crapping on the Bears and Cubs is still fair game!
This Week's Big Picture: Hurrican Ike
This week's Boston Globe Big Picture focuses on Hurrican Ike. Really tough to pick a sample picture this week.
Okay, someone else post...I am starting to feel like a blog hog here!
Okay, someone else post...I am starting to feel like a blog hog here!
Fun with Telemarketers
On Orb's spam blog, the conversation turned to telemarketers, so let's start a new one here.
I refuse to put my number on a do not call list. I want these idiots to call me. They can be a tremendous source of amusement, if you play them right.
Over the last few months, I've gotten:
The auto warranty calls
The credit card consolidation calls
"Dave" or "Steve" or whatever the idiot's name is for satellite tv
Subscription for the RJT
Life insurance from JC Penny
Here's why they don't call anymore:
Auto Warranty:
I claimed to own an '86 Ford Pixar. Idiot stayed on the phone with me for 30 minutes trying to find it in her system before abruptly hanging up. Someone must have finallytold her that "Pixar" is the name of a movie company.
Credit Card Consolidation
I spent 15 minutes detailing the charges on 23 different ficticious accounts. I think I tipped my hand when I claimed to have a $643 balance on my "Vista" card from the "Bank of Racine". They hung up.
Satellite TV.
I listened to the entire pitch (about 10 minutes), then asked: If the picture is coming from a satellite, will all I see is space? I kept up this curious line of questioning (will I see planets? The moon?) until they hung up.
Subsrciption for the RJT
I listened to that whole pitch, then asked if the paper was available on audio or braille because I'm blind (I'm not). The woman mumbled an apology and hung up. She must have put something in the notes because the very next day, RJT called again. It went like this:
Me: Hello?
RJT: Hi I'm calling from the Racine Jour......Sorry, have a good day.
They never called back.
JC Penny life Insurance
As detailed on the other thread, JC Penny began calling me looking for "Annie". Even though I explained 6 or 7 times that there was no "Annie", they kept calling back. Finally, I asked why they were calling:
Me: Can you tell me what this is about?
JCP: We're calling JC Penny card holders with an offer for Life Insurance.
Me: So, if I kill the bitch, you pay me?
JCP: Excuse me?
Me: I said, if I kill the bitch, you gonna pay me?
JCP: Click
They never called back, but I kind of expected a visit from the cops. lol
All in all, I consider anyone calling my number to be fair game for abuse.
I refuse to put my number on a do not call list. I want these idiots to call me. They can be a tremendous source of amusement, if you play them right.
Over the last few months, I've gotten:
The auto warranty calls
The credit card consolidation calls
"Dave" or "Steve" or whatever the idiot's name is for satellite tv
Subscription for the RJT
Life insurance from JC Penny
Here's why they don't call anymore:
Auto Warranty:
I claimed to own an '86 Ford Pixar. Idiot stayed on the phone with me for 30 minutes trying to find it in her system before abruptly hanging up. Someone must have finallytold her that "Pixar" is the name of a movie company.
Credit Card Consolidation
I spent 15 minutes detailing the charges on 23 different ficticious accounts. I think I tipped my hand when I claimed to have a $643 balance on my "Vista" card from the "Bank of Racine". They hung up.
Satellite TV.
I listened to the entire pitch (about 10 minutes), then asked: If the picture is coming from a satellite, will all I see is space? I kept up this curious line of questioning (will I see planets? The moon?) until they hung up.
Subsrciption for the RJT
I listened to that whole pitch, then asked if the paper was available on audio or braille because I'm blind (I'm not). The woman mumbled an apology and hung up. She must have put something in the notes because the very next day, RJT called again. It went like this:
Me: Hello?
RJT: Hi I'm calling from the Racine Jour......Sorry, have a good day.
They never called back.
JC Penny life Insurance
As detailed on the other thread, JC Penny began calling me looking for "Annie". Even though I explained 6 or 7 times that there was no "Annie", they kept calling back. Finally, I asked why they were calling:
Me: Can you tell me what this is about?
JCP: We're calling JC Penny card holders with an offer for Life Insurance.
Me: So, if I kill the bitch, you pay me?
JCP: Excuse me?
Me: I said, if I kill the bitch, you gonna pay me?
JCP: Click
They never called back, but I kind of expected a visit from the cops. lol
All in all, I consider anyone calling my number to be fair game for abuse.
Just In Case You Missed SNL...
Very funny introductory bit...Tina Fey really has Palin's mannerisms and cadence down. I bet Fey almost wants Palin to win so she can do this for the next four years.
If Gore Invented the Internet then McCain Invented Cellphones and Wifi
First, a review. In an interview with with Wolf Blitzer, Gore said,
"I took the initiative in creating the Internet. I took the initiative in moving forward a whole range of initiatives that have proven to be important to our country's economic growth and environmental protection, improvements in our educational system. "
Conservatives jumped on this and said Gore claimed to invent the internet (I note the lack of the word "invent" in there but that's just me.)
Fast Forward: 2008. Science Debate 2008 asks a series of questions of the candidates. On the first question about innovation, McCain claims,
"Under my guiding hand, Congress developed a wireless spectrum policy that spurred the rapid rise of mobile phones and Wi-Fi technology that enables Americans to surf the web while sitting at a coffee shop, airport lounge, or public park."
Sounds a lot like what Gore was claiming...being a part of the legislative process that helped spur the development of a modern technology. Or maybe McCain is claiming he invented cell phones and wifi.
Although an advisor of McCain did indicate that he (McCain) created the Blackberry. When asked about McCain's experience on the Senate Commerce Committe,
"Pressed to provide an example of what McCain had accomplished on that committee, Holtz-Eakin said the senator did not have jurisdiction over financial markets — then held up his Blackberry, telling reporters: “He did this.”"
At least McCain seems to realize this is silly.
"Meanwhile, McCain senior aide Matt McDonald said that the senator "laughed" when he heard the comment.
"I took the initiative in creating the Internet. I took the initiative in moving forward a whole range of initiatives that have proven to be important to our country's economic growth and environmental protection, improvements in our educational system. "
Conservatives jumped on this and said Gore claimed to invent the internet (I note the lack of the word "invent" in there but that's just me.)
Fast Forward: 2008. Science Debate 2008 asks a series of questions of the candidates. On the first question about innovation, McCain claims,
"Under my guiding hand, Congress developed a wireless spectrum policy that spurred the rapid rise of mobile phones and Wi-Fi technology that enables Americans to surf the web while sitting at a coffee shop, airport lounge, or public park."
Sounds a lot like what Gore was claiming...being a part of the legislative process that helped spur the development of a modern technology. Or maybe McCain is claiming he invented cell phones and wifi.
Although an advisor of McCain did indicate that he (McCain) created the Blackberry. When asked about McCain's experience on the Senate Commerce Committe,
"Pressed to provide an example of what McCain had accomplished on that committee, Holtz-Eakin said the senator did not have jurisdiction over financial markets — then held up his Blackberry, telling reporters: “He did this.”"
At least McCain seems to realize this is silly.
"Meanwhile, McCain senior aide Matt McDonald said that the senator "laughed" when he heard the comment.
"He would not claim to be the inventor of anything, much less the BlackBerry. This was obviously a boneheaded joke by a staffer," McDonald said."
So, either we drop the Gore invented the internet nonsense or I get to make fun of McCain for inventing mobile phones, wifi and the Blackberry!
______
Note: I am going to blog on the candidates science policy (now that McCain has answered the Science Debate 2008 questions...his answers were posted yesterday and Obama's have been up since late August.) Just need a little more time to digest them.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Monday Night Groaner
One night, as he finished his last beer, Joe's doorbell rang. He answered the door and found a six-foot cockroach standing there. The bug grabbed him by the collar and threw him across the room, then left.
The next night, the doorbell rang, and he found the same six-foot cockroach standing there the big bug punched him in the stomach, then left.
The same thing happened the next night. This time, he was kneed in the groin and hit behind the ear as he doubled over in pain. Then the big bug left.
The following day, Joe went to see his doctor. He explained the events of the preceding four nights. "What can I do?" he pleaded.
"Not much," the doctor replied.
"There's just a nasty bug going around."
The next night, the doorbell rang, and he found the same six-foot cockroach standing there the big bug punched him in the stomach, then left.
The same thing happened the next night. This time, he was kneed in the groin and hit behind the ear as he doubled over in pain. Then the big bug left.
The following day, Joe went to see his doctor. He explained the events of the preceding four nights. "What can I do?" he pleaded.
"Not much," the doctor replied.
"There's just a nasty bug going around."
Have you ever bought anything JUST BECAUSE??
Have you ever bought anything just for the fun of it?
Some of you may remember a blog on 'that other site'
that my husband did on eating utensils.
He is an avid fork person.
I am preferential to spoons.
I actually prefer the ever popular SPORK.
And guess what??
THEY MAKE THEM IN METAL!!!
I surfed for fun on EBay, and what do you know -
I found a good price with free shipping
and couldn't help myself.
When he saw the confirmation email,
he thought I was off my rocker, but I'm tickled with them!!!
That was a totally 'for fun buy'. What have you ever gotten
"JUST BECAUSE"?
or
"JUST FOR FUN"?
I used mine for supper much to his chagrin :)
oh ya, so worth it!!!
(do you know spell check doesn't recognize 'spork' as a word?? geez!!
Some of you may remember a blog on 'that other site'
that my husband did on eating utensils.
He is an avid fork person.
I am preferential to spoons.
I actually prefer the ever popular SPORK.
And guess what??
THEY MAKE THEM IN METAL!!!
I surfed for fun on EBay, and what do you know -
I found a good price with free shipping
and couldn't help myself.
When he saw the confirmation email,
he thought I was off my rocker, but I'm tickled with them!!!
That was a totally 'for fun buy'. What have you ever gotten
"JUST BECAUSE"?
or
"JUST FOR FUN"?
I used mine for supper much to his chagrin :)
oh ya, so worth it!!!
(do you know spell check doesn't recognize 'spork' as a word?? geez!!
Have You Noticed an Upsurge in Email Spam?
My Road Runner accounts are getting bombed. I don't know about web-based mail (Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.); I don't pay much attention to them. I have a spam filter that works well, so it's no big deal, but I couldn't help but notice the rising amount over the last few weeks. Also, a big spammer had his conviction (and the law) overturned recently: Virginia Supreme Court Overturns Spammer's Conviction
The spam I used to receive was almost all for erectile dysfunction pills or mortgage ads. Then it must have died off. I really didn't notice. However, the stuff I'm geting now is for everything and anything. A lot of "As seen on Oprah" or "As seen on CBS," etc. Yesterday I checked my business email account - 1 valid message and 25 pieces of spam.
On an unrelated (or is it?) note, I've received a number of telemarketing calls over the past few weeks, even though my telephone number is on both the state and national do not call reigistries. Same thing for my mom. When I have attempted to communicate this to the telemarketers, they hang up. Damn, that is so frustrating!
The spam I used to receive was almost all for erectile dysfunction pills or mortgage ads. Then it must have died off. I really didn't notice. However, the stuff I'm geting now is for everything and anything. A lot of "As seen on Oprah" or "As seen on CBS," etc. Yesterday I checked my business email account - 1 valid message and 25 pieces of spam.
On an unrelated (or is it?) note, I've received a number of telemarketing calls over the past few weeks, even though my telephone number is on both the state and national do not call reigistries. Same thing for my mom. When I have attempted to communicate this to the telemarketers, they hang up. Damn, that is so frustrating!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Is there a "No Travel" list???
WOW
If there are 'no-fly' lists, then if there was such a thing
as a 'no travel' list, I'm sure we'd be on it.
Maybe we should do a voluntary house arrest of ourselves
to save other states and even our own from natural disasters.
3 (?) years ago, we went to Florida to be with a friend of mine.
My sister said she could tell exactly where we were based
on national weather forecasts.
We took record cold temps and bad weather with us.
Maybe you remember the 14 inch snowfall on Dec. 1st??
THAT WAS US. We're VERY sorry.
We were coming back from Florida, stayed with my sister
the day before coming home, then heard their forecast of a
surprise huge snowstorm coming... See just looked at us...
so we went home early.
They ended up with only an inch only and WE got 14,
when we were forecasted very little.
AGAIN, we're sorry!!
Early this summer, we went to the Dells. Do I need to say more??
To Tommy Bartlett, we're SO SORRY!!!!!!!!
We just got back from my sisters house in Indiana.
It rained from the time we got there, thru the time we left.
Soon after leaving their dam broke and the town is now
a national disaster zone.
We're afraid to leave home and yet have a trip to Florida in the future.
If there was such a thing as a 'no travel' list,
I'm sure most of the states we've traveled thru would ban us :(
Maybe I should contact China, I know they're trying to
manipulate the weather and avoid the bad stuff.
I now know how the born loser felt...
If there are 'no-fly' lists, then if there was such a thing
as a 'no travel' list, I'm sure we'd be on it.
Maybe we should do a voluntary house arrest of ourselves
to save other states and even our own from natural disasters.
3 (?) years ago, we went to Florida to be with a friend of mine.
My sister said she could tell exactly where we were based
on national weather forecasts.
We took record cold temps and bad weather with us.
Maybe you remember the 14 inch snowfall on Dec. 1st??
THAT WAS US. We're VERY sorry.
We were coming back from Florida, stayed with my sister
the day before coming home, then heard their forecast of a
surprise huge snowstorm coming... See just looked at us...
so we went home early.
They ended up with only an inch only and WE got 14,
when we were forecasted very little.
AGAIN, we're sorry!!
Early this summer, we went to the Dells. Do I need to say more??
To Tommy Bartlett, we're SO SORRY!!!!!!!!
We just got back from my sisters house in Indiana.
It rained from the time we got there, thru the time we left.
Soon after leaving their dam broke and the town is now
a national disaster zone.
We're afraid to leave home and yet have a trip to Florida in the future.
If there was such a thing as a 'no travel' list,
I'm sure most of the states we've traveled thru would ban us :(
Maybe I should contact China, I know they're trying to
manipulate the weather and avoid the bad stuff.
I now know how the born loser felt...
Laser magic
We all know magic is based on slight of hand and misdirection. But this high-tech trick defies explanation.
Laser magic
Laser magic
A Couple of Kitt Peak Pictures for You
I was up at Kitt Peak last night and caught the Moon rise over the McMath Pierce Solar Telescope.
It was a special event for the Tohono O'odham and they had the McMath Pierce telescope set up to watch sunset. It projects an image of the Sun almost a meter in diameter on a table.
You can see the projected image has the same orange color as the Sun would if you looked at it naked eye. The Sun is setting behind a distant mountain as you can see in the picture.
For this event, a couple of the large telescopes were open for visual observing including Steward Observatory's 2.3 meter telescope and the WIYN 3.5 meter telescope. They things rarely have eyepieces on them, so it was a real treat to get to look through the big scopes. The 3.5 meter telescope is now officially the largest telescope I have looked through visually.
It was a special event for the Tohono O'odham and they had the McMath Pierce telescope set up to watch sunset. It projects an image of the Sun almost a meter in diameter on a table.
You can see the projected image has the same orange color as the Sun would if you looked at it naked eye. The Sun is setting behind a distant mountain as you can see in the picture.For this event, a couple of the large telescopes were open for visual observing including Steward Observatory's 2.3 meter telescope and the WIYN 3.5 meter telescope. They things rarely have eyepieces on them, so it was a real treat to get to look through the big scopes. The 3.5 meter telescope is now officially the largest telescope I have looked through visually.
Hahaha
This is funny.. if you have free long distance on your phone,(I don't know if it charges if you don't)
call this number.. and send it to all your friends. ;)
1-603-413-4133
call this number.. and send it to all your friends. ;)
1-603-413-4133
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Amusement or Obsession? The Spread of Video Poker in Kenosha (and Racine)
By Lisa Loring and John Nordquist
We decided to do this article after reading in a Racine paper about an alderman who is trying to enforce a Racine ordinance prohibiting Poker games at gas stations and convenience stores. We had long noticed a similar issue in Kenosha, so we decided to write about it to get a handle on what the public thought about it. The following is the article we wrote for the Daily Kenoshan, its certainly relevant for both cities.
By Lisa Loring and John Nordquist
KENOSHA, W
I - From bars to gas stations, restaurants and convenience stores, video poker machines seem to have appeared out of nowhere. Officially for amusement only, since state gaming laws prohibit gambling except in licensed Class B establishments, the proliferation of these video poker games and the scores of addicted gamers, are a violation that apparently falls below the radar of law enforcement.
A casual visit to MIAN'S Gas, a convenience store gas station located at 50th Avenue and 60th Street, will find a number of elderly patrons stting at one of their 4 gaming machines shoving dollar bills into the slot in hopes of winning 3 7's, or a good poker hand. At Miraz Restaurant on 75th and Sheridan, patrons who are not there to eat sit at the video-poker and winners are pulled aside by the management. In one restaurant near Milwaukee, we stood for ten minutes waiting to pay for our dinner while management and staff stood intently as a patron worked a video slot machine.
Video poker machines may be legal in Class B establishments like taverns with proper permits, but State of Wisconsin statutes prohibit gaming in other establishments and businesses. Under a state law, which was changed in 2003, it is not a criminal offense for establishments with Class B liquor licenses to have five video poker machines or fewer. Violation of this law is a misdemeanor. Class B establishments are places where alcohol is both sold and consumed, such as restaurants or taverns.
According to the state website, The Wisconsin Department of Revenue has sole jurisdiction over Class B establishments’ poker machines. According to statutes, it is a criminal offense to have video poker machines at locations that do not have a Class B liquor license, such as gas stations and convenience stores. State Law describes gaming machines as:
A contrivance which for a consideration affords the player an opportunity to obtain something of value, the award of which is determined by chance, even though accompanied by some skill and whether or not the prize is automatically paid by the machine.
While a gambling place is described as:
Any building or tent, any vehicle (whether self-propelled or not) or any room within any of them, one of whose principal uses is any of the following: making and settling bets; receiving, holding, recording or forwarding bets or offers to bet; conducting lotteries; or playing gambling machines.
A person may be accused of operating a commercial gaming establishment and be charged with a Class I Felony if they:
We decided to do this article after reading in a Racine paper about an alderman who is trying to enforce a Racine ordinance prohibiting Poker games at gas stations and convenience stores. We had long noticed a similar issue in Kenosha, so we decided to write about it to get a handle on what the public thought about it. The following is the article we wrote for the Daily Kenoshan, its certainly relevant for both cities.
By Lisa Loring and John Nordquist
KENOSHA, W
I - From bars to gas stations, restaurants and convenience stores, video poker machines seem to have appeared out of nowhere. Officially for amusement only, since state gaming laws prohibit gambling except in licensed Class B establishments, the proliferation of these video poker games and the scores of addicted gamers, are a violation that apparently falls below the radar of law enforcement.A casual visit to MIAN'S Gas, a convenience store gas station located at 50th Avenue and 60th Street, will find a number of elderly patrons stting at one of their 4 gaming machines shoving dollar bills into the slot in hopes of winning 3 7's, or a good poker hand. At Miraz Restaurant on 75th and Sheridan, patrons who are not there to eat sit at the video-poker and winners are pulled aside by the management. In one restaurant near Milwaukee, we stood for ten minutes waiting to pay for our dinner while management and staff stood intently as a patron worked a video slot machine.
Video poker machines may be legal in Class B establishments like taverns with proper permits, but State of Wisconsin statutes prohibit gaming in other establishments and businesses. Under a state law, which was changed in 2003, it is not a criminal offense for establishments with Class B liquor licenses to have five video poker machines or fewer. Violation of this law is a misdemeanor. Class B establishments are places where alcohol is both sold and consumed, such as restaurants or taverns.
According to the state website, The Wisconsin Department of Revenue has sole jurisdiction over Class B establishments’ poker machines. According to statutes, it is a criminal offense to have video poker machines at locations that do not have a Class B liquor license, such as gas stations and convenience stores. State Law describes gaming machines as:
A contrivance which for a consideration affords the player an opportunity to obtain something of value, the award of which is determined by chance, even though accompanied by some skill and whether or not the prize is automatically paid by the machine.
While a gambling place is described as:
Any building or tent, any vehicle (whether self-propelled or not) or any room within any of them, one of whose principal uses is any of the following: making and settling bets; receiving, holding, recording or forwarding bets or offers to bet; conducting lotteries; or playing gambling machines.
A person may be accused of operating a commercial gaming establishment and be charged with a Class I Felony if they:
(a) Participates in the earnings of or for gain operates or permits the operation of a gambling place; orA person in violation of these state laws may be required to forfeit not more than $500 if 1 gaming machine was in use.. If the violation involves 2 video gambling machines, the forfeiture is $1000, for operating 3 machines the forfeited sum would be not more than $1,000. For 3 machines it is $1500, for 4 it is $2000, and for 5 machines it is $2500. As far as other establishments offering poker games and other gambling devices,such as convenience stores and gas stations, local law enforcement agencies have jurisdiction. It would then be up to the District Attorney to bring about charges and prosecute the cases. Local law doesn't differ. According Kenosha's local ordinance on gambling - 11.04 GAMBLING
(b) For gain, receives, records or forwards a bet or offer to bet or, with intent to receive, record or forward a bet or offer to bet, possesses facilities to do so; or
(c) For gain, becomes a custodian of anything of value bet or offered to be be
A. Forbidden. No person shall keep any gambling resort, or keep or use any article or device for gambling purposes, or permit any person to gamble, bet or play for money or gain, with or by means of any such article or device, in any room or place under his control; nor shall any person gamble, bet or play for money or gain with or by means of any such article or device.We have talked about this many times after noticing poker machines spring up in local gas stations. This interest was heightened when a newspaper from another city discussed how some of their alderpersons were concerned about the increase in gambling, and were pushing for a crack down. We're not sure that this is a high priority, or if this ordinance is enforced often in Kenosha, but, an ordinance is in place for a reason. We have to wonder why new ordinances such as the new smoking ban would even be proposed if compliance with existing laws are being ignored.
No person shall bet or wager any money or other thing of value upon the result of any trick, contested skill, speed or bets of endurance of man or beast, or upon the result of any political nomination, appointment or election.
B. Seizure. The members of the Police Department are hereby authorized to seize and hold all gambling articles and devices found by them, and dispose of the same in accordance with the directions of the court.
C. This Section is not violated by activities and the devices authorized under the provisions of Chapter 563 of the Wisconsin Statutes - Regulation of Bingo.
Working
I just saw the musical Working last night put on by the DaVinci Players in Tucson. Based on the book by Studs Terkel and with music by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin and Wicked), Working does not have a traditional story. It is a series of short monologues/scenes and songs about people's attitudes toward work.
First, the production was very good. Very strong cast. It was the first time I had been to this theater and the show worked well in the intimate setting (withsome of the most comfortable seats I have found in a theater!)
The characters and songs in the show include a teacher, assembly line workers, a money manager, a young entrepeneur, a firefighter, a mason, a housewife, a mill worker, and even a retiree. Some are very defined by their jobs, some love what they are doing and some are passing time until retirement. These well constructed vingettes capture little pieces of truth about life that can make you laugh, cry and think.
And the topic made for a great conversation starter since most people work (oh, did I mention they had a free opening night barbque afterwards? Kudos to this theater for a great event!)
I have been fortunate to have a good series of jobs that I enjoy. Getting rich, not quite. Having a ball working and some nice fringe benefits like lots of travel, you bet. My job is a combination of two things I really value and enjoy: learning and teaching. It also leaves enough time free at night for me to pursue other interests such as running and theater (I perform as well as attend). It's not perfect...no one likes writing NSF reports! But overall, there's a lot more good to say about it than bad.
So, what's your job? A passion or a way to make a living? Part of your identidy or just something you do to make money?
First, the production was very good. Very strong cast. It was the first time I had been to this theater and the show worked well in the intimate setting (withsome of the most comfortable seats I have found in a theater!)
The characters and songs in the show include a teacher, assembly line workers, a money manager, a young entrepeneur, a firefighter, a mason, a housewife, a mill worker, and even a retiree. Some are very defined by their jobs, some love what they are doing and some are passing time until retirement. These well constructed vingettes capture little pieces of truth about life that can make you laugh, cry and think.
And the topic made for a great conversation starter since most people work (oh, did I mention they had a free opening night barbque afterwards? Kudos to this theater for a great event!)
I have been fortunate to have a good series of jobs that I enjoy. Getting rich, not quite. Having a ball working and some nice fringe benefits like lots of travel, you bet. My job is a combination of two things I really value and enjoy: learning and teaching. It also leaves enough time free at night for me to pursue other interests such as running and theater (I perform as well as attend). It's not perfect...no one likes writing NSF reports! But overall, there's a lot more good to say about it than bad.
So, what's your job? A passion or a way to make a living? Part of your identidy or just something you do to make money?