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Saturday, July 19, 2008
The New Way to Demolish Buildings
How do they do it ?
First, they replace the support pillars at ground level with computer-controlled metal columns. Then, a crew carefully demolishes the entire floor by hand, leaving the structure resting on the mechanical pillars, which then go down slowly until the next floor is at ground level. They replace the support pillars again with the mechanical ones, destroy that floor, and repeat the operation until they get rid of all the floors.
This makes it look as if the building is shrinking in front of you, or being swallowed by the street. According to the company, this method greatly reduces the environmental impact of the demolition, as well as the time. Kajima says that it speeds up the task by 20%, while making it easier to separate materials for recycling, as well as reducing the amount of products released into the air.
Friday, July 18, 2008
If Your Travel Bug Goes Missing
From the weekly Groundspeak LoBot Mailer:
1. Send a polite email to the geocacher who last grabbed your Travel Bug and remind them of its goal. Please allow adequate time before sending this message; remember that this geocacher may be on vacation or have other extenuating circumstances for which they cannot go geocaching.
2. If you have not received a response and you feel your Travel Bug is lost forever, mark the Travel Bug as "missing" so that another geocacher does not expect to find it in a cache.
3. To prevent your Travel Bug from being lost or mistaken as a signature item, place it a zip-loc bag with a printed mission. The more obvious you make it, the less likely it will be kept as a trading item.
My only comment on these items involves the Ziploc® bag recommendation: How many Travel Bugs (and, for that matter, caches) have you seen in flimsy, hole-ridden Ziploc bags? Water always seems to get in anyway, so why bother? Unless you're using one of the heavy-duty freezer bags (and those will eventually leak, also), just work to make your Travel Bug itself resistant to the elements.
Other ideas or comments?
Read more about trackable items.
1. Send a polite email to the geocacher who last grabbed your Travel Bug and remind them of its goal. Please allow adequate time before sending this message; remember that this geocacher may be on vacation or have other extenuating circumstances for which they cannot go geocaching.
2. If you have not received a response and you feel your Travel Bug is lost forever, mark the Travel Bug as "missing" so that another geocacher does not expect to find it in a cache.
3. To prevent your Travel Bug from being lost or mistaken as a signature item, place it a zip-loc bag with a printed mission. The more obvious you make it, the less likely it will be kept as a trading item.
My only comment on these items involves the Ziploc® bag recommendation: How many Travel Bugs (and, for that matter, caches) have you seen in flimsy, hole-ridden Ziploc bags? Water always seems to get in anyway, so why bother? Unless you're using one of the heavy-duty freezer bags (and those will eventually leak, also), just work to make your Travel Bug itself resistant to the elements.
Other ideas or comments?
Read more about trackable items.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
You Might Be An Alien Abductee If...
...you recognize four of these five experiences:
1. "Waking up paralyzed with a sense of a strange person or presence or something else in the room."
2. "Experiencing a period of time of an hour or more, in which you were apparently lost, but you could not remember why or where you had been."
3. "Feeling that you were actually flying through the air although you didn't know why or how."
4. "Seeing unusual lights or balls of light in a room without knowing what was causing them."
5. "Finding puzzling scars on your body and neither you nor anyone else remembering how you received them or where you got them."
Read more here.
1. "Waking up paralyzed with a sense of a strange person or presence or something else in the room."
2. "Experiencing a period of time of an hour or more, in which you were apparently lost, but you could not remember why or where you had been."
3. "Feeling that you were actually flying through the air although you didn't know why or how."
4. "Seeing unusual lights or balls of light in a room without knowing what was causing them."
5. "Finding puzzling scars on your body and neither you nor anyone else remembering how you received them or where you got them."
Read more here.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
True Generosity & Humility
It's a beautiful thing when people give of themselves to contribute to society.
It's something altogether different when someone spends their "wellness break" Photoshopping a little humor into their blog posting. Hey, it's hot outside, ok?
It's something altogether different when someone spends their "wellness break" Photoshopping a little humor into their blog posting. Hey, it's hot outside, ok?
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Gmail's New Security & Protection Features
More reasons Google's Gmail service absolutely rocks!
From the Gmail Blog:
"We understand how important your Gmail accounts are to you, so we're adding a new layer of information and control. With this new feature, you can now track your recent sessions and you can also sign yourself out remotely."
From the Gmail Blog:
"We understand how important your Gmail accounts are to you, so we're adding a new layer of information and control. With this new feature, you can now track your recent sessions and you can also sign yourself out remotely."
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
405 Skater Responds to Critics
If you saw my previous blog entry about a guy who skateboarded down the I-405 freeway in Los Angeles, he has another video out explaining his actions that day:
Huge German Company Switches from PC to Mac
One of Europe's largest newspaper publishers, Axel Springer AG, has announced plans to migrate its 10,000 employees and 150 newspapers in 30 countries to the Mac
Speaking in a video message that's now available through YouTube, company CEO Mathias Döpfner notes the following four reasons for the shift:
Speaking in a video message that's now available through YouTube, company CEO Mathias Döpfner notes the following four reasons for the shift:
Monday, July 07, 2008
iPhone 3G - A Geocaching Find
July 11, 2008, is the release day of the iPhone 3G, a device anticipated for its promised speedy connectivity and its one-stop application shopping. But a small and growing segment have their eyes fixed specifically on the integrated GPS chip: they’re geocachers.
Read all about it.
Read all about it.
Emails from Dude/Sweet are NOT Suitable for Work!
I got an email from Dude of Dude/Sweet to tell me their 500th cache find was announced on a recent Podcacher Podcast. While that's cool and all (congrats!), he failed to warn me about the potential for unsuitable ads appearing in the AdSense bar in my Gmail.
I smell a lawsuit...
I smell a lawsuit...
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Rest Stop Recon Declared "Retarded and Juvenile"
I received a message regarding my Rest Stop Recon cache from JFtrochez:
"Perhaps you should consider revising this cache description so that it sounds substantially less retarded and juvenile. All the other caches in this neighborhood were kid friendly and I had my 8 year old nephew thinking we would be able to get to this one. I happily accept these challenges, however, about 100 yards from it, my nephew called it quits on me.
Please do other people a favor and make sure you note that this is NOT at all a family friendly spot."
My friendly reply:
JFtrochez:
I'm sorry you feel disappointed with your experience with my "Rest Stop Recon" cache. You are a new and relatively inexperienced geocacher, and are obviously feeling very emotional and traumatized about your failed attempt to find it, so I will forgive your insults. In nearly two years of this cache's existence, you are the only cacher to express comments so “retarded and juvenile,” as you put it.
Both the description and attributes, as well as the YouTube videos about this cache make it pretty clear as to the terrain challenges represented by this cache, so I see no need to revise it.
Just so you know, kids younger than your nephew, including my son, who is also eight-years-old, have successfully negotiated their way to this cache. I would encourage you to try my cache again, but I'm actually more inclined to encourage you to simply ignore it. On that note, I encourage you to ignore all of my caches, as they are not all designed or intended to appeal to all types of cachers. I do own a number of "kid friendly" caches, but I wouldn't want you to experience anything unexpected and thus feel the need for more emotional outbursts. That approach would be a lot easier on both of us.
Thank you for taking the time to express your feelings. Stay safe, and keep on caching!
- Pablo Mac
"Perhaps you should consider revising this cache description so that it sounds substantially less retarded and juvenile. All the other caches in this neighborhood were kid friendly and I had my 8 year old nephew thinking we would be able to get to this one. I happily accept these challenges, however, about 100 yards from it, my nephew called it quits on me.
Please do other people a favor and make sure you note that this is NOT at all a family friendly spot."
My friendly reply:
JFtrochez:
I'm sorry you feel disappointed with your experience with my "Rest Stop Recon" cache. You are a new and relatively inexperienced geocacher, and are obviously feeling very emotional and traumatized about your failed attempt to find it, so I will forgive your insults. In nearly two years of this cache's existence, you are the only cacher to express comments so “retarded and juvenile,” as you put it.
Both the description and attributes, as well as the YouTube videos about this cache make it pretty clear as to the terrain challenges represented by this cache, so I see no need to revise it.
Just so you know, kids younger than your nephew, including my son, who is also eight-years-old, have successfully negotiated their way to this cache. I would encourage you to try my cache again, but I'm actually more inclined to encourage you to simply ignore it. On that note, I encourage you to ignore all of my caches, as they are not all designed or intended to appeal to all types of cachers. I do own a number of "kid friendly" caches, but I wouldn't want you to experience anything unexpected and thus feel the need for more emotional outbursts. That approach would be a lot easier on both of us.
Thank you for taking the time to express your feelings. Stay safe, and keep on caching!
- Pablo Mac
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Fox News Airs Altered Photos of NY Times Reporters
Below is a screenshot of Fox & Friends featuring the photo it used of Jacques Steinberg, with the original photo on its left. Comparing the two photos, it appears that the following changes have been made: Steinberg's teeth have been yellowed, his nose and chin widened, and his ears made to protrude further.
Similarly, a comparison of the photo of Reddicliffe used by Fox News and the original photo suggests that Reddicliffe's teeth have been yellowed, dark circles have been added under his eyes, and his hairline has been moved back.
Similarly, a comparison of the photo of Reddicliffe used by Fox News and the original photo suggests that Reddicliffe's teeth have been yellowed, dark circles have been added under his eyes, and his hairline has been moved back.
Monday, June 30, 2008
100 Years Ago Today
A fireball streaking across the sky and a massive explosion in the Siberian hinterlands marks the largest recorded collision ever between Earth and an object from space.
The Tunguska event flattened 80 million trees covering 830 square miles of sparsely populated (but not unpopulated) Russian outback in the region of the Tunguska River northwest of Lake Baikal.
In its 1966 edition, the Guinness Book of Records concluded that, based on the Earth's rotation, had the Tunguska meteorite struck 4 hours, 47 minutes later, it would have obliterated St. Petersburg, then the capital of imperial Russia. Given the events that would shortly torment that nation -- and all of Europe -- for the better part of the 20th century, one is left to wonder how history might have changed in those circumstances.
Read more on the Tunguska Event on Wikipedia
The Tunguska event flattened 80 million trees covering 830 square miles of sparsely populated (but not unpopulated) Russian outback in the region of the Tunguska River northwest of Lake Baikal.
In its 1966 edition, the Guinness Book of Records concluded that, based on the Earth's rotation, had the Tunguska meteorite struck 4 hours, 47 minutes later, it would have obliterated St. Petersburg, then the capital of imperial Russia. Given the events that would shortly torment that nation -- and all of Europe -- for the better part of the 20th century, one is left to wonder how history might have changed in those circumstances.
Read more on the Tunguska Event on Wikipedia
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Pixar's True First Short - Andre & Wally B. (1984)
The Adventures of Andre and Wally B. is an animated short made in 1984 by the Lucasfilm Computer Graphics Project, which would later be spun out as a startup company called Pixar. Although it is technically not a Pixar short, the animation was by John Lasseter, who was working on his first computer animated project and would move on to be a pivotal player at Pixar. The credits for the piece are concept/direction Alvy Ray Smith, animation John Lasseter, technical lead Bill Reeves, technical contributions by Tom Duff, Eben Ostby, Rob Cook, Loren Carpenter, Ed Catmull, David Salesin, Tom Porter, and Sam Leffler, filming by David DiFrancesco, Tom Noggle, and Don Conway, and computer logistics by Craig Good.
The animation on the feature was truly groundbreaking at the time, featuring the first use of motion blur in |CG animation. Lasseter pushed the envelope by asking for manipulatable shapes capable of the squash and stretch style, as earlier CG models had generally been restricted to rigid geometric shapes.
It was rendered on one Cray X-MP/48 (where 48 stands for 4 processors and 8 million words of internal memory, with word size of 64 bits (i.e. 8 bytes) it means its RAM size was 64 MB) and ten VAX 11/750s from Project Athena.
Credit: Wikipedia
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Cell Phone Eavesdropping
The technology to eavesdrop via landline phones has been around for decades, and I have long suspected the same with mobile phones. View with caution:
You Know You’re Living in 2008 When…
1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.
2. You have so many passwords you can never remember any of them.
3. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
4. You have more text conversations than phone conversations.
5. Ditto IM and Skype conversations.
6. You use your cell phone to find your boyfriend at a crowded show or bar.
7. You have a list of fifteen phone numbers to reach your family of three.
8. When you leave home in the morning, forgetting your cell phone—which you didn’t need and didn’t know you needed for the first twenty or thirty (or sixty) years of your life—is a cause for total panic and you have to turn around immediately to go get it.
10. Losing your cell phone is a major, major catastrophe.
11. Losing your Internet access is an even bigger catastrophe.
12. You spend more time looking at MySpace and YouTube than you do watching TV.
13. You get up in the morning and go online before getting your coffee.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
by Ophelia Payne
2. You have so many passwords you can never remember any of them.
3. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
4. You have more text conversations than phone conversations.
5. Ditto IM and Skype conversations.
6. You use your cell phone to find your boyfriend at a crowded show or bar.
7. You have a list of fifteen phone numbers to reach your family of three.
8. When you leave home in the morning, forgetting your cell phone—which you didn’t need and didn’t know you needed for the first twenty or thirty (or sixty) years of your life—is a cause for total panic and you have to turn around immediately to go get it.
10. Losing your cell phone is a major, major catastrophe.
11. Losing your Internet access is an even bigger catastrophe.
12. You spend more time looking at MySpace and YouTube than you do watching TV.
13. You get up in the morning and go online before getting your coffee.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
by Ophelia Payne
Friday, June 27, 2008
14 Simple Ways to Super Charge Your Brain
No matter how powerful our brains are, they need recuperation time, to be kept in shape, and even an occasional charge. Think of it as a tune up for your brain.
Read all about it.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Skateboarding Commuter
The price of gas is really causing some people to use poor judgment.
Either that, or they're shooting an episode of "Jackass."
Either that, or they're shooting an episode of "Jackass."
Monday, June 23, 2008
12 Year-Old-Girl Addresses the U.N. (1992)
The world probably would be a better place if adults behaved in the same way they teach their kids to act.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Why Doesn't Lebanon Have a Skatepark?
I have lived in Lebanon, Oregon for almost twelve years, and have participated in at least two distinct efforts to get a skatepark in town. There always seems to be...well, I shouldn't really publicize here all of the speculation going around as to why a town the size of Lebanon can't get it together to give the kids (and adults!) a place to enjoy a healthy and wholesome sport together. Lots of towns much smaller than Lebanon have pulled it together, and it's about time Lebanon gets a skatepark.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Muslim Baby Tossing
Muslims of a local shrine in western India throw newborn babies off the top of a tower in hopes of giving that child good luck. Don't worry though, a couple of guys are below to catch the babies with a cloth sheet. The tradition is over 500 years old.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Found It: That Shiney Thing On Top
It took five attempts over the course of almost two months, but the snow has almost entirely cleared from near the summit of Green Peter Mountain ( N44° 28.986' W122° 34.975'). We had been trying to get to the top to find That Shiney Thing On Top: Green Peter (GC170FC).
On a spur-of-the-moment trip, Deulist and I Jeeped up to the gate and hiked to the top. We found the cache we failed to find a month ago because of the snow, which was two or three feet deep on top of the cache on that trip. We took a lot of pictures (and Deulist may or may not have left a little something to increase the lure), so check out the cache logs to get the vicarious experience...or, better yet, go for it yourself!
All we need to do now is find out about the survey marker stamped "Bald Peter" (the next mountain to the North), rather than "Green Peter." Inquiring minds want to know.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Wooden Bikes!
Every year a festival takes place in the Banaue region in the Philippines, as a celebration of the tribal culture. In this particular festival, a number of men dressed in native costumes get on a wooden bikes and race each other.
Dressed in their red outfits with feathers on their heads, you can just imagine them zooming past on their wooden, bipedal creations.
Although the wooden bicycle is centuries old, fashion is cyclical. I personally can’t wait until they come back in fashion.
Why You Should Always Carry a Digital Camera
Last Tuesday, Lori Mehmen looked out her front door in Orchard, Iowa and this is what she saw. She had a digital camera handy, and somehow managed to take this photo before crapping her pants and taking cover. This, my friends, is why always having a camera nearby is helpful.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Boston Gets a New Lead Singer
I have been a fan of Boston for 3/4 of my life, and my love for their music shows no sign of fading any time soon. A Boston fan from North Carolina named Tommy DeCarlo was chosen to sing based on his performances on Boston cover songs on his MySpace page.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
How to Make Profound and Lasting Change
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Apple Introduces iPhone Videoconferencing Kit
"This July 11 you will be able to buy the Apple Videoconferencing Kit for iPhone 3G at just $29. Press release and an exclusive leaked photo of the user manual..."
Read all about it here.
The Blog of Dude
My good friend and fellow cache freak Dude (that's him on the left with Jeremy from Geocaching.com) of Dude/Sweet has a great-looking blog. I can't wait to see his entry for this coming September 11 (no, it's not what you think).
Monday, June 09, 2008
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Monday, June 02, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Microsoft AutoUpdate Woes
I use Microsoft Office for Mac 2008, and got a message from Microsoft AutoUpdate this morning telling me an update is available:
Of course, I download the 120+ megabyte file, and jump through all the hoops to install the update, only to be told and the very tail end:
Microsoft AutoUpdate can't even tell what version of their own program I am running!? Aaaarghhh!
Of course, I download the 120+ megabyte file, and jump through all the hoops to install the update, only to be told and the very tail end:
Microsoft AutoUpdate can't even tell what version of their own program I am running!? Aaaarghhh!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Clinton Claims to Lead in “Every Poll”
"Who is the stronger candidate against John McCain? We have not gone through this exciting, unprecedented, historic election, only to lose. You have to ask yourself, who is the stronger candidate? And based on every analysis, of every bit of research and every poll that has been taken and every state that a Democrat has to win, I am the stronger candidate against John McCain in the fall."
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Video Review: Introduction to Geocaching by dezlpower
This video starts out with a brief explanation of the basics of geocaching, then wastes no time getting on with the fun part. The star (Sue from Team Tiki) tells it and shows it like it is. It was apparent that she hadn't found the cache before shooting the video, and that fact added to the authenticity and viewer anticipation. I'm pretty sure they would have even shown a DNF!
I look forward to more geocaching videos by dezlpower/Team Tiki. I rated this video 4/5 stars.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The Story of Stuff
Am I turning into an environmentalist? Actually, I have long considered myself an environmentalist, but one who doesn't subscribe to the granola-crunching, Birkenstock-wearing hippie stereotype. That cliché carries a lot of negative baggage I just don't want to carry.
Anyway, I just watched a great video that I have to recommend. It started off ruffling some of my feathers, but it quickly started jabbing at my heart, so I forced myself to watch the whole thing. It's only 20 minutes, so just watch it and pay attention. And share it with others:
The Story of STUFF
Anyway, I just watched a great video that I have to recommend. It started off ruffling some of my feathers, but it quickly started jabbing at my heart, so I forced myself to watch the whole thing. It's only 20 minutes, so just watch it and pay attention. And share it with others:
The Story of STUFF
Monday, May 19, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
FTF After 6 Years!
A Superior Cache!, a cache on an island in Lake Superior was placed over six years ago, and had never been found. Today, get_off_the_paved got the FTF. Be sure to read about the adventure!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Ultimate Gas-Saving Tip
I read this in a forum I participate in, and had to share it here. Disclaimer: the below post is to be taken tongue-in-cheek (like most of this blog):
"I've built a simple tow-hook arrangement that's mounted to the front bumper of my car and is spring-loaded to try and extend forward. I control it with a little cable that comes back into the cabin of my Chrysler so I can deploy it to hook the rear of a semi-truck or large SUV by letting out the tension.
Like any eco-conscious driver, I just pull up close behind my target, let unhook the cable from the clip on my driver-side door and carefully let it out. The A-frame swings up and forwards, until it almost touches the vehicle in front of me. Some experimentation and trial & error has brought me to a half-hook/cup arrangement that settles easily over large trailer hooks or commercial trailer mounts and holds itself in place quite nicely. Once down, I can pop the transmission into neutral and relax.
The key is to keep your engine running so the transmission stays lubricated, of course.
Q: Why don't you use a rope or harpoon or something?
A: Well, that's just silly, you then need to watch for braking so you can avoid ramming the back of your quarry. With this, he provides your braking too.
Q: How do you avoid debris being kicked up into your paint?
A: The only danger of this really exists during the docking maneuver. Afterwards, you're within the laminar flow and subsequently safe from most of this.
Q: Isn't this illegal?
A: The law is quite firm about following at unsafe distances, yes, but once you're connected, you fall under statutes that regulate towing. There's nothing in there about getting towed without the knowledge of the driver!
I dream of someday seeing long caravans of stealthy eco-towers drifting down the highway, attached to each other and being pulled by an unknowingly helpful Humvee. The serpentine motion of such a construct changing lanes would be beautiful to behold indeed.
"I've built a simple tow-hook arrangement that's mounted to the front bumper of my car and is spring-loaded to try and extend forward. I control it with a little cable that comes back into the cabin of my Chrysler so I can deploy it to hook the rear of a semi-truck or large SUV by letting out the tension.
Like any eco-conscious driver, I just pull up close behind my target, let unhook the cable from the clip on my driver-side door and carefully let it out. The A-frame swings up and forwards, until it almost touches the vehicle in front of me. Some experimentation and trial & error has brought me to a half-hook/cup arrangement that settles easily over large trailer hooks or commercial trailer mounts and holds itself in place quite nicely. Once down, I can pop the transmission into neutral and relax.
The key is to keep your engine running so the transmission stays lubricated, of course.
Q: Why don't you use a rope or harpoon or something?
A: Well, that's just silly, you then need to watch for braking so you can avoid ramming the back of your quarry. With this, he provides your braking too.
Q: How do you avoid debris being kicked up into your paint?
A: The only danger of this really exists during the docking maneuver. Afterwards, you're within the laminar flow and subsequently safe from most of this.
Q: Isn't this illegal?
A: The law is quite firm about following at unsafe distances, yes, but once you're connected, you fall under statutes that regulate towing. There's nothing in there about getting towed without the knowledge of the driver!
I dream of someday seeing long caravans of stealthy eco-towers drifting down the highway, attached to each other and being pulled by an unknowingly helpful Humvee. The serpentine motion of such a construct changing lanes would be beautiful to behold indeed.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Friday, May 09, 2008
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Monday, May 05, 2008
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Friday, May 02, 2008
A Great Cache Potluck Event
What a fantastic way to spend an evening: hanging out with fellow geocachers and eating!
We are going to miss GlenMart during their caching hiatus. We'll keep Glen in our thoughts and prayers!
We are going to miss GlenMart during their caching hiatus. We'll keep Glen in our thoughts and prayers!
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Roosevelt on Immigrants & Being an American
I have seen this email going around for years, and had just assumed it was inaccurate. Today I looked up the snopes.com page on this story, and it checks out! It deserves widespread distribution.
'In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American. There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag...we have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.'
'In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American. There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag...we have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.'
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Top 10 Reasons I Love Podcacher Podcast
To listen to the Podcacher Podcast is to love the Podcacher Podcast!
10. It's by Sonny & Sandy...from SUNNY SAN DIego. Get it?
9. He proposed to her with a geocache hunt!
8. They produce quality content.
7. Their weekly shows are 100% Family Friendly.
6. I can listen to their show any time, anywhere on my iPhone (I think Sonny has one, too).
5. They use Garageband.
4. They actually get out and cache.
3. They share their podcasting technique.
2. They coordinate great WWFM events.
1. They have mentioned Pablo Mac on at least three podcast episodes.
That last one's reason enough to love anybody!
10. It's by Sonny & Sandy...from SUNNY SAN DIego. Get it?
9. He proposed to her with a geocache hunt!
8. They produce quality content.
7. Their weekly shows are 100% Family Friendly.
6. I can listen to their show any time, anywhere on my iPhone (I think Sonny has one, too).
5. They use Garageband.
4. They actually get out and cache.
3. They share their podcasting technique.
2. They coordinate great WWFM events.
1. They have mentioned Pablo Mac on at least three podcast episodes.
That last one's reason enough to love anybody!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Amazingly Simple Home Remedies
1. If you're choking on an ice cube simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat. Presto! The blockage will instantly remove itself.
2. Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold while you chop.
3. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.
4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.
5. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.
6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you'll be afraid to cough.
7. You only need two tools in life - WD- 40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40.
If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.
8. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.
2. Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold while you chop.
3. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.
4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.
5. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.
6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you'll be afraid to cough.
7. You only need two tools in life - WD- 40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40.
If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.
8. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Does Al Gore Know About This!?
So far this year, I have already:
worn shorts to stay cool
gone canoeing
mowed my lawn
gotten a sunburn
I woke up this morning and here is the picture I took ten minutes ago. I live near the 44th parallel.
Al Gore and many others push the "Global Warming" myth on us, and make millions of dollars in the process.
This country bumpkin has instead observed "Global Climate Change." You're welcome. Please contact me privately for money transfer instructions.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Illegal Alien Geocoin
I have been in a dialog with Team 360, who placed the bronze plaque at The Original Stash (see the video here), and was banned from geocaching almost two years ago for undisclosed reasons. He is selling a very interesting geocoin on eBay, in case anybody is interested. I couldn't resist placing a bid, but I'm sure I will be outbid soon.
Please note that, by initiating this blog post, I am not publicly confirming or denying my agreement or disagreement with the offensive or inoffensive nature of this authorized or unauthorized geocoin...not that there's anything wrong with it... Just an item of interest...or disinterest.
Please note that, by initiating this blog post, I am not publicly confirming or denying my agreement or disagreement with the offensive or inoffensive nature of this authorized or unauthorized geocoin...not that there's anything wrong with it... Just an item of interest...or disinterest.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Windoze Media Player Woes
I just got the umpteenth huge WMV email file attachment from a friend (why don't people just send YouTube links!?), and when I started to play it, Windoze Media Player told me it has an update for me. Of course, trusting everything Bill Gates sends my way, I indicated that I would be privileged and honored to accept an update to such a great Microsoft product. It goes through the progress bar thing, and, after a couple or three minutes of downloading (just how big is this update, anyway?), I get this:
Neither my Print Screen key nor my Add-On screenshot utility program would capture the screenshot, so I took a pic and sent it to myself with my iPhone.
Did I mention I just got a MacBook Pro?
Neither my Print Screen key nor my Add-On screenshot utility program would capture the screenshot, so I took a pic and sent it to myself with my iPhone.
Did I mention I just got a MacBook Pro?
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Dead Stupid
After stepping around a marked police patrol car parked at the front door, a man walked into H & J Leather & Firearms intent on robbing the store. The shop was full of customers and a uniformed officer was standing at the counter. Upon seeing the officer, the would-be robber announced a hold-up, and fired a few wild shots from a target pistol. The officer and a clerk promptly returned fire, and several customers also drew their guns and fired. The robber was pr onounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Crime scene investigators located 47 expended cartridge cases in the shop. The subsequent autopsy revealed 23 gunshot wounds. Ballistics identified rounds from seven different weapons. No one else was hurt.
Verified on Snopes.com
Verified on Snopes.com
Monday, April 07, 2008
Data Execution Prevention
First thing at work on a Monday Morning and I get this on my Dell Doorstop:
I don't even use Internet Exploder, and haven't for many years.
I clicked the "Close Message" button and got an error message dialog, asking me to send an error report to Bill Gates. When I tried to capture a screenshot of that, the computer started buzzing loudly (I'm not making this up) and slowed to a crawl. I crawled out for a cupajoe, and when I came back, all seemed normal...until I clicked the "Send Error Report" button. It seems they really don't want error reports in Redmond, because I got a Blue Screen of Death.
Welcome to my Monday.
I just bought a MacBook Pro.
I don't even use Internet Exploder, and haven't for many years.
I clicked the "Close Message" button and got an error message dialog, asking me to send an error report to Bill Gates. When I tried to capture a screenshot of that, the computer started buzzing loudly (I'm not making this up) and slowed to a crawl. I crawled out for a cupajoe, and when I came back, all seemed normal...until I clicked the "Send Error Report" button. It seems they really don't want error reports in Redmond, because I got a Blue Screen of Death.
Welcome to my Monday.
I just bought a MacBook Pro.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Friday, April 04, 2008
"A Mismatch of Words and Actions"
That's the phrase of the day; the very theme of her and Bill's entire political careers.
See the video here.
See the video here.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Survey: Apple Most Inspirational Brand
Read all about it.
The survey asked almost 2,000 readers in 107 countries which brand they would choose for 10 different categories. The group, 74 percent of which were in the marketing profession, voted Apple to the top in six of the 10 areas. Survey respondents placed Apple ahead of other companies like Nike, Coca-Cola, Google, Starbucks, McDonald's, and Microsoft, citing things like "beautiful products," ease of use, quality, and an overall love of Apple.
The survey asked almost 2,000 readers in 107 countries which brand they would choose for 10 different categories. The group, 74 percent of which were in the marketing profession, voted Apple to the top in six of the 10 areas. Survey respondents placed Apple ahead of other companies like Nike, Coca-Cola, Google, Starbucks, McDonald's, and Microsoft, citing things like "beautiful products," ease of use, quality, and an overall love of Apple.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
If Microsoft Marketed the iPod
When stakeholders think every detail is equally important, the result can be...well, see for yourself:
Monday, March 24, 2008
Get to the Heart of the Problem
The granite at the Jefferson Memorial was crumbling. However, none of the other memorials had the same problem. So the question was, "Why?"
Why is the granite crumbling? It is hosed off more than the other memorials.
Why is it hosed off more than the other memorials? It has more bird dung.
Why does it have more bird dung? It has more birds.
Why does it have more birds? There are more spiders to eat.
Why are there more spiders? It has more flying insects for spiders to eat.
Why are there more insects? The lights are turned on too soon at the Jefferson Memorial, thus attracting the insects.
Solution: The lights were turned on later and the granite stopped crumbling.
Sometimes solutions only seem unrelated to the problem and are simpler than we thought they would be.
Why is the granite crumbling? It is hosed off more than the other memorials.
Why is it hosed off more than the other memorials? It has more bird dung.
Why does it have more bird dung? It has more birds.
Why does it have more birds? There are more spiders to eat.
Why are there more spiders? It has more flying insects for spiders to eat.
Why are there more insects? The lights are turned on too soon at the Jefferson Memorial, thus attracting the insects.
Solution: The lights were turned on later and the granite stopped crumbling.
Sometimes solutions only seem unrelated to the problem and are simpler than we thought they would be.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Friday, February 01, 2008
Support the Abolition of the Federal Reserve System
"In the absence of the gold standard there is no way to protect savings from the confiscation through inflation. There is no safe store of value without gold. This is the shabby secret of the welfare statists' tirades against gold. Deficit spending is simply a scheme for the hidden confiscation of wealth. Gold stands in the way of this insidious process that stands as a protector of property rights." - Alan Greenspan
Congressman Ron Paul has introduced legislation to restore financial stability to America's economy by abolishing the Federal Reserve.
Congressman Ron Paul has introduced legislation to restore financial stability to America's economy by abolishing the Federal Reserve.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
US Marine Challenges Al-Queda to Knife Duel
My name is Matthew Sevald, a former United States Marine who participated in OIF 2-2, most notably the 2nd Battle of Fallujah, Iraq back in November of 2004. I am writing in response to this news article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071219/ap_on_re_mi_ea/al_qaida_interview Perhaps you or your organization can help me get in touch with the man, or at least pass my question on to him or someone who knows someone who knows him etc. etc.
I wish to pose this question, an invitation if you will, to Mr. al-Zwahiri.
Dear Sir:
In response to your offer, I pose this question to you: Will you agree to meet me at a neutral location and participate in an internationally televised duel, a one-on-one battle to the death, with knives to see once and for all whose ideology reigns supreme? I am sure we can hammer out the details in due course. This is a most serious offer and I challenge your honor as a man and leader of your cause to put your money where your mouth is. If you feel unable to participate due to your age or some medical condition, allow me to inform you that I was wounded in Iraq and suffer a severe handicap in my left hand. Also, as I have now been out of the military for over a year I am not in the best fighting shape as I used to be. I feel that the odds would be even. If you are still unwilling to accept my challenge, I would be willing to fight Osama bin Laden in your stead. Again, this is the most serious of offers. I'm sure your organization could benefit from some more publicity and who knows, you might even win. You may contact me at 1-(***)-***-**** if you wish, or respond through your more usual channels. Enjoy your current holiday of Eid.
Sincerely,
Matthew Sevald
USA
I wish to pose this question, an invitation if you will, to Mr. al-Zwahiri.
Dear Sir:
In response to your offer, I pose this question to you: Will you agree to meet me at a neutral location and participate in an internationally televised duel, a one-on-one battle to the death, with knives to see once and for all whose ideology reigns supreme? I am sure we can hammer out the details in due course. This is a most serious offer and I challenge your honor as a man and leader of your cause to put your money where your mouth is. If you feel unable to participate due to your age or some medical condition, allow me to inform you that I was wounded in Iraq and suffer a severe handicap in my left hand. Also, as I have now been out of the military for over a year I am not in the best fighting shape as I used to be. I feel that the odds would be even. If you are still unwilling to accept my challenge, I would be willing to fight Osama bin Laden in your stead. Again, this is the most serious of offers. I'm sure your organization could benefit from some more publicity and who knows, you might even win. You may contact me at 1-(***)-***-**** if you wish, or respond through your more usual channels. Enjoy your current holiday of Eid.
Sincerely,
Matthew Sevald
USA
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Monday, January 07, 2008
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
My iPhone Ant Infestation
I have seen some weird things on my iPhone, but nothing like what happened the morning after my son accidentally spilled pancake syrup all over it! NOTE: Those ants are inside the iPhone!
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Geocaching WWFM 2007 Montage Video
Collected from video & still pics of dozens of Geocaching WWFM events held simultaneously on November 10, 2007.
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