Mathmatical genius

Manatee Status="hopeful"

I am always astounded by stories like this one, of the wonders of the human mind. Interesting as always in the operation of the brain. I just admire those who can. That is all.

When will death arrive for you?

Manatee Status="clumsy"

I have found a site that you should visit. Okay, it is a well-known site, you may have already joined in the fun, but here it is anyways: The Death Site. I will die in 2063, or 2064, depending on when I click the button. Fun, not very useful, just don't think about it and you will do fine. That is all.

Murdoch's Journal

So, now what? Rupert Murdoch of Australia buys the Wall Street Journal of America and the New York Times is concerned that he doesn't have a strategy ready to go? They should really be concerned that a foreigner is buying a domestic product. That is the problem here. The Bancroft Family has made a HUGE mistake and I just don't begin to understand their thinking. Selling a brilliant piece of Americana to a stinkin' Aussie! What, money above honor and dignity? Is that what happened here? I am appauled! This should not have happened. Today is a sad day for all of America, a rather innovative and unique brand has been killed to make way for more money in a rich man's pocket. That is all.

Cell phones useful

Once in a while, a story comes along that proves how useful some modern conveniences are in the right situations. This is one such story. Out of a New Zealand website and onto your screen, the story of a man's surgery and how it was completed by the light of many cell phones. A happy ending when it could have been otherwise. Now, who's gonna make that call? That is all.

New look

Manatee Status="comfortable"

I have changed the template and moved a few things on the sidebar around, increased the info in the blog description above and added the line at the start of each post about the manatee status. So, all-in-all, a nice new look to a not-so-old blog. But, in the blogosphere, where every week is a new year, my blog was already nearing middle age. It needed the makeover, wouldn't you say?

About that manatee status above, I have made the creature my unofficial mascot. Every blog needs a mascot and I chose the manatee for unknown reasons, probably mostly for the name, I think. It just rolls off the tongue nicely. Also, the origin of the name manatee, look it up. You might also agree that the name is cool. I will probably write something about the manatee in the future, if I get the urge to do the research, but for now, just read the Wikipedia article and be happy. That is all for now.

Moon over ND

A full moon and the prairie, what could be more calming. This image taken by Lyndon Anderson and posted on SpaceWeather.com brings to mind the warm Summer days that are here now and will be gone all too soon. Enjoy while it lasts. That is all.

Rob a bank, the how-to

This is the life, rob a bank and live the good life. Just don't be greedy. Do two heists and sock the money away for the future, whatever amount you got. Don't spend it right away, that is a dead giveaway that you are the robber. I say this not from experience, but rather from common sense and just from visiting many different banks and credit unions and looking over the security that is present. Mostly video cameras. I have yet to run into a lively security guard. One that could over-power me. Anyways, don't credit me if you do decide to become a thief, I do not condone any illegal activity (I say this to cover my a**). But, doesn't mean I can't dream and write about it. That is all.

Dentist Wins Case Over Tusks in Mouth

A prank gone wrong? Nah, a prank that can be laughed at and that had no ill side-effects. This doctor did nothing wrong. The real issue is rather his insurance company, Fireman's Fund, should have been forced to pay the settlement. I think not, and am stunned (though not really), that the Washington State Supreme Court would rule in the manner that they did. Justice Fairhurst's opinion that the joke was "integral" to the job is crazy. How and when is a practical joke necessary to any job? Maybe a clown or a magician, but certainly not a dentist. Craziness! That is all.

What, another UFO?

David McCune buys a $1,000, 10-megapixel camera, flys around at 37,000 feet, snaps some pictures, returns home, son looks over the results, points out an oddity, and voila! Name in newspaper, on websites, all over the place. The picture isn't very clear and more research needs to be done on what Mr. McCune did not see, so, I think his quote says it all, “I’m curious to find out what it is,” he said. “I’m not saying what it is.” That is all.

Artic expedition

The Russkies think they can claim more land. The US says no. The Russkies attempt a dive to the seabed to plant a flag and make it so. The US stands by and watches while the enemy invades our territory. Good luck, guys! I would suggest you turn back before you get stuck and can't return. That is all.

2 many txt msgs

This bus driver learned the hard way that text messages are not free. The outcome could have been predicted and I really think he should have done the math. If he had won, the winnings wouldn't have been worth the loss of a job and the bill that he has rung up by trying to win. This is further demonstration that contests, for the most part, are not worth entering and I strongly suggest no one entering them. That is all for now.

UFOs over England

In this report from the Daily Mail, a crowd was stunned to see unexplainable lights for about thirty minutes. Many were drinking, but many were not, and the stories are the same. These mysterious lights should be studied as much as possible and do not discount that which we humans do not yet understand. Life is a conundrum and can be fun. That is all.

Checkers

Have you played checkers lately? I have, against Chinook. Who is Chinook? More like, what is Chinook, the massively powerful, all-moves-knowing, computer computer program at U. Alberta in Canada. I challenged and lost in three moves! Very cool! This program trounced me. Not a surprise to anyone who knows me, though. Lol. That is all.

Out to the movies

Last night, my fiance, her brother, and I went out to see a movie. That movie was Hairspray starring John Travolta. Not bad is my overall impression, with John's turn as a woman being quite humorous and not half bad. Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad was wonderful, if at times, somewhat over-the-top in giddiness. I laughed numerous times, mostly when John was on screen. I recommend this film to anyone who needs a generous pick-me-up after a difficult day. That is all.

The thing at the wheel

What I am surprised by when I read this story, is that this freak is still alive. I say that with the utmost respect for the human race. This guy/gal needs to leave its line of work and find place to roam, say the Outback of Australia. That is my opinion and I am sticking to it. That is all.

What airport security?

This story from Phoenix shows what security should be 24 hours a day. No security is what I mean. I do not fear the "terrorists," whatever or whoever they are, rather I fear, and we all should, the government of the USA. President Bush, Vice President Cheney, and the rest of the gang of occupiers, they are the evil doers, the "terrorists" we should be fearful of.
As for airport insecurity, let it be. I enjoyed flying pre-9/11, now, the fun has been removed and the fear of every little word and action is real. Don't make a joke about a bomb or a biological agent, or you may be hauled off to Gitmo or worse. That is all.

Presidential disability

Today, the twenty-fifth amendment was invoked by President Bush, making Vice President Cheney acting president for a short while. Bush underwent a routine colonoscopy, where five polyps were found and are being analyzed. Cheney held the reins of power for the duration of the procedure. What a remarkable government we have, that executive powers can be peacefully transfered from one person to the other and back, without fear of revolution. God bless America! My home sweet home! That is all.

Harry Potter Day

Today is the day! Harry is killed and the author J.K. Rowling is hated evermore! Ok, I don't know if Harry dies in Deathly Hallows (as I am one of millions who refuses to get caught up in the silly series of books), but I do know that J.K. is not well liked by Harry's fans. Or, at least I THINK she is. I know nothing. Just shut me up and throw me out with the garbage, I am done.

Steam Pipe Explosion?

Steam released, creating hole in street. The minutes after it happened, people were frightened, scared, panicky, not knowing what just happened. Also in those moments, the mayor and other city officials quickly approached the microphones to calm the masses. They were hasty to point out that this event was not terrorist-related. My question, and the question that everyone should have, is how could that be known as a fact so soon after the tragedy? The situation could not be properly assessed that fast, could it? I don't think so, especially with so much damage done. Sure, it is a steam pipe that burst, but the why is the mystery. Cold water into the system? From where and by whom? Transformers blown. How? The steam? I would like these questions answered, really. The mainstream media needs to stay up on this story, don't let it die out. New York is a decent city and the truth needs to be known. Reporters should do what they got into the business to do: investigate and report. That is all.

Apollo 11: 38 years and counting

It is the 38th anniversary of Armstrong and Aldrin's moon landing and the question of whether or not it really happened still lingers in the minds of many. I wonder if it was staged, but I doubt that the secret could remain for so many years, if that is the case. Let us just celebrate and enjoy the historical nature of today with this picture:

Buzz and a seismograph

UPDATE 7/20 @ 2330: I found this useful link and just had to add it here. Has a cool video, too.