No, Abby, I am not posting 'the picture' although kk and SER both have it! And perhaps a few others who are on Facebook! Go, guys, go!
I had such a delightful time with Abby-girl while she was here when she could fit me into her schedule. Too much giggling (nah, I don't think so)...and all the while helping me entertain a ten year old child....remind me next year about that one, Abby!
I envy you guys for having her around all year and I just get her for a couple of days.
B. :(
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Goodbye Ulysses
Today NASA will be shutting off one of its longer missions, the Ulysses spacecraft. Never heard of it? Not surprising. It did not get a lot of publicity in the popular media. Ulysses was launched in 1990, and swung by Jupiter 1992. Jupiter's gravity was used to change its orbit so it passed over the top and bottom of the Sun as seen from Earth (or close to the Sun's north and south poles if you prefer...not quite exactly over them as the orbit was inclined about 80 degrees). Unfortunately, Ulysses didn't take lots of pretty pictures so it wasn't a media darling.Ulysses was studying the environment, the solar wind, the magnetic fields, and cosmic rays. Since Earth orbits in a plane that goes roughly around the Sun's equator, we have never made measurments over the poles before. Ulysses provided us with a wealth of information about this environment. Ulysses lasted 18 years, well over the length of a solar cycle so we got to see the Sun at solar maximum and some data from the currnent deep solar minimum.
There is a live webcast starting at 10:35am EDT of the switching off ceremony.
Ulysses has been a very productive craft for many years. It will be missed. Wish it could have lasted for the next solar max, but its hard to ask for more than 18 years!Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.
To Madam Zoltar
I have a brilliant idea. Make a bunch of dolls, all shapes/sizes/sex/blond/brunette/red. ethnic, etc and sell them with pins (these will be for 18 years and older) and a HEX on the pins which you would supply. The dolls will come with a holagram signifying authenticity. Then when someone is mad at someone they can buy a doll that resembles that person and 'put a hex on them' with the pin. Also according to statictics 95% of people will have a down time at one time or other and they will know that it came from your 'hex'. He He. Also I will be a silent partner in any capital gains. I have a few I would buy. I'm the man baby! Sorry for the familarity...I'm the man MADAM ZOLTAR!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Property Tax Assessments
Your House As Seen By:
Yourself...
Your Buyer.....
Your Lender....
Your Appraiser ...
Your County's Tax Assessor ....
Your Father's iPod...
Except it was called a Sony Walkman. Recently, 13 year old Brit Scott Campbell gave up his iPod for a Sony Walkman for a week, 30 years after the Walkman came onto the scene.
You can check out all his thoughts on the Walkman. My favorite is, "It took me three days to figure out that there was another side to the tape. That was not the only naive mistake that I made; I mistook the metal/normal switch on the Walkman for a genre-specific equaliser, but later I discovered that it was in fact used to switch between two different types of cassette."
Typical male...didn't read the instruction! Seriously though, maybe it wasn't such a silly mistake. He probably never saw a cassette tape growing up. The only tapes he was likely to have encountered were VHS tapes that only have one side, and I am not sure how many of my friends knew about the different types of tapes back when Walkmans were common!
These came out when I was in middle school. By the time high school started, we were all listening to them on the bus on the way to field trips and sporting events. They eventually gave way to portable CD players before MP3 players took over.
Next step is to figure out how to get rid of the wires. I know some wireless headphones exist, but they tend to be large and bulky so I wouldn't use them when I run anyway (and I hate the wires bouncing around!) You can buy MP3 player sunglasses but they are heavy and uncomfortable as well. That is the next advance I want to see. I am sure it is only a matter of time.
You can check out all his thoughts on the Walkman. My favorite is, "It took me three days to figure out that there was another side to the tape. That was not the only naive mistake that I made; I mistook the metal/normal switch on the Walkman for a genre-specific equaliser, but later I discovered that it was in fact used to switch between two different types of cassette."
Typical male...didn't read the instruction! Seriously though, maybe it wasn't such a silly mistake. He probably never saw a cassette tape growing up. The only tapes he was likely to have encountered were VHS tapes that only have one side, and I am not sure how many of my friends knew about the different types of tapes back when Walkmans were common!
These came out when I was in middle school. By the time high school started, we were all listening to them on the bus on the way to field trips and sporting events. They eventually gave way to portable CD players before MP3 players took over.
Next step is to figure out how to get rid of the wires. I know some wireless headphones exist, but they tend to be large and bulky so I wouldn't use them when I run anyway (and I hate the wires bouncing around!) You can buy MP3 player sunglasses but they are heavy and uncomfortable as well. That is the next advance I want to see. I am sure it is only a matter of time.
Twittering Apollo 11
I have been busy and on travel but will be trying to write up some ideas this week. I wanted to post a short one to get ball rolling here.
Nature is twittering Apollo 11. Well, 40 years after the fact. They are doing kind of a media mashup where they are twittering 40 years after the Apollo 11 mission. They have already started with tweets on the astronauts training and other launch preps. On July 16th, they will twitter the launch. Everything is being done 40 years later so we can experience the mission in a way you just couldn't in 1969.
You don't have to subscribe to twitter, just check out the Apollo 40 plus feed and you can see what they are doin.
Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicst Blog.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
BANANAS - FOR YOUR HEALTH
A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas. He said the expression "going bananas" is from the effects of bananas on the brain. Read on:
Never put your banana in the refrigerator!!!
This is interesting.
After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey.. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system..
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous
system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and
chips.. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady..
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, there by reducing our potassium levels... These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe it is time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
Grok
Thou art God. I think some folks don't rightly know what it is to Grok. For a great read if you like Sci-Fi, find a copy of Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein. Once you Grok Grok, you will be enlightened. You might even get the joke at my last sentence.
Windows 7 Pre-Order Offer
I was talking with drew and Layla at the picnic yesterday about Microsoft's pre-order offer on Windows 7, their new operating system that is getting good reviews. Here's the scoop:
"Windows 7 is coming on October 22, 2009. Here's an easy way to get it fast and save a bunch: Pre-order a Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade for $49 or a Windows 7 Professional Upgrade for $99. That's about half off the estimated retail prices. This offer is available through participating retailers. Pick one below and pre-order today. They'll tell you how to get your copy when Windows 7 is available.
"The offer begins on June 26, 2009 and will continue while supplies last, or until July 11, 2009, whichever comes first."
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/offers/pre-order.aspx
I am seriously contemplating this. The guy who mentored me into computers advised waiting until the first service pack comes out before buying a new operating system, but with prices like these, I don't know that I can afford to wait.
"Windows 7 is coming on October 22, 2009. Here's an easy way to get it fast and save a bunch: Pre-order a Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade for $49 or a Windows 7 Professional Upgrade for $99. That's about half off the estimated retail prices. This offer is available through participating retailers. Pick one below and pre-order today. They'll tell you how to get your copy when Windows 7 is available.
"The offer begins on June 26, 2009 and will continue while supplies last, or until July 11, 2009, whichever comes first."
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/offers/pre-order.aspx
I am seriously contemplating this. The guy who mentored me into computers advised waiting until the first service pack comes out before buying a new operating system, but with prices like these, I don't know that I can afford to wait.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
I mentioned this to a couple of people at the picnic yesterday. This trailer is for a new Star Wars video game...very high quality. If this were a movie, I would be totally geeking out to see it!
Friday, June 26, 2009
It's been a while.....
It's Friday Night, It's an oldie... Its Jimmy Page and Paul Rogers as part of the short lived, but kick ass group The Firm. For your listening pleasure : Radioactive.
Bills Retro World
If you're an old(er) fart like me, you should check out this site. I never remember algebra, but I never forget this stuff.
WOO HOO!! This party is taking shape!!
Most of you should have this on your calendars -
THIS Saturday,
June 27th, 11am.
I will also send out an email to those I have on my list.
As always, if you would like to be included,
please email me, or if you do not get the email
I send out
(a couple DO get lost, you have NOT been dodged!)
Watch those in-boxes, it was sent
last week with the particulars!!
PLEASE RSVP here as well as volunteering
for what you can bring, thanks
to be added, send an email to...
lizardmom@wi.rr.com
thanks guys!!
***************************
LOOKS LIKE WE'RE DOING GOOD,
PLEASE CHECK IN AND COME ON OUT!!
****************************
I NEED OPINIONS IF WE GET RAINED OUT!!
Michael Jackson Conspiracy Theory
I am in no way trying to make fun of someones death.
I have two different sides to me. A normal side and a side that thinks that there is a conspiracy when certain things happen. And no, Im not sitting in the corner with a tin foil hat on. But here goes anyway:
People have claimed for years that Elvis didnt die, he was sick of the spotlight, and faked his death. Fast forward a few years to when Michael Jackson "married" Lisa Marie Presley. Could this have been done to find out the way that Elvis took care of his business? All of a sudden they "Divorce" Michael has some kids, turns white, loses his nose, gets charged, etc. Now he dies mysteriously, and during the press conference last night, Jermaine sure didnt seem sad or upset. Could MJ have pulled one over on the public to make the spotlight, his debt and his detractors, and any future charges go away. IMO, if all of a sudden his three kids begin to be taken care of "by the Jackson family" instead of the mother, this would be suspicious as well.
It could also be like they said in MIB: "Elvis didnt die, he just went home".
I have two different sides to me. A normal side and a side that thinks that there is a conspiracy when certain things happen. And no, Im not sitting in the corner with a tin foil hat on. But here goes anyway:
People have claimed for years that Elvis didnt die, he was sick of the spotlight, and faked his death. Fast forward a few years to when Michael Jackson "married" Lisa Marie Presley. Could this have been done to find out the way that Elvis took care of his business? All of a sudden they "Divorce" Michael has some kids, turns white, loses his nose, gets charged, etc. Now he dies mysteriously, and during the press conference last night, Jermaine sure didnt seem sad or upset. Could MJ have pulled one over on the public to make the spotlight, his debt and his detractors, and any future charges go away. IMO, if all of a sudden his three kids begin to be taken care of "by the Jackson family" instead of the mother, this would be suspicious as well.
It could also be like they said in MIB: "Elvis didnt die, he just went home".
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Rock and Roll Revival
Hello my friends and rockers! Welcome back! This week, I'm going to discuss a popular rock and roll legend. Have you heard of the story of combining Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon album with the movie Wizard of Oz? Well, I tried it...and it works! It's true! Just link up the disc with the third roar of MGM lion in the movie and you got it!
The results are amazing! I was really impressed with synching up The Great Gig in the Sky with the tornado and the color sequeince to Money. There are many other highlights as well.
However, the band and their engineer, Alan Parsons, deny any relation to this. To them it's all coincedence.
In my opinion, I think someone out there with one too many hits out of a bong and too much time on their hands came up with this. What do you think?
The results are amazing! I was really impressed with synching up The Great Gig in the Sky with the tornado and the color sequeince to Money. There are many other highlights as well.
However, the band and their engineer, Alan Parsons, deny any relation to this. To them it's all coincedence.
In my opinion, I think someone out there with one too many hits out of a bong and too much time on their hands came up with this. What do you think?
Florida Purse Snatchers Target Elderly Women
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
ABBY, while you're down there with Beejay, I expect you to kick some ass!
Are You Going to Summerfest?
They're worried about how the recession is gong to affect the Big Gig:
"Organizers of the event billed as the world's largest music festival are approaching the opening day Thursday uncertain about how many of their dedicated customers will be cutting back or staying home this year.
"It's reasonable to expect that families' bottom lines will affect Summerfest's bottom line. The question is just how much."
http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/49052146.html
I normally don't go at all. I dislike large crowds of people and the heat. And I can't afford it, anyway.
"Organizers of the event billed as the world's largest music festival are approaching the opening day Thursday uncertain about how many of their dedicated customers will be cutting back or staying home this year.
"It's reasonable to expect that families' bottom lines will affect Summerfest's bottom line. The question is just how much."
http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/49052146.html
I normally don't go at all. I dislike large crowds of people and the heat. And I can't afford it, anyway.
County Fair Demolition Derby
I'm putting out feelers for a demolition derby car. I used to do this every year and think a deaf para needs to be entered. Not only that, but it's more fun from the pits. Maybe even an IRREGULAR paint job. Want to "sponsor" me? i.e. Break windows out, paint brush paint job, yank the gas tank, and chain the doors shut. Battery and cycle gas tank are mounted inside. Not a lot of hard work and might be fun.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Dear Madame Zoltar
Hello, my pretty peaches! How are you? The arrival of summer sure was sudden. And apparently final.The first thing I want to do is to reassure all of you about the weather for this Saturday’s picnic. Remember how I gave my personal guarantee concerning the weather for the last get-together? I know that Ms. Beejay does. Other than the downpours and deluge and thunder and lightning, everything went pretty well, didn’t it? Well I give you the same guarantee for this weekend’s festivities. Thus spake Zoltar™ and thus shall it be!
I received an email this week from the ever-redundant Mr. OrbsCorbs, who wrote:
Dear Most Exalted Madame Zoltar,
My cat is insane. His name is Charlie; maybe you’ve seen him elsewhere on this blog. He believes that he is the master of our household. He wakes me up in the morning and tells me when to go to sleep at night. All activities in our household revolve around him and his habits. He resents the time that I spend online and not with him. If he knew that I was writing this, he would bite me. Ow!
Please help.
Your servant,
OrbsCorbs
Dear Mr. OrbsCorbs: Oh my, I don’t know how to break this to you, but Charlie is the boss in your relationship and the sooner that you accept that fact, the sooner things will work out for everyone involved. Simply cater to his every whim and everything else will be fine. When he bites you, you are doing something wrong and must be corrected. It is not Charlie’s fault if you are too dimwitted to learn from him.
There were no other messages this week, and it is very warm in the ether these days, so I will keep my blog short today. However, I feel it necessary to comment upon Mayor Dickert’s fundraiser tomorrow for his re-election in 2011. Bravo, Mr. Dickert! I have only witnessed such cold, callous, calculating cynicism toward the electoral process in much more seasoned career politicians. Perhaps you are more corrupt than I first gave you credit for. You’ve been in office but a brief few weeks and done nothing for the citizens of Racine, but already you are jetting around the country on our dime and making plans to cover your butt with our money in the future. You are truly a leader in the mold of Becker and the other greats of our local political scene who have drained the democracy from Racine and filled it with their vision of personal greed and power. To borrow a well-worn phrase, “Party on, Dickert!” The only way to serve the people of Racine is to betray them. And to your credit, you haven’t been busted for molesting children, yet.
I hope that all of the irregulars and our other friends keep cool. I know that many of you may have difficulty affording air conditioning during these tough economic times. That’s why you should know that the a/c is always running in the mayor’s office, even if he’s not there (most of the time). So stop on in and cool off – you’re paying for it, in more ways than you can imagine.
Please send your questions and comments to me at: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com.
Have a wonderful time at the picnic. I will try to stop by on my way to Soothsayer ’09, one of the many psychic fairs and conventions that I attend in order to keep you informed on the latest advances in prognostication. Toodles.
Buzz and Snoop
Buzz Aldrin just cut a video with Snoop Dog called "Rocket Experience".
Just in time for the 40th Anniversary of Apollo 11 next month!
Just in time for the 40th Anniversary of Apollo 11 next month!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Brainfingers
A story on Brainfingers two years ago:
A video posted two weeks ago:
http://www.brainfingers.com/
I would love to play with one of these. Unfortunately: "Total Cost in US dollars: $2,100.00 plus shipping (does not include taxes or duty where applicable)."
However: "It is possible to rental a Brainfingers system for 30 day periods. The cost of renting is $495.00 plus shipping. If after renting you decide to purchase the system the rental cost can be applied to the purchase price. The rental cost covers the cost of training and support during the rental period and refurbishing of the system when returned to us."
Maybe I can get a deal on an old rental model. Then I will learn to control the stock market with my mind.
A video posted two weeks ago:
http://www.brainfingers.com/
I would love to play with one of these. Unfortunately: "Total Cost in US dollars: $2,100.00 plus shipping (does not include taxes or duty where applicable)."
However: "It is possible to rental a Brainfingers system for 30 day periods. The cost of renting is $495.00 plus shipping. If after renting you decide to purchase the system the rental cost can be applied to the purchase price. The rental cost covers the cost of training and support during the rental period and refurbishing of the system when returned to us."
Maybe I can get a deal on an old rental model. Then I will learn to control the stock market with my mind.
Drunk Driving a Golf Cart on a Highway
"Richfield — After drinking at least 10 beers at a golf course on state Highway 167 and being left behind by the relatives who brought him there, a South Milwaukee man decided to drive himself the nearly 40 miles back to his home - in a golf cart.
"He did not even take the time to throw the empty beer cans out of the cart before hitting the road in the commandeered cart, according to a Washington County Sheriff's Department incident report released Monday.
"The man, 47, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of second-offense operating a vehicle while intoxicated after a sheriff's deputy stopped the golf cart the suspect was driving southbound on state Highway 175, the report says."
http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/48808217.html
That guy really knows how to party on.
"He did not even take the time to throw the empty beer cans out of the cart before hitting the road in the commandeered cart, according to a Washington County Sheriff's Department incident report released Monday.
"The man, 47, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of second-offense operating a vehicle while intoxicated after a sheriff's deputy stopped the golf cart the suspect was driving southbound on state Highway 175, the report says."
http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/48808217.html
That guy really knows how to party on.
Tuesday Morning Grin.......
While on a road trip, an elderly couple stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch. After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant and resumed their trip.
When leaving, the elderly woman unknowingly left her glasses on the table and she didn't miss them until they had been driving about twenty minutes.
By then, to add to the aggravation, they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around -- in order to return to the restaurant to retrieve her glasses.
All the way back, the husband became the classic grouchy old Man. He fussed and complained and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire return drive. The more he chided her -- the more agitated he became. He just would not let up.
To her relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant. As the woman got out of the car and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, the old Geezer yelled to her..
'While you're in there, you might as well get my hat and the credit card!'
When leaving, the elderly woman unknowingly left her glasses on the table and she didn't miss them until they had been driving about twenty minutes.
By then, to add to the aggravation, they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around -- in order to return to the restaurant to retrieve her glasses.
All the way back, the husband became the classic grouchy old Man. He fussed and complained and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire return drive. The more he chided her -- the more agitated he became. He just would not let up.
To her relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant. As the woman got out of the car and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, the old Geezer yelled to her..
'While you're in there, you might as well get my hat and the credit card!'
Monday, June 22, 2009
Eclipsing Moons
The Cassini Spacecraft orbiting Saturn continues to give us unique views of the Solar System. Today's exhibit is a unique eclipse of Saturn's Moon Mimas (also known at the Death Star Moon) by the Moon Enceladus.
You don't see Enceladus...just its shadow! Enceladus is off the screen. This animations was made from 7 images snapped 30 seconds apart, so the event didn't last long at all. Cassini was about 800.000 miles away when it snapped this sequence of images.
These eclipses can only occur near Saturn's equinox. Most of the time the orbits of Saturn's Moons are tilted with respect to the Sun so their shadows will pass above or below each other. Only near the equinox (which occurs in August for Saturn) will they line up just right so they can eclipse each other. Neither of the Voyager Spacecraft passed Saturn close to an equinox so this is the first time we have been able to see events such as this.
You can find some nice animations of the shadhows of Moons cast on Saturn's rings as well.Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.
Stochasticity
I was catching up on podcasts at the gym this morning and listened to the most recent episisode of Radio Lab on stochasticity. Stochasticity is fifty cent word for randomness. Most people think they know random when they see it, but frequently find patterns where there is really randomness.
The show starts off with a very interesting story about a young girl letting go a balloon with a note tied to it. It is found and, at first, the commonalities she shares with the girl who found it seem extraordinary...but only if you look at the things they have in common of course. A quick examination of their differences makes you wonder a bit more.
They discuss one of my favorite games I did with students occasionally. They do it with two groups but I would do it with 5-7 depending on class size. The game is you give one group a coin. You tell them to flip it 10o times and write down the series of heads and tails (using h and t). The other groups are just to write down (what they think) is a random series of h's and t's without flipping the coin. I leave the room so I don't know which group has the coin. I then come back a few minutes later when they are done and tell them which group was flipping a real coin based on their sequences. What they think is a random sequence has easily recognizable differences from a real random sequence. I am going to make you listen to the episode to hear one way of doing this (they don't reveal all the tricks, but the others are similar to the one they use).
We are programmed to see patterns. That served us well when we were dodging tigers, but now we can see patterns where there are none. From an evolutionary standpoint, we not recognizing a tiger attack results in death and a false positive results in a change of underwear at worst. Therefore, we tend to have a lot of false positives when it comes to recognizing patterns.
We see everything from the face of Jesus on a tortilla to Elvis in the Eagle Nebula (recognizing faces has its whole own subcategory). Gamblers think they recognize patterns (reinforced by bells and flashing lights) that keep them gaming. They have an interesting statistical analysis of athletes who get the hot hand and find it usually isn't as hot as you think it is.
People base their lives on patterns that don't exist. Everything from who they date and marry to their stock market picks and the lottery tickets they buy. We all could use a little better understanding of statistics and how to pick out meaningful patterns.Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.
uhhh... music. yeah, thats it.
Ohhhh man, what were we talking about again? Where were you when this was popular?
A little naughty one for today.......
Joe and Dean were fishing in Michigan when Dean pulled out a cigar. Finding he had no matches, he asked Joe for a light. 'Yeah, sure, I think I have a lighter,' he replied, and then reaching into his tackle box, he pulled out a Bic lighter 10 inches long.
'Jiminy Cricket!' exclaimed Dean, taking the huge Bic Lighter in his hands. 'Where did you get that monster??'
'Well,' replied Joe, 'I got it from my Genie. ''You have a Genie?' Dean asked. 'Yeah, sure. It's right here in my tackle box,' says Joe. 'Could I see him?' Joe opens his tackle box & sure enough, out pops the Genie.
Addressing the genie, Dean says, 'Hey there I'm a good friend of your master. Will you grant me one wish? ''Yes, I will,' says the Genie. So Dean asks the Genie for a million bucks. The Genie disappears back into the tackle box leaving Dean sitting there waiting for his million bucks. Shortly, the sky darkens and is filled with the sound of a million ducks....flying directly overhead.
Over the roar of the million ducks Dean yells at Joe, 'What the heck I asked for a million bucks, not a million ducks!'
Joe answers, 'Yeah, I forgot to tell you that the Genie is hard of hearing. Do you really think I asked for a 10-inch Bic?"
'Jiminy Cricket!' exclaimed Dean, taking the huge Bic Lighter in his hands. 'Where did you get that monster??'
'Well,' replied Joe, 'I got it from my Genie. ''You have a Genie?' Dean asked. 'Yeah, sure. It's right here in my tackle box,' says Joe. 'Could I see him?' Joe opens his tackle box & sure enough, out pops the Genie.
Addressing the genie, Dean says, 'Hey there I'm a good friend of your master. Will you grant me one wish? ''Yes, I will,' says the Genie. So Dean asks the Genie for a million bucks. The Genie disappears back into the tackle box leaving Dean sitting there waiting for his million bucks. Shortly, the sky darkens and is filled with the sound of a million ducks....flying directly overhead.
Over the roar of the million ducks Dean yells at Joe, 'What the heck I asked for a million bucks, not a million ducks!'
Joe answers, 'Yeah, I forgot to tell you that the Genie is hard of hearing. Do you really think I asked for a 10-inch Bic?"
HAPPY 19th Birthday, Froglover!!
Happy Birthday to Froglover -
I hope it ends as nice and relaxing as it started!!
Love, mom !!
Are Politicians out of Touch with the People?
I’m not a big fan of talking politics but I just cannot believe how out of touch politicians are with the people of Wisconsin and what they continue to hide from us.
If you read this article posted by our friends at Racine News, this is a perfect example of what is going on behind closed doors of government.
If you read this article posted by our friends at Racine News, this is a perfect example of what is going on behind closed doors of government.
Green Bay Teen Bitten by Rattlesnake
"GREEN BAY, Wis. - More than a dozen venomous reptiles and amphibians were confiscated from a west side Green Bay house after a 17-year-old boy was bitten by a rattlesnake and taken to the hospital."
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-wi-snakebite,0,5541804.story
I don't know why, but snakes keep popping up in the news.
Or slithering around in the news.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-wi-snakebite,0,5541804.story
I don't know why, but snakes keep popping up in the news.
Or slithering around in the news.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Lightening
THIS IS A PICTURE THAT SOMEONE TOOK WHO WORKS ON AN OIL RIG. HE WAS GOING TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THE LIGHTNING AND WAS UNAWARE OF THE TORNADO UNTIL THE LIGHTNING ILLUMINATED IT.
This is a one-in-a-million photo...............
Taken Thursday night, April 2, 2009
Lariat Sandridge Energy South of Ft Stockton , TX
This is a one-in-a-million photo...............
Taken Thursday night, April 2, 2009
Lariat Sandridge Energy South of Ft Stockton , TX
Freedom
"Give me liberty, or give me death!" - Patrick Henry, March 23rd, 1775
"I regret that I have but one life to give my country." Nathan Hale, September 22, 1776
"I have one vote, I gave it to Mousavi, I have one life, I give it for freedom" Unknown Iranian tweet, June 20th, 2009
We are witnessing an incredible drive for freedom in Iran. Meanwhile, our country, the cradle of modern liberty, sits silently while the likes of Patrick Henry and Nathan Hale strive for liberty.
"I regret that I have but one life to give my country." Nathan Hale, September 22, 1776
"I have one vote, I gave it to Mousavi, I have one life, I give it for freedom" Unknown Iranian tweet, June 20th, 2009
We are witnessing an incredible drive for freedom in Iran. Meanwhile, our country, the cradle of modern liberty, sits silently while the likes of Patrick Henry and Nathan Hale strive for liberty.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Immature Saturday
Some would argue that applies everyday around here, but I want to take us down a notch below the usual level.
First up is a new species of mushroom called Phallus dresii discovered on the island of Sao Tome. This stinky mushroom (gives off quite an odor acccording to reports). It was named after Robert Drewes of the California Academy of Sciences for, "inspiration and fortitude to initiate, coordinate and lead multiorganism biotic surveys on Sao Tome and Principe." I don't know if it is dyslexia or the subject matter, but I totally misread the word "multiorganism" the first time I read this story. Drewes seemes honrored to have a two inch long, phallus shaped mushroom named after him. There is someone comfortable with his masculinity.
Next up is what Mona Lisa did after she gained fame: She posed for the Renaissance Playboy of course. Since photography hadn't been invented yet, Da Vinci did her centerfold. Yep, a painting that may be a nude Mona Lisa has surfaced. They even think this may have been part of a series (Girls of Da Vinci perhaps?)
First up is a new species of mushroom called Phallus dresii discovered on the island of Sao Tome. This stinky mushroom (gives off quite an odor acccording to reports). It was named after Robert Drewes of the California Academy of Sciences for, "inspiration and fortitude to initiate, coordinate and lead multiorganism biotic surveys on Sao Tome and Principe." I don't know if it is dyslexia or the subject matter, but I totally misread the word "multiorganism" the first time I read this story. Drewes seemes honrored to have a two inch long, phallus shaped mushroom named after him. There is someone comfortable with his masculinity.
Next up is what Mona Lisa did after she gained fame: She posed for the Renaissance Playboy of course. Since photography hadn't been invented yet, Da Vinci did her centerfold. Yep, a painting that may be a nude Mona Lisa has surfaced. They even think this may have been part of a series (Girls of Da Vinci perhaps?)
Four Celestial Bodies
It was cloudy for the nice conjunction yesterday, but it was still pretty good this morning (click to embiggen)
The crescent Moon is obvious with Earthshine. Venus is very prominent with Mars slightly to its upper left. You might have to click for a larger version to detect Mercury almost directly below the Moon (it is hard to see at this resolution, but the full picture is a pretty big file). The Moon was very close to the Pleaides, but I got up too late and the sky was too bright to get a good shot of them together.
Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.
Racine Raiders' Season Opens Tonight
"The Racine Raiders kickoff their 57th season of play Saturday against the Leyden Lions of the Mid-States Football League (MSFL). The game will begin at 7:00 p.m. at Ralph 'Babe' Serpico Memorial Field in Melrose Park, Ill."The Raiders are coming off of a disappointing season where they went 5-7 and posted their first losing season since 1978 when the team, known as the North Shore Gladiators, went 1-9 under head coach Jim Perry.
"That was one year ago, however, and the face of adult amateur football in Northeastern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin looked much different."
More information: http://racineraiders.com/
Don't Eat The Dough
http://www.jsonline.com/news/usandworld/48642172.html
I never got into the raw cookie dough thing, but I know that many people like it.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Gizmos....
I stand corrected...it was 12 years not 5. They made 5 billlion dollars in sales in the 12 years .
The world is full of them.
As an example, the George Foreman grill; from when they first came out, within 12 years, they sold 90 million of them! The first Motorola cell phone known as the “brick” weighed 2 pounds and sold for $4,000, now they give them away with a year contract!
My favorite household gizmo is my KidtchenAid Mixer. Cobalt Blue.
What’s your favorite?
The world is full of them.As an example, the George Foreman grill; from when they first came out, within 12 years, they sold 90 million of them! The first Motorola cell phone known as the “brick” weighed 2 pounds and sold for $4,000, now they give them away with a year contract!
My favorite household gizmo is my KidtchenAid Mixer. Cobalt Blue.
What’s your favorite?
Taking Invasion of Privacy to the Next Level...
I am almost at a loss for words, but might be able to find a few choice ones for the city of Bozeman, Montana. It is known that employers can check out the web for information about you and there is even an industry that will help you spruce up your online presence.
Okay, public info is public. Fair enough. But Bozeman now wants to not only see your private profiles on sites like facebook and Myspace, but for you to GIVE THEM YOUR PASSWORDS to "any Internet-based chat rooms, social clubs or forums, to include, but not limited to: Facebook, Google, Yahoo, YouTube.com, MySpace, etc." (and I bet they want your Adult Friend Finder and eHarmony accounts also!)
That does not just give them access to my info, but the info of all my friends as well.
Just don't tell them? Say you don't have an account? Well, lying on a job app is a firable offense.
And you are in a Catch 22 since it is against the Terms of Service of many sites to divulge your password to others! They say they are trying to judge your character by asking you to break the a contract with a social networking site...but if you don't tell them, you are breaking law! WTF?!?
And of course many of these sites have associated email accounts and calendars with them. Giving out your password potentially lets people read all your old emails, doctor appointments, vacations, hot dates, etc.
I thought it was bad when employers wanted to start doing credit checks...better throw away your diary...they might want to take a look at that as well!
Okay, public info is public. Fair enough. But Bozeman now wants to not only see your private profiles on sites like facebook and Myspace, but for you to GIVE THEM YOUR PASSWORDS to "any Internet-based chat rooms, social clubs or forums, to include, but not limited to: Facebook, Google, Yahoo, YouTube.com, MySpace, etc." (and I bet they want your Adult Friend Finder and eHarmony accounts also!)
That does not just give them access to my info, but the info of all my friends as well.
Just don't tell them? Say you don't have an account? Well, lying on a job app is a firable offense.
And you are in a Catch 22 since it is against the Terms of Service of many sites to divulge your password to others! They say they are trying to judge your character by asking you to break the a contract with a social networking site...but if you don't tell them, you are breaking law! WTF?!?
And of course many of these sites have associated email accounts and calendars with them. Giving out your password potentially lets people read all your old emails, doctor appointments, vacations, hot dates, etc.
I thought it was bad when employers wanted to start doing credit checks...better throw away your diary...they might want to take a look at that as well!
Storm check........is everyone OK out there?
I'm doing Ok just have a little water in the basement right now and a very scared little boy on my hands. I've been watching the weather channel and It's kinda freakin him out.I just can't seem to turn it off.
How's my JTI family doing in this storm?
How's my JTI family doing in this storm?
"Cashing in on crayfish"
There's a nice story with a Racine slant in the Journal Sentinel Online about trapping and selling crayfish: http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/48567227.html.When I was a kid, a neighbor used to take me and his brother to the Pike River in Kenosha to catch crayfish by tying some raw liver to a line, throwing it in the water, and waiting. Every now and again, we would pull up the lines and find a few crayfish clinging to the meat.
I don't know why we went to Kenosha, but I guessed there weren't any good crayfish spots in Racine. The JS article, though, highlights a man catching them in Root River. Another great story about a local, "little guy" entrepreneur.
I also didn't know that crayfish are an invasive species in Wisconsin. I know that some people eat them, but we only used them for bait.
Another Pretty Morning: Update
UPDATE: Well, a lot of use were clouded out today. Tomorrow is a different arrangement by worth trying. The Moon will be over near the Pleiades tomorrow morning. Venus and Mars will still be very close together. The Moon will be even lower in the sky Sunday morning, but will provide a useful guide to find Mercury. Mercury will be almost directly south (to the right) of the Moon Sunday morning. Don't give up quite yet...still some interesting sites to see!
Conjunctions of planets and the Moon happen on a fairly regular basis. The players, however, are constantly changing and we get different combinations at different times.
Tomorrow morning, June 19th, we get a nice trio before dawn. This trio will consist of the Moon, Venus and Mars. The Moon is a waxing crescent. If you have binoculars (or a telescope) train them on Venus and you can see its phase as well! Venus is about half lit right now and even a modest pair of binoculars reveals its phase. Mars is not nearly as bright, but should be easily visible between the Moon and Venus. Mercury rises right beneath the Pleaides later (exact time depends on where you are) but it will probably be very difficult to see in the pre-dawn glow.
This should be particularly nice rising over Lake Michigan!
Here is the sky chart for tomorrow morning...click to embiggen.
Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Okay, so I am bragging about my nephew
Since I have not heard otherwise, my nephew did the 49 mile walk/trot/run/slosh/climb today. I cannot tell you how very proud I am to call MARK JORGENSEN my nephew. To do this in honor of his daughter with autism...you who know me, know that I am emotional and affectionate...I cannot help that, but to see that a member of our family shares his love of his child with the world like he did on this marathon is beyond me.
He says he is blessed, I am blessed by him...I think he is my hero.
Here is what you guys did not know about this man, as a 5 year old child, he held my hand and told me that when 'Grandpa died' (my dad) that it only meant he would be back in another way; that the world went around and that 'Grandpa' wouldn't want me to be sad....a little kid, holding his Aunt's hand while she sobbed....I guess love runs in our family big time...
Did I tell you I am proud of him??? Did I???
He says he is blessed, I am blessed by him...I think he is my hero.
Here is what you guys did not know about this man, as a 5 year old child, he held my hand and told me that when 'Grandpa died' (my dad) that it only meant he would be back in another way; that the world went around and that 'Grandpa' wouldn't want me to be sad....a little kid, holding his Aunt's hand while she sobbed....I guess love runs in our family big time...
Did I tell you I am proud of him??? Did I???
Rock and Roll Revival
Welcome back, you rockers! Have you ever watched your favorite TV show and see a commercial on with a familiar tune on it? Yes, I have. It's been happening more and more lately. I think it's sad. I've heard many rock and roll tunes used in many commercials. Take Led Zeppelin "Rock and Roll" for Mercedes Benz , Heart "Barracuda" for a Nisson van, and the Beatles "Revolution" for Nike shoes for examples. Even songs from the Who are used in the CSI television series as the opening theme.
This bums me out. I've always felt a song should fit to listener's personal experience, not to sell products. How would you feel if a Bob Dylan song (or any other classic tune) be used in a commercial selling laundry detergent?
On the flip side, I read an interview about Pete Townsend that gave me some insight. Yes, it's the artist's right to do whatever they pleased with their music. I may not like it, but I have to agree with the facts.
So what are your thoughts about this?
This bums me out. I've always felt a song should fit to listener's personal experience, not to sell products. How would you feel if a Bob Dylan song (or any other classic tune) be used in a commercial selling laundry detergent?
On the flip side, I read an interview about Pete Townsend that gave me some insight. Yes, it's the artist's right to do whatever they pleased with their music. I may not like it, but I have to agree with the facts.
So what are your thoughts about this?
Why Does Obama Need Secret Service Protection?
Come on, with reflexes like that...is this guy also a trained Ninja or something? I know he has a reputation for being a cool, level headed guy, but this is getting almost creepy!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
RIP DailyKenoshan
Too bad. I didn't go there very often, but when I did, I had a good time. Last year, the JTI was the DailyKenoshan's First Pick for a local blog: http://www.jtirregulars.com/2008/08/dks-first-pick-jt-irregulars.html.
It's sad to see anyone leave the local blogging or news scene. I can understand, though, how it could become too much. Good luck and best wishes to John Nordquist and Lisa Loring. You will be missed.
Riddle of the Day
Another one to put your thinking cap on.........
.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has a big one.
.
Michael J. Fox has a small one.
Michael J. Fox has a small one.
.
Madonna doesn't have one.
.
The Pope has one but doesn't use it.
.
Clinton uses his all the time.
.
Bush is one.
.
Mickey Mouse has an unusual one.
.
Liberace never used his on women.
.
Jerry Seinfeld is very, very proud of his.
.
Cher claims that she took on 3.
.
We never saw Lucy use Desi's.
.
What is it?
To The Moon...Two For One Special
Tomorrow is a big day for our continued exploration of the Moon. NASA is launching two missions on one Atlas 5 rocket...currently scheduled for 5:12pm EDT. 
ion is the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS). LCROSS will separate from LRO shortly after launch (and it's a good thing too as you will see!) and engage in a long, looping series of orbits around the Earth before heading to the Moon. LCROSS will take along the Centaur upper stage that put it into orbit. The upper stage will separate from the other piece, called the Shepherding Spacecraft, and head on a collision course with the Moon. The upper stage will crash into the Moon blasting a small crater. The Sheperding Spacecraft will follow the upper stage and fly through the cloud of debris kicked up by the upper stage. The Shepherding Spacecraft will take pictures and data as it flies through the debris on the way to its own crash landing. The impact will take place sometime in October (exact day and time TBD and depends on the exact launch time). NASA is going to time the impace to that it can be observed from the U.S. Amateur and professionals astonomers will train their telescopes at the Moon in hopes of seeing the impact...and it better be clear here in Tucson that night!
Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.
ion is the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS). LCROSS will separate from LRO shortly after launch (and it's a good thing too as you will see!) and engage in a long, looping series of orbits around the Earth before heading to the Moon. LCROSS will take along the Centaur upper stage that put it into orbit. The upper stage will separate from the other piece, called the Shepherding Spacecraft, and head on a collision course with the Moon. The upper stage will crash into the Moon blasting a small crater. The Sheperding Spacecraft will follow the upper stage and fly through the cloud of debris kicked up by the upper stage. The Shepherding Spacecraft will take pictures and data as it flies through the debris on the way to its own crash landing. The impact will take place sometime in October (exact day and time TBD and depends on the exact launch time). NASA is going to time the impace to that it can be observed from the U.S. Amateur and professionals astonomers will train their telescopes at the Moon in hopes of seeing the impact...and it better be clear here in Tucson that night!Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.
I knew wine was good for me! I really, really did!
Water and Wine
To my friends who enjoy a glass of wine.. . and those who don't.
As Ben Franklin said:
In wine there is wisdom,
in beer there is freedom,
in water there is bacteria.
In a number of carefully controlled trials,
scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 litre of water each day,
at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than
1 kilo of Escherichia coli,
(E. coli) - bacteria found in feces.
In other words, we are consuming
1 kilo of poop.
However, we do NOT run that risk when
drinking wine & beer (or tequila, rum, whisky or other liquor),
because alcohol has to go through a purification
process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.
Remember:
Water = Poop, Wine = Health .
Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid,
than to drink water and be full of shit.
There is no need to thank me for this valuable information:
I'm doing it as a public service.
To my friends who enjoy a glass of wine.. . and those who don't.
As Ben Franklin said:
In wine there is wisdom,
in beer there is freedom,
in water there is bacteria.
In a number of carefully controlled trials,
scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 litre of water each day,
at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than
1 kilo of Escherichia coli,
(E. coli) - bacteria found in feces.
In other words, we are consuming
1 kilo of poop.
However, we do NOT run that risk when
drinking wine & beer (or tequila, rum, whisky or other liquor),
because alcohol has to go through a purification
process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.
Remember:
Water = Poop, Wine = Health .
Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid,
than to drink water and be full of shit.
There is no need to thank me for this valuable information:
I'm doing it as a public service.
Porkers Oink It Up With State Budget
"Madison — Facing a record deficit that forced them to raise taxes and fees by $2.1 billion to balance the budget, Assembly Democrats added millions for projects they can brag about back home - a $500,000 upgrade for an opera house; $50,000 for a shooting range; and $46,000 for a town's recycling bins.
"As they erased a $6.6 billion, two-year deficit, Assembly Democrats added $36.7 million in regional favors, according to a Legislative Fiscal Bureau summary."
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/48211957.html
Oink oink oink. Grunt snort grunt! Snort, oink oink grunt, snort oink.
"As they erased a $6.6 billion, two-year deficit, Assembly Democrats added $36.7 million in regional favors, according to a Legislative Fiscal Bureau summary."
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/48211957.html
Oink oink oink. Grunt snort grunt! Snort, oink oink grunt, snort oink.
A Sweet little poem!
A fart is a pleasant thing,
It gives the belly ease,
It warms the bed in winter,
And suffocates the fleas.
A fart can be quiet,
A fart can be loud,
Some leave a powerful,
Poisonous cloud
A fart can be short,
Or a fart can be long,
Some farts have been known
To sound like a song.....
A fart can create
A most curious medley,
A fart can be harmless,
Or silent , and deadly.
A fart might not smell,
While others are vile,
A fart may pass quickly,
Or linger a while......
A fart can occur
In a number of places,
And leave everyone there,
With strange looks on their faces
From wide-open prairie,
To small elevators,
A fart will find all of
Us sooner or later.
But farts are all bad,
Is simply not true,
We must never forget.......
Old farts like you!
Kinda brings a tear to your eye - right?
It gives the belly ease,
It warms the bed in winter,
And suffocates the fleas.
A fart can be quiet,
A fart can be loud,
Some leave a powerful,
Poisonous cloud
A fart can be short,
Or a fart can be long,
Some farts have been known
To sound like a song.....
A fart can create
A most curious medley,
A fart can be harmless,
Or silent , and deadly.
A fart might not smell,
While others are vile,
A fart may pass quickly,
Or linger a while......
A fart can occur
In a number of places,
And leave everyone there,
With strange looks on their faces
From wide-open prairie,
To small elevators,
A fart will find all of
Us sooner or later.
But farts are all bad,
Is simply not true,
We must never forget.......
Old farts like you!
Kinda brings a tear to your eye - right?
Dear Madame Zoltar
Hello, my soggy friends. How are you? If only it would rain once in awhile, then maybe summer would get here.The stunning Ms. ABBY submitted an email this week, in which she wrote:
My dearest Mme,
As you know, I will be flying to Florida on the 24th of June and returning to Racine on the 30th.....Could you please make sure there are no snakes on the planes and plenty of cocktails waiting for me when I arrive?....
All my love,
Abby
My dearest Ms. ABBY, I can assure you that your flights will be reptile-free. However, even I cannot control what you might encounter once you arrive in Florida. I strongly suggest that you follow Ms. Beejay’s lead in regard to snakes and other local critters. She has the experience.
I also detect that a cocktail or two may be part of Ms. Beejay’s repertoire in dealing with snakes, so there should be no problem in that regard as she believes in being quite prepared.
Below is a screenshot of the lead story in the Religion section of the June 13th Journal Sentinel Online.
http://www.jsonline.com/features/religion/48009892.html
The Wonewoc Spiritualist Camp sounds like an interesting place to visit perhaps, but at “$40 for a personal reading, $25 for the séance,” it is definitely in the low rent district. I am not a snob, mind you, but you sometimes do receive spiritually what you pay for materially. Those with the greatest gifts can command the highest prices. Remember, it’s always best to look for the Zoltar® label on your psychic, spiritual, and astrological purchases. Zoltar® is your guarantee of the greatest psychic bang for your hard earned buck.
Finally, below is an ad which has been appearing in the local newspaper for some time now.
I have a few things to say to “Mrs. Hilton.” First, if you are in any way related to that bimbo, Paris, you and your entire gene pool should be eradicated. Second, you should be aware of whose territory you are encroaching on when you set up shop, dearie. Third, well, I don’t expect you to last long enough to get to three, honey. I give you until yesterday to stop hawking your scam on my beat. Do a disappearing act, now.
Imagine the nerve of some people to just parade in and start tapping a market that you’ve worked so hard to develop. This ain’t hot dogs, you know.
Please send your questions and comments to me at: madamezoltar@jtirregulars.com.
Thank you for reading my blog this week, my ginger snaps. The weatherman says it will warm up by the end of the week. If it doesn’t, I’m beaming him to the hot side of the sun.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Going to Mars With a Science Lab
NASA's next mission to Mars is called the Mars Science Laboratory (which earlier this year go the name Curiosity in one of those name that rover contests for students). This rover will be much larger than the previous ones, nuclear powered so it is not subject to the limitations of solar power, carry a larger suite of instruments to determine if Mars does or ever did support life, and be able to drive a lot farther and faster.And you can send you name to Mars with Curiosity. NASA has been adding people's names to CDs and such put on spacecraft for years. My cat and I have been happily traversing the near and far reaches of the solar system for years with NASA (we are going to the Moon, hopefully Thursday if the Shuttle goes off tomorrow as scheduled...more on a blog tomorrow) and we are making another trip to Mars. Hope you will join us!
Reprinted with permission from the Half-Astrophysicist Blog.
New Exam............!!
Your not on the Clock !!!
1) How long did the Hundred Years' War last?
2) Which country makes Panama hats?
3) From which animal do we get cat gut?
4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?
5) What is a camel's hair brush made of?
6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?
7) What was King George VI's first name?
8) What color is a purple finch?
9) Where are Chinese gooseberries from?
10) What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane?
1) How long did the Hundred Years' War last?
2) Which country makes Panama hats?
3) From which animal do we get cat gut?
4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?
5) What is a camel's hair brush made of?
6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?
7) What was King George VI's first name?
8) What color is a purple finch?
9) Where are Chinese gooseberries from?
10) What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane?
Gobi March
I just have to post this. I am one proud Aunt.
My nephew is participating in the Gobi March, one of the 4 Desert Endurance Races. He is in stage 3 and so far is not doing too badly. Last I checked I think he was ranked # 66 out of 145.
Money is being raised by this group to make people aware of various childhood illnesses, treatments, facilities, etc. I have a great niece with autism. Her Dad is doing this for her! What a guy!
Want to take a gander at what the route entails go to Gobi4good.com and click on race details.
Running a marathon is good, doing it for seven days...yikes. And here I took a seven mile bike ride this a.m. and thought I was the athlete of all time (NOT)!
Hale, this sounds like something you would do...
My nephew is participating in the Gobi March, one of the 4 Desert Endurance Races. He is in stage 3 and so far is not doing too badly. Last I checked I think he was ranked # 66 out of 145.
Money is being raised by this group to make people aware of various childhood illnesses, treatments, facilities, etc. I have a great niece with autism. Her Dad is doing this for her! What a guy!
Want to take a gander at what the route entails go to Gobi4good.com and click on race details.
Running a marathon is good, doing it for seven days...yikes. And here I took a seven mile bike ride this a.m. and thought I was the athlete of all time (NOT)!
Hale, this sounds like something you would do...
Gang Fest
I read in the Journal Times about problems at North Beach yesterday with kids and gangs: http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2009/06/15/local_news/doc4a36dd1cc2e83394521095.txt. As usual, none of the individuals involved or their parents are at fault. Once again, the blame falls squarely and completely upon society. As a member of society, I agonize over this whenever it occurs: how can I prevent the children of people I don’t even know from running wild? What is the matter with me that I cannot control them? Where did I go wrong? Why do I keep making people have babies that they do not care for? Why don’t I raise them all by myself?
After much soul searching, I have come up with a suggestion that may help ameliorate this situation somewhat. It may even help with our city’s current economic problems. My suggestion is this: Gang Fest, to be held on the Festival Hall grounds in beautiful downtown Racine. The downturn in events held there has impacted the most important part of our city, downtown, negatively. Another festival there cannot but help improve things.
At Gang Fest, local gangbangers can meet and exchange ideas on gang life and gang death. Target practice at a festival firing range could help immensely with the issue of innocent bystanders being hit by stray bullets, and local merchants and artists could display the latest in gang fashions and collectibles for sale. Specialty booths could offer lessons in improving gang signifying skills, or not snitching, for instance. The possibilities are endless. Maybe it could even be made into a combined Gang Festival and Gun Show. If we try, I’m sure it could become the biggest in the Midwest.
Anyway, that’s it for now. But I want everyone to know that I am working diligently to accept more and more responsibility for things that I haven’t done in order that the thugs and scammers of Racine can continue to leech off of the other citizens.
Thank you, and have a blessed day.
After much soul searching, I have come up with a suggestion that may help ameliorate this situation somewhat. It may even help with our city’s current economic problems. My suggestion is this: Gang Fest, to be held on the Festival Hall grounds in beautiful downtown Racine. The downturn in events held there has impacted the most important part of our city, downtown, negatively. Another festival there cannot but help improve things.
At Gang Fest, local gangbangers can meet and exchange ideas on gang life and gang death. Target practice at a festival firing range could help immensely with the issue of innocent bystanders being hit by stray bullets, and local merchants and artists could display the latest in gang fashions and collectibles for sale. Specialty booths could offer lessons in improving gang signifying skills, or not snitching, for instance. The possibilities are endless. Maybe it could even be made into a combined Gang Festival and Gun Show. If we try, I’m sure it could become the biggest in the Midwest.
Anyway, that’s it for now. But I want everyone to know that I am working diligently to accept more and more responsibility for things that I haven’t done in order that the thugs and scammers of Racine can continue to leech off of the other citizens.
Thank you, and have a blessed day.
Happy Bloomsday!
"DUBLIN: Thousands of James Joyce fans Tuesday cast aside worries about recession in Ireland to recreate Bloomsday, the fictitious day at the centre of the author’s most famous novel, ‘Ulysses.’"http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/entertainment/11-dublin-ignores-recession-to-celebrate-bloomsday--il--02
I actually read Ulysses in college. Without the help of the teacher as a guide and translator, though, I doubt that I would have made it. Finnegan's Wake, Joyce's last work, is even more impenetrable. Scholars are still working on deciphering that one.
I prefer Joyce's short stories, but I'm always willing to celebrate a brilliant author.
Happy Bloomsday, and God bless the Irish.
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