This is an actual story, mostly so I can have it on record.
Anna wasn't feeling well this evening. So I went to Super Stop & Shop (Newton, MA) for minestrone soup, orange juice, and mac & cheese for me. I had spoken to a few co-workers today about the lottery. Power Ball is up over $300 million (tonight) and Mass Millions is up over $100 million (plays on Friday). So since I wasn't going to NH or RI after work, in order to get the numbers for tonight's PowerBall game, I decided that after I paid for my groceries I would buy a ticket for Friday's Mass Millions. I placed the ticket in my back left pocket, walked out of the store, placed the bags in the car (on the floor on the passenger side), and drove home.
I get home, Anna made her minestrone soup and I started making my mac & cheese. Before it was done I left with Lucy for a walk around the block. I ran down the stairs with her, and ran down the driveway, just because. Then we started to walked around the block, I bent over once to pick up her "stuff". Then we walked back home.
Anna and I then sat down and watched "Fever Pitch" (by the way, good movie). After the movie we cleaned up and I mentioned what the totals for the lottery were for the week. I then mentioned that I bought a ticket for Mass Millions being played on this Friday (21 October 2005). Well, when I went to go show her my ticket... it was gone!
I hope no one picks it up and claims it on Friday... let's just say I won't be very happy that I am not $30+ million dollars richer.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Chinese Birth Calendar
Find out what you're having. It's 99% accurate. The age of the woman, and the month, at the time of conception and presto... you have your answer... boy or girl?!
I guess this can also be used to plan, if you decide you wanted boy a girl... which is a whole other issue you should discuss with someone more qualified than me.
I guess this can also be used to plan, if you decide you wanted boy a girl... which is a whole other issue you should discuss with someone more qualified than me.
Disposable... Video Camera?
In case you haven't noticed... CVS is selling disposable digital cameras. I first noticed them over the summer and thought, cool... but I already have a digital camera that I love. But a video camera? I have an older video camera that I have never used (bought, used, from a family member). It's kind of big, it needs to have its battery charged, and its a bit tricky to play it on TV's and my computer.
Well, now, the same people that brought you the disposable digital camera at CVS (by the way, their name is: Pure Digital Technologies) now brings you the disposable digital video camera. The price? A mere $29.99 for 20-minuts of video. Now before you go thinking "... 20 minutes is pointless..." just remember, your average tv show is only about 17 minutes long without commercials. That's quite a bit of time.
Lets say you are running to a niece or nephew's birthday party and you wanted to film it, but you forgot your video camera (or, did you really, accidentally forget it?) you can now pop into CVS and for $30 record 20 minutes of that kid's life and send it on to family and friends via e-mail.
More tech info on the disposable digital camcorder here.
Well, now, the same people that brought you the disposable digital camera at CVS (by the way, their name is: Pure Digital Technologies) now brings you the disposable digital video camera. The price? A mere $29.99 for 20-minuts of video. Now before you go thinking "... 20 minutes is pointless..." just remember, your average tv show is only about 17 minutes long without commercials. That's quite a bit of time.
Lets say you are running to a niece or nephew's birthday party and you wanted to film it, but you forgot your video camera (or, did you really, accidentally forget it?) you can now pop into CVS and for $30 record 20 minutes of that kid's life and send it on to family and friends via e-mail.
More tech info on the disposable digital camcorder here.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
R.I.P. VCR
From a TiVo e-mail I received today:
Did you know...?
Did you know...?
- Many manufacturers have halted production on VCRs forever!
- 2006 will be the last year for VHS movie releases.
New Apple Products Released
Well, during their "One More Thing... " Event... Apple Computers released some expected products and surprised many others. I won't get into the specs, you can check out the link above for that info.
(1.) iPod (video): This is not the much anticipated/rumored "Video iPod", but more of an upgraded iPod that allows video playback. It sports a smaller frame, and a slightly larger window. They also come in the typical white, and now black. With color screens of course. They are available in 30GB ($299) and 60GB ($399). They all support the new...
(2.) iTunes 6: The major attraction is the addition made in the iTunes Music Store> Music Videos, TV Shows, and Pixar Shorts are now for sale for $1.99/ea. Right now there are only 5 TV Shows to choose from, each only having a few episodes available for download. But there are over 2,000 music videos for sale. Even all of Madonna's music videos are for sale... c'mon, you know you want a copy of "Express Yourself". (Hey Marisa, they even have a U2 catalog). I have already purchased a Pixar Short: Geri's Game (it's the short that plays before A Bugs Life). iTunes will also synchronize your movies, pictures, and of songs to your new iPod (video).
(3.) iMac: Thinner versions of the most recent one. How they got it smaller? Who knows, it's just cool. The most impressive feature of the new iMac is one that none of the rumor sites saw coming (kind of). It's an application (Front Row), which only works on the new iMacs, which allows you to sit away from your computer, and with a new Apple remote control, control, the play of movies, pictures, dvd, and music. All in a simple, easy to use Apple interface. The remote is also easy to use, with only 6 buttons, it won't be hard to navigate, unlike those 100-button universal remotes we all have.... uh, don't ALL of us have one? The iMac also has a built-in iSight Camera. What a GREAT camera, great for pictures and also wonderful for video conferencing for free. You can also use it for...
(4.) Photo Booth: Another new application from apple that uses the built-in iSight camera to take pictures from your iMac. It's kind of like those old photo booths that you would stick a dollar in and get a few pictures. You can add all sorts of interesting effects to the pictures, like stretch, sepia, black&white, dent, bulge, etc. Why you would need this? I don't know. I think Apple is just showing that they can throw any sort of item (maybe even a kitchen sink) into this tiny little iMac.
Well that's it folks, my thoughts on Apple's "One More Thing... " Event.
(1.) iPod (video): This is not the much anticipated/rumored "Video iPod", but more of an upgraded iPod that allows video playback. It sports a smaller frame, and a slightly larger window. They also come in the typical white, and now black. With color screens of course. They are available in 30GB ($299) and 60GB ($399). They all support the new...
(2.) iTunes 6: The major attraction is the addition made in the iTunes Music Store> Music Videos, TV Shows, and Pixar Shorts are now for sale for $1.99/ea. Right now there are only 5 TV Shows to choose from, each only having a few episodes available for download. But there are over 2,000 music videos for sale. Even all of Madonna's music videos are for sale... c'mon, you know you want a copy of "Express Yourself". (Hey Marisa, they even have a U2 catalog). I have already purchased a Pixar Short: Geri's Game (it's the short that plays before A Bugs Life). iTunes will also synchronize your movies, pictures, and of songs to your new iPod (video).
(3.) iMac: Thinner versions of the most recent one. How they got it smaller? Who knows, it's just cool. The most impressive feature of the new iMac is one that none of the rumor sites saw coming (kind of). It's an application (Front Row), which only works on the new iMacs, which allows you to sit away from your computer, and with a new Apple remote control, control, the play of movies, pictures, dvd, and music. All in a simple, easy to use Apple interface. The remote is also easy to use, with only 6 buttons, it won't be hard to navigate, unlike those 100-button universal remotes we all have.... uh, don't ALL of us have one? The iMac also has a built-in iSight Camera. What a GREAT camera, great for pictures and also wonderful for video conferencing for free. You can also use it for...
(4.) Photo Booth: Another new application from apple that uses the built-in iSight camera to take pictures from your iMac. It's kind of like those old photo booths that you would stick a dollar in and get a few pictures. You can add all sorts of interesting effects to the pictures, like stretch, sepia, black&white, dent, bulge, etc. Why you would need this? I don't know. I think Apple is just showing that they can throw any sort of item (maybe even a kitchen sink) into this tiny little iMac.
Well that's it folks, my thoughts on Apple's "One More Thing... " Event.
She's Goooone...
Well Folks... Like Hall and Oates would sing: "... She's goooooooooone, Oh I, Oh I'd
better learn how to face it... "
Looks like I replaced all my code for my blog with this one (actually another one, and I settled on this one). It's sad to see the end of an era, the stealth black theme I had going, the cool little icons, and MY JOKES, my jokes... they are ALL gone.
But, I am sure I saved the coding somewhere (If I was smart and backed up my code).
So, for now... this is the theme I am going with. Enjoy!
better learn how to face it... "
Looks like I replaced all my code for my blog with this one (actually another one, and I settled on this one). It's sad to see the end of an era, the stealth black theme I had going, the cool little icons, and MY JOKES, my jokes... they are ALL gone.
But, I am sure I saved the coding somewhere (If I was smart and backed up my code).
So, for now... this is the theme I am going with. Enjoy!
New Put Down? HD-Ugly!?
I guess it's true what people say... some hollywood stars just don't look so good in person. HDTV now allows us a better picture of that world.
Check this out from TVPredictions.com:
Swanni's Annual 'Best & Worst' HDTV List
Jessica Alba looks even better in high-def, but Teri Hatcher and Demi Moore should run for cover.
By Phillip Swann
Editor's Note: The High-Definition TV picture is so clear that aging signs and skin imperfections are dramatically visible. Phillip Swann, president of TVPredictions.com, generated international media attention for his 2004 list of the 10 celebrities who look better -- and worse -- under the unforgiving lens of high-def. Now, Swanni has named his 2005 'Best and Worst' in HDTV.
Check this out from TVPredictions.com:
Swanni's Annual 'Best & Worst' HDTV List
Jessica Alba looks even better in high-def, but Teri Hatcher and Demi Moore should run for cover.
By Phillip Swann
Editor's Note: The High-Definition TV picture is so clear that aging signs and skin imperfections are dramatically visible. Phillip Swann, president of TVPredictions.com, generated international media attention for his 2004 list of the 10 celebrities who look better -- and worse -- under the unforgiving lens of high-def. Now, Swanni has named his 2005 'Best and Worst' in HDTV.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Silly Bush
This may be one of the funniest parodies I have ever seen. Andy Dick can be annoying, but this time he is funny. Check out our "wicked smaht" president.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Best TV Theme Song
I don't know why I didn't check this out earlier, and I think there was/is even a show dedicated to this. But Boston.com has a tournament going on to decide what was the best theme song. From whats left, may favorites would be there at the end would be: Fresh Prince of Bel Air vs. Welcome Back Kotter.
A few songs that may be missing? "The Greatest American Hero" (Thanks Prof. Mike) and "Married With Children" (Although I think that may have left off the list because it is an actual song).
Any other songs that were missed? Post a comment.
A few songs that may be missing? "The Greatest American Hero" (Thanks Prof. Mike) and "Married With Children" (Although I think that may have left off the list because it is an actual song).
Any other songs that were missed? Post a comment.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Verizon FiOS and Cable TV? FiOS TV?
I swear I spoke about this before but I can't find the post,. Yeah I know..."... Curtis, don't you run this thing?" I do, I swear, maybe I just meant to post it, but didn't (This happens A LOT more than you know).
Anyways... Verizon FiOS is a service Verizon offers which allows for fiber optic cables (where previously installed) to be used for internet access, and I believe phone access too. Fiber optic cables allow for faster internet speeds (up to 5 times faster than Comcast's current 6mbps. Also, you only pay $34.95/month for 5mbps, thats a $15/month savings from Comcast, which will aloow you to buy a TiVo, but thats another story.) and the ability to transfer video... So...
Verizon is set to add another feature to their service: Cable Television. Right now they offer a bundle package with DirecTV. But I don't like satellite dishes (and I am not sure we can add it to our condo). Dan told me about this rumor at least a month ago, that's why I thought I posted it, but he was correct. Turns out someone at his job was offered FiOS through Verizon, and they casually mentioned that they would soon be offering cable television through FiOS in October. And here we are, coming to October, and there are rumbles that Verizon is about to start offering this service. Good looking out Dan. Hopefully the price of cable will come down with this announcement. Also, SBC (Southern Bell Communications) is rumored to be doing the same thing, but offering the unconventional IPTV (Internet Protocol Television - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPTV). We'll see what happens, but they have pushed their plans back from late 2005 to early 2006.
A quick check on Verizon's FiOS page shows that not all of us are eligible for FiOS service here in Massachusetts, but it should be here soon.
As usual, I will try to keep you posted... if I can remember.
Anyways... Verizon FiOS is a service Verizon offers which allows for fiber optic cables (where previously installed) to be used for internet access, and I believe phone access too. Fiber optic cables allow for faster internet speeds (up to 5 times faster than Comcast's current 6mbps. Also, you only pay $34.95/month for 5mbps, thats a $15/month savings from Comcast, which will aloow you to buy a TiVo, but thats another story.) and the ability to transfer video... So...
Verizon is set to add another feature to their service: Cable Television. Right now they offer a bundle package with DirecTV. But I don't like satellite dishes (and I am not sure we can add it to our condo). Dan told me about this rumor at least a month ago, that's why I thought I posted it, but he was correct. Turns out someone at his job was offered FiOS through Verizon, and they casually mentioned that they would soon be offering cable television through FiOS in October. And here we are, coming to October, and there are rumbles that Verizon is about to start offering this service. Good looking out Dan. Hopefully the price of cable will come down with this announcement. Also, SBC (Southern Bell Communications) is rumored to be doing the same thing, but offering the unconventional IPTV (Internet Protocol Television - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPTV). We'll see what happens, but they have pushed their plans back from late 2005 to early 2006.
A quick check on Verizon's FiOS page shows that not all of us are eligible for FiOS service here in Massachusetts, but it should be here soon.
As usual, I will try to keep you posted... if I can remember.
Google Print
Google looks to be getting in trouble for this one (it may come down soon, so check it out now). This is a site that lets you read scanned-in books on-line. Well not the whole book, but a lot of pages. Turns out publishers aren't too happy about this. I can see why, but thanks for giving us a glimpse Google.
Here is what Google has to say about thier "Library Project"
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2005/09/google-print-and-authors-guild.html
Here is what Google has to say about thier "Library Project"
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2005/09/google-print-and-authors-guild.html
Google WiFi
Looks like Google is at it again. They have launched a beta-type program in the San Francisco area providing independent national wireless internet access, presumably with ad-sense built in, so it wouldn't be "free"... but... yeah... free!
Google WiFi: Frequently Asked Questions
http://wifi.google.com/faq.html
Free Download of Google Secure Access
http://wifi.google.com/download.html
Google WiFi: Frequently Asked Questions
http://wifi.google.com/faq.html
Free Download of Google Secure Access
http://wifi.google.com/download.html
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Bush: Bathroom Break?
Is this picture real? It is on Yahoo's site. Who is this man, and who elected him president? Yes, we all have to pee... but like Mom always asked "... does anyone have to go to the bathroom before we go to (insert place/activitiy here)?!"... wow!
Google's Definition of Failure
(Thanks to Alex for the e-mail)
1. Go to www.google.com2. Type in the word: failure
3. Click Google search
4. Make note of the very first website available for that entry
Coincidence? I think not! Hahaha.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Math: Home Phone Number Trick
Check out this link to solve an interesting math problem... With a freaky answer!
Livestrong Bracelet: Done
I have officially retired my yellow Livestrong bracelet. No, not because it's a fad and only teens wear them now (I still wear my Boston Celtics "I Am A Celtic" wristband, not sure I will ever get rid of that one), but because I don't like Lance Armstrong anymore. I think he cheated during the Tour de France. Maybe not this year, but one of those years. Yes, I know, he is not like any other humans we know, his lung capacity is enormous. I just don't understand how a man, any man, can win 6 consecutive Tour de France's (which I believe is one of the toughest things an athlete can do), after coming back from cancer. Yes, cancer, the thing that kills most of it's victims somehow put itself on pause for Lance to win "6 consecutive Tour de France's". Yes, you can "beat" cancer, but it's always there. It can come back, and it's got to make you weaker than you were before (I'm drawing from my extensive medical studies... ah... yeah, that's what I'm doing). So, farewell to the Livestrong bracelet, we had some good times together. Although, I am not wearing the bracelet, I will still continue to support the Livestrong Foundation. We still need a cure for all, or any, cancer.
Monday, September 12, 2005
The Daley Lama is in... Idaho?!
I saw the Dalai Lama once, it was at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge. Anna and I were on our way out of the Charles and there were men in black suits and ear pieces escorting a few black, darkly tinted SUV's in the front of the building...OK, we didn't really see him, but he was in one of those SUV's leaving the Charles, where he stayed while visiting Harvard.
That was my almost-brush with the Dalai Lama... Do YOU have a Dalai Lama story?
FEMA
According to AP and CNN... Michael Brown has resigned as director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
This is the same FEMA group that posted a message on their website about a glitch in browser-compatibility for access to a Hurricane Katrina online assistance site, in which they date: "Monday, 09-Sep-2005"
MacDailyNews says: which, of course is impossible, unless you're part of the government. Maybe that's why some of these government agencies botched the hurricane relief efforts? The simple lack of a common calendar?
This is the same FEMA group that posted a message on their website about a glitch in browser-compatibility for access to a Hurricane Katrina online assistance site, in which they date: "Monday, 09-Sep-2005"
MacDailyNews says: which, of course is impossible, unless you're part of the government. Maybe that's why some of these government agencies botched the hurricane relief efforts? The simple lack of a common calendar?
Sofa: Jordan's Furniture
We ordered it two weeks ago. It was the same color as the one in the showroom. A light grey microfiber (even though Mary specifically told us not to get that material), which the lady said was great for kids and dogs. We even got it Scotch-Guarded and whatever the insurance/spillproof/we-will-fix-almost-anything-just-as-long-as-you-call-us-within-48-hours-and-only-follow-our-instructions-or-your-contract-is-null-and-void plan. It should be available right away... right? Well, no, it was going to be here on September 11th. They called today, it's here. But the earliest they can deliver it will be on September 20th. I will keep you posted when it comes in.
Crooks and Liars
This is a pretty funny site about REAL crooks and liars... You know, the ones in the government. There are funny posts including text, audio, and video.
You can thank me later for the hours of entertainment you will have reading, listening, and watching this site.
You can thank me later for the hours of entertainment you will have reading, listening, and watching this site.
Max Blumenthal
I ran across this site today and it had this excerpt from a recent Bill Maher show:
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Bill Maher the other night:
"Mr. President, this job can't be fun for you any more. There's no more money to spend--you used up all of that. You can't start another war because you used up the army. And now, darn the luck, the rest of your term has become the Bush family nightmare: helping poor people. Listen to your Mom. The cupboard's bare, the credit cards maxed out. No one's speaking to you. Mission accomplished...
Apple: iPod nano, iTunes 5, Motorola ROKR
Some people question why I do not post about Apple's latest products a.s.a.p. - Reason: I watch/read the news as it happens and then I read all I can before I post, you know, a little more info than just "Apple releases a slick new iPod nano".
Well here are my reviews:
iPod nano
Price: 2GB=$199.00 / 4GB=$249.00
Apple releases a slick new iPod (haha). Truthfully, it's really cool and very, very small. It is thinner than a number 2 pencil, and smaller than the iPod mini. Yes, they have discontinued the iPod mini, the most popular mp3 player in the world. The mini came in colors, which made it even more popular, and the nano is white... ACTUALLY... it also comes in black (it's beautiful). It has a color screen and can also display album covers and pictures copied over from your computer.
iTunes 5
Price: Free
New look, new search functions, new 'shuffle mode" that is more random (people claimed the shuffle mode wasn't so random before).
MotoiTunes
Price: $249 (2-yr contract required)
"...The world's first phone with iTunes..." (I'm sure there will be more every quarter) Pretty cool phone, but not a flip-phone like the more popular phones now-a-days. Pretty cool that it holds 100 songs from your iTunes library. Too bad it is only carried by Cingular/AT&T. It would have been cooler if they put it in their RAZR phone or let Apple create their own phone. Oh well, doesn't seem like enough to make me switch to Cingular.
Well here are my reviews:
iPod nano
Price: 2GB=$199.00 / 4GB=$249.00
Apple releases a slick new iPod (haha). Truthfully, it's really cool and very, very small. It is thinner than a number 2 pencil, and smaller than the iPod mini. Yes, they have discontinued the iPod mini, the most popular mp3 player in the world. The mini came in colors, which made it even more popular, and the nano is white... ACTUALLY... it also comes in black (it's beautiful). It has a color screen and can also display album covers and pictures copied over from your computer.
iTunes 5
Price: Free
New look, new search functions, new 'shuffle mode" that is more random (people claimed the shuffle mode wasn't so random before).
MotoiTunes
Price: $249 (2-yr contract required)
"...The world's first phone with iTunes..." (I'm sure there will be more every quarter) Pretty cool phone, but not a flip-phone like the more popular phones now-a-days. Pretty cool that it holds 100 songs from your iTunes library. Too bad it is only carried by Cingular/AT&T. It would have been cooler if they put it in their RAZR phone or let Apple create their own phone. Oh well, doesn't seem like enough to make me switch to Cingular.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Gilligan, Dead at 70
(post above from boson.com)
Gilligan Island was one of my first memories of a sitcom. And Gilligan, the lovable klutz, was one of the funniest slapstick comedians I have ever seen. Hey, when you are 5 and watching re-runs of coconuts landing on a guys head a few dozen times, its pretty darn funny!I just heard/read: Gilligan actually died on Aug. 2, 2005. What took so long for the media to announce his death? Conspiracy? Hold on friends, I'm going to look into this... to be continued
Friday, September 02, 2005
Hurricane Katrina: Before & After
Click on the title above to see pictures of New Orleans before and after Hurricane Katrina... It's insane!
pictures courtesy of boston.com
Savanna's Smiles
Here is a benefit for my friend Anson's 4 year old niece Savanna.
As many of you know, Savanna James (Daughter of Dylan & Robin) recently underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumor from her skull. She is currently undergoing 42 weeks of aggressive chemotherapy treatments. When the treatments are complete she will have a procedure to replace the skull bone that was removed and will have a second procedure to repair a hole that was found in her heart. Dylan and Robin do have health insurance but will be faced with many additional expenses including expensive co-pays for all of Savanna's hospital stays ($250 each visit), medications, and bed rental not to mention parking fees, meals at the hospital and day care for Isabelle, their other daughter. We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of concern that we have received from our family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances and the constant request of "what can we do"?. We have decided to join in efforts and desire to "do something" by hosting a fundraiser. We would love for you to join us in our efforts to help them both financially and by getting together to show our moral support.
Includes appetizers, desserts, live music, dancing, performances by the Legacy Dancers and cash bar.
There will also be many raffles including Patriot Tickets (October 2nd), Red Sox Tickets (September 27th), airline tickets, Celtics tickets, Blue Man Group tickets, Disney Package and much more!
Casual dress and feel free to bring your friends! Seating is limited, so first come first serve. Reservations must be made in advance. Please RSVP by Monday, 5 September 2005.
$30 per person
All proceeds from this event will go to Savanna and her family
As many of you know, Savanna James (Daughter of Dylan & Robin) recently underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumor from her skull. She is currently undergoing 42 weeks of aggressive chemotherapy treatments. When the treatments are complete she will have a procedure to replace the skull bone that was removed and will have a second procedure to repair a hole that was found in her heart. Dylan and Robin do have health insurance but will be faced with many additional expenses including expensive co-pays for all of Savanna's hospital stays ($250 each visit), medications, and bed rental not to mention parking fees, meals at the hospital and day care for Isabelle, their other daughter. We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of concern that we have received from our family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances and the constant request of "what can we do"?. We have decided to join in efforts and desire to "do something" by hosting a fundraiser. We would love for you to join us in our efforts to help them both financially and by getting together to show our moral support.
Friday, 23 September 2005
The Knights of Columbus
177 Bedford Street, Lexington MA 02420
7:00PM EST
The Knights of Columbus
177 Bedford Street, Lexington MA 02420
7:00PM EST
Includes appetizers, desserts, live music, dancing, performances by the Legacy Dancers and cash bar.
There will also be many raffles including Patriot Tickets (October 2nd), Red Sox Tickets (September 27th), airline tickets, Celtics tickets, Blue Man Group tickets, Disney Package and much more!
Casual dress and feel free to bring your friends! Seating is limited, so first come first serve. Reservations must be made in advance. Please RSVP by Monday, 5 September 2005.
$30 per person
Please make check payable to "Savanna's Smiles"
Send mail to: Lisa Brown /121 Slough Road / Harvard, MA / 01451
Send mail to: Lisa Brown /121 Slough Road / Harvard, MA / 01451
All proceeds from this event will go to Savanna and her family
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Hurricane Katrina: iTunes
Apple has stepped up again (see Tsunami Fund) and started a relief fund for Hurricane Katrina victims. You can click on a link at the iTunes Music Store to donate money. 100% of your donation will go to the American Red Cross. I did it, you can to!Gas Prices
This is a very funny picture. But it speaks for the rising gas prices everywhere. Gas here in Boston is averaging in the upper $2.00 range. Not crazy, compared to this place in Indianapolis, but still a lot. I'm guessing anyone who responds to this will not that there are a few places in Boston where gas prices surge past $3.00. Check out this link for the lowest/highest gas prices around.
Hurricane Katrina - Those Missing [Updated]
Here are a few links that have lists of those missing. If you know of anyone who you have not heard from, please check these sites:
Nola.com - Local New Orleans news information
CNN - CNN's reported safe list
Craigslist - New Orleans - Craigslist New Orleans section where you will find links for "lost and found", "volunteers", "general", etc.
American Red Cross: Katrina Connections - The Red Cross also has a section on their site dedicated to those looking for loved ones. There are also pictures you can scan/upload to the site.
[Updated] Thanks to "anonymous" for the comment about "Fats Domino" missing. But this is the conversation Prof. Mike and I had today about Fats Domino:
Prof. Mike: Hey, did you hear Fats Domino is one of the missing?
Me: Oh, really? Fats Domino, oh yeah, what did he do??? (I knew his name, couldn't remember what he sang)
Prof Mike: He lost his thrill on Blueberry hill...
Me: Oh yeah... Haha
Prof. Mike: ... and if he were still on that hill he would probably still be safe.
Nola.com - Local New Orleans news information
CNN - CNN's reported safe list
Craigslist - New Orleans - Craigslist New Orleans section where you will find links for "lost and found", "volunteers", "general", etc.
American Red Cross: Katrina Connections - The Red Cross also has a section on their site dedicated to those looking for loved ones. There are also pictures you can scan/upload to the site.
[Updated] Thanks to "anonymous" for the comment about "Fats Domino" missing. But this is the conversation Prof. Mike and I had today about Fats Domino:
Prof. Mike: Hey, did you hear Fats Domino is one of the missing?
Me: Oh, really? Fats Domino, oh yeah, what did he do??? (I knew his name, couldn't remember what he sang)
Prof Mike: He lost his thrill on Blueberry hill...
Me: Oh yeah... Haha
Prof. Mike: ... and if he were still on that hill he would probably still be safe.
Hurricane Kartina - Continued
The information below is from WBUR's website (I am listening to NPR right now on WBUR to hear stories and information on Hurricane Katrina's devastation, you can to, click here).
How You Can Help Katrina's Victims
Voluntary organizations are seeking cash donations to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina in Gulf Coast states, according to Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. But, volunteers should not report directly to the affected areas unless directed by a voluntary agency.
Also here is a local link to American Red Cross - Boston
285 Columbus Ave.
Boston, MA 02116-5114
617-375-0700 ext. 277
800-564-1234 ext. 277
285 Columbus Ave.
Boston, MA 02116-5114
617-375-0700 ext. 277
800-564-1234 ext. 277
How You Can Help Katrina's Victims
Voluntary organizations are seeking cash donations to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina in Gulf Coast states, according to Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. But, volunteers should not report directly to the affected areas unless directed by a voluntary agency.
Here is a list of phone numbers set up solely for cash donations and/or volunteers.
Donate cash to:
American Red Cross
1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669) English,
1-800-257-7575 Spanish;
Operation Blessing
1-800-436-6348
America’s Second Harvest
1-800-344-8070
Donate Cash to and Volunteer with:
Adventist Community Services
1-800-381-7171
Catholic Charities, USA
1-800-919-9338
Christian Disaster Response
941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee
1-800-848-5818
Church World Service
1-800-297-1516
Convoy of Hope
417-823-8998
Corporation for National and Community Service Disaster Relief Fund
(202) 606-6718
Lutheran Disaster Response
800-638-3522
Mennonite Disaster Service
717-859-2210
Nazarene Disaster Response
888-256-5886
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
800-872-3283
Salvation Army
1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
Southern Baptist Convention -- Disaster Relief
1-800-462-8657, ext. 6440
United Methodist Committee on Relief
1-800-554-8583
This list of organizations is provided by the National Organization of Voluntary Agencies Active in Disaster. Please email EST-DONATA@dhs.gov if you are interested in having your organization added to the list.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Hurricane Katrina
What a mess. I really feel bad for those hit by the hurricane. At times I feel like I should go down there and help, but then I think, what can I do? Well here are a few charitable organizations that are collecting money for relief funds to help those victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Morgan Freeman has helped organize an online auction to raise funds for disaster relief. The auction opens Friday on the Charity Folks Web site, an online auction venue, and run until Sept. 16. Proceeds will go to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
Morgan Freeman has helped organize an online auction to raise funds for disaster relief. The auction opens Friday on the Charity Folks Web site, an online auction venue, and run until Sept. 16. Proceeds will go to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
FEMA listed the following agencies as needing cash to assist hurricane victims:
- American Red Cross, 800-HELP-NOW (435-7669) English, 800-257-7575 Spanish
- America's Second Harvest, 800-344-8070
- Adventist Community Services, 800-381-7171
- Catholic Charities USA, 800-919-9338
- Christian Disaster Response, 941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554
- Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, 800-848-5818
- Church World Service, 800-297-1516
- Convoy of Hope, 417-823-8998
- Lutheran Disaster Response, 800-638-3522
- Mennonite Disaster Service, 717-859-2210
- Nazarene Disaster Response, 888-256-5886
- Operation Blessing, 800-436-6348
- Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, 800-872-3283
- Salvation Army, 800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
- Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief, 800-462-8657, Ext. 6440
- United Methodist Committee on Relief, 800-554-8583
Apple Mac mini: Try it out! [Update 2]
Apple has a new program for those of you who may be a bit scared to "buy" a new Mac. Here is what they have to say (below)... How can you go wrong?We’re so confident you’ll love your new Mac mini, we’ll let you test drive it for 30 days with no risk. If you decide you don’t want it, we’ll take it back. Here’s how the test drive works:
- Purchase a new Mac mini from the Apple Store online. You can also get an Apple keyboard and mouse, such as our new Mighty Mouse.
- Set it up and start enjoying it.
- If you don't love it, call us within 30 days of your order and we'll arrange for you to return your system — including the Apple keyboard and mouse — for a full refund.
If you have any more questions, call our Mac specialists at 1-800-MY-APPLE.
Hurry — this test drive ends on October 31, 2005.
-------------
[Update] It looks like Apple tried this before in 1984, but it didn't work out so well. They ran the program during the holiday season when retailers didn't want to deal with the hassel of possible returns. But hey, look at this picture, isn't it a bit scary?
[Update 2] Apple has since removed the "test drive" promotion. Why? Maybe it was put on the site too early? Maybe there was a high demand? Maybe it was just a dumb idea? I will keep you up to date when I hear more.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Motorola iTunes Info
Thanks to Christine for the NY Times article this morning.
The phone appears to be debuting on September 7th. Reason why people are targeting this day? Apple sent out an e-mail invitation to a few media outlets announcing a "special event" on Sept. 7th . Within the announcement Apple wrote: "1,000 songs in your pocket changed everything. Here we go again." So it looks like something fun/new is coming. Engadget reports that the new phone will be the Motorola ROKR (possible picture here). So the phone should be a regular Moto phone that will hold about 100 songs. Sounds like enough songs for driving/riding from/to work/school (that was weird/awkward).
Problem: Will it drain my cellphone battery that already never seems to last as long as I want it to. Also, will the phone allow for expansion of the device, to hold more music, data, videos, etc.?
Cool: Engadget is reporting on a rumored commercial "... these first iTunes phone ads will be “music-based spots with people calmly walking down the street on the phone with their shadows and reflections dancing wildly beside them ...” That would be a great commercial playing on Apple's current iTunes commercials where shadows and dancing excitedly.
Overall it should be a good thing for Apple, it may actually make people want to buy more iPods (the same way that people who have camera phones are starting to purchase more digital cameras). However it's just a phone that synchronizes with your iTunes library and plays music, not too exciting, wake me when they come out with the new Newton.
The phone appears to be debuting on September 7th. Reason why people are targeting this day? Apple sent out an e-mail invitation to a few media outlets announcing a "special event" on Sept. 7th . Within the announcement Apple wrote: "1,000 songs in your pocket changed everything. Here we go again." So it looks like something fun/new is coming. Engadget reports that the new phone will be the Motorola ROKR (possible picture here). So the phone should be a regular Moto phone that will hold about 100 songs. Sounds like enough songs for driving/riding from/to work/school (that was weird/awkward).
Problem: Will it drain my cellphone battery that already never seems to last as long as I want it to. Also, will the phone allow for expansion of the device, to hold more music, data, videos, etc.?
Cool: Engadget is reporting on a rumored commercial "... these first iTunes phone ads will be “music-based spots with people calmly walking down the street on the phone with their shadows and reflections dancing wildly beside them ...” That would be a great commercial playing on Apple's current iTunes commercials where shadows and dancing excitedly.
Overall it should be a good thing for Apple, it may actually make people want to buy more iPods (the same way that people who have camera phones are starting to purchase more digital cameras). However it's just a phone that synchronizes with your iTunes library and plays music, not too exciting, wake me when they come out with the new Newton.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Ambisinistrous
What's the opposite of the opposite of Ambidextrous you ask?
Well according to Answers.com (link in title above) its:
Well according to Answers.com (link in title above) its:
Ambisinistrous
clumsy, maladroit (the opposite of ambidextrous): ambilævous
Using the right hand more skillfully or easily than the left
- Sinistrous -
On the left side; left
- Ambi -
Both
More info on dextrous / sinistrous / ambi
- Dextrous -Using the right hand more skillfully or easily than the left
- Sinistrous -
On the left side; left
- Ambi -
Both
But then wouldn't "Ambisinistrous" mean the same thing as "Ambidextrous"?
Friday, August 26, 2005
Kutztown 13 [Update]
[Update: Possible deal? "... In meetings with students over the last several days, the Berks County juvenile probation office has quietly offered the students a deal in which all charges would be dropped in exchange for 15 hours of community service, a letter of apology, a class on personal responsibility and a few months of probation. 'The probation department realizes this is small potatoes,' said William Bispels, an attorney representing nearly half of the accused students," Michael Rubinkam reports for The Associated Press..."]
I haven't had much to write about in a while, but I thought this was important enough to write about. According to a article from the Associated Press:
I haven't had much to write about in a while, but I thought this was important enough to write about. According to a article from the Associated Press:
"... KUTZTOWN, Pennsylvania (AP) -- They're being called the Kutztown 13 -- a group of high schoolers charged with felonies for bypassing security with school-issued laptops, downloading forbidden Internet goodies and using monitoring software to spy on district administrators...This is an interesting story. As far as I know, and I am no legal guru, you have to be 18 to sign a legally binding contract, so in fact, wouldn't the parents be held responsible for the act of hacking? Anyways... as the article point out... what happens if these kids have a criminal record and they apply to college, I'm guessing it's got to hurt their chances a bit. On the other hand, these kids knew they weren't supposed to be doing what they were doing. They should be punished a bit, but shouldn't the teachers and administrators who protect these computers be disciplined as well? As one person (zupchuck) wrote on a message board, regarding this topic, "What would the charge be if all this student data were found lying on the hallway floor? Or if a teacher left their grade book wide open on the desk while they('re) gone for 15 minutes? Granted, the students were wrong. But the school staff that left the barn door open should bare responsibility, too. Felony? Get a grip." I hope these kids learn a lesson, but not while they sit in a juvenile detention center.
... The kids basically stumbled through an open rabbit hole and found Wonderland," Polly, a library technology administrator, said of the Kutztown 13... The trouble began last fall after the district issued some 600 Apple iBook laptops to every student at the high school about 50 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The computers were loaded with a filtering program that limited Internet access. They also had software that let administrators see what students were viewing on their screens... But those barriers proved easily surmountable: The administrative password that allowed students to reconfigure computers and obtain unrestricted Internet access was easy to obtain. A shortened version of the school's street address, the password was taped to the backs of the computers... The password got passed around, and students began downloading such forbidden programs as the popular iChat instant-messaging tool... At least one student viewed pornography. Some students also turned off the remote monitoring function and turned the tables on their elders-- using it to view administrators' own computer screens... The administrative password on some laptops was subsequently changed, but some students got hold of that one, too, and decrypted it with a password-cracking program they found on the Internet... The district isn't backing down, however... It points out that students and parents were required to sign a code of conduct and acceptable use policy, which contained warnings of legal action... The 13 students charged violated that policy, said Kutztown Police Chief Theodore Cole, insisting the school district had exhausted all options short of expulsion before seeking the charges. Cole said, however, that there is no evidence the students attacked or disabled the school's computer network, altered grades or did anything else that could be deemed malicious..."
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Google Talk (Update 3)
IT'S HERE, IT'S HERE.... GOOGLE TALK! (11:22PM EST - less than 10 minutes from their message to me)
It's coming folks... Google's first IM client. Hopefully we can all get off of AOL Instant Messenger and join Google in the future. The link above goes to a site (AppleXNet) that details how to log onto Google's Talk server now, using iChatAV. Keep looking here for Google Talk to finally debut.
[Update] Here is an article from MSNBC citing a story in the Los Angeles Times about Google Talk, which will reportedly also include voice communications (like iChatAV, without the video).
[Update 2] Here is a capture of a random Googles message to me while I was logged into Google Talk's server:
It's coming folks... Google's first IM client. Hopefully we can all get off of AOL Instant Messenger and join Google in the future. The link above goes to a site (AppleXNet) that details how to log onto Google's Talk server now, using iChatAV. Keep looking here for Google Talk to finally debut.
[Update] Here is an article from MSNBC citing a story in the Los Angeles Times about Google Talk, which will reportedly also include voice communications (like iChatAV, without the video).
[Update 2] Here is a capture of a random Googles message to me while I was logged into Google Talk's server:
Monday, August 22, 2005
Great Idea #4964: Available Movie Seats (AMS)
This one came to me in the shower.
You know how when/if you get to a movie a bit late, maybe the trailers have started, and it's dark. Well if the theater is almost full, it can be a big ordeal to find a few seats located next to each other in a spot you would like to watch the movie. So here is my big idea: You ever notice those red lights on the runners of the theater to help you see where your going... well, what if on the right hand of each movie theater seat they placed a similar red button on the armrest. The rest button is lit when the seat is folded up (by default), and when the seat goes down (obviously occupied by a person) the light turns off. So when the seat is lit, you can easily look around the theater and see which seats are taken and how many there are.
Additional/Separate Device (Thanks to the creative mind of Dan): what if at the entrance of the movie theater there was a board which showed a layout of the seats and seats that were lit up were available, so therefore you can just walk to that seat.
All this is meant to clear up commotion that happens when people are walking through the theater obstructing your view of the trailers/movie in the dark.
So... Should I patent the idea?
You know how when/if you get to a movie a bit late, maybe the trailers have started, and it's dark. Well if the theater is almost full, it can be a big ordeal to find a few seats located next to each other in a spot you would like to watch the movie. So here is my big idea: You ever notice those red lights on the runners of the theater to help you see where your going... well, what if on the right hand of each movie theater seat they placed a similar red button on the armrest. The rest button is lit when the seat is folded up (by default), and when the seat goes down (obviously occupied by a person) the light turns off. So when the seat is lit, you can easily look around the theater and see which seats are taken and how many there are.
Additional/Separate Device (Thanks to the creative mind of Dan): what if at the entrance of the movie theater there was a board which showed a layout of the seats and seats that were lit up were available, so therefore you can just walk to that seat.
All this is meant to clear up commotion that happens when people are walking through the theater obstructing your view of the trailers/movie in the dark.
So... Should I patent the idea?
Quote of the Day: Sports
When speaking of one of the fastest men in baseball today, Willy Taveras, Milwaukee Brewers coach Rich Donnelly said:
"The best way to get Taveras when he's stealing second," Donnelly quipped, "is to just throw it to third and wait for him."
Favorite Quotes: Sports
Thanks to Alex for pointing this one out in Sports Illustrated last week.
When asked why he shoots so man three-pointers,
Antoine Walker responded "... because there are no 4's..."
Antoine Walker responded "... because there are no 4's..."
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Bubble Wrap
For those of you who LOVE to pop bubble wrap, but can never seem to find any when you want it ... click on the title for some good times!
(My favorite is "Manic Mode")
(My favorite is "Manic Mode")
Free Credit Report: September 1st
No, this is not a post about spam. This law will actually be in effect in the northeast starting September 1, 2005. The three major credit reporters (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) have set up one site (www.annualcreditreport.com) to comply with the Federal Trade Commission's 2004 decision. This may come in handy for those of you looking to apply for loans for homes, schools, etc. It's also not a bad thing to check your credit everyone year (Also - here are a few ways to quickly bump up your credit if you need to be approved soon).Here is what the FTC's site had to say:
"... Soon you’ll be able to get your credit report for free. A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The FCRA promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation’s consumer reporting companies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, enforces the FCRA with respect to consumer reporting companies..."
Happy credit score searching! And don't say I ain't never givin' you anything!
The Other Side: Support the Fight
So, I've been accused of forcing the anti-war issue. Truthfully, it's how I feel. But I am the kind of guy who see's both sides of a story, so here is how a mom want's you to rememebr her son killed in Iraq.
WEST CHESTER, Ohio (AP) -- The mother of a Marine killed in Iraq urged mourners Wednesday not to let their anger and sadness turn them against the U.S. fight in Iraq.
"Honor me in this way," Kathy Dyer said during a memorial service for Lance Cpl. Christopher J. Dyer, 19, of the Cincinnati suburb of Evendale.
At the funeral at Tri-County Baptist Church, Kathy Dyer delivered what she believed would have been her son's own message: "It has been with the greatest pride I have served ... fighting to preserve freedom."
She said he would want mourners to continue supporting the troops in the war against terrorism.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Restaurant Week 2005: Boston
Thanks to Marisa for the info and link.
Great restaurants offering special prices: Lunch - $20.05/person -- Dinner: $30.05/person. There are some GREAT restaurants on the list of more than 100, from Flora (Arlington) to Azure at The Lenox Hotel (Back Bay)... so there may be some restaurants you might not usually try but would love to at these prices. Here is more info directly from the site:
Great restaurants offering special prices: Lunch - $20.05/person -- Dinner: $30.05/person. There are some GREAT restaurants on the list of more than 100, from Flora (Arlington) to Azure at The Lenox Hotel (Back Bay)... so there may be some restaurants you might not usually try but would love to at these prices. Here is more info directly from the site:
Restaurant Week 2005
Start Date: 08/22/2005
End Date: 08/26/2005The 5th Annual, RESTAURANT WEEK ! August 22-26, 2005, is a culinary festival bound to whet your appetite each day as some of the finest restaurants in Boston & Cambridge and beyond offer a special three-course prix-fixe Lunch Menu for just $ 20.05! AND once again, many of the restaurants are offering a special Dinner Menu for $30.05! Over 100 restaurants participate in Restaurant Week - so select your favorites to re-visit or try Boston's NEWEST eateries. American Express cardholders have an exclusive reservation period prior to July 15 to book your table. So, use your card, call, and book your table today.
Cruise for $2 a day!
Thanks to Dan for the research and link. This is directly from TravelZoo's site ("Outstanding deals. Hand picked daily").
| Special Offer from easyCruise: | ||
$2 -- Amazing Intro Special on New Caribbean Cruise * | ||
Here's how it works:
You must book by August 31. | ||
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
I.C.E. your Cellphone
Ice, Ice Ice Baby too cold... too cold!
No, this is a not about turning your cellphone into a personal "Vanilla Ice - Behind the Music" device, keeping track of his every whereabouts. Nor am I going to tell you that you should "Pimp your Phone".
This is actually a pretty important awareness started a little before the Tube bombings in England in which you create a contact titled "I.C.E." in your cellphone. I.C.E. stands for "In Case of Emergency". Within the contact add a phone number, e-mail address, etc. that you would like for some to call in case of emergency.
So let's say you have a heart attack in the subway. People surround you. Someone sees a cellphone, picks it up, and dials your I.C.E. contact (yes, I am assuming they called for help first).
This really could come in handy... In Case of Emergency!
Pass it along, let all your friends and family know, it could save their life.
No, this is a not about turning your cellphone into a personal "Vanilla Ice - Behind the Music" device, keeping track of his every whereabouts. Nor am I going to tell you that you should "Pimp your Phone".
This is actually a pretty important awareness started a little before the Tube bombings in England in which you create a contact titled "I.C.E." in your cellphone. I.C.E. stands for "In Case of Emergency". Within the contact add a phone number, e-mail address, etc. that you would like for some to call in case of emergency.
So let's say you have a heart attack in the subway. People surround you. Someone sees a cellphone, picks it up, and dials your I.C.E. contact (yes, I am assuming they called for help first).
This really could come in handy... In Case of Emergency!
Pass it along, let all your friends and family know, it could save their life.
Apple Laptop Craze in VA
Wow... who knew Apple Laptops were THIS popular? Well, then again, they are being sold for a fraction of their value. The Henrico County school board decided to switch plans... kind of. They will still be offering high school students laptops during the school year (each student is handed a laptop to do school assignments, in class work, etc.), but they are switching from Apple to Dell (Why? That's a whole other story).So what do they do with the first 1000 Apple laptops, which were lent to students for the past 4 years? Sell them for $50 of course. Yes... $50! At first I wanted one, actually I want about a dozen. They were available to the public initially, but there was a LARGE inquiry about these $50 laptops and the school board decided to only have a sale for those who lived in the county. Ah, still a big mistake. As you can see in the picture above... $50 is a great deal for a laptop, no matter what OS it is. The school board moved it's sales off site to a larger facility (Richmond International Speedway) to handle the crowd. Well, they were selling 1,000, and police at the event estimated about 12,000 people there. As we all know, I'm mathematical genius... but... those numbers spell trouble.
I can't wait to see what they do with the 20,000 + they have left.
Want a visual aide?
Video (Real Player) - Slide Show
NYC Trip
We stopped in for a few days to see Anna's grandmother and family. It was good to see everyone, to see how big the kids have gotten, and to introduce Lucy to Lucky the new NY puppy.
While we were visiting there was a heat tsunami. Yes, tsunami, it was so hot, it had to be more than a heat "wave". Anyways, it was a hot, hot, hot weekend.
While we were visiting there was a heat tsunami. Yes, tsunami, it was so hot, it had to be more than a heat "wave". Anyways, it was a hot, hot, hot weekend.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Meet With Cindy
Cindy Sheehan is simply asking to meet with President Bush to discuss why the war that killed her son started, and why it continues. Visit her site to read more about he peaceful occupation of Camp Crawford in Texas (today is Day 4).
Friday, August 05, 2005
World Series Trophy
Hey... look... it's me and the Red Sox World Series Trophy... cool! If you want a copy just ask, I will order one for you, and if you pay enough, I will throw in a free autograph.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Vodcasts?
If you look deeply into Apple's iTunes you will find that there are video casts available. And to this you say "... ah... so!?". Well this is great news. Why? Well, let's say, I found a funny "vodcast" that I wanted to watch, that played a few times a week or so. I could subscribe to it and it can download to my... ah, future iPod Video? A iPod Video, it's coming folks. Apple is laying down the foundation for it. You will soon be able to buy music videos and what not. Apple has met with Disney to see if they can sell some Disney media on iTunes. Maybe I can get a Sports Center update downloaded to my iPod Video every morning for my daily bus/train rides to work. Of course this rumor. But... as you can see with the videos on iTunes already... it's only a matter of time.
(Click on the title link above to read more about videocasts of podcasts - link from MacDailyNews)
Macho Man vs. Hulk Hogan
Who knew there was such animosity between the two? More importantly, who knew Macho Man Randy Savage rapped? Anyways, Macho Man has laid down a challenge to Hollywood Hulk Hogan, he wants him to "Be A Man" (title of his CD). I guess he is challenging him to a wrestling match. Who wants to see two 50 year olds wrestle? Not me, but if you buy it on PPV, let me know, I might stop by to see two of my wrestlers when growing up. To listen to The Macho Man's spit some of his lyrics, click on the title link. (BEWARE: the song starts playing right away, so, turn your volume down a bit)
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
World'd Uggliest Dog
(Thanks to Dr. O for the link)
"Sam" has won the "World's Ugliest Dog" Contest for three consectutive years now (2003, 2004, and 2005). Truthfully, I dont know if there is an actual competition, but, if there were, this dog would win. I'm not trying to be mean here folks, but...
"Sam" has won the "World's Ugliest Dog" Contest for three consectutive years now (2003, 2004, and 2005). Truthfully, I dont know if there is an actual competition, but, if there were, this dog would win. I'm not trying to be mean here folks, but...
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Underground T-Shirt Dilemma
I recently posted about a site (Progressive Depot - "Shop online at the merchants you see here
& site profits go toward progressive causes"). Well the person who runs that site (I think), Adam, posted a comment on my site thanking me for linking to his site.
So I checked out his profile and it turns out he has a blog as well (Now That's Progress). His most recent post ("My London Underground T-Shirt" - 7/22/05) is quite the dilemma.
Here is what he has to say: "... My wife & I have a good friend who lives in London. We visited about two years ago & I was quite taken with the simple yet well-designed logo of the London Underground, aka the subway, aka the Tube. So I bought a T-shirt on my way out of the country that is simply a big Underground logo... But is it bad taste for me to wear it right now? I've been holding off, thinking people might get the impression I was making fun of the terrorist attacks. But maybe it could also be seen as a sign of support for London and their determination to keep riding?..."
Anna and I talked about this and we thought that maybe he should hold off on wearing the t-shirt for a while, as not to stir up an ill-emotion from anyone who would take offense to the shirt.
What do "you's" think?
& site profits go toward progressive causes"). Well the person who runs that site (I think), Adam, posted a comment on my site thanking me for linking to his site.
So I checked out his profile and it turns out he has a blog as well (Now That's Progress). His most recent post ("My London Underground T-Shirt" - 7/22/05) is quite the dilemma.
Here is what he has to say: "... My wife & I have a good friend who lives in London. We visited about two years ago & I was quite taken with the simple yet well-designed logo of the London Underground, aka the subway, aka the Tube. So I bought a T-shirt on my way out of the country that is simply a big Underground logo... But is it bad taste for me to wear it right now? I've been holding off, thinking people might get the impression I was making fun of the terrorist attacks. But maybe it could also be seen as a sign of support for London and their determination to keep riding?..."
Anna and I talked about this and we thought that maybe he should hold off on wearing the t-shirt for a while, as not to stir up an ill-emotion from anyone who would take offense to the shirt.
What do "you's" think?
Apple Mac OS X 10.4 - Tiger
This is a bit old (as you can see by the date it was posted on Mac Daily News), but I thought everyone should see what MY computer world looks like... no pop-ups, no viruses, no crashes... just dashboard, expose, fast user switching, spotlight, safari (w/ built-in RSS), automator, iChat AV... and more:
Apple posts QuickTime movies of Mac OS X Tiger features in action - (Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 11:00 AM EST)
Apple has posted Quicktime movies that show Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger's new features. We showed these to a Windows XP guy whose last experience with a Mac was Mac OS 8. He didn't make it past the "Dashboard" demo. We're still trying to revive him! For your convenience, we've grouped together all of the movies available from Apple here with the direct links to the various Tiger-related demo movies: Automator • Dashboard • Exposé • Fast User Switching • iChat AV 3 • .Mac Sync • Mail 2 • Parental Controls • QuickTime 7 with H.264 • Safari RSS • Spotlight • VoiceOver
Friday, July 22, 2005
Lucy Got Neutered
Lucy finally got neutered 2 days ago. She is doing better today, than the day of surgery. She was completely out of it. We would walk by and she wouldn't even lift her head. We would mover legs front paws around and she wouldn't move them from that position. She didn't want to do anything. Well in honor of Lucy "Big Day"... I am going to post this joke that Anna sent along. Hope you like it.
Cinderella is now 95 years old. After a fulfilling life with the now dead prince, she happily sits upon her rocking chair, watching the world go by from her front porch, with a cat named Bob for companionship.
One sunny afternoon out of nowhere, appeared the fairy godmother. Cinderella said, "Fairy Godmother, what are you doing here after all these years"? The fairy godmother replied, "Cinderella, you have lived an exemplary life since I last saw you. Is there anything for which your heart still yearns?" Cinderella was taken aback, overjoyed, and after some thoughtful consideration, she uttered her first wish: "The prince was wonderful, but not much of an investor. I'm living hand to mouth on my disability checks, and I wish I were wealthy beyond comprehension. Instantly her rocking chair turned into solid gold.
Cinderella said, "Ooh, thank you, Fairy Godmother".
The fairy godmother replied "it is the least that I can do. What do you want for your second wish?"
Cinderella looked down at her frail body, and said, "I wish I were young and full of the beauty and youth I once had."
At once, her wish became reality, and her beautiful young visage returned. Cinderella felt stirrings inside of her that had been dormant for years.
And then the fairy godmother spoke once more: "You have one more wish; what shall it be?"
Cinderella looks over to the frightened cat in the corner and says, "I wish for you to transform Bob, my old cat, into a kind and handsome young man."
Magically, Bob suddenly underwent so fundamental a change in his biological make-up that, when he stood before her, he was a man so beautiful the likes of him neither she nor the world had ever seen.
The fairy godmother said, "Congratulations, Cinderella, enjoy your new life. With a blazing shock of bright blue electricity, the fairy godmother was gone as suddenly as she appeared. For a few eerie moments, Bob and Cinderella looked into each other's eyes. Cinderella sat, breathless, gazing at the most beautiful, stunningly perfect man she had ever seen.
Then Bob walked over to Cinderella, who sat transfixed in her rocking chair, & held her close in his young muscular arms. He leaned in close, blowing her golden hair with his warm breath as he whispered..........
"Bet you're sorry you neutered me."
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Moon Zoom! [Update]
Thanks to Greg for the link. You can now take a trip to the moon... brings a whole new light to the Honeymooners phrase: "... to the moon Alice, to the moon...".
Welcome to Google Moon
In honor of the first manned Moon landing, which took place on July 20, 1969,
we've added some NASA imagery to the Google Maps interface to help you
pay your own visit to our celestial neighbor. Happy lunar surfing.
More about Google Moon.
[Update] As Greg pointed out in his previous e-mail... he told me to "zoom in"... but when I did, the picture was yellow with a bunch of holes/craters on it... turns out (he had to point this out, so sad)... it was swiss cheese!
In honor of the first manned Moon landing, which took place on July 20, 1969,
we've added some NASA imagery to the Google Maps interface to help you
pay your own visit to our celestial neighbor. Happy lunar surfing.
More about Google Moon.
[Update] As Greg pointed out in his previous e-mail... he told me to "zoom in"... but when I did, the picture was yellow with a bunch of holes/craters on it... turns out (he had to point this out, so sad)... it was swiss cheese!
Broom Joke
Thanks to Maggie for the joke.
Two brooms were hanging in the closet and after a while they got to know
each other so well, they decided to get married.
One broom was, of course, the bride broom, the other the groom broom.
The bride broom looked very beautiful in her white dress. The groom broom
was handsome and suave in his tuxedo. The wedding was lovely.
After the wedding, at the wedding dinner, the bride-broom leaned over and
said to the groom-broom, "I think I am going to have a little whisk
broom!!!"
"IMPOSSIBLE !!" said the groom broom.
"WE HAVEN'T EVEN SWEPT TOGETHER!"
each other so well, they decided to get married.
One broom was, of course, the bride broom, the other the groom broom.
The bride broom looked very beautiful in her white dress. The groom broom
was handsome and suave in his tuxedo. The wedding was lovely.
After the wedding, at the wedding dinner, the bride-broom leaned over and
said to the groom-broom, "I think I am going to have a little whisk
broom!!!"
"IMPOSSIBLE !!" said the groom broom.
"WE HAVEN'T EVEN SWEPT TOGETHER!"
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Where's Lucy?
So I got to the O's house around 6PM yesterday. No one was home. It was kind of strange, but hey... whatever. Well when I got to the door I could see Rosie was in her kennel. She was barking like crazy (which only meant that no one was home). So I went in to the O's house and left Rosie in her Kennel, then checked Lucy in her kennel... uh... went back to Rosie's kennel... OK, I see Rosie, but where is Lucy? Is Lucy in Rosie's kennel? Nope. I called out for Mrs. O and Dr. O... nothing. I saw both their cars were still there, Mrs. O's purse, opened bottle of juice. Maybe they took Lucy for a walk, and not Rosie? Nah. I even went upstairs, downstairs in case they didn't hear me. Nothing. So, what do I do? I let Rosie out of her kennel and I sat on the sofa and watched TV. Then my mind started wandering. Great, something bad has happened to the O's and I am going to sit here and watch a few hours of TV before anyone knows what happened.
So then I see Mrs. and Dr. O walking past the front and into their side yard (phew, no need to call the cops). Mrs. O had the blankest, most distressed look on her face, and she was crying. Dr. O looked a bit bewildered and a bit nervous. They were looking for something... and then it hit me... Lucy ran away! Yes folks, Mrs. O let her out for a walk and Lucy decided it was better to duck under a fence and take off.
Apparently the O's had been searching for an hour before I got there. I caught up with Dr. O and he said he tried to reach my cellphone but I didn't answer (I left my cellphone in the car thinking I was just going to pick up Lucy and be back in the car in a few minutes). He then told me he called Anna and let her know what happened. My response? "... Oh! You called Anna!?...". You see, Anna had gone to dinner with a mutual friend of ours, Andrea. Apparently they were about to order when Anna got the call and started balling. Well they rushed back to help us form a 5-person search-and-rescue team (along with the countless others we asked to keep an eye out).
So I start combing the area, along with Dr. and Mrs. O... we went in a few directions, crossing paths every now and then. Dr. O and I were convinced Lucy wasn't too far away. It was really humid outside, and if you know Lucy, you know that she is not one to go for walks when she is tired, she instead decides its better to just flop down and make you pull her. She is also pretty good at not crossing streets, not chasing cars, and really good with people. These are all things I though would help. What I learned, you can't read a dogs mind.
Lucy had crossed two (small) streets and was "booking it" down a two others. She wasn't tired or scared. I had drove around calling her name around the neighborhood. I also went into the very large cemetery near the O's house wondering if she got under that fence. I circled the whole perimeter of the cemetery before I went in. I then drove into the cementer and began calling her name. What was going through my mind? Great, someone is going to see me driving around yelling for "Lucy" and think "... hey buddy, give it up, she is gone, no one here is coming back...". I then called the house's answering machine to check if anyone had called. There were two messages. Both of the messages sounded alike... "...beep,bop....bop, bop, bop...beep, beep-beep..." Yeah, that was me trying to get into our answering machine a few minutes ago.
During my 2nd time in the cemetery I got a call from Anna... it kind of went like this "... Curtis... sniff-sniff, moan-moan, Lucy... snif-sniff...moan-moan... Mount Auburn Street... sniff-sniff, moan-moan... " oh yeah, and there wasn't much breathing.
Turns out, Lucy was hauling doggie-butt down Coolidge Ave along the side of the cemetery. When she got to the end of the street (where the street meets the busy Mount Auburn Street)... and this is where Anna closed her eyes and had her hands over her face... Lucy quickly took a left and stayed on the sidewalk, still hauling doggie-butt. Dr. O jumped out of his car (leaving it in an intersection) trying to catch up with Lucy, she was too fast, he now refers to her as "the white rocket!". Andrea also took off running after Lucy at one point, in her pointy high-heel shoes... she's an athlete I tell ya. Anna, Andrea, and Dr. O were yelling at Lucy to "stop" and "wait", but she didn't want any part of that. So, Dr. O got back in his car and cornered her, but she went around the car. Andrea and Anna were in hot pursuit following Dr. O. A jogger, coming towards the commotion, noticed Lucy and held on to her.
When we got home there were a couple of jokes and loose ends were tied up. Each of us had a slightly different angle of the event, so it was funny to hear what went on. From Dr. O running after a dog, leaving his car in the middle of the street... to Mrs. O's conversation with the cemetery grounds keeper "... please start burying a hole for me, if I don't find this dog my daughter is going to kill me..."... to Andrea thinking she was going to have a relaxing, enjoyable, and calm dinner with Anna (we eventually took her to a nice dinner)... to Anna in hysterics... to me thinking "somethings happened to the O's, so I better sit here and watch TV", yelling "Lucy" (in the cemetery), wondering what I was going to tell my Uncle Charlie in Michigan who gave us the dog (Uh, Uncle Charlie, we lost that first dog you send us, mind sending another one?), and finally thinking... if this dog cuts into my sleep time, she is going to be grounded!... we had a very "interesting" evening!
My finally theory of why Lucy escaped... She is being "fixed" tomorrow. I think she had a little conversation with Rosie,and Rosie said "Listen to me kid, you don't want to go through this... run, just get out of here... and if they call your name... keep running!"
So how long was Lucy "gone" for? I figure about 2 1/2 hours... and we all feel about 5 years older thanks to her.
So then I see Mrs. and Dr. O walking past the front and into their side yard (phew, no need to call the cops). Mrs. O had the blankest, most distressed look on her face, and she was crying. Dr. O looked a bit bewildered and a bit nervous. They were looking for something... and then it hit me... Lucy ran away! Yes folks, Mrs. O let her out for a walk and Lucy decided it was better to duck under a fence and take off.
Apparently the O's had been searching for an hour before I got there. I caught up with Dr. O and he said he tried to reach my cellphone but I didn't answer (I left my cellphone in the car thinking I was just going to pick up Lucy and be back in the car in a few minutes). He then told me he called Anna and let her know what happened. My response? "... Oh! You called Anna!?...". You see, Anna had gone to dinner with a mutual friend of ours, Andrea. Apparently they were about to order when Anna got the call and started balling. Well they rushed back to help us form a 5-person search-and-rescue team (along with the countless others we asked to keep an eye out).
So I start combing the area, along with Dr. and Mrs. O... we went in a few directions, crossing paths every now and then. Dr. O and I were convinced Lucy wasn't too far away. It was really humid outside, and if you know Lucy, you know that she is not one to go for walks when she is tired, she instead decides its better to just flop down and make you pull her. She is also pretty good at not crossing streets, not chasing cars, and really good with people. These are all things I though would help. What I learned, you can't read a dogs mind.
Lucy had crossed two (small) streets and was "booking it" down a two others. She wasn't tired or scared. I had drove around calling her name around the neighborhood. I also went into the very large cemetery near the O's house wondering if she got under that fence. I circled the whole perimeter of the cemetery before I went in. I then drove into the cementer and began calling her name. What was going through my mind? Great, someone is going to see me driving around yelling for "Lucy" and think "... hey buddy, give it up, she is gone, no one here is coming back...". I then called the house's answering machine to check if anyone had called. There were two messages. Both of the messages sounded alike... "...beep,bop....bop, bop, bop...beep, beep-beep..." Yeah, that was me trying to get into our answering machine a few minutes ago.
During my 2nd time in the cemetery I got a call from Anna... it kind of went like this "... Curtis... sniff-sniff, moan-moan, Lucy... snif-sniff...moan-moan... Mount Auburn Street... sniff-sniff, moan-moan... " oh yeah, and there wasn't much breathing.
Turns out, Lucy was hauling doggie-butt down Coolidge Ave along the side of the cemetery. When she got to the end of the street (where the street meets the busy Mount Auburn Street)... and this is where Anna closed her eyes and had her hands over her face... Lucy quickly took a left and stayed on the sidewalk, still hauling doggie-butt. Dr. O jumped out of his car (leaving it in an intersection) trying to catch up with Lucy, she was too fast, he now refers to her as "the white rocket!". Andrea also took off running after Lucy at one point, in her pointy high-heel shoes... she's an athlete I tell ya. Anna, Andrea, and Dr. O were yelling at Lucy to "stop" and "wait", but she didn't want any part of that. So, Dr. O got back in his car and cornered her, but she went around the car. Andrea and Anna were in hot pursuit following Dr. O. A jogger, coming towards the commotion, noticed Lucy and held on to her.
When we got home there were a couple of jokes and loose ends were tied up. Each of us had a slightly different angle of the event, so it was funny to hear what went on. From Dr. O running after a dog, leaving his car in the middle of the street... to Mrs. O's conversation with the cemetery grounds keeper "... please start burying a hole for me, if I don't find this dog my daughter is going to kill me..."... to Andrea thinking she was going to have a relaxing, enjoyable, and calm dinner with Anna (we eventually took her to a nice dinner)... to Anna in hysterics... to me thinking "somethings happened to the O's, so I better sit here and watch TV", yelling "Lucy" (in the cemetery), wondering what I was going to tell my Uncle Charlie in Michigan who gave us the dog (Uh, Uncle Charlie, we lost that first dog you send us, mind sending another one?), and finally thinking... if this dog cuts into my sleep time, she is going to be grounded!... we had a very "interesting" evening!
My finally theory of why Lucy escaped... She is being "fixed" tomorrow. I think she had a little conversation with Rosie,and Rosie said "Listen to me kid, you don't want to go through this... run, just get out of here... and if they call your name... keep running!"
So how long was Lucy "gone" for? I figure about 2 1/2 hours... and we all feel about 5 years older thanks to her.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Watch What You Eat
Thanks to Jana (my registered dietitian friend) for sending this important information along.
For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all conflicting medical studies.
For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all conflicting medical studies.
1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. The Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
COACH Bill Belichick
Wow, this guy is really a coach. It was recently disclosed that he is getting a separation from his wife. And what was his official comment to the media?
"This is not a new development," Belichick said.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
"Significant Others" Joke
Thanks to my sister Stef for the joke:
A couple had been debating buying a vehicle for weeks. He wanted a truck. She wanted a fast little sports-like car so she could zip through traffic around town. He would probably have settled on any beat up old truck, but everything she seemed to like was way out of their price range. "Look!" she said. "I want something that goes from 0 to 200 in just a few seconds. Nothing else will do. My birthday is coming up so surprise me!" He did just that. For her birthday, he bought her a brand new bathroom scale Nobody has seen or heard from him since.
Cost Of War in Iraq
I have added a counter (on the right) which is counting the cost of war in Iraq. You now what I could do with that money?
Progressive Depot
Thanks to Christine for the link to this great site 
Shop online at the merchants you see here
& site profits go toward progressive causes.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Celtics: Rookie Dunk
Danny Ainge said that it was the best dunk he has ever seen. So Doc Rivers says, that's because you played with Larry Bird, I played with Dominique, I've seen some dunks.
Free TiVo... Kind Of
For those of who are deprived by not having at least ONE TiVo in your home.
"... We give you the box. You buy the service. Don't let this amazing offer pass you by! It's one way we can thank you for being a TiVo® Series2™ subscriber. Hurry, this offer expires 7/15/05.
Get a FREE* factory-renewed 40-hour TiVo® Series2™ box (valued at $149.99!) with the purchase of a 12 month or product lifetime TiVo service gift subscription and service activation by July 31, 2005. Gift yourself and add another box to your home or give it to someone you love. Perfect timing to buy for Graduation. Summer Weddings. New Parents. Birthdays. Independence Day!
12 months TiVo service, only $155.40!
Product Lifetime service, only $299.00!
Or call 1-866-GET-TiVo (1-866-438-8486)
Buy today and we'll pay for shipping, too — an additional $17 savings! Hurry, this offer is good through July 15, 2005.*
P.S. Don't forget: As an existing subscriber, you pay just $6.95/mo. for TiVo service on your second, third, etc. box in the home with our Multi-Service Discount** — that's nearly half the regular monthly price!
* Terms and conditions apply. You must purchase a 12-month or Product Lifetime gift subscription by 7/15/05 and activate service by 7/31/05 in order to receive a free 40-hour TiVo Series2™ factory renewed box. Customers who do not activate TiVo service by 7/31/05 will be charged $149.99 to the credit card used for purchase of the gift subscription. For full terms and conditions, click here.
** See applicable Multi-Service Discount terms and conditions.
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Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Yo... M.Diddy
According to CNN.com's report on an interview Martha Stewart had with Vanity Fair this month, her nickname in prison was: M. Diddy
Teen Killed for iPod in NYC
I'm not sure if any of you have heard this story, but, as per the New York Times:
"... As Errol Rose made preparations on Monday to bury his 15-year-old son, Christopher, who was killed last week in Brooklyn during a fight over an
iPod , he received a telephone call from a stranger. The man spoke in tones that the grieving father said had momentarily quieted his anguish.The stranger, Mr. Rose soon learned, was Steve Jobs, chief executive of Apple Computer, the company that makes the iPod.
"I didn't know who he was," Mr. Rose said yesterday. "He called me on my cellphone, at 4 maybe. Or maybe it was 5." Mr. Rose said he had stopped noticing the passage of time since his son was killed.
The men spoke for a few minutes.
Calling him by his first name, Mr. Jobs asked how Mr. Rose was doing, he said, and conveyed his sympathies. "He told me that he understood my pain," Mr. Rose said. "He told me if there is anything - anything - anything he could do, to not be afraid to call him. It really lightened me a bit."
On Saturday afternoon, Christopher set out with three of his friends in the Farragut section of East Flatbush. They planned to take the subway to the Port Authority Bus Terminal and catch a bus to Pennsylvania, where Christopher attended school, to watch a fireworks display. Soon after they left Christopher's house, as many as a dozen teenagers attacked the four boys, beat them and stole their valuables, which included an iPod, the police have said.
During the fight, one of the teenagers stabbed Christopher twice in his chest, killing him. Darran Samuel, 16, of Brooklyn, is being held without bail on charges of second-degree murder and attempted robbery in connection with the attack.
Prosecutors say the fight started with a demand for the iPod, the popular digital music players that have sold in the millions since Apple introduced them in October 2001.
In recent months, city authorities have noted a rise in subway crime, driven principally by thefts of cellphones and iPods. The most frequent victims, the police said, are teenagers who are robbed after school..."
To read the entire article click on the title above
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
The Annual Stella Awards (Update)
(Update) Thanks to Alex for the correction
Thanks to Maggie for the list:
Thanks to Maggie for the list:
Annual Stella Awards
Once again, it's time to review the winners of the Annual Stella Awards. The Stella's are named after 81-year-old Stella Liebeck who spilled coffee on herself & successfully sued McDonalds. That case inspired the Stella Awards for the most frivolous successful lawsuits in the United States.
7th Place
January 2000: Kathleen Robertson of Austin Texas was awarded $780,000.00 by a jury of her peers after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who was running amok inside a furniture store. The owners of the store were understandably surprised at the verdict, considering the misbehaving tike was Ms. Robertson's son.
6th place
19-year-old Carl Truman of Los Angeles, California, won $74,000 & medical expenses when his neighbor ran over his hand with a Honda Accord. Mr. Truman apparently did not notice there was someone at the wheel of the car when he was trying to steal the hubcaps.
5th place
Terrence Dickson of Bristol, Pennsylvania, was leaving a house he had just finished robbing by way of the garage. He was not able to get the garage door to go up since the automatic door opener was malfunctioning. He could not reenter the house because the door connecting the house & garage locked when he pulled it shut. The family were on vacation & Mr. Dickson found himself locked in the garage for 8 days. He subsisted on a case of Pepsi he found & a large bag of dry dog food. He sued the house owners insurance claiming the situation caused him undue mental anguish. The jury agreed to the tune of $500,000.
4th place
Jerry Williams of Little Rock, Arkansas, was awarded $14,500 & medical expenses after being bitten on the buttocks by his next door neighbor's Beagle dog. The Beagle was on a chain in its owner's fenced yard. The award was less than sought because the jury felt the dog might have been a little provoked at the time, as Mr. Williams who had climbed over the fence into the yard, was shooting it repeatedly with a pellet gun.
3rd place
A Philadelphia restaurant was ordered to pay Amber Carson of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, $113,500, after she slipped on a soft drink & broke her coccyx (tailbone). The beverage was on the floor because Ms. Carson had thrown it at her boyfriend 30 seconds earlier during an argument.
2nd place
Kara Walton of Claymont, Delaware, sued the owner of a night club in a neighboring city when she fell from the bathroom window to the floor & knocked out two of her front teeth. This occurred whilst Ms. Walton was trying to crawl through the window in the ladies room to avoid paying the $3.50 cover charge. She was awarded $12,000 & dental expenses.
1st place
This year's winner was Mr. Merv Grazinski of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mr. Grazinski purchased a brand new Winnebago Motor Home. On his trip home from an OU football game, having driven onto the freeway, he set the cruise control at 70 mph & calmly left the drivers seat to go into the back & make himself a cup of coffee. Not surprisingly, the Motor Home left the freeway, crashed & then overturned. Mr. Grazinski sued Winnebago for not advising him, by reading the owner's manual, that he actually could not do this. The jury awarded him $1,750,000 plus a new Winnebago Motor Home. The company actually changed their manuals on the basis of this suit just in case there were any other complete morons buying their recreation vehicles.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Public Health Mongers
Hello all... some of you may know this, and some of you don't... ahem, ahem, l-l-l-let me clear my throat....
Haha... alrighty, I got carried away... I am actually here to tell you about some of the smartest kids/(grad/doc)students I know. They are really dedicated students, and, actually pretty cool. Some are students here, others, students at other major universities. So with out an delay, I hereby announce a fairly new site: Health Mongers. Read below to find out what Health Mongers is all about:
Haha... alrighty, I got carried away... I am actually here to tell you about some of the smartest kids/(grad/doc)students I know. They are really dedicated students, and, actually pretty cool. Some are students here, others, students at other major universities. So with out an delay, I hereby announce a fairly new site: Health Mongers. Read below to find out what Health Mongers is all about:
Healthmongers.org is the first concrete offspring of the Defining the Future of Public Health progressive student summit that was held at the Boston University School of Public Health in April of 2005.
As graduate students in public health-related fields, we believe that health is a human right which must be protected. Public health offers a unique and multidisciplinary approach with which we can advance the health of local and global communities. As students of this varied and diverse profession, we hope to learn the necessary conceptual and analytical tools that will enable us to be effective advocates of public health and responsible members of the scientific community.
The goals of healthmongers.org are to:
- contribute critically and constructively to the online discussion of public health and related political issues
- provide news and perspective on different schools of public health with an eye to helping prospective students of public health choose a program that is a good fit for their interests
- share resources to students of public health who are heading out into the workforce by identifying progressive public health employers
Currently, the authors of healthmongers.org are working towards degrees at Boston University, Tufts, the University of Minnesota and Johns Hopkins.
Check it out folks... It's a great site by a bunch of wicked-smart kids who have a great vision and concern for the future of public health.
For All the (Single) Ladies Out There
As I often warn, don't ask, and I won't tell how I found this site (Dan). This site is actually pretty funny, I mean, not that I read it.
There seems to be a few very savvy, smart, sexy, and funny ladies, located in Texas, who care enough to let you single ladies know what's going on. There posts range from funny little stories, to advice for the ladies, to funny links to such pages as "Feed Lindsay". They seem to really know what they are talking about and do it in a humorous way. There were some pretty enjoyable reading on there (once again, not that I read it). My favorite post was titled: Definitions. The girls are obviously very witty and have come up with a few definitions ladies should know (they added more here).
There seems to be a few very savvy, smart, sexy, and funny ladies, located in Texas, who care enough to let you single ladies know what's going on. There posts range from funny little stories, to advice for the ladies, to funny links to such pages as "Feed Lindsay". They seem to really know what they are talking about and do it in a humorous way. There were some pretty enjoyable reading on there (once again, not that I read it). My favorite post was titled: Definitions. The girls are obviously very witty and have come up with a few definitions ladies should know (they added more here).
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Cool Uses of Google Maps
I found this site when I was looking for, well, "cool uses of google maps".
Here is what I found:
Here is what I found:
• HousingMaps: Craigslist apartment listings plotted on Google Maps
• Found City: A community-generated map of interesting places in New York City
• Google Sightseeing: A blog that shows "the best tourist spots in the world via Google Maps' satellite imagery."
• Google-Traffic.com: Maps traffic data onto Google Maps
• Google Maps Wallpapers: Merges Google Maps satellite "tiles" to produce wallpaper or a poster
• Cheap Gas: Find cheap gas prices, powered by gasbuddy and Google MapsAnd the following, created by Adrian Holovaty, ljworld.com's lead devloper:
• Entertainment locations listed on Lawrence.com are shown on mini-Google Maps inserted on the site's pages
• Chicago transit maps on Google Maps
• ChicagoCrime.org. ong the cool features on this site:
- You can view crimes by type, location and a number of other criteria and see them plotted on a Google Map.
- Every city block in Chicago has a detail page with its latest crimes and links to crimes within 1, 2, 3, 5 or 8 blocks.
- RSS feeds for every block and police beat in the city.
Found City
Here is a site which is a community-generated map of interesting places in Boston and other major cities in the US.
3D Earth Maps
Ah... Google... they have managed to catalogue everything else on this planet, so... why not this planet!?
The Good News: Google Earth is a collaboration between Google Maps and Keyhole (which Google bought this past year). Google Earth is software that you can download for free which allows you to view/print 3-D maps of major cities (I'm sure other cities are coming). They also have two other more advanced versions of Google Earth, but those will cost you.
The Bad News: There is not a Mac version yet. C'mon Google... you know us Mac users are cool enough.
The Good News: Google Earth is a collaboration between Google Maps and Keyhole (which Google bought this past year). Google Earth is software that you can download for free which allows you to view/print 3-D maps of major cities (I'm sure other cities are coming). They also have two other more advanced versions of Google Earth, but those will cost you.
The Bad News: There is not a Mac version yet. C'mon Google... you know us Mac users are cool enough.
Cheap Gas?
So is it "cheap" gas? Or, "inexpensive" gas... the battle rolls on. However, I am not here to discuss that, I have found a site that allows you to find the cheapest gas prices in and around the city. The site: GasBuddys.com lets you input a zip code and up comes a bunch of prices in that area (the site actually will link you to www.bostongasprices.com). Let's just hope it actually finds one close enough to justify the drive to the gas station.
Crime Watcher
This site puts a new twist on the phrase "neighborhood watch". The site - http://www.chicagocrime.org - has incorporated Google Maps into its site in order to track crimes throughout the city. You can even search from crimes using different categories, dates, and locations. The maps also take advantage of Google Maps satellite feature. I haven't found one for Boston yet, and truthfully, I'm not sure I want to.
VistaPrint Business Cards - Free
This company is awesome. I received my FREE Business Cards from VistaPrint, and they looked great!" I would recommend them to anyone for any of their many services. I even know a person who orders them for her company (a certain fruit company dealing with domestic/international financial services).
Monday, June 27, 2005
Expiration Dates
I took a quick glance at "Effect Measure" this afternoon and found this post on the truth behind expiration dates for everyday foods. The original list comes from "Real Simple" (see "Effect Measure" for the link).
If you are gourmet chef's like Anna and I, then this will be very interesting folks, very interesting.
If you are gourmet chef's like Anna and I, then this will be very interesting folks, very interesting.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
You Win 100 Grand!
That's what a woman in Lexington, Ky. though she had won. Turns out, when she got to the radio station she had only won a "Nestle 100 Grand" chocolate bar. Needless to say, she was NOT happy. She had promised her kids a new minivan, a shopping spree, a new house, etc. She is now suing the parent company. When she went to pick up the cash prize, they informed her she would have to wait for the DJ to show up and they offered her $5,000.00 instead, be she declined saying that she "...wanted $95,000.00 more...". If I hear anymore I will keep you updated.
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