August 17, 2004
Wisdom
"Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have ... The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases." -- Thomas Jefferson
Posted by: Ted at 09:19 PM | Comments (16) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Google is your friend
Steve the Llamabutcher says in my comments:
"A motto to live by--if only babel fish could translate into latin!"
Well, my meaty, woolly and snippy friend, we don't need no steenkin' babel fish, eh? (I do believe I covered most of the Americas in that single sentence). So "It may suck, but it's my suck" translates into (drumroll please):
Posted by: Ted at 05:50 PM | Comments (14) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Enjoy a little technological animated coolness
Thanks to the Carolina rocket guys for the heads up to this "Inside tour of an operating Rolls Royce jet engine". In fact, I'm just going to quote Bill S:
Yes, this is off topic but most of this crowd will find it cool to watch.....there is most definitely combustion and thrust! :-) This is a seriously cool shockwave flash animation. Whomever put this together deserved their pay.
Keep an eye on the right side of the display to see the operating parameters at each stage, and also down on the lower right where a red bar shows where you are inside the engine. There are some text comments that flash up below the play controls.
Has sound. Low res is about 2.1Mb, hi res version is almost 5 mb, so it may take a while to load on a dial-up connection. Broad band - no problem with streaming.
I almost titled this "Suck. Squeeze. Bang. Blow." Go check it out and you'll know why.
Posted by: Ted at 04:36 PM | Comments (12) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
And He looked upon what he had wrought, and declared it putrid
Rocket Jones the blog sucks lately. For many good reasons, including the new job. Even my recreational reading has been dominated by technical books. Ever relax to "An Introduction to SELinux"? Boy howdy, talk about riveting.
So I haven't had the time to devote online that I used to, and this site has inevitably suffered. I'm not apologizing, just stating the facts as I see 'em. I'm also not considering shutting down, I have too much fun with this. I don't get to visit the places on my blogroll nearly as much as I used to, and that bites because I feel like I'm losing touch a little bit with good friends. On the plus side, I've got a whole heap of fun movies to review, a surprise for some of you, and of course the whole Blogger Bowl 2004 league. The draft results are in, annika is trash talking (and we Raiders fans can talk some shit), and, well, let's just say that I've got some things in the works. Not earth-shaking stuff, but stuff. In other words, keep checking back for continued blogging ala Rocket Jones. It may suck, but it's my suck.Posted by: Ted at 06:22 AM | Comments (17) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
August 16, 2004
Case Art
An artist friend of mine was inspired by one of my rockets to paint his PC case and monitor (not the screen part, silly) with that fleckstone spray paint. It looks like something out of the Flintstones. Pretty cool.
On the internet, I've seen PC cases constructed out of clear plexiglass, out of lego and other interesting materials. My dad used to build 'executive' PC cases out of cherry, oak and mahogany for HP, but this case is a true work of art, and I want one sooooo bad. Many thanks to the Flea Ethereal for the pointer.Posted by: Ted at 06:05 AM | Comments (14) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
I know your damn words
"Klaatu Barada Nikto."
-- The Day the Earth Stood Still -- Bruce Campbell vs. Army of DarknessPosted by: Ted at 05:11 AM | Comments (11) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
August 15, 2004
Another addition to the Hot Jets
Wegglywoo adds still another international flavor to the official Rocket Jones Blogger Bowl 2004 cheerleading squad. She asked, I invited, and that's all it takes.
Stevie, of Caught In The XFire!Emma, of Miss Apropos!
Lynn S., of Reflections in d minor!
Heather, of Angelweave!
Kat, of Mostly Fluff!
Nic, of Shoes, Ships, and Sealing Wax!
Susie, of Practical Penumbra!
Mookie, of MookieRiffic!
Helen, of Everyday Stranger!
Gir, of Your Moosey Fate!
Tink, of Flitting Here and There!
Sarah, of Trying To Grok!
Blogoline, of Blogoline's Journal!
LeeAnn, of The Cheese Stands Alone!
Denita, of Who Tends The Fires!
Jennifer, of Jennifer's History and Stuff!
Cindy, of Squipper!
Lemur Girl, of... uh, Lemur Girl!
Dawn of Caterwauling!
Big Hair, of Left & Right!
Posted by: Ted at 09:51 AM | Comments (15) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Dude, you're getting a Rockwell!
I bet the major PC companies are looking over their shoulders these days.
Posted by: Ted at 09:28 AM | Comments (13) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
August 14, 2004
Blogger Bowl 2004
The schedule is up, and I see that my very first opponent is the lovely annika.
I should have some sort of special cheer or something here, just for her. Remember high school, when you "Clipped the Cardinals" or "Defused the Bombers" or whatever? Anyway, I consider her the primary threat in the league right up front, because she actually does research and stuff before the draft. If I can whup her early on, before injuries become a factor, then I'll know the Rockets have good juju. Her team doesn't really have a name, since she followed instructions (unlike yours truly) and signed up with her blog name. Spank thePosted by: Ted at 04:50 PM | Comments (18) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
August 13, 2004
Rocketry and On board Video Cameras
This company sells affordable video systems that you can fly in hobby rockets. If you go to this page, check out the very last movie, titled "LOC Booster Bruiser EXP-4 AMW K670 Green No Spin at all". The LOC Bruiser is a beast of a rocket about 10 feet tall and almost 8 inches in diameter, and this video is like hitching a ride.
PS. those little tiny dots are the cars of the folks at the launch.Posted by: Ted at 07:48 PM | Comments (14) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Someone's in the Kitchen with Dinaaaahhh!!!
A few weeks ago I mentioned a successful experiment involving a grilled pear. Since pears are my favorite fruit (or maybe second after apricots, depends on the day), I decided to experiment again last night, and came up with this side dish that goes perfectly with pork.
Sweet and Savory on the Side 3 pears (not too ripe, you want them firm)1 small onion
2 Tbsp butter or light olive oil
1-2 tsp of fresh ground ginger
fresh ground black pepper You can peel the pears if you want, I didn't. Quarter and core them, then cut the quarters into slices the long way about 1/4" thick. Slice the onion into 1/4" slices, then cut in half. Melt 1 Tbsp butter (or a little olive oil) in a frying pan on medium heat. Add the onion and saute until the onions are translucent - 4 or 5 minutes. When done, remove the onions from the pan and set them aside. Melt the rest of the butter in the pan (or add a little more olive oil) and saute the pears just until soft, turning occasionally. You don't want the pears mushy, so don't overcook. Add the onions back to the pan and stir together to combine with the pears. Grate the fresh ginger over the top and cook for another minute or two, turning two or three times to mix the flavors. When done, top with a generous amount of black pepper. Serves 4.
Posted by: Ted at 07:40 AM | Comments (12) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Such an upstanding guy
So the governor of New Jersey, McGreevey (or however you spell it) has resigned and admitted that he's gay.
The cynic in me is screaming that this 'gay' thing is an attempt to deflect attention from the fact that he's being hammered from all sides by scandals and possible investigations. He's a politician, and a pretty good one since you don't get to be governor without some skills. That doesn't change the fact that he's also (allegedly) a crooked scumbag. Cheat on your wife? Shameful, but personal business. Gay? So what, but having a couple kids with your wife makes me think the term you're searching for is "bisexual". Then again, I think "gay" might be exactly the term you intended, playing for sympathy and simultaneously using it as a smokescreen. For excellent coverage of New Jersey matters, go visit Roberto at DynamoBuzz.Posted by: Ted at 07:17 AM | Comments (13) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
August 12, 2004
Melt her heart
As long as she's not listening too carefully, you might just get away with it.
Shakespearean Sonnets for Every OccasionPosted by: Ted at 11:08 AM | Comments (12) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Sports, History, and Pretty Pictures
I've just started going through this archive of Sports Franchise logos, but so far I'm loving it.*
Thanks to Off Wing Opinion for pointing this out. *That slogan is about as close to McDonalds as I get these days. *sigh*Posted by: Ted at 07:49 AM | Comments (12) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Dust on the Bottle
It's been awhile since I've posted a love song to my beloved. She doesn't read Rocket Jones, but word gets back to her.
Dust On The Bottle
(David Lee Murphy/Jimbeau Hinson) Creole Williams lived down a dirt road
Made homemade wine like nobody I know
Dropped by one Friday night and said can you help me Creole
Got a little girl waitin' on me and I wanna treat her right I got what you need son, it's sittin down in the cellar
He reached through the cobwebs as he turned on the light and said There might be a little dust on the bottle
But don't let it fool ya about what's inside
There might be a little dust on the bottle
It's one of those things that gets sweeter with time She was sittin in the porch swing as I pulled up the driveway
My ole heart was racing as she climbed inside
She slid over real close and drove down to the lake road
Watched the sun fade in that big red sky I reached under the front seat and said, now here's something special
It's just been waiting for a night like tonight There might be a little dust on the bottle
But don't let it fool ya about what's inside
There might be a little dust on the bottle
It's one of those things that gets sweeter with time You're still with me, and we've made some memories
After all these years theres one thing I've found
Some say good love, well it's like a fine wine
It keeps getting better as the days go by There might be a little dust on the bottle
But don't let it fool ya about what's inside
There might be a little dust on the bottle
It's one of those things that gets sweeter with time
Posted by: Ted at 06:10 AM | Comments (17) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Nanny State, Ninny State
Denmark has forbidden Kellogg's from adding vitamins and minerals to the breakfast cereals sold in that country.
They claim the additions result in "toxic doses" which could harm children and unborn children. Kellogg's additions include 17% of the US recommended daily requirements calcium and iron, and 25% of vitamins B6 and folic acid. Denmark does not have recommended daily allowances of nutrients. Rather than turn this into some dark anti-American conspiracy, I'll believe the simpler explanation. The Danish government are idiots. Probably not enough vitamins in their diet growing up.Posted by: Ted at 06:08 AM | Comments (15) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
August 11, 2004
Quietly and kinda behind the scenes
I first posted about the Flugtag '88 Airshow disaster almost eleven months ago, and since then there have been several comments posted and I've received some email from people who were there. I extend my sincere thanks to all who shared their stories.
The most recent commenter is Tricia, who also happens to be a blogger (I'll be adding her to the blogroll). Tricia's recollections are vivid and compelling and I'll admit that I had tears in my eyes as I read them. If you're not sure what this is all about, look here. It's probably better if you start at the bottom and work your way up. Be sure to read the comments posted as well.Posted by: Ted at 05:57 AM | Comments (10) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
The big four-oh
Yesterday I had a complete physical because I'll be 45 years old soon. My last checkup happened when I turned 40, and isn't what the title of this post is about. According to the official doctor scale, I am now under 300 pounds and have lost 40 pounds since the first of the year. I'd hit that plateau and hadn't lost anything for a while, but just kept up the diet and it looks like I'm dropping the pounds again. The doctor agreed with me when I said my goal is 220, which is higher than the 'recommended' but reasonable for my build.
As for my condition, I am disgustingly healthy despite myself, with good blood pressure. Blood work will be done saturday at the lab, mainly for a diabetes check, count the cholesterol (should be fine), and whatever else they look for (mad cow?). Here's a tip for you Bill: find a pretty lady doctor with small hands. That part of the exam isn't any more fun than before, but you can pretend it's foreplay.Posted by: Ted at 05:38 AM | Comments (14) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
August 10, 2004
Belief in the media, it's easier than thinking
Everyone, and I mean both sides, claim the media is biased against them. Gee, I wonder whatever could they mean?
Check out this headline from the AP: AP: U.S. Didn't Warn Las Vegas of Threats Wow. Reading on:When the Justice Department obtained two videos suggesting terrorists had cased Las Vegas casinos, the discussions didn't center on public alerts or heightened security. Rather, authorities worried about the effects on tourism and the casinos' legal liabilities, internal memos show.
Pretty damning. Those bastards didn't even warn Las Vegas! There's more!
Though the FBI offered, most local law enforcement and casino security officers declined an invitation to view the footage after it was obtained in 2002
Oooohhhh, when you say 'authorities', you meant local authorities, not federal authorities. Never mind the deliberately misleading headline at the top of the story, eh?
One document obtained by The Associated Press quotes a federal prosecutor in Las Vegas as saying the city's mayor was concerned about the "deleterious effect on the Las Vegas tourism industry" if the evidence became public. The mayor said Monday he was never told of the footage. Another memo states the casinos didn't want to see the footage for fear it would make them more likely to be held liable in civil court if an attack occurred.
Yep, lots of folks are issuing denials over this one. Nice twist at the top though AP. Assholes.
Posted by: Ted at 07:36 AM | Comments (12) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Next experiment: will the 'fork in a light socket' trick give me hair like Don King?
Testing Meme Propagation In Blogspace: Add Your Blog
This posting is a community experiment that tests how a meme, represented by this blog posting, spreads across blogspace, physical space and time. It will help to show how ideas travel across blogs in space and time and how blogs are connected. It may also help to show which blogs (and aggregation sites) are most influential in the propagation of memes. The dataset from this experiment will be public, and can be located via Google (or Technorati) by doing a search for the GUID for this meme (below). Please join the test by adding your blog (see instructions, below) and inviting your friends to participate—the more the better. The data from this test will be public and open; others may use it to visualize and study the connectedness of blogspace and the propagation of memes across blogs. The GUID for this experiment is: as098398298250swg9e98929872525389t9987898tq98wteqtgaq62010920352598gawst The above GUID enables anyone to easily search Google or other search engines for all blogs that participate in this experiment, once they have indexed the sites that participate, which may take several days or weeks. To locate the full data set, just search for any sites that contain this GUID. Anyone is free to analyze the data of this experiment. Please publicize your analysis of the data, and/or any comments by adding comments onto the original post (see URL above). (Note: it would be interesting to see a geographic map or a temporal animation, as well as a social network map of the propagation of this meme.) INSTRUCTIONS To add your blog to this experiment, copy this entire posting to your blog, and then answer the questions below, substituting your own information, below, where appropriate. Other than answering the questions below, please do not alter the information, layout or format of this post in order to preserve the integrity of the data in this experiment (this will make it easier for searchers and automated bots to find and analyze the results later). REQUIRED FIELDS (Note: Replace the answers below with your own answers) (1) I found this experiment at URL:http://practicalpenumbra.mu.nu/ (2) I found it via “Newsreader Software” or “Browsing the Web” or “Searching the Web” or “An E-Mail Message”: Browsing the Web (3) I posted this experiment at URL: http://rocketjones.mu.nu/ (4) I posted this on date (day/month/year): 10/08/04 (5) I posted this at time (24 hour time): 06:11 (6) My posting location is (city, state, country): (city), Virginia, USA OPTIONAL SURVEY FIELDS: (7) My blog is hosted by: mu.nu (
My age is: 44
(9) My gender is: Male
(10) My occupation is: Computer Consultant
(11) I use the following RSS/Atom reader software: none
(12) I use the following software to post to my blog: MovableType
(13) I have been blogging since (day, month, year): 04/07/2003
(14) My web browser is: MS IE
(15) My operating systems are: Windows ME
Posted by: Ted at 06:35 AM | Comments (12) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
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