amphigory noun [am-fi-gawr-ee,-gohr-ee]
1. a meaningless or nonsensical piece of writing, especially one intended as a parody.
That would describe just about everything I write in this blog.
October 5, 2015
amphigory
amphigory noun [am-fi-gawr-ee,-gohr-ee]
1. a meaningless or nonsensical piece of writing, especially one intended as a parody.
That would describe just about everything I write in this blog.
October 4, 2015
Sneaky CAPTCHA
I don't know what possessed me to do it, but I was intrigued by a headline "Just WHAT did Justin Bieber mean?" so I clicked on the link. I read the article, then saw two comments beneath it. One said something like "Oh, leave him alone! He's a young man and I bet YOU said things when you were his age!!!!!"
I thought to myself "Well, yeah....I "said things" when I was his age, but nothing so stupid and I didn't have an entourage, millions of screaming teenybopper girl fans and a zillion bucks, either." I clicked the "down vote" on that comment and I clicked the "up vote" on the reply. To be honest, I forget what the reply was - it was clever, though - and I have already forgotten all of the things Bieber had attributed to him. I'm not a fan of either the young man or his music, so if you have an objection to that...well, sue me...or stick it in your ear, either one works for me.
But, the funny thing was I guess the site had some kind of script that doesn't allow for such quick voting on the comments and when I upvoted the reply, I got this:
Stick it in your ear, CAPTCHA. Don't tell me YOU'RE a Bieber fan!
I really shouldn't make fun of Justin Bieber; after all, he's someone's daughter.
I thought to myself "Well, yeah....I "said things" when I was his age, but nothing so stupid and I didn't have an entourage, millions of screaming teenybopper girl fans and a zillion bucks, either." I clicked the "down vote" on that comment and I clicked the "up vote" on the reply. To be honest, I forget what the reply was - it was clever, though - and I have already forgotten all of the things Bieber had attributed to him. I'm not a fan of either the young man or his music, so if you have an objection to that...well, sue me...or stick it in your ear, either one works for me.
But, the funny thing was I guess the site had some kind of script that doesn't allow for such quick voting on the comments and when I upvoted the reply, I got this:
I really shouldn't make fun of Justin Bieber; after all, he's someone's daughter.
October 3, 2015
October 2, 2015
October 1, 2015
Box Clever - Simon's Cat
I've lived this before. All I had to do was get the carry crate out and ol' Beej would take off and hide.
September 30, 2015
A Trivia Pearl
Oysters change their gender at least once in their lifetimes. All oysters start off as male, but most change permanently to female by the time they are a year old. Their reproductive organs produce both sperm and eggs, and they can change gender at will. It is technically possible, therefore, for an oyster to fertilize its own eggs.
September 29, 2015
Nothing On TV
Well, nothing on one of the TV sites I sometimes like to use to find programs that aren't available to me. I was looking for A Season of Notre Dame Football, but the search results at CouchTuner gave me this:
When I read that, this scene from Star Wars popped into my head:
Left or Right?
No, not talking about your political views, but telling one from the other.
Just last night I was lying down to watch some programs on my tablet; I plugged in my earphone "buds" into it, then pulled one side close to my eye so I could see if the tiny letter said "L" or "R". The first one said "R" and I stuck it in my ear...
My LEFT ear. I realized my mistake when I put the "L" one into my right ear. They're molded a little differently to better fit the slant of the ear canal and don't fit correctly if reversed. Annoyed, I switched them and turned on the tablet. I caught up on some programs, then fell asleep with the buds in my ears. At least I didn't roll over on my tablet like I've done in the past.
I get up this morning, make some coffee and rub the inside of my ear where the bud had irritated it because I slept on that side, sat down at the computer and tore off yesterday's entry on my trivia calendar and found this for today:
"One out of 4 adults can't tell their left from their right."
Hmmm....I usually don't have any trouble, but will admit to a few cases where I've had to think about it...last night's mix up wasn't typical, though. A quick search on the Internet showed that bit of trivia to be true.
There's even a test: Right - Left Confusion?
This probably explains why *some* people have trouble learning to march in the military. Not this bunch, though.
Just last night I was lying down to watch some programs on my tablet; I plugged in my earphone "buds" into it, then pulled one side close to my eye so I could see if the tiny letter said "L" or "R". The first one said "R" and I stuck it in my ear...
My LEFT ear. I realized my mistake when I put the "L" one into my right ear. They're molded a little differently to better fit the slant of the ear canal and don't fit correctly if reversed. Annoyed, I switched them and turned on the tablet. I caught up on some programs, then fell asleep with the buds in my ears. At least I didn't roll over on my tablet like I've done in the past.
I get up this morning, make some coffee and rub the inside of my ear where the bud had irritated it because I slept on that side, sat down at the computer and tore off yesterday's entry on my trivia calendar and found this for today:
"One out of 4 adults can't tell their left from their right."
Hmmm....I usually don't have any trouble, but will admit to a few cases where I've had to think about it...last night's mix up wasn't typical, though. A quick search on the Internet showed that bit of trivia to be true.
There's even a test: Right - Left Confusion?
This probably explains why *some* people have trouble learning to march in the military. Not this bunch, though.
September 28, 2015
September 27, 2015
September 26, 2015
Red Hair is Really Rare
According to the National Institutes of Health, only 2% or less of the world's population has red hair. Red hair is associated with the gene MC1R, a recessive and somewhat rare gene and both parents must carry a copy of the gene to produce a red-haired child and often the trait skips generations. Rarest of all are redheads with blue eyes; the majority have brown eyes or hazel or green shades.
Ireland has the highest per capita percentage of redheads in the world -- anywhere from 10 to 30 percent, according to Eupedia, a website that explores European genetics and ancestry. They are almost equally prevalent in Scotland and other pockets of Celtic pride. A slightly lower percentage hail from Cornwall in England and western parts of Switzerland.
Ireland has the highest per capita percentage of redheads in the world -- anywhere from 10 to 30 percent, according to Eupedia, a website that explores European genetics and ancestry. They are almost equally prevalent in Scotland and other pockets of Celtic pride. A slightly lower percentage hail from Cornwall in England and western parts of Switzerland.
How Do You Live the Good Life?
| You Live in the Present Moment |
 You try to live in the here and now. You are fully aware and focused on what's happening. You figure the past is gone and can't be changed. And the future isn't here yet. You don't overthink or overreact. You try to just be. What is most important is what's going on in this moment. You find a lot of freedom in letting go of memories and worries. You are unburdened by life's timeline. You are spontaneous, daring, and adaptable. You prefer to go with your gut than make a pro con list. You have less baggage than most people. Each experience is new for you, and every moment is a fresh start. |
September 25, 2015
September 24, 2015
Tiny Tot's Tears Trivia
Newborns cry but they have no tears; their tear ducts aren't formed until the infant is about a month old.
September 23, 2015
Hungry Raccoon
Note: Original video uploader closed their YouTube account. Not sure why, maybe they felt like they could make more money licensing the video. I did manage to find a news report with part of the original video.
September 22, 2015
Humungous Fungus
The largest living thing (by area) is a mushroom (Armillaria) located in Malheur National Forest. It covers 2,200 acres and is between 2,000 and 8,000 yrs. old.
September 21, 2015
September 20, 2015
What Flavor Kit Kat Are You?
| You Are a Dark Chocolate Kit Kat |
 You are a passionate and quick-tempered person. You know what you love, and you know what you hate. You are very competitive and even a bit ruthless when you need to be. You have what it takes to get ahead. You are a daredevil that loves to take risks. You pride yourself on your courageousness, and you love to test your own limits. You have a real flair for adventure - and it starts with being impulsive. You do what you feel like, and you often feel like flying solo. |
Not to wax philosophic about candy, but these results are spot-on...well, maybe I'm flattering myself a little bit...although I do like the regular milk chocolate ones, as well. Dark chocolate is supposed to be better for you, I've read.
They're just about my favorite candy bar. I don't think I ate them much until I saw Richard Simmons being interviewed and he was asked how to deal with chocolate cravings. He said he liked Kit Kats because he could open one up and eat just one segment and satisfy his craving. I was thinking "Yeah, right. Don't think I could stop at one little piece." and he added that he sometimes ate the whole thing. He went on to say that they were fairly low in fat compared to other candy bars.
These days I'm not so much worried about the fat than I am the grams of sugar, but it doesn't seem to affect my glucose levels as much as other sweets and doesn't even come close to what rice or pasta does to my blood sugar.
September 19, 2015
Cat Confiscates Card
I don't think the cat stole it because she wanted it; no, I think the cat went and buried it in her litter box.
September 18, 2015
September 17, 2015
My Generation - The Who
Today in 1967, The Who appeared on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.
The drummer, Keith Moon, had loaded his drum kit with some explosives, intending to end the song with a literal bang and cement the band's reputation as outrageous counter-culture icons, but instead angered thousands of American parents and left Moon with shrapnel wounds from a broken cymbal and Pete Townsend with permanent hearing damage.
Great band, but yeah, you very nearly DID "die before you got old".
The drummer, Keith Moon, had loaded his drum kit with some explosives, intending to end the song with a literal bang and cement the band's reputation as outrageous counter-culture icons, but instead angered thousands of American parents and left Moon with shrapnel wounds from a broken cymbal and Pete Townsend with permanent hearing damage.
Great band, but yeah, you very nearly DID "die before you got old".
September 16, 2015
Chew On This Trivia
On June 26, 1974, a pack of Wrigley's Gum was the first product with the Universal Product Code barcode ever scanned at a checkout counter.
September 15, 2015
Niagra Falls Webcam
UPDATE: A new cam with a better view.
View the webcam at Niagra Falls and turn up your speakers because you can also hear the awesome sound of the water. Right now, there's a lot of ice and "steam" that obscures the view, but it's still very impressive. There's also one to view both falls at once as well as one showing the Lower Niagra River.
View the webcam at Niagra Falls and turn up your speakers because you can also hear the awesome sound of the water. Right now, there's a lot of ice and "steam" that obscures the view, but it's still very impressive. There's also one to view both falls at once as well as one showing the Lower Niagra River.
September 14, 2015
September 13, 2015
What's Your Ideal Pet?
No surprise here. Spot-on analysis.
| Your Ideal Pet is a Cat |
 You're both aloof, introverted, and moody. And your friends secretly wish that you were declawed! |
September 12, 2015
The Land Down Under
Australia is the only continent without an active volcano.
That's about the only thing in Australia that won't kill you.
A blast from the past:
That's about the only thing in Australia that won't kill you.
A blast from the past:
Down Under - Men At Work
September 11, 2015
WTC & Flight 93 Crash Site Cams
Live webcams showing the construction of the redevelopment site. The screen shot below is atop the Tower 1 and pointed at the 9/11 Memorial, but there are other cams that offer other views; a different one of the 9/11 Memorial, one pointed at the top of Tower 1 and a couple of the NYC skyline. There are also time-lapse tribute videos.
There is also another 9/11 related cam at the site of the Flight 93 crash near Shanksville, PA. (the webcam seems to operate only during daylight hours)
There is also another 9/11 related cam at the site of the Flight 93 crash near Shanksville, PA. (the webcam seems to operate only during daylight hours)
No "Q"
Q is the only letter in the alphabet that does not appear in the name of any of the United States.
(click graphic for larger view)
(click graphic for larger view)
September 10, 2015
Lefty Lousy Luck
Over 2,500 left-handed people are killed each year from using equipment made for right-handed people. The right-handed power saw is the most deadly item.
mundane
mundane adjective [muhn-deyn, muhn-deyn]
1. common; ordinary; banal; unimaginative.
2. of or relating to this world or earth as contrasted with heaven; worldly; earthly: mundane affairs.
3. of or relating to the world, universe, or earth.
I probably should have named this blog "Mike's Mostly Mundane". I DO have a few posts about space, though.
September 9, 2015
Some Sweet Trivia
It takes 12 bees their entire lifetime to collectively produce just one tablespoon of honey.
September 8, 2015
Are You Compassionate Toward Yourself?
| You Show Yourself Some Compassion |
 Whenever possible, you try to be easy on yourself. You aren't always compassionate, but you try. You believe it's important to cut yourself a break, because no one else might. And you're doing the best you can. You live a hectic life, and sometimes it's hard to find the time or energy for self-care. You are still looking for the right balance. And when you're having a hard day, it may be difficult to not beat up on yourself a bit when you're feeling worn down. No worries if you're not as self-compassionate as you'd like to be. You're getting there, and that's the important thing. Remember to be easy on yourself in every way. Even when you make mistakes, it doesn't mean that you're broken. |
Inventor of the Dishwasher
The inventor of the first commercially successful dishwasher was Josephine Cochrane, a socialite politician's wife who was fed up with servants breaking her expensive dishes.
September 7, 2015
To All
Here's hoping that everyone who visits this blog - friends, family and everyone else - has a:
September 6, 2015
astraphobia
astraphobia noun [as-truh-foh-bee-uh]
Psychiatry. An abnormal fear of thunder and lightning
I love to watch lightning and hear the thunder, but prefer to watch it off in the distance. Like most normal people, I'm afraid of getting hit by lightning and have had some close calls in the past.
To calculate how far away the lightning strike is, use the "flash-to-bang" method: count the seconds after you see the flash, then divide by five to get the number of miles you are from the lightning. The National Weather Service recommends taking cover if the time between the lightning flash and the rumble of thunder is 30 seconds or less, which indicates the lightning is about 6 miles away or closer.
Close Lightning Strike Compilation
Warning: some cursing...and I can't say as I blame 'em.
I wouldn't even go so far as to call it "inappropriate".
Flippin' Out
| You Are Genuine |
 You are focused and inner-directed. You know who are, and you live a very authentic life. You are quite modest and never too in love with yourself. You aren't perfect, and you don't take yourself too seriously. You are more ambitious than you let on. You strive to be better without beating up on yourself. You are highly effective, and others have taken notice. People want to be like you when they see who you really are. |
The title of this quiz post is an homage to an old friend; he was manic-depressive (or bi-polar, if you prefer) and his mood swings were severe, going from sleeping for days at a time to staying awake days at a time, frantically painting or writing. Most of the time his mood was even, though, but when he felt a bout coming on, he'd tell me "I'm goin' to see Aunt Jemima." (meaning, "flipping out", as in pancakes.
Personally, I'd have rather visited with Betty Crocker or even Little Debbie, but that's just me. (not a racist, I just prefer cakes and sweet snacks over pancakes)
September 5, 2015
Walking Around the World
In the average lifetime, a person will walk the equivalent of five times around the equator.
And later in life, most of those miles will be accumulated in the middle of the night, getting up to go to the bathroom.
In keeping with thelong-time usual every now and then ToTG custom of a topical/related music video to accompany a trivia post, heres....
Walking the Floor Over You - Ernest Tubb
And later in life, most of those miles will be accumulated in the middle of the night, getting up to go to the bathroom.
In keeping with the
Walking the Floor Over You - Ernest Tubb
September 4, 2015
September 3, 2015
No News Ain't Good News
I noticed the local Amarillo ABC affiliate news feed (in the right-hand column) wasn't working and I'm not sure how long it had been discontinued, but I don't think for much more than a few days before I discovered it. I looked around the website to see if they had changed out their RSS feed, but it seems they had discontinued it and then went to the websites of the other Amarillo TV stations for a replacement, but neither of them offered a feed.
Oh well. I'm sure people weren't flocking to this blog to read the Panhandle area news; after all, they don't flock here for any other reason, either.
I guess there IS some good news; that's one less script to have to load when folks come here.
Oh well. I'm sure people weren't flocking to this blog to read the Panhandle area news; after all, they don't flock here for any other reason, either.
I guess there IS some good news; that's one less script to have to load when folks come here.
A Bone to Pick
Your funny bone is not actually a bone, but is an extremely sensitive nerve.
Be that as it may, it's not funny at all when you hit it!
Be that as it may, it's not funny at all when you hit it!
What's Your Facebook Personality?
| Your Facebook Personality is Friendly |
 You are good at getting people to let loose. You are the fun one in your group. You use Facebook just to have fun. You don't have an agenda, and you avoid drama. You easily feel lonely. You like to have a big social support system to count on. You're happy to be Facebook friends with people you don't know well - as long as they're friendly too! |
September 2, 2015
Groin Injury
While surfing online, I often listen to sports talk radio; earlier, the hosts were talking about injuries to the Dallas Cowboys and mentioned that one player had a mild groin injury.
The term "groin injury" has always made me smile a little bit, even though I had one myself back in high school. (pulled a muscle...and THAT makes me giggle a little bit, considering the area of the body the injury occurred...and that I was about 14 yrs. old then) Not sure why I think it's funny now, because it hurt like the dickens then. As I recall, it lasted only a few days and I made sure to stretch my groin after that. (more giggles)
Anyway...whenever I hear the term "groin injury", this song from "Cheers" always pops into my head.
The term "groin injury" has always made me smile a little bit, even though I had one myself back in high school. (pulled a muscle...and THAT makes me giggle a little bit, considering the area of the body the injury occurred...and that I was about 14 yrs. old then) Not sure why I think it's funny now, because it hurt like the dickens then. As I recall, it lasted only a few days and I made sure to stretch my groin after that. (more giggles)
Anyway...whenever I hear the term "groin injury", this song from "Cheers" always pops into my head.
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