February 15, 2004
Stuffs
Yesterday's dinner turned out, uh, ok. The taste was good but bland instead of the delicate I was going for. The recipes are promising enough that I'm going to try it again, adjusting things here and there. Maybe at some point I'll post them.
There's a new category on Rocket Jones, called Cult Flicks. It will include the reviews of those odd little films I love so much, and related nonsense as well. Speaking of related, West Virginia (sorry, cheap joke). I was in SunCoast video today, perusing selections for next weekend's triple-points extravaganza, and talked to the manager about special ordering some things. I recently purchased a DVD from them and found the company's website, which has all kinds ofPosted by: Ted at 06:46 PM | Comments (37) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Movie Review - Whoops Apocolypse (1982)
This was a six-episode series that ran in Great Britain, and was later made into a much inferior movie. If you do manage to snag a copy of this title, and it has Loretta Swit (HotLips of M*A*S*H fame) as the US President, then you've got the movie (bummer). You want the one with Barry Morse as American President Johnny Cyclops. I found my copy-of-a-copy version while stationed in Germany, and it's on my perpetual list of gotta-haves for when it finally (hopefully) is released on DVD.
Whoops Apocolypse is a brilliant satirical spoof of the world in the 80's. Wow, that sounded so simple. If you are a fan of anime, and are familiar with the Excel Saga, then this is the live-action version of that concept. No idea is sacred, no institution unscathed, no tradition left untrampled. Here's the synopsis from IMDB.COM:A light-hearted look at the final week before doomsday. American President Johnny Cyclops is trying to run a re-election campaign while dealing with the Russians, a deposed Shah needing to be hidden, and a new weapon called a 'quark' bomb. Meanwhile, Lacrobat, the infamous terrorist, has stolen one of the quark bombs and is trying to get it into the Middle East. Stopping Lacrobat, getting the Shah to safety, placating the Russians and winning the election will require a brilliantly planned and perfectly executed strategy on the part of President Cyclops...Like Airplane!, there is so much happening on so many levels that the mind boggles. You'll find yourself suddenly cracking up long after watching when a joke finally clicks inside your head. Imagine the newly-elected conservative Prime Minister of England, sitting in quiet satisfaction with his closest ministers, basking in their victory. He decides to reveal a secret to his friends and colleagues, now that they're in power. The Prime Minister has a plan to save vast amounts of money by completely eliminating the military. When his ministers question the wisdom of leaving the country undefended, he reveals his secret. He is, underneath the clever disguise, actually Superman, and he will provide all defense of the homeland. Watching the ministers trying to grasp the fact that their leader is a complete loon is priceless. Especially when the Prime Minister wants to announce to the world that he is Superman, thus deterring any and all enemies from ever again committing agression against the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, international terrorist Lacrobat (John Cleese!) has stolen one of the new 'quark' bombs, and is making his way across Europe with it. It's not a little bomb either, so some of the camoflauge he uses have to be seen to be believed. This one is mucho rare and hard to find, but if you ever get the chance...
Posted by: Ted at 02:06 PM | Comments (34) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Build It - the finished rocket
We've had a nice stretch of weather, which allowed me to get outside to paint our rocket. You can do painting like this in the winter, but the secret is to bring the rocket into a warm place immediately after the final coat.
The picture, and the rest of this post is in the extended entry. What is all this about? "Build It" is a series of posts where we’re building a basic model rocket online. Each post shows part of the process step by step, including pictures and passing along tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way. You can find the rest of the series here.Posted by: Ted at 07:43 AM | Comments (39) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
February 14, 2004
Plans for the day
Wife Liz and daughter Rachael are at work today, leaving me alone, which is always a dangerous thing.
I've been thinking about a special dinner for tonight, and slowly gathering ingredients. BeingPosted by: Ted at 02:40 PM | Comments (37) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Cow Superheroes
I just saw a Chick-fil-a ad for their new Cow Superhero calendar, and I want one. Google doesn't find any online yet, so no link.
Posted by: Ted at 02:07 PM | Comments (32) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Romantic Visions (from the guy's point of view)
In the extended entry (work safe).
Posted by: Ted at 07:56 AM | Comments (42) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Windows source code
I can see why Microsoft is upset. Take a look at this!!! Even non-technical types should look it over, it's not as complicated as you'd think.
Posted by: Ted at 07:39 AM | Comments (37) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
February 13, 2004
Since I won't stop and ask directions, I'd better have a good mind map
Found this over at Coyote's Bark.
Your Brain Usage Profile Auditory : 53%I was nodding right along with this up until the indecisiveness bit at the end. I'm decisive when it counts, but I don't feel the need to make every decision in every situation. Easygoing is not the same as indecisive. As for creative, well, I think I am. Wanna see a booger snowman? Talk about creative!
Visual : 46%
Left : 52%
Right : 47% Ted, your hemispheric dominance is equally divided between left and right brain, while you show a moderate preference for auditory versus visual learning, signs of a balanced and flexible person. Your balance gives you the enviable capacity to be verbal and literate while retaining a certain "flair" and individuality. You are logical and compliant but only to a degree. You are organized without being compulsive, goal-directed without being driven, and a "thinking" individual without being excessively so. The one problem you might have is that your learning might not be as efficient as you would like. At times you will work from the specific to the general, while at other times you'll work from the general to the specific. Sometimes you will be logical in your approach while at other times random. Since you cannot always control the choice, you may experience frustrations not normally felt by persons with a more defined and directed learning style. You may also minimally experience conflicts associated with auditory processing. You will be systematic and sequential in your processing of information, you will most often focus on a single dimension of the problem or material, and you will be more reflective, i.e., "taking the data in" as opposed to "devouring" it. Overall, you should feel content with your life and yourself. You are, perhaps, a little too critical of yourself - and of others - while maintaining an "openness" which is redeeming. Indecisiveness is a problem and your creativity is not in keeping with your potential. Being a pragmatist, you downplay this aspect of yourself and focus on the more immediate, the more obvious and the more functional.
Posted by: Ted at 10:16 PM | Comments (37) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
A quote for St. Valentine's Day
Josh: "All I'm saying is, if you were in an accident, I wouldn't stop to get a beer."
Donna: "If you were in an accident, I wouldn't stop for red lights." -- West Wing --Posted by: Ted at 06:37 PM | Comments (36) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
In further Valentine's Day news...
From the inestimable Pixy:
This one is for Susie, Cherry, Jennifer, Mookie, LeeAnn, Roxette, Stevie, Heather, Helen, Linda, Annika and Sarah:I wholeheartedly agree ladies, thank you for making this a nicer and more interesting year. I'd also like to add to that list: Shell, Candy, Carol, Dawn, Min, Margi, Dana, Anna, Lynn, Serenity, Nic, Kelley, Tas, Tink, Dawn, and Denita.
Throw Rocks At Boys
Posted by: Ted at 08:00 AM | Comments (41) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Notice the complete lack of charges pressed
Edmonton Oilers goalie Ty Conklin looked over and saw teammate Mike Bishai trading punches with Serge Aubin from the Atlanta Thrashers' bench. He wanted to watch, but with Thrashers netminder Pasi Nurminen ready to go, Conklin had his own business to take care of. Conklin and Nurminen brawled at center ice to cap a wild brawl late in Edmonton's 5-1 victory the Thrashers on Wednesday night. The melee resulted in 12 fighting majors, 10 game misconducts and two minors for 164 penalty minutes. "It looked like a pretty normal game going into the third period, and then a number of bizarre circumstances created what ended up being great entertainment," Oilers coach Craig MacTavish said.Lifted from Off Wing Opinion, who I found thanks to Nic. And since we're reading a little hockey, check out the Meatriarch's ideas on changes to the current rules. Makes sense to me, except for the last one. But then, nobody will ever mistake me for a little guy.
Posted by: Ted at 07:06 AM | Comments (35) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Another anti-Valentine's day site
Black Hearts Party. Gifts for that 'special' one on your list and much much more.
Posted by: Ted at 06:14 AM | Comments (33) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
It takes a certain mad genius
...and Bunsen has it.
Here he presents a 10-question quiz where each answer is either Courtney Love or Westminster Dog Show Entrant. This reminds me of an old David Letterman Top Ten list , something about "Favorite Body Parts or Van Pattens". The number one answer was "Dick".Posted by: Ted at 05:49 AM | Comments (35) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
February 12, 2004
Dog as deadly force
US military working dogs are of two types (that I know of). There are drug-detection dogs and bomb-detection dogs. Both kinds can do duty as a guard dog, but basically it's taking advantage of their keen senses, the training for the guard role is limited since they focus on their primary function. After the Vietnam conflict, so-called 'sentry' dogs were phased out because they were ultra-agressive and somewhat unpredictable. Military dogs aren't pets, they're tools bred and trained to do a specific job, and turning one loose against someone is considered using 'deadly force'.
I don't know much about police dog training. I suspect that police dogs are taught more in the way of apprehension techniques and keeping a perpetrator at bay and under control. A while back The Meatriarch did a fine two-part series (here and here) on canine breeds who fit the bill if you need serious protection and are prepared to spend the time and effort in order to be a responsible owner to one. Everyone should read these, for informational purposes if nothing else, because the average person does not equate dogs with overwhelming deadly force.Posted by: Ted at 08:37 PM | Comments (38) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Yeah, I own a poodle, what of it?
Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs, and here's the lowdown on why poodle haircuts are so weird, courtesy of Slate, via J-Walk Blog.
An unshorn poodle's thick coat could weigh it down in the water. With the bottom half of its body shaved, the animal was more buoyant and could swim more freely. The long mane and hair around the chest were left intact to keep the poodle's vital organs warm in the cold water, and owners also kept the hair around the joints to protect them from cold and injury and to help prevent rheumatism. Shaving the hair around the face left the poodle's mouth and eyes free so it could fulfill its retrieving responsibilities, and tying the hair on a poodle's head into a "top knot" also kept hair out of its eyes. Owners eventually tied these knots with brightly colored ribbons to help them identify their dogs from afar.See? Manly reasons all.
Posted by: Ted at 11:26 AM | Comments (43) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Team America Rocket Challenge 2004
Yesterday afternoon after work I met with the team of high school students that I'm mentoring for this year. Five city kids - three boys and two girls - who are going to design, build and fly a complex rocket with the hopes of earning scholarship money.
This is a bright and motivated group. They've already settled on their design and will be building two versions, one with balsa fins, and a second with fiberglass fins. Construction started last night, and we also went over some rocketry basics, simple aerodynamics, and I gave a quick demo on the flight simulation software they'll be using. The quickie version of the task they're trying to accomplish is that they have to build and fly a two-stage rocket that will fly as close as possible to 1,250 feet in altitude (measured by an electronic altimeter carried onboard), and get it back. The payload they have to carry aloft is two fresh eggs, and they have to bring them back to earth unbroken. They're competing with almost one thousand other teams from all around the US for scholarship money. The contest is sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association and NASA is heavily involved. Some of the coolest perks from last years contest was for teachers to attend NASA educational workshops, and the top ten teams were given the opportunity to design science experiments that were carried aloft in NASA research rockets. Teams also got to meet shuttle astronauts and Homer Hickam, former NASA engineer and author of Rocket Boys (October Skies). Other guests attending the finals included Senator Enzi from Wyoming (a rocketeer and space proponent), as well as the honchos from NASA and Boeing. For more information and details, please check out the rocketry links over on the right hand column, my Rocketry category, or this post.Posted by: Ted at 08:39 AM | Comments (34) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Blogger Meet
Last evening I had the pleasure of meeting the ultra-fuschia Dawn of Caterwauling. I expect that now she'll comment that her suit was 'dusty rose' or some other girl color - they do that to make us guys look stupid - but it doesn't matter, it looked good.
We shared wonderful conversation over mexican food, and then she treated me to my first ever Starbucks. I'm such a peasant, I ordered a coffee. Good times. I tell you, blogging is the best thing this ol' internet stalker ever got into.Posted by: Ted at 07:08 AM | Comments (39) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Plea
Ladies, when you use your potions in the shower or bath, please Please PLEASE rinse the tub out completely when you're done.
Guys are easy, I have soap, and I have yellow shampoo to wash my hair. Once in a while, for a change Liz gets me the blue shampoo. Simple, eh? The ladies seem to need fourteen bottles and jars of every shape and color and scent, which is ok. Really, as long as you rinse the tub. This morning, I turn on the water, step into the shower, and immediately careen the length of the tub like Sonja Henie on crack until I crash into the far wall. The judges loved the originality, but deducted style points for the cursing. You're going to kill us with crap like this! And if you're trying for that, we don't want to know. For myself, I'm going to stop at Home Depot on the way home and pick up the biggest damn sheets of wet-sand paper I can find, and epoxy them to the floor of the tub. And WD-40 the toilet seats.Posted by: Ted at 05:43 AM | Comments (41) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
February 11, 2004
Airshow related - Flugtag 88
Back in September I wrote a little bit about the Flugtag airshow disaster at Ramstein AB, Germany, and since then I've had the privilege of giving my personal thanks to two of the men who were on the scene and helping out under overwhelming circumstances.
Please follow that link and check out the comments. Regular people doing extraordinary things because it's what needs to be done. About the Google Bait from yesterday: I get the occasional hit from someone searching on 'Flugtag', which is how those two gentlemen found Rocket Jones, so by putting up a couple organization designations and places from my Air Force days, maybe someone I knew back when will stumble across the site and say hi.Posted by: Ted at 07:10 AM | Comments (36) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Movie Review - Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death
This is one of my all-time favorite movies. It pokes fun at everyone and everything, managing to slip from parody to parody without totally falling over the stupid-cliff. In fact, in places it's downright erudite.
The beginning of this movie is reminiscent of the opening of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Well, not really, but work with me here. The story moves right along, where the feminist anthropologist Dr. Hunt (Playboy playmate-of-the-year Shannon Tweed, playing the part almost straight) is coerced by the US Military to enter the dreaded Avocado Jungle of California to search for the mythical Piranha tribe and the missing feminist Dr. Kurtz (Adrienne Barbeau). Cutie Karen Mistal as sidekick Bunny provides airhead relief, and Bill Maher plays the guide. I don't want to give any spoilers, because I really do recommend this movie. LikeDr. Hunt: "Dr Kurtz. I'm unfamiliar with the academic guidelines at Radcliffe, but I would think that any major university would consider warring on the United States and eating prisoners of war a serious breach of ethics." Dr. Kurtz: "Always the cautious scholar, eh Dr. Hunt?"Go on, take a chance. Run out right now and rent this movie. You'll thank me, and if you don't like it, well, then there's just something wrong with you.
Posted by: Ted at 05:09 AM | Comments (41) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
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