On this day in 1945 US Marines raised the American Flag on Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima.
If you're a fan of Friday Night Lights, filmed in Austin, Texas then you might be surprised to learn that the show might be on the chopping block.
1.2 billion down the drain as B2 bomber crashes. Thankfully both pilots safely eject.
Give us a break, I mean how much money do you need? Gas prices to go even higher this spring, and usually take big jump come June.
Legally blind golfer makes hole in one. After playing for 60 years this is his first.
A woman in Los Angeles gets $9 million dollar award against her health insurer because the company dropped her coverage while she was in the middle of cancer treatments.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Clip from David Letterman show
Remote controlled beer launcher refrigerator. Never leave the couch during a game.
Friday, February 22, 2008
News
Everyone knows about the Obama/Clinton debate which took place here in Austin last night, but the real news here is the annual National Barbeque Association conference that's getting everyone's attention. Yeah well, this is Texas. With BBQ experts showing up from around the country, downtown Austin ought to be smokin'.
Meanwhile local Texas Senator Kirk Watson representing parts of Travis County and an avid Obama supporter had a little problem trying to remember one of Obama's legislative accomplishments during an interview with Chris Matthews which you can watch on this You Tube Video.
And of course the US Navy has proven to the Chinese that the United States also has the capability to launch a missile at a satellite and destroy it.
Meanwhile local Texas Senator Kirk Watson representing parts of Travis County and an avid Obama supporter had a little problem trying to remember one of Obama's legislative accomplishments during an interview with Chris Matthews which you can watch on this You Tube Video.
And of course the US Navy has proven to the Chinese that the United States also has the capability to launch a missile at a satellite and destroy it.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Today's Oil
So what's up with oil, other than the price? Somebody in the middle east stub their toe or something? Apparently nobody cares because there are few stories in the news these days. I guess we're more concerned about somebody's latest fiasco in Hollywood than our checkbooks.
BBC article on the subject
BBC article on the subject
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Great site for historical weather patterns
This is really interesting. This website provides info on past trends of climate change (among other things) and helps put it all in perspective.
Link here
Looking at their chart we can see dramatic changes throughout history. No question we have an affect on our weather, but can we influence the pattern enough to change the current warming cycle? Well if the only result we see from these efforts is better health for all of us isn't that enough?
Congress moves to make Do Not Call List permanent
You know I really enjoy eating dinner without the dang phone ringing just when I sit down. Yesterday the Senate gave final approval to make it permanent. No longer will we have to sign up every five years. Having already passed the house, H.R. 3541 will likely be enacted into law soon.
Sony Declared Winner - Blue-Ray is King
It looks to be a done deal. Toshiba is giving up on the HD DVD and Blue-Ray takes center stage.
Story here
Story here
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Lunar Eclipse
Wednesday evening the US will experience a total lunar eclipse. The best show should be around 10:00 PM EST to 11:00 PM EST
Link here
Link here
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Blue-Ray or HD DVD
As we've finally started upgrading to High Definition television our next obvious step is to change out our DVD players so we're watching movies in the much improved High Definition format. As nothing seems easy these days there is of course a choice in HD players.
Remember back in the '8Os when VCRs first came out? There was a big tug of war between Betamax and VHS formats in the VCR machines. No machine played both so the early buyers put their money on the system they thought would win out. I knew several folks who went with Betamax only to have to buy VHS units a few years later when it became the standard.
Same thing today. HD DVD has hit the ground running, but Blue-Ray HD is suddenly getting everyone's attention and it may very well take the lead. And in comparison it seems Blue-Ray has some nice advantages.
Click here for latest BBC article
Remember back in the '8Os when VCRs first came out? There was a big tug of war between Betamax and VHS formats in the VCR machines. No machine played both so the early buyers put their money on the system they thought would win out. I knew several folks who went with Betamax only to have to buy VHS units a few years later when it became the standard.
Same thing today. HD DVD has hit the ground running, but Blue-Ray HD is suddenly getting everyone's attention and it may very well take the lead. And in comparison it seems Blue-Ray has some nice advantages.
Click here for latest BBC article
Sunday, February 10, 2008
An Old Farts Moment
An elderly couple were having dinner at another couple's house and after their meal, the wives left the table to go to the kitchen.
The two elderly gents were talking, and one says: "Last night we went out to a fabulous new restaurant. I'd highly recommend it."
The other man says: "So which restaurant is it?"
The first man thinks long and hard with a furrowed brow, finally saying: "Ah, what is the name of that red flower you give to someone you love?"
His friend replies: "A carnation?" "No, no. The other one," the man says.
His friend suggests "The poppy?"
"No,no, no, no." growls the man. "You know - the one that is red and has thorns."
His friend says: "Could it be a rose?"
"Yes! Thank you!" the first man says. He then turns toward the kitchen and yells: "Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?"
The two elderly gents were talking, and one says: "Last night we went out to a fabulous new restaurant. I'd highly recommend it."
The other man says: "So which restaurant is it?"
The first man thinks long and hard with a furrowed brow, finally saying: "Ah, what is the name of that red flower you give to someone you love?"
His friend replies: "A carnation?" "No, no. The other one," the man says.
His friend suggests "The poppy?"
"No,no, no, no." growls the man. "You know - the one that is red and has thorns."
His friend says: "Could it be a rose?"
"Yes! Thank you!" the first man says. He then turns toward the kitchen and yells: "Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?"
Never Leave Home Without It
Locks right in to your receiver hitch!
Where ever you go you'll be prepared. Whether at the beach, down at the local park, or just out for a Sunday drive you'll never have to search one out again! Also a must have for your next tailgating party.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Boiling Point
Live Oak Wilt
I reside (part time) in a hill country subdivision in which it's not unusual to see pockets of live oak wilt. It's a deadly disease which will kill 99% of trees infected. This disease spreads three ways - either through the root system, insects moving from one wound to another (not very common), and by humans using cutting implements moving from infected trees to healthy trees.
When cutting/pruning trees it's commonly know in these areas that it's really important to treat all cuts (over 1/2" diameter) with tree paint as well as treating your cutting tools (chain saw blades, pruners, etc.) with Lysol as you move from yard to yard. OK that's the standard rule and very easy to do as you go along. Right?
So here's the deal. The disease spreads through the root system at appx. 80 ft. per year which we can plan for and treat our trees (expensive) ahead of it. Insects we don't worry too much about because it's kinda rare to see that problem. But we know it's coming. Maybe a few years down the road. But then along comes the local county trimming crew which is completly aware of the problem and of the very easy precautions you take so as not to spread the disease and of course they start trimming at the infected trees thus contaminating their equipment, and then over a period of about an hour spread the fungus all the way down the street. Asking them if they are properly treating trees and equipment you only get a "huh?" from the foreman on the job.
So suddenly we are all facing the very expensive treatment process or the other option, the very expensive cost of removing the dead trees. And it comes NOW instead of a couple years down the line when you've kinda planned for it.
Somehow I feel better now... (not)
When cutting/pruning trees it's commonly know in these areas that it's really important to treat all cuts (over 1/2" diameter) with tree paint as well as treating your cutting tools (chain saw blades, pruners, etc.) with Lysol as you move from yard to yard. OK that's the standard rule and very easy to do as you go along. Right?
So here's the deal. The disease spreads through the root system at appx. 80 ft. per year which we can plan for and treat our trees (expensive) ahead of it. Insects we don't worry too much about because it's kinda rare to see that problem. But we know it's coming. Maybe a few years down the road. But then along comes the local county trimming crew which is completly aware of the problem and of the very easy precautions you take so as not to spread the disease and of course they start trimming at the infected trees thus contaminating their equipment, and then over a period of about an hour spread the fungus all the way down the street. Asking them if they are properly treating trees and equipment you only get a "huh?" from the foreman on the job.
So suddenly we are all facing the very expensive treatment process or the other option, the very expensive cost of removing the dead trees. And it comes NOW instead of a couple years down the line when you've kinda planned for it.
Somehow I feel better now... (not)
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Monday, February 4, 2008
Last Iwo Jima flag raiser dies
The radio operator on site during the original flag raising on Mount Suribachi has passed away.
The Link Here
The Link Here
Online Gaming
Here's an interesting film promoting this WWII era Combat Flight Simulation.
Shown here are some examples of online dogfighting in the virtual world and the IP address of a server where participants meet to fly. Very realistic and extremely challenging. Game puts you right in the cockpit with total control of the aircraft.
Here's the Link
Shown here are some examples of online dogfighting in the virtual world and the IP address of a server where participants meet to fly. Very realistic and extremely challenging. Game puts you right in the cockpit with total control of the aircraft.
Here's the Link
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
