April 26, 2013
April 25, 2013
URL Change
A few hours ago I purchased the domain "topoftexasgazette.com". Blogger will redirect to it, but if you want, you can change your bookmarks to the dot com URL.
I'm not for sure if the few reader feeds this blog has will change.
I'm going ahead with the Blogger platform because it's user-friendly (read: simple for a doofus like me) and I didn't want to pay for hosting. I might change that in the future, but will stick with Blogger for the time being.
Some other things have changed; the Feedjit feed quit working, even though I changed the URL after I signed into my Feedjit account. I put in a new module, but for some reason the colors and width of the module didn't come out the way I wanted, so I will "work" on that sometime soon. It's an interesting feature, but not necessary.
Also, the ToTG Trivia scoreboard module quit working, but it wasn't working earlier before the URL change. I will also see if I can fix that, but if not, I will just create a link in the right-hand nav-bar for those who like to play the quiz that way. Until then, the URL is ToTG Trivia Tournament
Other than that, I don't see many other changes. I'm thinking of using AdSense, but OTOH, I doubt I'd see much money from it, seeing as how there's only a few dozen unique hits each day and probably isn't worth the hassle. We'll see...I might try it for a while. The domain cost only ten bucks, so it's not as though I have anything other than time tied up in this site.
I've read articles about making money with a blog, but I also have read that people who make a profit off their blogs are few and far between. I follow some food blogs/sites in my reader and one woman said she had just started turning a profit after 6+ years of blogging. She hinted at the time she had spent and I did some quick calculations and figured she was making about a dollar an hour. My time isn't worth much, but it's worth more than that. (one of the reasons I follow her blog in my reader instead of bookmarking it and visiting it daily is because of the multiple and obtrusive ads she has on her pages.)
The URL is longer than I wanted, but someone already had purchased "totg.com". It's not being used, but is for sale for $8875.
Yeah, sure. I'll get that out of my piggy bank.
I'm going ahead with the Blogger platform because it's user-friendly (read: simple for a doofus like me) and I didn't want to pay for hosting. I might change that in the future, but will stick with Blogger for the time being.
Some other things have changed; the Feedjit feed quit working, even though I changed the URL after I signed into my Feedjit account. I put in a new module, but for some reason the colors and width of the module didn't come out the way I wanted, so I will "work" on that sometime soon. It's an interesting feature, but not necessary.
Also, the ToTG Trivia scoreboard module quit working, but it wasn't working earlier before the URL change. I will also see if I can fix that, but if not, I will just create a link in the right-hand nav-bar for those who like to play the quiz that way. Until then, the URL is ToTG Trivia Tournament
Other than that, I don't see many other changes. I'm thinking of using AdSense, but OTOH, I doubt I'd see much money from it, seeing as how there's only a few dozen unique hits each day and probably isn't worth the hassle. We'll see...I might try it for a while. The domain cost only ten bucks, so it's not as though I have anything other than time tied up in this site.
I've read articles about making money with a blog, but I also have read that people who make a profit off their blogs are few and far between. I follow some food blogs/sites in my reader and one woman said she had just started turning a profit after 6+ years of blogging. She hinted at the time she had spent and I did some quick calculations and figured she was making about a dollar an hour. My time isn't worth much, but it's worth more than that. (one of the reasons I follow her blog in my reader instead of bookmarking it and visiting it daily is because of the multiple and obtrusive ads she has on her pages.)
The URL is longer than I wanted, but someone already had purchased "totg.com". It's not being used, but is for sale for $8875.
Yeah, sure. I'll get that out of my piggy bank.
April 24, 2013
Number 4 Me
| Your Expression Number is 4 |
 Practical and down to earth - everything in your life is organized. You are a great writer and teacher. You never forget a detail. Very patient, you have the ability to cultivate talents in difficult fields. You also tend to have an artistic side. You'd make a great architect or classical musician. You face your responsibilities with a positive attitude - and you always get things done. You are serious, sincere, honest, and faithful. Sometimes your strong sense of responsibility leads to frustration. You also tend to develop strong likes and dislikes, which border on dogmatism. At your worst, you can be a dominant disciplinarian. |
Mammal Munches Much in Milliseconds
Did you know the Star-nosed mole is the fastest eating mammal? According to Nature Journal, the animal can identify and eat a piece of prey in 120 milliseconds.
That's almost as fast as one of my sisters used to eat.
Looks a bit like her, too.
That's almost as fast as one of my sisters used to eat.
Looks a bit like her, too.
Just a Quick Note
To say if I don't post for a while, it's because the power keeps going out. I've also had problems w/ my internet connection. I'm just waiting to see if it sorts itself out because I've done everything here on my end that I can. I've run a troubleshooting tool, changed settings (and changed them back), rebooted the modem and done the ubiquitous "clear cache and cookies". I KNOW it's not on my end, but AT&T refuses to admit that there's something wrong on THEIR end. No, they'd rather go through the sham of sending someone out and then charging me for a visit.
Oddly enough, the connection plays up at nearly the same times every day...that's why I don't think it's anything to do with my wiring. Sick of it, wish I had never "upgraded" my connection because the old DSL, while slower, was much, much, much, much more reliable.
/rant off (but to be continued)
Oddly enough, the connection plays up at nearly the same times every day...that's why I don't think it's anything to do with my wiring. Sick of it, wish I had never "upgraded" my connection because the old DSL, while slower, was much, much, much, much more reliable.
/rant off (but to be continued)
April 22, 2013
Hung Up On Spam
I had high hopes that this wasn't spam, then realized it had to be someone who didn't know me...at least not in "that way".
April 21, 2013
It's a Long Way to the Top - AC/DC
(If You Wanna Rock and Roll)
Originally posted on 6/28/08. I was looking to see what a recent visitor had come in to see and noticed the video had been taken down by YouTube. Was easy enough to find another one; would be a shame to not have this video in my blog!
(had to replace the last video again - hope this one stays up a while)
Originally posted on 6/28/08. I was looking to see what a recent visitor had come in to see and noticed the video had been taken down by YouTube. Was easy enough to find another one; would be a shame to not have this video in my blog!
(had to replace the last video again - hope this one stays up a while)
The Eyeballing Game
From the website:
The best way to figure out how the game works is to simply play it.
The game works by showing you a series of geometries that need to be adjusted a little bit to make them right. A square highlights the point that needs to be moved or adjusted. Use the mouse to drag the blue square or arrowhead where you feel it is 'right'. Once you let go of the mouse, the computer evaluates your move, so don't let up on the mouse button until you are sure. The 'correct' geometry is also shown in green, so you can see where you went wrong.
You will be presented with each challenge three times. The table to the right shows how you did on each challenge each time.
Here are my scores:
The odd thing was I got worse in several categories as I played the game.
The Eyeballing Game
$5 Worth of Food
How much food can you buy for $5 around the world? (Personally, I've never considered beer to be a food, but *some* do, I suppose.)
Interesting look at the different food prices. I was surprised at the cheaper ground beef price in the U.K.
Interesting look at the different food prices. I was surprised at the cheaper ground beef price in the U.K.
April 20, 2013
A Sweet Quiz
| You Are Sweet Because You're Brilliant |
 You are a natural strategist. You always like to formulate a plan of attack. You are brainy and you love difficult intellectual challenges. You don't shy away from difficulty. You are original and independent. You're making your own trends and carving your own path. |
Stamp Out Fakes!
Did you know the Statue of Liberty depicted on the "forever" stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service in 2010 wasn't the real statue, but the replica outside the New York, New York Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada?
The one on the left is the one on the stamp, the face of the replica in Vegas; the one on the right is the face on the real statue.
The one on the left is the one on the stamp, the face of the replica in Vegas; the one on the right is the face on the real statue.
April 18, 2013
They Love Me, They Love Me Not
If we love our country, we should also love our countrymen.
- Ronald Reagan
(image courtesy of The Caricature Zone)
Sorry, RR. That's impossible.
To be fair, I bet he said this before internet forums and msg. boards were even dreamed of.
Flying Through Batman Cave
Wingsuit / BASE-jump athlete Alexander Polli does the never before done—a tactical flight through a narrow cave on a rugged mountainside. The flight starts with a jump from a hovering helicopter, Alexander reaches speeds of 250 km/h (155 mph) while following a precise trajectory leading to the cave opening, he then fully commits and flies directly through the narrow opening of the "Batman Cave!"
Shot in full HD, this extraordinary flight exceeds the level of commitment most fliers would ever consider—there can be no attempting, the only option is success! The narrow cave, no wider than Alexander is tall, is located in Roca Foradada Mountains in Montserrat, Spain—a location that has inspired this professional Italian Norwegian athlete's flying dream his whole life. Alexander hopes his success will inspire others not only to 'climb over their mountains,' but to also fly right through them!
Shot in full HD, this extraordinary flight exceeds the level of commitment most fliers would ever consider—there can be no attempting, the only option is success! The narrow cave, no wider than Alexander is tall, is located in Roca Foradada Mountains in Montserrat, Spain—a location that has inspired this professional Italian Norwegian athlete's flying dream his whole life. Alexander hopes his success will inspire others not only to 'climb over their mountains,' but to also fly right through them!
April 17, 2013
Time Travel - THE BUSEY ZONE
A few weeks ago, one of my cousins posted a quote from Gary Busey on her Facebook wall. I forget what the quote was, but it was one of those bits of wit from Busey that would make someone think he's a deep thinking philosopher.
Now, I like Busey...at least, I've liked his acting. I can't say that I know the man other than his appearances on Celebrity Apprentice or Celebrity Rehab or the interviews with him. He did a lot of drugs earlier in his life and had a horrible motorcycle injury that resulted in him nearly losing his life and in which he sustained some severe brain trauma. I don't want to diss the man, but I will admit I think he's a strange duck.
I noticed he had a YouTube channel and I subscribed to it. I haven't watched all of his posted videos, but I've watched a few and started a few more but didn't manage to finish them. Most of them are along this vein.
Now, I like Busey...at least, I've liked his acting. I can't say that I know the man other than his appearances on Celebrity Apprentice or Celebrity Rehab or the interviews with him. He did a lot of drugs earlier in his life and had a horrible motorcycle injury that resulted in him nearly losing his life and in which he sustained some severe brain trauma. I don't want to diss the man, but I will admit I think he's a strange duck.
I noticed he had a YouTube channel and I subscribed to it. I haven't watched all of his posted videos, but I've watched a few and started a few more but didn't manage to finish them. Most of them are along this vein.
One Thing is Certain
Since I've been online, the level of discourse has degraded to appalling levels. I used to frequent a lot of political forums, starting in MSN Groups and then elsewhere. Most sites have filters that catch most of the vulgar language, but people have learned to bypass them by substituting characters or blank spaces. Other sites have active moderators that delete the worst posts, especially those with violence or obscenities, but far too often some manage to get past the censors.
YouTube is just about the worst and it seems to be up to the person who uploaded the video to police the comments section. Some care, some don't. I had an extension for Firefox that blocked all comments, but it quit working with one of the latest updates for that browser. I've learned to just watch the video and ignore the comments, lest I have an otherwise good experience spoiled for me.
One site that does a pretty good job of deleting nasty comments is IMdB.com, the movie/television review site. Still, even without obscene words, it has to be one of the rudest forums on the 'net. Religion or politics gets inserted into nearly every thread, it seems, even if the movie has absolutely nothing to do with either of those two subjects.
I wish I could give the URL to one instance I saw a few months ago, but I either didn't save it or accidentally deleted it in one of my periodic "cleanings" of files on my computer. I did save part of the conversation, though, in a Notepad file named "Stupid Sh*t". The person was blathering on about religious messages in some movie (I've forgotten which one) and after rambling on for several paragraphs, he closed with:
"BTW, I'm agnotick."
I wanted to reply, but didn't. Others took him to task, though but strangely enough, not for his fractured sentence structure and poor spelling but for misinterpreting the movie's message. I wanted to say to him: "First of all, it's "agnostic". Second place, it's one thing to be agnostic (OR agnotick) but there's really no sense posting on forums if you're functionally illiterate." One thing was certain, though...he's a dumbass.
YouTube is just about the worst and it seems to be up to the person who uploaded the video to police the comments section. Some care, some don't. I had an extension for Firefox that blocked all comments, but it quit working with one of the latest updates for that browser. I've learned to just watch the video and ignore the comments, lest I have an otherwise good experience spoiled for me.
One site that does a pretty good job of deleting nasty comments is IMdB.com, the movie/television review site. Still, even without obscene words, it has to be one of the rudest forums on the 'net. Religion or politics gets inserted into nearly every thread, it seems, even if the movie has absolutely nothing to do with either of those two subjects.
I wish I could give the URL to one instance I saw a few months ago, but I either didn't save it or accidentally deleted it in one of my periodic "cleanings" of files on my computer. I did save part of the conversation, though, in a Notepad file named "Stupid Sh*t". The person was blathering on about religious messages in some movie (I've forgotten which one) and after rambling on for several paragraphs, he closed with:
"BTW, I'm agnotick."
I wanted to reply, but didn't. Others took him to task, though but strangely enough, not for his fractured sentence structure and poor spelling but for misinterpreting the movie's message. I wanted to say to him: "First of all, it's "agnostic". Second place, it's one thing to be agnostic (OR agnotick) but there's really no sense posting on forums if you're functionally illiterate." One thing was certain, though...he's a dumbass.
My Soul is a Desert
I'd hope it would be "dessert", but since all the options were desert scenes in this image quiz....
| Your Darkness is Your Soul's Secret |
 To most people, you seem full of light and joy. You're the first one to smile or say something optimistic. You put on a brave face for your friends, the family, and the world. You try to make the best of bad situations. You keep your darkness a secret because you don't want to burden others with your problems. They have enough to handle as is. You feel like your problems and struggles are for you to deal with. Everyone has them. What makes yours special? If your darkness was less of a secret, people would be surprised to know what you've been struggling with... and that you're just like them. You may burden others by revealing the darker parts of your soul, but you'd be unburdening yourself a lot more in return. |
StarRSS
Turn any site's RSS feed into a Star Wars style reader with StarRSS . Get the URL site feed for your favorite website and plug it in and hit "Enter". The latest posts will appear in a Star Wars-type scroll complete with the opening theme music and each title is a valid link.
Practical? Not really. Fun? Loads!
Here's what ToTG's site feed looks like:
Or you can check it out yourself!
StarRSS
Practical? Not really. Fun? Loads!
Here's what ToTG's site feed looks like:
Or you can check it out yourself!
StarRSS
April 14, 2013
She's Not There - The Zombies
Originally published 5/2/09, but I noticed the video had been taken down.
Dear Dave
I was cleaning out my Gmail spam folder just now and found this:
Dave Dawes david007@hotmail.com
Good day,
I am Dave Dawes, My wife and I won the biggest Euro Millions lottery prize and we just commenced our Charity Donation and we will be giving out a cash donation to five(5)lucky individuals and ten(10)charity organisations from any part of the world. To verify the genuineness of this email and our winnings, please see our interview by visiting the web page below;
>Link<
Your email address was submitted to my wife and I by the Google Management Team and you received this email because we have listed you as one of the lucky millionaires, To file your claim, Kindly send us the following details Name: () Age: ()Contact address: ()Telephone: ()Occupation: () Present Country: ()
Congratulations & Happy Celebrations in Advance,
Dave & Angela Dawes
Email: daveandangeladawes65@yahoo.com.hk
Gee, thanks for thinking of me, "Dave". I'd be delighted if you shared your new-found wealth with me, but I'm a little concerned about a few things: The first one is that I see that's a valid story and "you" are giving away part of your £101m jackpot, but the story is dated over two and a half years ago. Surely you're not having problems giving the money away? Why would the "Google Management Team" want ME to have any of your money? I don't know any of them and I'm sure they don't know me; I'm just one in many, many millions of Gmail users.
Also, why is it the mail supposedly comes from a Hotmail address and in your closing, you give a Yahoo one? Looking at the source of the email, I see it originates from a mail.astrobl.ru domain. If you live in the UK, then why is the mail coming from Russia? There's also a "spf=softfail" in the source and a quick bit of research tells me that means the mail is coming from somewhere other than the stated email address. It's spoofed, in other words.
So, "Dave", I'm thinkin' your name is closer to "Dmitry" than it is "Dave. Whatever it is, you're a rotten thievin' Ruskie. I hope the authorities catch you, try and convict you and send you to Siberia for ten years at hard labor and hopefully you'll get frostbite on your private parts.
Then you can change your name to Dave Rotchacockoff.
Dave Dawes david007@hotmail.com
Good day,
I am Dave Dawes, My wife and I won the biggest Euro Millions lottery prize and we just commenced our Charity Donation and we will be giving out a cash donation to five(5)lucky individuals and ten(10)charity organisations from any part of the world. To verify the genuineness of this email and our winnings, please see our interview by visiting the web page below;
>Link<
Your email address was submitted to my wife and I by the Google Management Team and you received this email because we have listed you as one of the lucky millionaires, To file your claim, Kindly send us the following details Name: () Age: ()Contact address: ()Telephone: ()Occupation: () Present Country: ()
Congratulations & Happy Celebrations in Advance,
Dave & Angela Dawes
Email: daveandangeladawes65@yahoo.com.hk
Gee, thanks for thinking of me, "Dave". I'd be delighted if you shared your new-found wealth with me, but I'm a little concerned about a few things: The first one is that I see that's a valid story and "you" are giving away part of your £101m jackpot, but the story is dated over two and a half years ago. Surely you're not having problems giving the money away? Why would the "Google Management Team" want ME to have any of your money? I don't know any of them and I'm sure they don't know me; I'm just one in many, many millions of Gmail users.
Also, why is it the mail supposedly comes from a Hotmail address and in your closing, you give a Yahoo one? Looking at the source of the email, I see it originates from a mail.astrobl.ru domain. If you live in the UK, then why is the mail coming from Russia? There's also a "spf=softfail" in the source and a quick bit of research tells me that means the mail is coming from somewhere other than the stated email address. It's spoofed, in other words.
So, "Dave", I'm thinkin' your name is closer to "Dmitry" than it is "Dave. Whatever it is, you're a rotten thievin' Ruskie. I hope the authorities catch you, try and convict you and send you to Siberia for ten years at hard labor and hopefully you'll get frostbite on your private parts.
Then you can change your name to Dave Rotchacockoff.
April 12, 2013
E-Mail Bug
From the 
archives:
I found this bug in the last email you sent. I'm sending it back.
Please be more careful next time.
archives:I found this bug in the last email you sent. I'm sending it back.
Please be more careful next time.
April 11, 2013
Vote For Bush!
I was reading an article about George and Laura Bush's daughter Jenna having a baby shower thrown for her by her TV co-workers, then noticed a "Which Bush is your favorite?" poll on the side, so I voted. I know OF Billy Bush and the band Bush, but can't claim to have listened to the show of the former and couldn't name a tune by the latter. Of course, I know about the two presidents Bush and knew about Jenna and her fraternal twin sister Barbara from the news stories* that came out when their father first became President.
I thought about the vote for a little bit, then went ahead and clicked on George W. Bush, what the heck. I voted for him twice before, why not three times? According to half of America, I'm responsible for the country's ills because I did vote for him the first two times.
*I remember a story about the Bush twins getting arrested twice for minor in possession (of alcohol) within a few weeks and not long after that, Jenna getting busted for trying to use a fake I.D. as so to buy alcohol. I remember making a joke at the time that the U.S. could probably reduce the deficit just by selling the twin's empties.
I thought about the vote for a little bit, then went ahead and clicked on George W. Bush, what the heck. I voted for him twice before, why not three times? According to half of America, I'm responsible for the country's ills because I did vote for him the first two times.
*I remember a story about the Bush twins getting arrested twice for minor in possession (of alcohol) within a few weeks and not long after that, Jenna getting busted for trying to use a fake I.D. as so to buy alcohol. I remember making a joke at the time that the U.S. could probably reduce the deficit just by selling the twin's empties.
April 10, 2013
Yolo, Fomo, or Jomo?
| You Are YOLO |
 Your personal motto can best be described as YOLO: 'You Only Live Once' You believe in living large and taking risks. You don't want to regret what you didn't do in life. You have a great attitude, and you live consciously. You don't want to waste a single moment or day. Unlike how most people imagine YOLO, you aren't a reckless partier. You just live life on your terms. You are open and eager to experience new things. You often get others to consider new possibilities. You're the type who may change the world without even trying to. Just by being you, you inspire others and create greatness. |
I'm a little suprised I was YOLO, esp. after this post.
OTOH, maybe there's something to it.
Paranoia
I was checking the status of my refund earlier today and decided to read then take a screen shot of the warming that pops up before you can proceed on the site. I've seen the same thing when looking at the Top Ten Most Wanted on the FBI site as well as trying to look up something on the official White House website.
Nothing new here, folks, move along. Y'know, you're really not paranoid if someone really IS watching you.
The word paranoia always reminds me of this tune:
Destroyer - The Kinks
"Paranoia, the destroyer"
Nothing new here, folks, move along. Y'know, you're really not paranoid if someone really IS watching you.
The word paranoia always reminds me of this tune:
Destroyer - The Kinks
"Paranoia, the destroyer"
April 6, 2013
Be My Baby - The Ronettes
Whoever uploaded the video set it to "private", sorry 'bout that if you came in via a search. It's easier for me to just leave a note and delete the embed code than it would be to go back into the archives and delete the post.
April 5, 2013
The Human Piano
After going to all that trouble, I would have hoped he would have put together something classical, like Für Elise or Moonlight Sonata or even gone the rock direction with "It's a Long Way to the Top" or "Smoke on the Water", but the theme to Super Mario Brothers?
April 4, 2013
Heaven on Earth
| Your Heaven on Earth is a Sandy Beach |
 When you travel, you're not just looking to relax - you're looking to check out completely. And nothing takes you away from your normal life more than a sandy beach, with the ocean crashing around you. You love the feeling of the sun on your skin, and you're always up for a little bit of swimming or splashing. Bonus points if you can stay at an all inclusive resort where your every whim and desire is catered to. Consider a classic beach destination like Hawaii or the Greek islands for your next vacation. And of course, a luxury hotel. Or if you want to mix things up a bit, pick a smaller island or a remote part of Asia. Then you'll get a beach to yourself! |
It really would be heavenly if that cute girl was on the beach with me.
Hacker Typer
Want to amaze your friends and/or freak out your enemies? (or vice versa?)
Keep Hacker Typer bookmarked on your computer and when you want to amaze/freak out someone, just open it up and tell them something like "I'm going to hack into the Pentagon." and start flailing away at the keyboard like a drunken monkey. It doesn't matter what you type, just do it furiously with purpose (maybe bite your lip in an absent-minded way to mimic concentration) and the screen will look like this:
Wanna REALLY freak 'em out? Tell them you've discovered a back door to Facebook and you're going to change their profile to read something creepy like "I'm a BIG fan of Charles Manson" or that they love Justin Bieber...unless they're really a fan of him, then what's really creepy is that they are a friend of yours.
Hacker Typer
Keep Hacker Typer bookmarked on your computer and when you want to amaze/freak out someone, just open it up and tell them something like "I'm going to hack into the Pentagon." and start flailing away at the keyboard like a drunken monkey. It doesn't matter what you type, just do it furiously with purpose (maybe bite your lip in an absent-minded way to mimic concentration) and the screen will look like this:
Wanna REALLY freak 'em out? Tell them you've discovered a back door to Facebook and you're going to change their profile to read something creepy like "I'm a BIG fan of Charles Manson" or that they love Justin Bieber...unless they're really a fan of him, then what's really creepy is that they are a friend of yours.
Hacker Typer
Cursor Invisible
How good is your hand-eye coordination? How about when your eye can't see what the hand is doing?
Try this fun game Cursor Invisible. Click the start button, then start clicking the circles. After a few seconds, your cursor will go invisible and you have to keep trying to accurately click on the circles. The game continues as long as you successfully click on a circle but ends when you miss.
I just played a half-dozen times and my last (and best) score was 43.
Cursor Invisible
Try this fun game Cursor Invisible. Click the start button, then start clicking the circles. After a few seconds, your cursor will go invisible and you have to keep trying to accurately click on the circles. The game continues as long as you successfully click on a circle but ends when you miss.
I just played a half-dozen times and my last (and best) score was 43.
Cursor Invisible
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