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October 27, 2013

Driving In The Texas Panhandle

Stumbled across video while looking at Texas Panhandle tornado videos; I'm not positive, but I'm fairly certain this is east of Amarillo, between there and Panhandle (the town).


If that's where it is, it reminds me of the first time my British friend Helen came over to see me. Her flight was later in the day and by the time we picked up her luggage and got out of town, it was just about sunset and we were right at the same place on the road as in the video.

The traffic was much lighter than in that video and she commented on it. When, after about ten or fifteen minutes,  the second or third car passed us going the other direction in the westbound lane, I joked and said the highway was starting to get busy. She thought I was serious, but I told her it was fairly normal for a weekday, plus the "rush hour" after 5:00 was already over and explained to her about the busy traffic early in the morning and at quitting time at the Pantex Plant and also how many people who worked there or in Amarillo lived in Panhandle or the small communities or clusters of houses nearby, making for a lot more traffic than at the current time of day.

We drove along for a while longer, not saying much and I was amused at her staring out the window at the scenery, such as it was. The landscape along that part of I-40 is apparent in the video; other than power and telephone lines and barbed wire fences and the occasional house, the view stretches nearly unbroken all the way to the horizon, nothing to catch the eye other than a few lights twinkling on top the cell towers.

After several minutes of silence, she said something to me, but I couldn't understand it so I asked her to repeat it. She did so, but I still couldn't understand the word she was using and had to tell her I still couldn't understand what she had said. She repeated it one more time, slower:

"It's. all. so. vahst." Vahst? What is that, I wondered, some sort of British slang?

Then it dawned on me what she was saying...

 VAST.

October 26, 2013

Breaking Bad on Ice

Breaking Ice

yoho


yoho yo-ho [yoh-hoh] interjection, verb, yo-hoed, yo-ho·ing.

interjection

1. (used as a call or shout to attract attention, accompany effort, etc.)

verb (used without object)

2. to shout “yo-ho!”


Lots of things I could say about "yoho", but instead I'll just post this video:

Touch Effects

Touch Effects is an amazing time waster, truly deserving of the label; it is both addictive and mesmerizing.

Easy to begin:  just put your cursor within the field and click the left-hand mouse button.  The tiny balls will begin to ebb and flow and holding the button down and moving your cursor across the screen will create an even larger effect.

Customize the effects by changing from gravity well to magnetic repulsion, particle tethers from off to on, draw mode from rainbows to balls and blur effect from off to on.

I just noticed something odd;  after playing with the game while writing up this post,  I switched tabs back to this one to complete it and it sure looked like the balls were moving in the below screen shot.


October 25, 2013

UK or US?

Where do you belong?

You Belong in Both

You are flexible, easygoing, and adventurous. 

You belong in the USA, UK, and any other country that will have you.

You make yourself at home anywhere, and you don't have any problem adapting to local customs. You blend well.

You love a life full of experiences, and you feel like there are many chapters to your story. You are open to it all.


You may feel a bit more comfortable with certain people or regions, but you don't let yourself get too comfy. For you, it's important to shake things up. 


Fingernails vs Toenails

It can take from three to six month for a fingernail to grow back, but a toenail can take 12-18 months to grow back completely. The growth rate depends upon a number of factors including age, sex, heredity, time of the year, diet and exercise.

October 24, 2013

Stop Watching Us


Great video...on the surface. These Hollywood celebs bring up Nixon, yet say absolutely nothing about the person they were, in a large part, directly responsible for putting into office. You screamed about Bush and the Patriot Act, but are silent about this administration, the one that has vastly expanded these domestic spying programs?

Hypocrites.

Foggy Mountain Breakdown - Earl Scruggs & Friends

Earl Scruggs, banjo - Glen Duncan, fiddle - Randy Scruggs, acoustic guitar - Steve Martin, 2nd banjo solo - Vince Gill, 1st electric guitar solo - Marty Stuart, mandolin - Gary Scruggs, harmonica - Albert Lee, 2nd electric guitar solo - Paul Shaffer, piano - Jerry Douglas, dobro - Leon Russell, organ - Glenn Worf, bass - Harry Stinson, drums



Honestly, it doesn't matter if you're a heavy metal or rap, country or classical music fan, if you weren't tapping your toes by the end of that, you're nearly dead. (or might as well be)

October 23, 2013

Punk'd Puppy

I recently subscribed to the YouTube channel Talking Pets and love it.

October 21, 2013

Louis Braille

Louis Braille was only 15 when he devised his raised-dot writing system for the blind. Braille, who lost his sight at the age of three, started working on the dot patterns when he was 12.


October 19, 2013

The Heisenberg Legacy

Great Breaking Bad tribute.

Warning:  *some* language, violence, drugs

October 18, 2013

Born in a Pile of Leaves

You Should Have Been Born in the Autumn

You are an idealistic but also hard working person. You want to make the world a better place.

It's likely that you have a list of causes that you support - and a plan for advancing all of them.

You are a natural leader and organizer. You naturally sort out chaos and figure out what the first steps are.


You are confident in your abilities, but you also always have a contingency plan. Failure is not an option for you.

You know what you believe, and you are resistant to changing your mind. Others may find you frustratingly stubborn.


If you don't like how something is going, you're likely to take it over. You know you'll do a better job. 



October 17, 2013

blowzy



blowzy blowz·y [blou-zee] adjective, blowz·i·er, blowz·i·est

1. having a coarse, ruddy complexion.
2. disheveled in appearance; unkempt.


My middle name is Blowzy.

Unmarried Priesthood Judgements

I created a post today, but it had quite a few screen shots, so I backdated it so it wouldn't "stretch" out the page. (I prefer the posts closely match the length of the side navbar) The title of this post seems crazy, but check out the post and you'll see why it is.

Crazy Chicken Captions

October 15, 2013

He Left His Mark

After watching the final episode of Breaking Bad several times, I finally noticed something in the last scene, proving once again that the people involved in the show really put a LOT of thought into the tiniest details.

Here's a short video of the ending:



I hadn't noticed that when Walt's bloodstained hand slid down the stainless steel vessel, it had left a distinct "W".



It might have just been an accident, but I don't think so.

October 14, 2013

Haunted Worley Hospital

The Eyes Have It

You Are Whimsical

You are a dreamy, imaginative, and visual person. You paint complete pictures in your mind.

Your daydreams are like movies. You can transport yourself to a time and place that you may or may not have seen before.

You see the world from an upside down, inside out position. You just process everything differently.


Your vivid imagination amplifies everything around you. One small object or occurrence can set off a chain of events in your mind.

The world sees you as highly creative and enigmatic. Many people would like to 'pick your brain', but they don't know where to begin.


People are blown away by the thoughts and ideas you do share with them. No one can wrap their heads around your way of thinking. 



Happy Columbus Day!

The official name of the Niña (one of the three ships of Christopher Columbus) was the Santa Clara. It was common for ships of the time to have both an official religious name and a nickname which sometimes was the feminine form of the owner's name. That was the case with the Santa Clara, whose owner was Juan Niño of Moguer. (the feminine form of his name is Niña)


Graphics courtesy of PhillipMartin.com

October 13, 2013

A Rat By Any Other Name

The Norway rat (commonly called the brown rat), did not originate in Norway, but rather from northern China.  The rats spread to Europe in the 16th century and were transported to North America in the mid-18th century on ships carrying grain from England.  They were named for Norway in the mistaken belief that they had arrived in England aboard Norwegian vessels.

October 11, 2013

snollygoster



snollygoster snol·ly·gos·ter [snol-ee-gos-ter] noun Slang
a clever, unscrupulous person.

I never had heard or seen this word used, but I sure can think of quite a few people to which it could refer.

We've elected many.

John Cazale

John Cazale (August 12, 1935 – March 12, 1978) appeared in only five films in his six-year film career, but each one was nominated for Best Picture. He is the only actor to have this multi-film distinction.


I'm An Open Book

I'm totally against banning books; to ban a classic book such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn because of the "N word" is political correctness run amok. Sure, there are books that aren't age appropriate, but to ban books from the general populace because of what someone else decides should or shouldn't be read smacks of Orwell's 1984 (which is another book that has been banned from certain libraries)

I took this test several days ago and forgot what the other results were;  I'm semi-surprised at my results because I've never seen the movie or read the book (although I intend to) but other than that, the rest of the description fits me.

You Are The Hunger Games

You have a wild imagination, one that is not easily satisfied by run of the mill stories and novels.

You like to be transported to a completely different world. You like to be immersed in a life that is nothing like your own.

You don't mind an outlandish story - in fact, you require it. You prefer a book that's not just about ordinary, every day things.


There's nothing you like better than being lost in a book - especially one with a strong plot and protagonist to root for. 



October 9, 2013

tittup


tittup tit·tup [tit-uhp] noun, verb, tit·tuped, tit·tup·ing or ( especially British ) tit·tupped, tit·tup·ping. Chiefly British noun

1. an exaggerated prancing, bouncing movement or manner of moving. verb (used without object)

2. to move, especially to walk, in an exaggerated prancing or bouncing way, as a spirited horse.


"Chiefly British noun"

Uh, OK.

Droid Factoid

Out of all the actors in the six Star Wars movies, only two have appeared in every movie; Kenny Baker, who played R2-D2 and Anthony Daniels, who played C-3PO.


October 7, 2013

R.I.P. Walter White

Some Breaking Bad fans put this obit in the Albuquerque newspaper:


October 6, 2013

whirligig


whirligig whirl·i·gig [hwur-li-gig, wur-] noun
1. something that whirls or revolves.
2. a whirling motion or course: the whirligig of fashion.
3. a giddy or flighty person.
4. Dialect . a merry-go-round or carrousel.
5. a toy for whirling or spinning, as a top.



Whirligigs have always fascinated me, especially the more complex ones.

October 5, 2013

What Fall Spice Are You?

Not so sure about the "tact" part.

I've bought quite a bit of cinnamon over the last year, prob. more than I'll be able to use before it loses its flavor.  I've got some Saigon cinnamon and Ceylon.  I prefer the Ceylon; the flavor is good, milder than the Vietnamese kind which has a bit of a "bite" to it.  They're both good, I just like the Ceylon better.  I sprinkle a bit on my breakfast oatmeal, not only to add some flavor, but for the health benefits;  it seems to keep my blood sugar in check. (as long as I don't eat a chocolate bar later)

You Are Cinnamon

You are warm and friendly. You are a social creature and a true extrovert.

You are welcoming, and you love to have people over to your place. You make everyone feel at home.

You are sweet, but you aren't overwhelming. You know how to be subtle with people. You have tact.


You love life, and people love to be around you. You are very popular without trying to be. 




Cinnamon - Tommy Roe

Ozymandias

As read by Bryan Cranston

October 4, 2013

End of Breaking Bad

Really clever synopsis of Breaking Bad.

Warning: SPOILERS

Duh.

October 3, 2013

The Piano Trebuchet

One of the best scenes from the hit TV series Northern Exposure. The original intent was to "fling a cow" but this was better.

October 2, 2013

Smart Cow

October 1, 2013

Crazy Chicken Captions

A few months ago I had been on YouTube looking at videos about raising chickens; one of the recommended vids was this one How To Care For Free Range Chickens, done by a lady with a lovely British (I think) accent. I didn't have any problem understanding her, but didn't have the time to watch the video so I clicked on the "Watch Later" button...but instead, I hit the "Closed Captions" button. What I saw after that was hilarious. Here's the introduction:
Huh? It gets funnier.

As I said, I didn't have any trouble understanding her accent, but apparently the caption software did.


Where did they get THAT?

Gas mask?


Politics gets inserted into EVERYTHING these days!

That was only a few of the more hilarious captions.


Mr. Potato Head

In 1952 Mr. Potato Head became the first toy advertised on TV.

I'm a Wiseguy

I'd say inscrutably so, but that would be racist in this context.

You Are Wise

You are very curious about the world, and you like to investigate as much of it as you possibly can.

You enjoy being alone, and the role of detached observer serves you well. You enjoy sitting back and making observations.

You are very perceptive and thoughtful. 


You shy away from intense experiences because there's plenty of intensity in your own mind.

You may have a very sharp mind, but you also have a gentle heart. You treat everyone with compassion and kindness.


September 30, 2013

contrail

contrail con·trail [kon-treyl] noun

a visible condensation of water droplets or ice crystals from the atmosphere, occurring in the wake of an aircraft, rocket, or missile under certain conditions.



That's what it means to most people, but it means something else to "certain"other people.


Line Of Fire - Junip

One of the songs featured in the last episode of Breaking Bad.

Goodbye

To the best - IMHO - television show ever. I'll write more about it in a few days...after I go through withdrawal.


September 28, 2013

Hector's Bell

If you're a fan of the AMC show Breaking Bad, you'll find this funny. If you've never seen it...well, you've missed out on an excellent show.

Click the bell to make it ring; click it several times and you'll be treated to a video of the scene in "Face Off", the last show of the fourth season of the award-winning series.

WARNING:  Spoilers and certainly not for the squeamish!

Hector's Bell

September 27, 2013

No-Brainer Results

You Are a Right Brained Learner

You are a great learner, but you definitely learn on your own terms. You need to be able to do things the way you want to.

You aren't the type to sit down and read a textbook cover to cover. Instead, you learn in fits and spurts. Your learning is random.

If you are motivated by interest in a subject, then you learn better than almost anyone else. But if you're bored, forget it.


You need to figure out a way to make every subject interesting and relevant to you. And by doing so, you learn very creatively and intuitively. 


Archetypes

Archetypes is an interesting new* concept in social networking.

An archetype, according to the website, “is a pattern of behavior. It explains who you are and how you engage with the world around you.” The archetypes listed on their website are Creative, Athlete, Rebel, Caregiver, Visionary, Queen/Executive, Spiritual, Fashionista, Advocate, and Intellectual.

Discover an entire universe tailored specifically to your unique blend of archetypes. You'll be able to find new things, make new friends, find old friends and share all the things you love.

From The Concept page: Once you know your archetypes, the world becomes much easier to navigate. Based on your archetypes, you can make more inspired choices about everything from relationships to excelling at work to choosing a piece of clothing. Through the prism of those archetypes, the world is clearer. You can live a truly empowered life knowing which doors you should walk through and which are best left unopened. Knowing your archetypes gives you the vocabulary to help you understand yourself and others better.

*I'm not for sure when the site came into being; if one of the archetypes was "procrastination", then that would fit me because the date on the saved URL was back in early February of this year and I just never got around to working up this post.  Here are my results from the quiz, but I bet if I took it again, it would be different - almost every quiz I take and then re-take is that way.



Archetypes

September 25, 2013

Staggering Beauty

WARNING: Flashing Images (That's what the site says, but it bears repeating. I'm not sure if any epileptics visit this blog, but I sure wouldn't want anyone to suffer a seizure from one of my time wasters posts)

"Staggering Beauty" isn't the name I would give to this time waster, but I didn't make it, so.... The page appears to have been created in Asia, so maybe "Staggering Beauty" means something altogether different than it does in the West. Here's what you see when you enter the page:


I know what you're thinking, and I did too, only I'd have added "blinking" to the description. (because the "thing's" eyes blink every now and then) Move your cursor and the "thing" sways with it, sort of like a cobra in a basket. Ahem.  After a little while, a message will appear "Shake vigorously".  Ahem, again.  Move your cursor rapidly and the magic happens. (another "ahem" here would be overkill)

That's about it.  Check it out for yourself.

Staggering Beauty

September 23, 2013

My Autumn Sense

This was a fun quiz to take, but also a little difficult because I could have chosen not only the answer I eventually did, but one or two others as well. I don't really associate too many sounds with fall except for the roar of the crowd and the band and loudspeaker noise from the nearby h.s. football stadium on autumn Friday nights.  If there had been a question about the sound of geese and cranes migrating back south to their winter grounds, it might have swayed it to sense of sound. That sound always makes me a little melancholy, knowing that winter isn't too far behind the high-flying migratory fowl...and wishing I could fly south with them. (although I'd have to take Southwest Airlines!) 

The results are probably correct for me, though, because I most associate Halloween and Thanksgiving with eating...even though these days I don't eat anything special on those holidays as I used to do, especially when my mom was alive.  Now it's just a few dollar store marked down candy bars the day after Halloween and a turkey and dressing TV dinner while I watch the football games on Thanksgiving.

And that's another thing that made it a little difficult for me. My mom passed away nine yrs. ago this week. -sigh-  I don't think a day has gone by that I haven't thought of her at least once.

Your Autumn Sense is Taste

It's pretty simple... you love fall because it's the most delicious time of the year.

From Halloween candy to Thanksgiving leftovers, there's always a culinary treat right around the corner for you.

You also enjoy the smaller seasonal foods of fall - a pumpkin latte, apple crisp, or butternut squash soup.


You wait all year for your fall food favorites to return, and you're going to savor every single one of them!