April 16, 2004
Astronautica
It's been rather eventful lately if you've an eye towards the heavens.
Using a technique predicted by Albert Einstein, astronomers have detected a planet orbiting a star 17,000 light years away. Think about that for a moment. Now I'm sure some Trekkie willThe discovery marks the first time that the technique, known as gravitational microlensing, has been used to identify a planet moving around a star beyond Earth's solar system. The technique takes advantage of a phenomenon that Albert Einstein predicted in his theory of relativity and confirmed using the Sun. The gravity of stars or planets can focus light, brightening stars or planets that lie farther away.Einstein has been front page lately, at least in the Science & Technology section of the paper. Professor Hall presents a nice set of links to information about the Gravity Probe B. This project has been in the works since the 60's, and you'd think that after all that time, someone would've come up with a catchy name. Nothing boring about the mission though, this is cutting-edge cool science.
Gravity Probe B is the relativity gyroscope experiment being developed by NASA and Stanford University to test two extraordinary, unverified predictions of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity. The experiment will check, very precisely, tiny changes in the direction of spin of four gyroscopes contained in an Earth satellite orbiting at 400-mile altitude directly over the poles. So free are the gyroscopes from disturbance that they will provide an almost perfect space-time reference system. They will measure how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth, and, more profoundly, how the Earth's rotation drags space-time around with it. These effects, though small for the Earth, have far-reaching implications for the nature of matter and the structure of the Universe.Meanwhile, closer to home:
An Atlas 2 rocket carrying a Japanese communications satellite made a picture-perfect nighttime launch from Cape Canaveral on Thursday, lighting the Atlantic seaboard in central Florida like a shimmering torch.Pure poetry.
The 8:45 p.m. EDT liftoff followed a perfect countdown and extended the string of successful launches by Lockheed Martin's Atlas to 71, dating back to 1993.Which is all the more impressive when you recall the rocket accidents and failures suffered in the last few years by China, Japan, Russia, Brazil and the US. And just 'cause 'tis the season, over at Rocketforge they report on the latest Aldridge Commision Meeting. Here's an interesting little snippet:
The highlight of today's meeting was one of the UAW guys saying that one of the requirements is that sustainability needs bi-partisan support. In the Q&A Bob Walker turns that around and asks the UAW guy if that means that since the UAW has endorsed Kerry, that the UAW will use that clout to get Kerry to stop dissing Bush's space plan? His answer: if he wants our votes he will.I had a whole lot to say about this, but it's friday, it's beautiful outside and I'm stuck here at work, so the heck with it. Summed up: I don't buy it. Space is just another political chip to both candidates and the players on either side. For the forseeable future, progress in space will be made in spite of, not because of an American President. There's a nifty new quote over on the right column too. Look for the Tagline label. Update: Changed the original tribble joke to something I think is funnier.
Posted by: Ted at 06:29 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Sorry Heather
San Jose Sharks take the series against your St. Louis Blues, 4 games to 1.
Next!Posted by: Ted at 12:45 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
April 15, 2004
April 15th makes a lot of people queasy
Which reminded me that we haven't done a Nog Watch report for the month. Nothing special to report, other than it's still there. The surrounding contents of the shelf rotate on a semi-regular basis, but the carton of Nog remains (what an appropriate word) as Lord of all it surveys.
For those wondering what I'm babbling about, pieces of the story are here and here and here and here.Posted by: Ted at 12:10 PM | Comments (10) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
NHL Playoff Impressions
No deep analysis here, just some things that have stuck in my mind as I watch the playoffs. For more knowlegable coverage, check out Off Wing Opinion and The Hockey Pundits. Both highly recommended.
Nashville has taken two in a row at home to tie their series against powerful Detroit. This shouldn't surprise anyone, because the Red Wings have a history of getting knocked out of the playoffs in big upsets. The Sharks did it several years ago, and last year it was the Mighty Ducks. Nobody believes the Predators will actually do it, but still... The Wings have been spoiled in recent years by spectacular goaltending. This year they had kind of a soap opera in net, but I'm tired of hearing people griping about Manny Legacy. He's not a great goaltender, but he's not as bad as they make him out to be. Plus, he got the Wings into the playoffs. The Wings are going with Curtis Joseph is goal tonight. Good luck CuJo, they're giving you a chance to do your annual playoff choke. Montreal's Kovalev is lucky his teammates haven't practiced a little 'lynch mob justice' against him. For those who haven't heard, Kovalev was moving the puck when a stick hit him across his (heavily gloved) hand. He quit playing the puck and acted like he was hurt trying to draw a penalty, then ran into his own player. An alert Boston player took the puck and scored the game-winning goal. Oh yeah, it was overtime. Two things really piss me off about this. First, Kovalev has a history of this kind of crap, and secondly, he blamed the teammate that he ran into for it. That's twice in this series that a Montreal player has faked an injury on the ice trying to draw a penalty. Embarrassing. On the upside, it was fun watching former player and coach Barry Melrose go off about it on television. He didn't use the word "chickenshit", but that's about all he forgot. Philadelphia is playing great and making the Devils look bad in the process. Broduer looks ordinary. Tampa Bay is for real. I hate them, especially Martin St. Louis who looks like Richard Simmons. I don't know why, but he just annoys me. Actually, I do know why, it's because of last years playoffs against the Washington Capitals. Yep, I'm holding a grudge. Toronto vs. Ottawa. *Yawn* Toronto is no fun without the whining, and Ottawa reminds me of the machine-like play of Landry's Dallas Cowboys. Mats Sundin left the game last night hurt, so unless he can come back, Toronto is done. Colorado, Dallas and St. Louis just look old. All still good teams, but this year speed is king (Tampa, Nashville, Boston, San Jose), and these teams are showing their age. Those speed teams I mentioned are just making the plays. They seem to be in the right place at the right time. Boston and San Jose in particular are fast and tough. These aren't prissy little speedsters, they check hard, move people off the puck, and plant someone in the crease on offense. Calgary and Vancouver are too far west for this east-coast guy. I haven't really seen either play all year, and won't until later rounds when they might come on a little earlier. Kiprusof was the Sharks backup goalie last year, and it's beginning to look like San Jose is becoming a goalie factory - Shields, Nabokov, Kiprusof, Teskala, and I understand they've got a couple great prospects still in the minors. The Sharks are going to be good for a long time. Young, fast, and good goaltending.Posted by: Ted at 06:32 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Conversation Snippet
Walking through a shopping mall yesterday with my wife, we passed a store called “The Bible Outlet”. I wondered aloud who would buy an ‘outlet’ Bible. Liz said it would be the equivalent of buying “dollar store douche” and that they probably contained the "gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and Justin".
Posted by: Ted at 06:08 AM | Comments (9) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
April 14, 2004
Hockey History
The Vezina trophy is awarded each year to the top goaltender of the season. It's named for George Vezina, the first great goalie to play the game. He started his career in 1910, playing for a mediocre Montreal team. Despite that, he led the league in goals-against average his first two seasons, took Montreal to the Stanley Cup finals in his fourth season, and won it all for the first time in his fifth season.
In the early days, goalies were not allowed to fall to the ice to make a stop, making it much harder to prevent scoring. George Vezina developed a stand-up style that influenced other goalies in the league for decades. In November, 1924, Vezina was obviously not in good health. Despite a high fever he was in net for the Canadiens' season opener versus the Pittsburgh Pirates. He collapsed during the first period, and was diagnosed with advanced tuberculosis. He passed away four months later. George Vezina was one of the original dozen players elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame when it opened in 1945.Posted by: Ted at 07:57 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Happy First Munuviana Birthday!!!
(in the extended entry - work safe)
Posted by: Ted at 07:20 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Happy Birthday to My Love
Today is her birthday. Every day I give thanks for finding her.
Always Be Together Pablo Cruise When I look back on our early years
And how we spent so much time in tears
It's a wonder that we're face to face tonight
But something saw us through all those times
Something stronger than you or I
Here we are, and now it sure feels right Oh I have seen
What your love has done for me
And I could stay with you forever
Oh I, I know
Love like this can't help but grow
That's why, we will always be together When you left me all alone
I could have made it on my own
But part of me was missing
And when we had so much to say
All the words got in the way
Until we took the time to listen Oh I have seen
What your love has done for me
And I could stay with you forever
Oh I, I know
Love like this can't help but grow
That's why, we will always be together When I look back on our early years
And how we spent so much time in tears
It's a wonder that we're face to face tonight
But something saw us through all those times
Something stronger than you or I
And here we are, and now it sure feels right Oh I have seen
What your love has done for me
And I could stay with you forever
Oh I, I know
Love like this can't help but grow
That's why, we will always be together Always be together (repeat and fade)
Posted by: Ted at 07:11 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
April 13, 2004
Could it be?
Has Bill Watterson (of Calvin & Hobbes fame) resurfaced under a psuedonym? Check out the conspiracy theories laid out and linked by The Llama Butchers.
Posted by: Ted at 10:06 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
I'm on a roll!
Sometimes being a reasonable adult is just too much fun.
First, read all about it at Susie's. I got lumped into the category of right-wing Freeper trolls because I questioned a "poll". The author of the "poll" then claimed that it was "commentary". I guess that's one way of looking at it, especially if you get called on it by reasonable people. Of course, while trying to have a discussion of the points made, some moonbat wigged out at Susie and called her a Nazi. Next, over at CD's place, I was accused of being a Hitler admirer by a conservative moonbat because I dared to suggest that people might disagree with their position because they actually believed differently. An innocent enough remark in my mind, but apparently enough to send one whackjob into attack mode. Adios to both of those places (not Susie's, but the other two) because I just don't have the time nor inclination to listen to ranting and raving from either end of the political spectrum. I don't normally make a big deal out of delinking people, and I'm not really here either, because I never linked to the one place, and I'll just stop visiting the other. I said it once, I'll say it again: right wing moonbats = left wing moonbats. Lesson learned (again).Posted by: Ted at 10:50 AM | Comments (16) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Sounds like a plan my momma would've agreed with.
The sky is falling. Eventually. Count on it.
At some point in time Earth will get smacked again by a chunk of rock wandering through the solar system. That's a given, and it actually happens several times a year. But probability says with near-certainty that a big'un will intersect with Mother Earth. There are some projects gearing up to look out there, but as early warning systems they are far from comprehensive.
And what if we actually do see something ahead of time? Just what would we do? Face it, Bruce Willis isn't getting any younger. Fortunately, we've got some very intelligent people thinking ahead and more importantly, doing something about it.Posted by: Ted at 09:39 AM | Comments (6) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Stanley Cup History
In 1892, the British Governor General of Canada Sir Frederick Stanley donated the Stanley Cup as "an outward and visible sign" of an annual championship among hockey teams in Canada.
The Cup is unique among championship trophies in that each member of the winning team is allowed to take the Cup home for a day to share with friends and family. That tradition started in the 1980's, a few years after Montreal Canadiens player Guy Lefleur "stole" the Cup from the team's victory party. He drove the Cup to his boyhood home in Quebec, and placed it in the front yard where his father had built a makeshift rink where he first learned the game. The very first winners of the Cup were the Amatuer Athletic Association of Montreal, in 1893, and for reasons unclear today refused to accept the trophy. They topped the league again in 1894 and that time accepted the Cup. I'll post more little tidbits as the playoffs continue.Posted by: Ted at 06:42 AM | Comments (8) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Happy Birthday to My Love
Another favorite song lyric that touches on my feelings for my wife.
God Only Knows Beach Boys I may not always love youHappy Birthday, Liz.
But long as there are stars above you
You never need to doubt it
I’ll make you so sure about it God only knows what I’d be without you If you should ever leave me
Though life would still go on believe me
The world could show nothing to me
So what good would living do me God only knows what I’d be without you God only knows what I’d be without you If you should ever leave me
Well life would still go on believe me
The world could show nothing to me
So what good would living do me God only knows what I’d be without you
God only knows what I’d be without you
God only knows (repeat and fade)
Posted by: Ted at 05:57 AM | Comments (8) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
April 12, 2004
Someone's in the Kitchen with Dinaaahhh!!!
Wow, it's been a while since I've shared a recipe, mostly because we've been sticking to our standard fare, and I haven't had much chance to experiment. Tonight was an exception, since Liz had to work late and Mookie was at school for rehersals and a date later, so I was on my own for dinner.
I found a recipe a while back at Cooks.com that was used as the starting point. Bow Tie Pasta with Sausage in Tomato and Cream Sauce 1 Tbsp olive oil1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
1/8 tsp ground red pepper (more to taste)
1/2 diced onion
5 cloves minced garlic
1 14oz. can diced tomatoes (I used the roasted garlic flavor)
1 1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped broccoli
Bow Tie pasta
Minced fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet. Add the sausage and red pepper and cook until the sausage is no longer pink, stirring frequently. Drain. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is tender and sausage is browned. Add the tomatoes, cream and salt. Simmer until the sauce thickens a little bit. Add the broccoli for the last 10 minutes of cooking time. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta in rapidly boiling salted water. When done, drain well and top with sauce, parsley and parmesan cheese. I made some garlic bread and a green salad. What I've been doing with my salads is instead of dressing I crumble a few savory crackers into it. There's a new Cheese Nip cracker called Twisters, and they have a wonderful Buffalo & Bleu Cheese cracker that's perfect for this. Nice zing. I'm not a huge fan of tomato sauces, so I only used about half the amount of tomatoes that the recipe called for, and next time I'll use more garlic and broccoli. It's a nice change of pace, and makes enough to feed four to six people.
Posted by: Ted at 07:37 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Someone out there has a sense of humor
Being a computer consultant in the DC area, I've worked for a few different government agencies over the years. The following is an actual telegram received when I worked at the Department of State, regarding, ah... budget matters... at an embassy overseas. I edited out some of the 'official' jargon to clean it up some.
SUBJECT: HALF MOON OVER GABORONE 1. IN REVIEWING ANALYSIS OF FUNDING PROVIDED FOR CURRENT FISCAL YEAR, POST WAS DISMAYED TO FIND THAT THE BUREAU DELETED DOLLARS 3,000 FOR THE LEASE OF A PORTABLE TOILET. POST HESITATES TO MAKE A STINK OVER PIDDLING PROBLEMS, BUT FROM WHERE WE SIT, IT'S IMPORTANT. 2. POST HAS REPEATEDLY POINTED OUT IN CABLES AND TO BUREAU VISITORS THE THIS NEWLY CONSTRUCTED CHANCERY DOES NOT HAVE TOILET FACILITIES FOR OUTSIDE PERSONNEL LIKE GUARDS AND GARDENERS AND NIGHTWATCHMEN AND DRIVERS AND DELIVERYMEN. PREVIOUSLY, SUCH PERSONNEL DISCHARGED THEMSELVES FREELY AND PUBLICLY ON THE CHANCERY GROUNDS. RECOGNIZING OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HALT WASTE, AND NOT WISHING TO BE IN BAD ODOR WITH OUR NEIGHBORS, POST RENTED THE PORTA-POTTY TO MAKE UP FOR DESIGN DEFICIENCY. 3. WE REALIZE THE BUREAU IS NO LONGER FLUSH WITH FUNDS. UPON REFLECTION, POST AGREES THAT WE MAY HAVE USED THE WORNG POT AND THE OUTHOUSE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE FUNDED FROM THE S&E ACCOUNT. SINCE ONLY A MODEST ONE-HOLER IS REQUIRED TO RELIEVE OVERSIGHT AND SHOULD QUALIFY AS A "NON-RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE", POST BELIEVES THE JOHNNY-ON-THE-SPOT SHOULD BE FUNDED UNDER LEASE FUNDS IN LOO OF ORIGINAL. 4. UNLESS INSTRUCTED OTHERWISE, POST INTENDS TO PROCESS FUTURE RENTAL PAYMENTS FROM SAID ACCOUNT.
Posted by: Ted at 04:37 PM | Comments (8) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Happy Birthday to My Love
It's my wife's birthday this week, and Munuviana just happens to share the 14th with her. She was born on Easter day, so the meticulously nosy could figure out how old she is.
This is a song that's special to us both.
She & I Alabama She and I live in our own little world
Don't worry about the world outside
She and I agree
She and I lead a perfectly normal life Ah but just because we aren't often seen socially
People think we've got something to hide.
But all our friends know we're just a little old fashioned
She and I
chorus
Oh ain't that great
Aint it fine
To have a love someone that others can't find
Aint it wonderful to know all we ever need is just the two of us
She and I
So wonderful
She and I She and I share with every body else
The same wants, needs and desires
She and I save
She and I pay on everything we acquire Ah but just because we aren't often seen separately
People think we live one life.
Its hard for them to see how anyone could be as close as
She and I repeat chorus
Posted by: Ted at 05:28 AM | Comments (47) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
April 11, 2004
Glad I'm not in *her* address book
My wife is watching The Beautician and the Beast (1997) starring Fran Drescher and Timothy Dalton, and she tells me that they've just mentioned a third celebrity in the dialogue who's now dead: Mother Theresa, JFK Junior and just now Sonny Bono. That's kinda spooky, considering the movie was made fairly recently.
Posted by: Ted at 09:29 PM | Comments (9) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Sometimes busy can be relaxing
It's been one of those odd weekends where you look back and realize that you've gotten a lot done without really trying. Besides the rocket launch yesterday, today we cleaned the aquarium, cleaned some junk out of the attic for bulk pickup next weekend, had a nice Easter dinner, baked a couple of batches of chocolate chip cookies, and still managed to get a nap.
I'm sitting here now with an ice-cold diet pepsi and a piping hot cup of tea, watching the hockey game. I'm pleasantly tired and looking forward to a good night's sleep. It's supposed to rain all night. Oh yeah.Posted by: Ted at 08:06 PM | Comments (9) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Pixy is one thinking-ahead kinda guy
For proof, all you need to know is that "Yay!" is the traditional Munuvian greeting and celebratory exclamation.
He alone recognized the need to keep it short and simple, as MuNu expands at a rate comparible to the business at an all-you-can-eat buffet opening next to a Jenny Craig. A collective Yay! to the following new fellow-Munuvians: A Likely StoryThere's One, Only!
Mamamontezz's Mental Rumpus Room
Light & Dark
It's All About De
TexasBestGrok
Fear Your Future
2Flower To You
Anticipatory Retaliation
The Meatriarchy
Ellis Island
Blogo Slovo
Brain Fertilizer
Physics Geek
Beyond the Black Hole
The Massive Whinger
Straight White Guy
Key Issues
Martinis, Persistence, and a Smile
Closet Extremist
Shoes, Ships, and Sealing Wax
Combat Arms
Frinklin Speaks Some were already on my blogroll in their old digs, some are new to me. Go explore a little bit, and say hi. Oh, and check out Fear Your Future. It's a new teen group blog born of
Posted by: Ted at 10:41 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
April 10, 2004
Today's rocket launch
I talked about it here.
The weather was beautiful, and the site of the launch, Middletown Park, is really nice. We were on a tight schedule because one of the team had to be at work early, so the plan was to get there, make a practice flight, turn it around and do another 'official' flight to try to improve on their qualifying score. To speed things along, the team had pre-loaded the engines into the rocket so that on the field all they'd have to do was install igniters and the altimeter and eggs. When we arrived they quickly got prepped and safety-checked, and set the rocket up on the pad. Then it was a short wait for their turn to launch. Countdown and all three first-stage motors lit. The rocket took off straight as an arrow and it was looking to be a picture perfect flight. First stage burn-out, and the second stage should ignite... should ignite... should ignite any time now... The rocket coasted upwards, and as it was beginning to arc over the upper stage lit. She powered into the ground about 150 yards away. We collected our gear and went to recover it, to see what could be salvaged for the next flight. No chance at a second flight. The nosecone was embedded into the ground, and shattered. The egg capsule was smashed too, as were the eggs inside. Much of the second stage was waterlogged (it landed on the edge of a pond) and the motor mount ripped free from the impact. The altimeter was beeping out 620 feet, just about half of the target altitude. We sat down and started to recreate the flight to figure out what went wrong. When the motors were pulled from the booster stage, we found the problem. Instead of using booster motors (no delay, instant upper-stage ignition), they used upper-stage motors with a seven second delay. So instead of igniting the upper stage immediately, while the rocket was still moving fast and vertical, it slowed down and tipped over during those long seven seconds. The guy that loaded the wrong motors felt really bad, but it was a simple mistake. I reinforced the lesson about using the checklist when prepping complex rockets, and tried to make the point that everyone makes mistakes now and then. The team has a good qualifying flight to turn in, so they still have a strong chance at making the finals. Three different teachers also stopped by while we were inspecting the rocket and talked to the kids. I really appreciated that, because they were all supportive and their kind words made the team feel better. They should know by the end of the week if they made the finals. I'll keep you posted.Posted by: Ted at 09:54 PM | Comments (10) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
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