November 04, 2004
Hung for the Holidays
The unsinkable William Hung is back, this time with a CD full of Christmas music.
I actually heard one of the tracks this morning on the radio. Terrible, but not make-your-ears-bleed terrible. Lots of backup singers, which helps a lot.Posted by: Ted at 06:08 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
November 03, 2004
Aftermath and aftereffects
Dawn gets it.
You are going to see me get more involved in my political party during the next four years.
That statement is a striking difference to the overwrought handwringing being put forth by the most vocal (and fringe) members of the left. Those making dire declarations of their impending move to Canada and such are nothing more than drama queens who wouldn't be missed because they don't contribute to the process anyway. Got that? Democratic Process. It's that thing where you make your points, and I make mine, and we discuss and debate and eventually everyone decides together which way we'll do it for a while. But if you choose to quit if you don't get your way, then not only are you contributing to the problem you're bitching about, but you're also telling me that it's your way or no way. Really. Screw you then. Enjoy Canada. News flash: your viewpoint isn't the only one that counts, and all your whining and name-calling doesn't change that. It's not even all that interesting anymore. And while we're at it, did you ever stop to think that your "one way" worldview is exactly the same as totalitarianism? Probably not, or you might also realize that your worldview is almost certainly not the "one way" that would become mandatory. Something else: if the reason you voted for your guy is because he wasn't the other guy, then you don't get to be outraged when others fail to see the second coming where you do. Making a choice based on negatives is a perfectly valid way to vote, but that doesn't infer any special qualities on your candidate. This election framed it perfectly: "Anybody But Bush" didn't work, because the "anybody" wasn't someone that most people could vote for. So work with the system, push and protest and suggest solutions. Spare us all the theatrics and name calling. The system works, and it has for over two hundred years.
Posted by: Ted at 07:15 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Lou Rawls will do that for you
I'm in the top 20 if you Google "girls in superglue bondage". Just thought you'd like to know that.
Posted by: Ted at 08:29 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
State of Ted
Rejected title: You can take the boy out of California...
As my Dad says, "It's all over but the shoutin'." Personally, I've never followed a Presidential election with this much intensity, and my stress level has been higher than a kite over it. I need a little calm and relaxation. I've thought of several methods, many are aerobic and at least a couple are illegal in some states. President Bush won reelection with more than fifty percent of the popular vote. The importance of that can't be emphasized enough. He didn't win big, but he won big enough. I have serious problems with President Bush, especially his domestic policy. My choice came down to two things: 1. Senator Kerry and his anti-war activities, and 2. President Bush's handling of the War on Terror. I cannot and will never forgive Senator Kerry for his words and deeds following his return from Vietnam. I don't know if my attitude would change if he apologized, but he never has. I expect a fair amount of weaseling from politicians, but some matters of honor are beyond that. Still, the Democrats ran a masterful campaign and damn near pulled it off. They had lots of help, to be sure, but even after presenting a ticket of epic unelectability (is that even a word?), America almost voted these guys into office. I don't think Senator Kerry is contemptous of average Joe American, because I think we don't even register on his radar. We are beneath his notice until he needs something. And what might be even scarier was the idea of being one pushy Secret Service agent away from President Edwards. In the computer programming universe, there's nothing more worrisome than a customer with a little knowlege. That's the definition of Edwards: just enough experience to be dangerous. I think Dubya has done a pretty good job with WOT and foreign policy in general. I'd like to see his domestic advisors in the unemployment line. For the record, I don't expect a mass exodus to Canada, but I remain hopeful. I'd also like to thank George Soros for his massive spending on this campaign. As a free market capitalist, I've got to approve of that many millions of dollars being injected into our economy. I believe that the Swift Boat Veterans once again served their country with honor. I'm proud to be known as a veteran, and hope that some day if called upon I can rise to the challenge with their conviction, dignity and courage. I had a personal epiphany last year. I realized that I don't have the answers to many of the hard questions, and that for the most part, neither does anyone else. My personal wisdom might be knowing that I'm not wise enough to know what to do sometimes. I muddle along and try to do my best, which is about what I hope for from people in general. I don't believe that President Bush is actually hated by almost half the country. Democrats in general are not the enemy, and both parties have to muzzle the fringe elements. We may never know how many people changed their vote because of the bad behavior (as minor as tearing down signs, as major as attempting to mislead the public using obviously forged documents). 527's should be history. Campaign reform is badly needed. Let's try it again, with a little common sense and forethought this time. I'm shocked at the sweeping rejection of gay marriage as a concept. I grew up in the Bay Area of California, and had a lesbian couple as our next door neighbor for years. It's no biggie to me. Obviously, it still is to more people than I'd realized. I support compromise of some sort, call it 'civil unions' or whatever, but we need to catch up to reality. Passing a law doesn't make it go away. Of all the issues on the table, abortion is the one I'm most conflicted about. I don't think I believe that life begins at conception. I am pro-choice. I am anti-abortion, and wish they were never ever performed. I hate that some people consider abortion a form of birth control. Last night, Rachael and I split a huge steak, BBQ'd Texas-style over an open fire. To balance it out, we also had grilled asparagus, for the nuance don't'cha know. One last thing. Michael Moore, here's your sign:
Posted by: Ted at 05:30 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Music updates via email
Thanks to my lovely wife for passing these on.
Some of the musicians from the 60's are revising their hits with new lyrics to accommodate the aging baby boomers. This is good news for those feeling "a little older " and missing those great old tunes. Herman's Hermits - "MRS. BROWN, YOU'VE GOT A LOVELY WALKER"The Bee Gees - "HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HIP"
Bobby Darin - "SPLISH, SPLASH, I WAS HAVIN' A FLASH"
Ringo Starr - "I GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM DEPENDS"
Roberta Flack - "THE FIRST TIME EVER I FORGOT YOUR FACE"
Johnny Nash - "I CAN'T SEE CLEARLY NOW"
Paul Simon - "FIFTY WAYS TO LOSE YOUR LIVER"
Commodores - "ONCE, TWICE, THREE TIMES TO THE BATHROOM"
Marvin Gaye - "I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPE NUTS"
Procol Harem - "A WHITER SHADE OF HAIR"
Leo Sayer - "YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE NAPPING"
The Temptations - "PAPA'S GOT A KIDNEY STONE"
ABBA - "DENTURE QUEEN"
Posted by: Ted at 04:27 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Not that I'm embarrassed or anything
The undefeated Fire Ants barely escaped with their record intact, squeaking by the Rockets in last week's Blogger Bowl matchup.
It's only a rumor that after they walked off the field in pity, we scored. Three plays later.Posted by: Ted at 04:17 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
November 02, 2004
The Opposite of Reality TV
According to Maxim magazine, Comedy Central is coming out with a new animated show called "Drawn Together". Taking direct aim at "The Real World", the toon is populated with several stereotypical animated characters living together. You can now see what happens when ingenue Princess Clara meets urban rocker Foxxy Love (think Josie and the Pussycats).
Hint: there's a hot tub girl-on-girl kissing scene, complete with a Disney-like song "A Black Chick's Tongue In My Mouth."Posted by: Ted at 08:01 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
(smiley face)
"Vote early and often" has become the equivalent of "Have a nice day". It quit being cute after the first four thousand times I heard it.
Posted by: Ted at 02:32 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Since it seems to be a holding-your-nose kinda day
What better subject than Lutefisk?
Now, even in America, frozen lutefisk is readily available at selected fish markets and at Scandinavian delicatessens.
Lutefisk (dried cod treated with lye) must surely be the strangest culinary effort credited to the Norwegians, but what a treat when prepared properly. Everyone of course is not a devotee of lutefisk, but those who are defend it vehemently. Others go to the opposite extreme and claim it's a national disgrace.
Lutefisk must be served hot on piping hot plates. Accompaniments vary from bacon or pork drippings, white sauce, mustard sauce, or melted butter which seems to remain a favorite. Boiled and steamed potatoes, stewed whole, dry green peas are a must as a vegetable accompaniment. The only other necessary additions are freshly ground pepper, lefse, or flatbread. In some parts of Northern Norway, lutefisk is served with melted goat cheese.
So there you have it. Take codfish, dry it with lye until it's shoeleather. Boil it for 10 minutes, then serve with boiled potatoes and bacon grease. You can have mine. Better yet, I'll trade you straight up for your kimchee. Ufda, I forgot the recipe!
feeds 10 people
time needed: about 2 weeks Ingredients:
1 kg dried fish
100 g caustic soda
30 liters of water Saw the fish in suitably sized pieces or leave it whole. Put in water. Leave in water in a cool place for 5-6 days if cut in pieces, 8 days if the fish is whole. Change the water every day. For the luting use a plastic or stainless steel or enamelled tub (the enamel must be unchipped). Wooden vessels, china or stoneware may also be used. Place the fish in the tub with the skin side up. Dissolve caustic soda in the water, pour over the fish until covered complete by lut water. Leave the fish in a cold place for 3-4 days. When the fish is completely luted, it will be well swollen and you should be able to put a finger through it. Rinse the fish and leave in cold water 4-6 days. Change water every day. If the fish stays in water for too long after the luting, it may be soft and difficult to boil. Test boil a piece, if you are uncertain. Do not make lutefisk in the warm season.
Posted by: Ted at 12:36 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Rituals not even Paris got to see
Eldritch rituals.
Santanic rituals.Posted by: Ted at 06:10 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Celebrating my Freedom
Work. Vote on the way home. Do a couple of loads of laundry tonight.
Posted by: Ted at 06:03 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Yay!
LeeAnn was commenter number 3000 and celebrated by doing cartwheels and splits.
Of course, it was inevitable that the batteries in my camera were dead. Story of my life.Posted by: Ted at 06:01 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
November 01, 2004
Launch Report - BattlePark - October, 2004
As usual, the people hosting BattlePark ran a great event. Since this isn't the biggie launch of the year for them (that happens in the Spring), the crowd was a bit smaller and things were more relaxed.
Culpeper is a little better than an hour's drive from my place, and the last 40 miles is on smaller roads going through the Virginia countryside. It's a beautiful trip any time of year, but especially in the fall as the trees turn. (continued in the extended entry)Posted by: Ted at 04:23 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
October 31, 2004
Weekend update
Maybe tomorrow or Tuesday. Short version: camera problems, computer problems, rocket problems. No biggie 'cause I had a badly-needed mondo-relaxing weekend. Big fun.
Posted by: Ted at 07:53 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Never miss a chance to be nice to a pretty lady
Due to some technical problems with an altimeter bay design I threw together at the last moment didn't completely think through, I wasn't able to make a couple of big flights yesterday like I wanted.
Gonna fly her again today on an F24 motor.
And the meaning of this post? Why, it gives me a chance to link to all of the Rocket Jones Hot Jets cheerleaders, best sideline squad in the Blogger Bowl fantasy football league!
The Hot Jets cheerleaders are:
Nic, of Shoes, Ships, and Sealing Wax!Lemur Girl, of... uh, Lemur Girl!
LeeAnn, of The Cheese Stands Alone!
Blogoline, of Blogoline's Journal!
Gir, of Your Moosey Fate!
Tink, of Flitting Here and There!
Wegglywoo, of On the Beach at the End of the World!
Dawn of Dawn Enterprises!
Stevie, of Caught In The XFire!
Helen, of Everyday Stranger!
annika, of annika's journal!
Cindy, of Dusting My Brain!
Mookie, of MookieRiffic!
Denita, of Who Tends The Fires!
Lynn S., of Reflections in d minor!
Susie, of Practical Penumbra!
Sarah, of Trying To Grok!
Kat, of Mostly Fluff!
Big Hair, of Left & Right!
Jennifer, of Jennifer's History and Stuff!
Heather, of Angelweave!
Margi, of Margi Lowry! Gotta run. Have a great Halloween!
Posted by: Ted at 06:55 AM | Comments (8) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
October 30, 2004
BattlePark Launch is on!
It's a little foggy this morning, but once it burns off the weather is forecast to be beautiful!
Links to directions here. Spectatin' free, kids launch free, adults pay a minimal fee. If you go, look for the red Mazda pickup next to a red sun canopy. I'll be somewhere around there, and I'd love to meet you! I also have several kid-friendly rockets with me that the junior space cadets are welcome to fly and take home for their very own. Pictures later.Posted by: Ted at 08:29 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
October 29, 2004
Found Wood
A while back Robert Heinlein's lost novel was published.
Not long ago they discovered a complete Jimi Hendrix concert filmed in 1968. Check out what they've found now:Danny and Shirley are a young couple with a problem: it seems that Danny can't rise to the occasion, and Shirley's running out of patience. The mysterious Madame Heles is a necromancer who has the solution to their boudoir blahs - a hands-on approach involving her two lovely assistants, the house stud, and some very special rituals.
Posted by: Ted at 05:07 AM | Comments (8) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Launch Report Excerpt
From last weekend in Whitakers, North Carolina:
Probably the most anticipated flight of the day... Doug G, with Gerald R's assistance, launched the "Triton 2 Stage," a 50-pound, 13 1/2 foot, 6-inch diameter behemoth. The booster section was loaded with an L1300 staging to a K605 in the sustainer. The L1300 roared to life, lifting the Triton with ease. After booster burnout, the sections drag separated as intended, but the electronics failed to light the second stage igniter. The altimeters did their job and deployed the mains bringing all components down safely. It was still a very pretty flight despite the second stage issue.
This next rocket has a name that seems strangely familiar:
After passing his Level 2 exam, Blaine J brought a little spice with his rocket entitled "Democracy, Whiskey, Sexy." Just over five feet tall, and fire engine red, its multi-diameter body ended with aluminum air brakes at the base of the fins. The name fit the bill. He launched it on a J270 for a beautiful take-off. Unfortunately, both sections came down without recovery, resulting in damage to the air frame. I'm sure we'll see him next month for another attempt! UPDATE: During motor disassembly, Blaine discovered the exit cone portion of the nozzle was gone. The onboard RDAS data showed a drop in thrust 0.3 seconds into the flight, confirming the nozzle had failed.
Rocket science fer sure.
Posted by: Ted at 04:54 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
October 28, 2004
Today at the dentist's office
Dentist: "I'm determined to get this done today!" Me: "From your seat, it's easy to be determined."
We got it done. What a team.
Posted by: Ted at 06:58 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
A very special time
When you have toddlers, and they reach that perfect age - it doesn't last long - and you walk through the door and they come running to give Daddy a hug. And basically you get a full-speed head butt right in the balls.
At that age, they're young enough to think you fell to the floor to play.Posted by: Ted at 05:25 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
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