The Anchoress has a discussion on what the pope actually said about condoms, if you are interested. more HERE.
Actually, what he said wasn't new: we docs were taught fifty years ago that using condom use to stop disease spread was allowed (although if the woman was fertile, a small hole was advised to let the possibility of pregnancy).
--------------------------------------
Cleopatra has to be reevaluated as a power woman, not a slut, says the Smithsonian.
Actually she was both, but never mind. Killing your brother to get power is a bit worse on the moral scale than sleeping with an old guy to save your country.
-----------------------------
Abufares discusses the storm god and Ebla.
----------------------------------
BBC has an article on Heinz expanding into the third world.
yes, we can now buy their catsup at the local market...regular, spicy, sweet, and banana catsup.
-----------------------
TeaAtTrianon reviews a book written by a high school student of Frank McCourt.
--------------------------
One of the Vikings had a Native American girlfriend...
--------------------------------
Latest "We're all gonna die" story of the week: Melting permafrost releases methane, a green house gas, which will warm us all to death.
and then there is the danger of nanosilver pollution.
----------------------------
food news of the week: Noodles date back at least to at least 500 bc...
more HERE.
-------------------------------------
Foreign policy has an interesting article on the coming greyhair population problem...
one interesting factoid: Introduce TV, and the birth rate goes down.
FINEST KIND CLINIC AND FISHMARKET.... Discussing medicine, culture, and the joys of cooking Pansit.
Monday, November 22, 2010
How to insult people
You already have some of us shuddering at Obama playing "god" saying that his election would stop the seas from rising. (King Canute did the same and got wet, but few in the US press seemed to think he was being a bit overblown in the speech).
there was even a "Obama messiah" blog, chronicaling some of the more blatent adoration during the campaign.
But now, Christian hating Tina Brown's Newsweek has managed to go overboard.
Obama is not the Messiah, but Shiva, and the Hindus are not amused.
there was even a "Obama messiah" blog, chronicaling some of the more blatent adoration during the campaign.
But now, Christian hating Tina Brown's Newsweek has managed to go overboard.
Obama is not the Messiah, but Shiva, and the Hindus are not amused.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that Lord Siva was a highly revered major deity in Hinduism meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be used indecorously or thrown around loosely in reimagined versions for dramatic effects.
How a mortal could be depicted as Siva, who is the director of our destinies, Zed, who is the President of Universal Society of Hinduism, asked and added that inappropriate use of Hinduism concepts and symbols for pushing selfish agenda or mercantile greed was not okay....
This Newsweek cover page is headlined as "GOD OF ALL THINGS".
Of course, if Brown had bothered to check the symbolism behind this icon of Shiva, maybe she would not have used it to depict her "god", Obama:Nataraja (Lord of the dance) is a well known iconic representation of Lord Siva, symbolizing his salvific, destructive, and creative roles; when he dances the world to destruction to create it again as a chapter of the ongoing cosmic cycle.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Learning about the past.
Watched a movie this morning because I'm too lazy to think, but found a lecture seried on the history of horticulture, not from an archeological or anthropological point of view, but from the point of view from agricultural science.
Since it overlaps the history of the evolution of bronze age civilization (which I'm self studying) I plan to listen to it.
Alas, streaming videos.
One of these days I'll get ambitious and list all the best lectures on the web.
another lecture I'm downloading: science fiction as a literary genre. part one part two
Since it overlaps the history of the evolution of bronze age civilization (which I'm self studying) I plan to listen to it.
Alas, streaming videos.
One of these days I'll get ambitious and list all the best lectures on the web.
another lecture I'm downloading: science fiction as a literary genre. part one part two
Family news
Went to church, now we're resting. Chano still sick, but I'm getting over the virus that we all had.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Gift item of the day
EPOC neuro headset
"...The Emotiv EPOC is a high resolution, neuro-signal acquisition and processing wireless neuroheadset. It uses a set of sensors to tune into electric signals produced by the brain to detect player thoughts, feelings and expressions and connects wirelessly to most PCs....currently utilizing Emotiv EPOC technology in a variety of new and exciting ways.
Artistic and creative expression - Use your thoughts, feeling, and emotion to dynamically create color, music, and art.
Life changing applications for disabled patients, such as controlling an electric wheelchair, mind-keyboard, or playing a hands-free game.
Games & Virtual Worlds - Experience the fantasy of controlling and influencing the virtual environment with your mind. Play games developed specifically for the EPOC, or use the EmoKey to connect to current PC games and experience them in a completely new way.
(and here is the worrisome part):
Market Research & Advertising - get true insight about how people respond and feel about material presented to them. Get real-time feedback on user enjoyment and engagement.
more HERE.
Local news
Whoops....
who designed this logo?
------------------------
Shhh...bird flu worries here.
Yes, the sick lady probably caught it from an infected bird, and yes China tends to ignore or coverup the extent of it's bird flu problem in it's poultry, but why is the Philippines worried?
Lots of Pinoys working in Hong Kong will visit over the holidays, and the government remembers how the seriousness of SARS was underplayed by China.
---------------------
everyone wants the Maguindanao massacre trial to be held on TV. Even the bishops....
Why not? The History channel already has produced and shown a program on the massacre...
Friday, November 19, 2010
Miscellaneous links
In the Pillars of Earth, King Stephen is made out the bad guy and Queen Maud the good queen, yet another queen Matilda saw her family destroyed by her husband's quest to steal the British throne.
Full story HERE.
(Headsup TeaAtTrianon).
-----------------------------
If your sugar level hasn't reached overload at Cute Overload, check out cute baby animals at DarkRoastedBlendBlog.
a baby aardvark...
----------------------
Craft item of the day:
Star trek logo pot holders. Pattern HERE.
-----------------
HELLOKITTY now is official Scots: she has her very ownofficial scottish tartan design, which now will be used on various HelloKitty products.
-------------------------
Full story HERE.
(Headsup TeaAtTrianon).
-----------------------------
If your sugar level hasn't reached overload at Cute Overload, check out cute baby animals at DarkRoastedBlendBlog.
a baby aardvark...
----------------------
Craft item of the day:
Star trek logo pot holders. Pattern HERE.
-----------------
HELLOKITTY now is official Scots: she has her very ownofficial scottish tartan design, which now will be used on various HelloKitty products.
-------------------------
Stuff below the fold
Hong Kong has another birdflu case, probably caught in China.
The reason this is so bad is that China has hid epidemics before (e.g.SARS) and we don't know if it is the tip of the iceberg or just an isolated infection from a sick bird.
------------------------
Strategypage discusses Stuxnet.
----------------------------
Persian paradox is being censored. She was active in throwing out the tyrannical Shah's regieme, and favors a free Islamic state.
Sorry, guys, but I am old enough to remember stories from my fellow docs who came from Iran about the Shah; like the problems with the Saudis, these problems were rarely covered by the US press.
-----------------
And finally, the cultural post of the day:
A Klingon Christmas Carol:
The reason this is so bad is that China has hid epidemics before (e.g.SARS) and we don't know if it is the tip of the iceberg or just an isolated infection from a sick bird.
------------------------
Strategypage discusses Stuxnet.
----------------------------
Persian paradox is being censored. She was active in throwing out the tyrannical Shah's regieme, and favors a free Islamic state.
Sorry, guys, but I am old enough to remember stories from my fellow docs who came from Iran about the Shah; like the problems with the Saudis, these problems were rarely covered by the US press.
-----------------
And finally, the cultural post of the day:
A Klingon Christmas Carol:
Scrooge has no honor, nor any courage. Can three ghosts help him to become the true warrior he ought to be in time to save Tiny Tim from a horrible fate?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Gaudi
When the Pope visited Spain, he held mass at the Holy Family cathedral which was designed by Gaudi.
Nat Geo magazine has a story on it.
Nat Geo magazine has a story on it.
Adrian Bejan says the facades of the Sagrada FamÃlia are based on the golden ratio, the geometric proportion "behind all aesthetically pleasing art." The distinguished professor of mechanical engineering at Duke University, whose "constructal law" states that design in nature is a universal phenomenon of physics, calls Gaudà a forebear and a "tightrope walker on the line bridging art and science. He understood that nature is constructed by laws of mathematics. What is strongest is inherently lightest and most efficient, and therefore most beautiful."
Headline of the day
Mysterious Dudley Dorito UFO spotted over UK skies for the third time in three years
By Daily Mail ReporterWednesday, November 17, 2010
Stuff below the fold
Dengue fever has hit Miami.
Yeah, so now maybe someone will get us a vaccine for this nasty illness.
-------------------
Human Rights Watch has reported that for years Arroyo "aided" the Ampatuans, and looked the other way when they killed folks.
Ya think?
for background, check this PCIJ report from 2008.
------------------------------
INNOVATE FIRST, Regulate Later...MotherJones admits the problem of pushing climate change laws: they won't work until new technology is available.
that doesn't mean we shouldn't live frugally....
------------------------------
Congratulations Archbishop Dolan. Nice to see a Catholic in charge of the USCCB...
the NYTimes sees only politics, but CNN notes the "front runner" who lost had a big problem.
--------------------------------
Webecoist has a weird looking fruit list.
Actually, we eat some of these (mangosteen, cherimoya, and Durian for example).
Yeah, so now maybe someone will get us a vaccine for this nasty illness.
-------------------
Human Rights Watch has reported that for years Arroyo "aided" the Ampatuans, and looked the other way when they killed folks.
Ya think?
for background, check this PCIJ report from 2008.
------------------------------
INNOVATE FIRST, Regulate Later...MotherJones admits the problem of pushing climate change laws: they won't work until new technology is available.
that doesn't mean we shouldn't live frugally....
------------------------------
Congratulations Archbishop Dolan. Nice to see a Catholic in charge of the USCCB...
the NYTimes sees only politics, but CNN notes the "front runner" who lost had a big problem.
--------------------------------
Webecoist has a weird looking fruit list.
Actually, we eat some of these (mangosteen, cherimoya, and Durian for example).
Science melody of the day
Harry Potter meets the Periodic table.
your email of the day from Col Updraft
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Linear A related to sanskrit?
This PBS special claims Linear A of the Minoan civilization is related to sanskrit.
But a quick google suggests not everyone agrees, since others think it is related to Phonecian.
But a quick google suggests not everyone agrees, since others think it is related to Phonecian.
Recipe of the day
you've probably heard about Bacon soda, but Epi-Log suggests this recipe for your breakfast pleasure.
Yankee Breakfast Fizz
1.5 oz. bourbon
1 oz. Jones Bacon Soda
1.5 oz. natural maple syrup
1 egg white
2 oz. heavy cream
soda water
Combine all ingredients except cream and soda into Bston shaker filled with large ice cubes. Shake hard to emulsify egg white. Strain into chilled 12 oz. Collins or Pilsener glass.
Add heavy cream, and stir. Top with soda water.
Insert with long straw and serve for breakfast or brunch.
Books videos
I am bemused that new books now come with their own videos.
This one is about "Wicked Bugs", which is coming out next year, by Amy Stewart, the author of "wicked plants".
actually, having worked in poor areas, I am aware of these problems, but the new "green" fads of not taking a bath or running around barefoot seem to ignore history.
----------------------------------
on the other hand, I don't know if I'd enjoy this one.
the whole point of Tolkien is that he was a "very married man" (to quote CSLewis) and I doubt he'd go rolicking around with the philandering Charles Williams or confirmed bachelor CS Lewis when he had a wife and a few kids still at home.
----------------------
actually, it doesn't matter to me: It usually takes two years for best sellers to hit our used book Kiosk. I just picked up Evanovich's "Finger licking fifteen" but she already released number 16 in the US.
This one is about "Wicked Bugs", which is coming out next year, by Amy Stewart, the author of "wicked plants".
actually, having worked in poor areas, I am aware of these problems, but the new "green" fads of not taking a bath or running around barefoot seem to ignore history.
----------------------------------
on the other hand, I don't know if I'd enjoy this one.
the whole point of Tolkien is that he was a "very married man" (to quote CSLewis) and I doubt he'd go rolicking around with the philandering Charles Williams or confirmed bachelor CS Lewis when he had a wife and a few kids still at home.
----------------------
actually, it doesn't matter to me: It usually takes two years for best sellers to hit our used book Kiosk. I just picked up Evanovich's "Finger licking fifteen" but she already released number 16 in the US.
Stuff below the fold
No, not Laurelin, but an imitation of her?
Gold nanoparticles could make trees glow.
-----------------------------
The latest psychiatric disorder: Happiness.
It is proposed that happiness be classified as a psychiatric disorder and be included in future editions of the major diagnostic manuals under the new name: major affective disorder, pleasant type. In a review of the relevant literature it is shown that happiness is statistically abnormal, consists of a discrete cluster of symptoms, is associated with a range of cognitive abnormalities, and probably reflects the abnormal functioning of the central nervous system.
headsup thinkgeek.
-----------------------
Green alert:
Latest health hazard...lead in reusable shopping bags. It is so high that throwing them away will contaminate the environment.
actually, it's not the bags but the decorations on them, so just buy a plain bag.
------------------------
FYI: The archeology of Balochistan.
--------------------
One thousand dead in Haiti from cholera, but the US press seems to ignore the place.
where is Kayne west when we need him?
---------------------
The printing of money to stimulate the economy is called "quantitative easing".
In 2002, speech, Bernanke mentioned that the government can print money, and can stop deflation by printing more money. Of course, this results in inflation, meaning that the government owes less (i.e. the same number of dollars but the dollar is worth less).
(He referred to a statement made by Milton Friedman about using a "helicopter drop" of money into the economy to fight deflation.) Bernanke's critics have since referred to him as "Helicopter Ben"
The Anchoress worries that this idea might end up like the WKRP TURKEY DROP.
In the 1970's when Carter administration allowed severe inflation, and I essentially "lost" half of the real worth of my savings while working in Africa.
I think the same thing is going to happen again. Sigh.
----------------------------
Gold nanoparticles could make trees glow.
-----------------------------
The latest psychiatric disorder: Happiness.
It is proposed that happiness be classified as a psychiatric disorder and be included in future editions of the major diagnostic manuals under the new name: major affective disorder, pleasant type. In a review of the relevant literature it is shown that happiness is statistically abnormal, consists of a discrete cluster of symptoms, is associated with a range of cognitive abnormalities, and probably reflects the abnormal functioning of the central nervous system.
headsup thinkgeek.
-----------------------
Green alert:
Latest health hazard...lead in reusable shopping bags. It is so high that throwing them away will contaminate the environment.
actually, it's not the bags but the decorations on them, so just buy a plain bag.
------------------------
FYI: The archeology of Balochistan.
--------------------
One thousand dead in Haiti from cholera, but the US press seems to ignore the place.
where is Kayne west when we need him?
---------------------
The printing of money to stimulate the economy is called "quantitative easing".
In 2002, speech, Bernanke mentioned that the government can print money, and can stop deflation by printing more money. Of course, this results in inflation, meaning that the government owes less (i.e. the same number of dollars but the dollar is worth less).
(He referred to a statement made by Milton Friedman about using a "helicopter drop" of money into the economy to fight deflation.) Bernanke's critics have since referred to him as "Helicopter Ben"
The Anchoress worries that this idea might end up like the WKRP TURKEY DROP.
In the 1970's when Carter administration allowed severe inflation, and I essentially "lost" half of the real worth of my savings while working in Africa.
I think the same thing is going to happen again. Sigh.
----------------------------
Monday, November 15, 2010
Trolls anyone?
after a hiatus, TolkienGeek is back on line with essays, and discusses how trolls might be portrayed in the up coming movie.
Stuffing
or you could use cornbread:
then there is chestnut stuffing, or if you need a gluten free stuffing, try THIS.
Stuff below the fold
The UK Mail likes Sarah Palin's Alaska,
but the liberal UK Guardian chastises her for "fishing too close to brown bears"
(but their photo suggests she was there first, and the bear wandered over...).
And Zombie envisions an equal times show: Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco (NOT safe for work).
----------------------------------
Paul Krugman's agrees with Sarah Palin on death panels. The difference? She warns about them, and Krugman likes the idea.
KRUGMAN: No. Some years down the pike, we're going to get the real solution (to the deficit), which is going to be a combination of death panels and sales taxes.
--------------------------
Forget Obama: Hillary is the one making waves in India by speaking truth to power.
------------------------------
Peter Kreeft takes on anti Muslim Spencer:
Kreeft argues that terrorism, military jihad, and the aspiration to subjugate “unbelievers” such as Jews and Christians, are not necessarily germane to the religious lives of Muslims. (he) insists that such manifestations of Islam are perversions of its true spirit, as witch-burnings, inquisitions, and religious wars were distortions of Christian faith.
==========================
Reason number 226 on why I am glad to live in the Philippines: It's snowing in Minnesota.
--------------
DNA shows Farmers migrated and displaced hunter/gatherers in Europe.
-------------------
and the really big headline of the day: ZvaZva hospitalized again.
family news
Today is a holiday in the Philippines but Joy is going to a business meeting and Chano is helping with the harvest.
Lolo is happy about the Pacquiao win yesterday.
Lolo is happy about the Pacquiao win yesterday.
Lesson for today: The Mayonaisse jar
A professor stood before his philosophy class
and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly,
he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar
and start to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full..
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured
it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again
if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand
and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded
With an unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table
and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively
filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.
'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things - God, family,
children, health, friends, and favorite passions
Things that if everything else was lost
and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else --
The small stuff.
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued,
'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that are
important to you..
So...
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children.
Take your partner out to dinner.
There will always be time
to clean the house and fix the dripping tap.
'Take care of the golf balls first --
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'
One of the students raised her hand
and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled.
'I'm glad you asked'.
It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'
your lesson for today from TiaMaria
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Professor Bob presents
instead of blogging or vlogging about history, today Professor Bob and his cat shows you how to cook your turkey.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Frankenstein's castle
yes, it exists:
Johann Konrad Dippel was rumored to create potions, perform electrical therapies, and partake in gruesome experiments involving stolen body parts from the graveyard. Born in the Castle Frankenstein in 1673, it’s disputed whether or not he was the inspiration for Mary Shelley’s mad scientist of the same name, who did some cadaver experiments of his own.
What is sure about Dippel is his colorful career as an alchemist.
it is now in ruins, but they hold Halloween parties there.
More HERE
from Atlas Obscura:
Links that make you go WTF
Cross the Fab Five with Shakespeare, and what do you get? LINK
(Headsup UncleOrson)
-----------------------------
The most humane way to kill a lobster is to...boil it alive?
-----------------------------
The P2P police are alive and well and coming for college students downloading Blackeyedpeas songs on Limewire.
Bad news: Schools across the country ...have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to install anti-file-sharing systems on their network.
Even worse news: It can't tell legal downloads from illegal ones.
----------------------------------------
Here's something to be grateful about: The Beatles wanted to film Lord of the Rings, but JRRT who owned film rights stopped them.
------------------------------------
and finally: Puppy Chic:
see more Must Have Cute
George our killer Lab say no way.
(Headsup UncleOrson)
-----------------------------
The most humane way to kill a lobster is to...boil it alive?
-----------------------------
The P2P police are alive and well and coming for college students downloading Blackeyedpeas songs on Limewire.
Bad news: Schools across the country ...have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to install anti-file-sharing systems on their network.
Even worse news: It can't tell legal downloads from illegal ones.
----------------------------------------
Here's something to be grateful about: The Beatles wanted to film Lord of the Rings, but JRRT who owned film rights stopped them.
------------------------------------
and finally: Puppy Chic:
see more Must Have Cute
George our killer Lab say no way.
Absurdities in the war on terror
The BBC has a strange story about aid workers trying to force a Captain to take the ship to Gaza.
The BBC article includes a lot of quotes from the "aid workers" who are lamenting they are being held at gunpoint, is unclear to what happened, but this Turkish newspaper says bluntly that they tried to hijack the ship.
probably a dispute about pay, but I guess if you are a "human rights activist" from the UK, you think you are above the law, and don't have to do silly things like pay the captain and the ship owner.
--------------------
The Japanese take on airport screening:
(headsup AceofSpades
=====================------
Who needs Alqaeda when you have Alpha Phi Omega? here in the Philippines, the last blast in Manila has been traced to a fraternity, and now the witness is being threatened.
-------------------
Strategypage notes the relationship with proving one's manhood, suicide bombing, and a culture that encourages young men to refuse to do dirty work are related.
The BBC article includes a lot of quotes from the "aid workers" who are lamenting they are being held at gunpoint, is unclear to what happened, but this Turkish newspaper says bluntly that they tried to hijack the ship.
probably a dispute about pay, but I guess if you are a "human rights activist" from the UK, you think you are above the law, and don't have to do silly things like pay the captain and the ship owner.
--------------------
The Japanese take on airport screening:
(headsup AceofSpades
=====================------
Who needs Alqaeda when you have Alpha Phi Omega? here in the Philippines, the last blast in Manila has been traced to a fraternity, and now the witness is being threatened.
-------------------
Strategypage notes the relationship with proving one's manhood, suicide bombing, and a culture that encourages young men to refuse to do dirty work are related.
Musical interlude of the day
Polish composer Henryk Gorecki has died.
Here is part of his famous Third symphony, the "symphony of sorrowful songs"....
Here is part of his famous Third symphony, the "symphony of sorrowful songs"....
Recipe of the day
Noticing that the birth rate go up in August, Instapundit recommends you serve this at holidaytime:
Cakes:
How To Make Spotted Dick
or buy it at Amazon!
Cakes:
How To Make Spotted Dick
or buy it at Amazon!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Science headlines below the fold
We don't need male birth control...just tell him to use his laptop. this is the temperature paradox: if the testes are kept warm, they don't make sperm. So hot tubs are a no no too...
------------------------------
podcast of the week: Astronomycast discusses fusion.
------------------------
Mark Vonnegut, son of the writer, had a psychotic break as a teenager. Back then the story was that he was schizophrenic and/or drug related psychosis (or bipolar disease with psychosis?), but he has since recovered and became a doctor.
Podcast on his new autobiography HERE.
----------------------
Simon Winchester discusses his books at the Free Library podcast.
he is a good writer, and it's not his fault that the subject of one of his books was not just a brilliant professor but a sociopathic sexual predator and leftist dupe of Mao.
=========================
Did you know that the Vikings founded Russia? IOT podcast HERE.
-------------------------------
another adult stem cell breakthrough:
Human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells derived from patients with Rett syndrome allow researchers to replicate autism in the lab and study the molecular pathogenesis of the disease. (Credit: Illustration courtesy of Jamie Simon, Salk Institute for Biological Studies)
----------------------------------------------
Copper or Plastic? The problem with pipes.
---------------------------------
This is a family oriented blog, but this proves that some males do have larger youknowwhats than brains.
------------------------------
------------------------------
podcast of the week: Astronomycast discusses fusion.
------------------------
Mark Vonnegut, son of the writer, had a psychotic break as a teenager. Back then the story was that he was schizophrenic and/or drug related psychosis (or bipolar disease with psychosis?), but he has since recovered and became a doctor.
Podcast on his new autobiography HERE.
----------------------
Simon Winchester discusses his books at the Free Library podcast.
he is a good writer, and it's not his fault that the subject of one of his books was not just a brilliant professor but a sociopathic sexual predator and leftist dupe of Mao.
=========================
Did you know that the Vikings founded Russia? IOT podcast HERE.
-------------------------------
another adult stem cell breakthrough:
Human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells derived from patients with Rett syndrome allow researchers to replicate autism in the lab and study the molecular pathogenesis of the disease. (Credit: Illustration courtesy of Jamie Simon, Salk Institute for Biological Studies)
----------------------------------------------
Copper or Plastic? The problem with pipes.
---------------------------------
This is a family oriented blog, but this proves that some males do have larger youknowwhats than brains.
------------------------------
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Headlines below the fold
Uh oh: There are two big bubbles of energy at the core of the Milky Way.
Leading to these impressive quotes from important scientists about the phenomenum:
probably a plane, but never mind. It's more fun to claim it was a UFO.
-----------------------------
Priest performs "exorcisms"..actually he's just blessing homes.
Lots of my Native American patients have their homes blessed, knowing that battles were held nearby. Nor are these beliefs limited to the Osage: my German great grandmother did the same when she had "poltergeist" phenomenum in one of her homes. She claimed it was a poor soul in purgatory asking for prayers, and it worked.
In "new age" jargon, the prayers helped the poor soul to "enter the light" and leave the earthly plane.
as a doc, I have no opinions, but it did seem to work.
-------------------------------
One result of the terrible 1881 forest fires in Michigan was that they uncovered the Sanilac Petrographs links HERE and HERE.
PHOTOS
This Photo from Michigan DNR
------------------------
and finally: it's PIGS IN SPACE:
scientific explanation here.
Leading to these impressive quotes from important scientists about the phenomenum:
“They’re big,” said Doug Finkbeiner of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, leader of the team that discovered them....
“Wow,” said David Spergel, an astrophysicist at Princeton who was not involved in the work.
------------------------------------
What caused that contrail off of Los Angeles?probably a plane, but never mind. It's more fun to claim it was a UFO.
-----------------------------
Priest performs "exorcisms"..actually he's just blessing homes.
Lots of my Native American patients have their homes blessed, knowing that battles were held nearby. Nor are these beliefs limited to the Osage: my German great grandmother did the same when she had "poltergeist" phenomenum in one of her homes. She claimed it was a poor soul in purgatory asking for prayers, and it worked.
In "new age" jargon, the prayers helped the poor soul to "enter the light" and leave the earthly plane.
as a doc, I have no opinions, but it did seem to work.
-------------------------------
One result of the terrible 1881 forest fires in Michigan was that they uncovered the Sanilac Petrographs links HERE and HERE.
PHOTOS
This Photo from Michigan DNR
------------------------
and finally: it's PIGS IN SPACE:
scientific explanation here.
Torture? Moi?
Bad news: Bush claims waterboarding isn't torture.
Good news: But it probably saved lives.
I already discussed this issue, at BNN, from two points of view: What would you do if it saved your child's life, and what would you do if you were a true Christian who really seeks to do God's will...
Good news: But it probably saved lives.
I already discussed this issue, at BNN, from two points of view: What would you do if it saved your child's life, and what would you do if you were a true Christian who really seeks to do God's will...
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Puppies! More Puppies!
now Ruby's small white dog Angel had a puppy...probably more to come.
Sigh.
must be puppy day.
Sigh.
must be puppy day.
Inspired by beer
AICN links to the latest Narnia trailer...
looks like they changed part of the story, but looks better than Caspian....And what does it have to do with beer?
Well, CSLewis, JRRTolkien, Charles Williams and others talked over beer at their luncheon meetings of the Inklings...meetings that inspired and encouraged each other's fiction
Believe it or not, I actually found a used copy of this book in a local kiosk here in the Philippines. If you like Lewis or Tolkien, it's worth reading (although it has little on Tolkien, since Carpenter wrote a separate biography on Tolkien).
looks like they changed part of the story, but looks better than Caspian....And what does it have to do with beer?
Well, CSLewis, JRRTolkien, Charles Williams and others talked over beer at their luncheon meetings of the Inklings...meetings that inspired and encouraged each other's fiction
Believe it or not, I actually found a used copy of this book in a local kiosk here in the Philippines. If you like Lewis or Tolkien, it's worth reading (although it has little on Tolkien, since Carpenter wrote a separate biography on Tolkien).
If you are civilized, blame Beer
(source)
E. Michael Smith / Wikipedia
An Egyptian wooden model of beer making in ancient Egypt, located at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose, California.
Archeoblog links to an article saying:
Beer Lubricated the Rise of Civilization, Study Suggests
Could beer have helped lead to the rise of civilization? It’s a possibility, some archaeologists say. Their argument is that Stone Age farmers were domesticating cereals not so much to fill their stomachs but to lighten their heads, by turning the grains into beer. That has been their take for more than 50 years, and now one archaeologist says the evidence is getting stronger.
Signs that people went to great lengths to obtain grains despite the hard work needed to make them edible, plus the knowledge that feasts were important community-building gatherings, support the idea that cereal grains were being turned into beer, said archaeologist Brian Hayden at Simon Fraser University in Canada.
"Spengler" on the economy
Spengler has a long article about going back to the gold standard, and what it means.
I'm in the "don't know nothing" party of Sarah Palin, who thinks that printing more money is a bad idea and will lead to inflation (heck, it worked for Zimbabwe, didn't it?)
I'm in the "don't know nothing" party of Sarah Palin, who thinks that printing more money is a bad idea and will lead to inflation (heck, it worked for Zimbabwe, didn't it?)
Puppies!
Mama dog has had her fifth litter since we had her "fixed" (uh, you think maybe they didn't do it right?).
During the night, she had two, and when I checked her five minutes ago, there were four puppies, two "white" and two dark.
Looks like she mated with the neighbor's dogs again.
During the night, she had two, and when I checked her five minutes ago, there were four puppies, two "white" and two dark.
Looks like she mated with the neighbor's dogs again.
Food factoid of the day
from Colombian recipes:
There are many variations of tamales in Colombia, but they all have something in common and that is that they are all wrapped in banana leaves.
recipes at link
There are many variations of tamales in Colombia, but they all have something in common and that is that they are all wrapped in banana leaves.
recipes at link
Stuff below the fold
Whitworth on the UKTelegraph discusses "New York" versus flyover country.
her "New York" is a small group of literati in Manhattan, not the New York city that includes the folks in Harlam or the Bronx.
-------------------------------
Another UKTelegraph article on the Anglican bishops who heading to join Rome,
and how the very liberal UK Catholic bishops are upset that they might have to tolerate...believing Christians in their ranks.
--------------------------
Factoid of the day: By promoting Natural Family planning, the population growth of the Philippines has decreased from 6 kids per family to 3.. It's about population control, not poverty.
There is a difference, and I've written about it elsewhere.
---------------------------------------------
What's wrong with these ads?
This ad, depicting a father and son in the throes of a climate change-induced flood, is punctuated by air conditioning units exactly like the real ones sticking out of the building it’s mounted on.
Yeah, airconditioning caused the most devestating floods in history?
like these
and then there is the MTV ads:
MTV made a dramatic statement with a series of ads that aimed to get youth fired up about global warming, depicting nature as an angry fist pummeling man-made structures in the form of tsunamis, tornados and forest fires. The ads read, respectively, “Since 1970 the number of natural catastrophes has quadrupled.” “Since 1960 the number of forest fires has increased tenfold.”
yes, Gaia is angry at rich New Yorkers, so she killed...100 thousand poor Indonesians?
as for forest fires, they are more numerous and smaller than in the past.
Some of this is due to a climate change and less rainfall in the western US, something that started 1000 years ago.
From Grissino-Mayer's 2129-Year Reconstruction of Precipitation for Northwestern New Mexico, USA. Units are of standard deviation. Red indicates periods of drought.
I think of myself as "green", but the shoddy fake science propaganda of the "climate change" folks is not helping anyone.
SPIKED has an essay on the same subject HERE.
Spiked also refer to a BBC4 film, (watch it here)which is blocked for our area so I can't embed it.
her "New York" is a small group of literati in Manhattan, not the New York city that includes the folks in Harlam or the Bronx.
-------------------------------
Another UKTelegraph article on the Anglican bishops who heading to join Rome,
and how the very liberal UK Catholic bishops are upset that they might have to tolerate...believing Christians in their ranks.
--------------------------
Factoid of the day: By promoting Natural Family planning, the population growth of the Philippines has decreased from 6 kids per family to 3.. It's about population control, not poverty.
There is a difference, and I've written about it elsewhere.
---------------------------------------------
What's wrong with these ads?
This ad, depicting a father and son in the throes of a climate change-induced flood, is punctuated by air conditioning units exactly like the real ones sticking out of the building it’s mounted on.
Yeah, airconditioning caused the most devestating floods in history?
like these
and then there is the MTV ads:
MTV made a dramatic statement with a series of ads that aimed to get youth fired up about global warming, depicting nature as an angry fist pummeling man-made structures in the form of tsunamis, tornados and forest fires. The ads read, respectively, “Since 1970 the number of natural catastrophes has quadrupled.” “Since 1960 the number of forest fires has increased tenfold.”
yes, Gaia is angry at rich New Yorkers, so she killed...100 thousand poor Indonesians?
as for forest fires, they are more numerous and smaller than in the past.
Some of this is due to a climate change and less rainfall in the western US, something that started 1000 years ago.
From Grissino-Mayer's 2129-Year Reconstruction of Precipitation for Northwestern New Mexico, USA. Units are of standard deviation. Red indicates periods of drought.I think of myself as "green", but the shoddy fake science propaganda of the "climate change" folks is not helping anyone.
SPIKED has an essay on the same subject HERE.
Spiked also refer to a BBC4 film, (watch it here)which is blocked for our area so I can't embed it.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Computer connection problems
You heard the excuse "The dog ate my homework"?
Well, PapaDog ate my internet connection...actually he laid down on the wire, and when I picked up my computer, he got annoyed and bit the wire in half.
So light blogging, since I have to "borrow" a computer.
Well, PapaDog ate my internet connection...actually he laid down on the wire, and when I picked up my computer, he got annoyed and bit the wire in half.
So light blogging, since I have to "borrow" a computer.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Fish and chips
British:
How To Make English Fish And Chips With Beer Batter
or you can watch this genuine British version of how to make it (put coffee cup down before watching)
Gift item of the day
"In this photo released by the Miami Beach Guitar Festival, guitar maker George Marlin strums on his Bigfoot creation at the Miami Beach Guitar Festival Sunday, April 13, 2008, in Miami Beach...."
(AP Photo/Miami Beach Guitar Festival, Andy Newman)
More weird guitars HERE.
The "we're All Gonna Die" headlines of the day
Israel is surrounded by enemies, and few care. LINK
but don't worry, that megavolcano will probably mess up things first (FR link HERE)
but don't worry, that megavolcano will probably mess up things first (FR link HERE)
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Stuff below the fold
Natural Pest control.
at instructables.
---------------------------
Lingwe has a discussion on the source of the name or Morgoth's superwolf Carcharoth
------------------------------------
Homesanctuary's tip of the day: How to clean your coffeemaker.
Chano has one, but I tend to use instant coffee,since I like it stronger than he makes it.
-----------------------------
A Bionic Eye?
more HERE
-------------------------------
what to do with your left over pumpkin?
Make Pumpkin Soup.
-----------------------------
turn your IPhone into a stethoscope with iStethoscope app...cost 99 cents, but it takes some practice to use.
at instructables.
---------------------------
Lingwe has a discussion on the source of the name or Morgoth's superwolf Carcharoth
------------------------------------
Homesanctuary's tip of the day: How to clean your coffeemaker.
Chano has one, but I tend to use instant coffee,since I like it stronger than he makes it.
-----------------------------
A Bionic Eye?
more HERE
-------------------------------
what to do with your left over pumpkin?
Make Pumpkin Soup.
-----------------------------
turn your IPhone into a stethoscope with iStethoscope app...cost 99 cents, but it takes some practice to use.
Hats
(grandkids in their mom's specialty hats).
How to stay warm in Winter tips
best tip: Keep your head covered.
Since the 1960's, hats have been out of style, yet in winter they are important. Sohow to make a stylish hat?
How about this one (pattern Lion Brand, free registration required, but they have a lot of free patterns and all you have to put up with is an occassional email).
or how about a chic beret?
Or how about a cloche? Instruction for making one HERE or to crochet one HERE.
=================
If you are into scarfs, check this page on different way to tie them.
and they have a hint: if you are getting chemo, try a head hugging scarfliner. \
an entire page on head coverings HERE.
and crochet hat patterns HERE.
Friday, November 05, 2010
Musical Interlude of the day
no, it's not a bunch of teaparty Republicans.
It's the Philadelphia Opera company doing another "random act of culture".
On Saturday, October 30, 2010, the Opera Company of Philadelphia brought together over 650 choristers from 28 participating organizations to perform one of the Knight Foundation's "Random Acts of Culture" at Macy's in Center City Philadelphia. Accompanied by the Wanamaker Organ - the world's largest pipe organ - the OCP Chorus and throngs of singers from the community infiltrated the store as shoppers, and burst into a pop-up rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's "Messiah" at 12 noon, to the delight of surprised shoppers.
(headsup FatherZ)
It's the Philadelphia Opera company doing another "random act of culture".
On Saturday, October 30, 2010, the Opera Company of Philadelphia brought together over 650 choristers from 28 participating organizations to perform one of the Knight Foundation's "Random Acts of Culture" at Macy's in Center City Philadelphia. Accompanied by the Wanamaker Organ - the world's largest pipe organ - the OCP Chorus and throngs of singers from the community infiltrated the store as shoppers, and burst into a pop-up rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's "Messiah" at 12 noon, to the delight of surprised shoppers.
(headsup FatherZ)
Terror alert? Not again
There was some worry about bomb attacks by local groups against civilians going home to the provinces for the All Saints day celebration. Such warnings are routine, as are checking bags and even frisking suspects when one goes into the local malls.
But the Philippines is upset that the US, Australia and some European countries have a tourist warning. Ah, come on. It's winter up north, and we have such lovely beaches...(and need the money spread around by tourists)..
The worry, however, is not that you might be bombed because of extortion or because of a feud between local university fraternities, but that there might be professionals here again. As the Inquirer notes:
translation: They would aim at tourists.
Given the hostage crisis involving Chinese tourists that ended so terribly in August, the last thing we need are more dead foreigners.
--------------
All of this is why Obama is getting so much security when he visits Indonesia and India. The cost of the trip is raising eyebrows, but I don't begrudge him the security. USAToday has an article defending his expenses.
But the Philippines is upset that the US, Australia and some European countries have a tourist warning. Ah, come on. It's winter up north, and we have such lovely beaches...(and need the money spread around by tourists)..
The worry, however, is not that you might be bombed because of extortion or because of a feud between local university fraternities, but that there might be professionals here again. As the Inquirer notes:
The travel warnings coincided with the arrest this week in Manila of a member of the Abu Sayyaf, a small group of militants based in the south founded with seed money from Al Qaeda in the early 1990s.
translation: They would aim at tourists.
Given the hostage crisis involving Chinese tourists that ended so terribly in August, the last thing we need are more dead foreigners.
--------------
All of this is why Obama is getting so much security when he visits Indonesia and India. The cost of the trip is raising eyebrows, but I don't begrudge him the security. USAToday has an article defending his expenses.
Stuff below the fold
There is actually a Munster award in Australia.
This year it's being given out to reporters who are best at discussing I mean preaching on global warming.
Oh, George Munster, not Herman?
==========================
The latest "green" fad: Giving up bathing.
If you love bedbugs, wait til you get hairlice and body lice.
And the comments that people didn't bathe in the past ignores that they washed daily..."from the head down as far as possible...from the feet up as far as possible...and then they washed possible"
and if they were rich, they used a lot of perfume...
---------------------------------
Trivia note: the reason the Bronze age culture of Mycenae in Greece (i.e. the one that was run by Agamemnon et al) was so rich is because they exported olive oil all over the Mediterranean...and part of this lucrative trade was perfumed oil to wash with in the days.... when you "washed" by oiling yourself and then getting the oil and dirt scraped off.
Lye Soap, however, was invented by the Sumarians, but it was harsh on the skin, so rarely used to clean up the body. Hence the use of soapwort or other plant saponins to wash one's hair.
EHOW has directions on how to make soap from plants such as soapwort and yucca. LINK
The nickname for soapwort was...bouncing Bet...
===============================
from DaveBarry
ACADEMIC QUESTION OF THE WEEK SO FAR
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Stuff below the fold
The Latest King Tut conspiracy theory: He was killed by a Hippo.
I once wrote about this theory LINK....the problem I have with this is that when I was in Africa, the hippos killed by biting...and took a huge piece of leg out when biting. The X ray would have shown a thigh bone in several pieces, a large chuck of his thigh muscle missing, and the fracture wouldn't have time to start healing.
the location and partial healing of the leg suggests it was a chariot accident, where the chariot crashed and his thigh hit the front of the chariot and broke.
And this type of fracture is still treated with bedrest, making it more probable that he died a week or two later, either from infection of the fracture, from pneumonia (often a complication of bedrest, especially if he cracked some ribs from the accident), or from pulmonary embolism.
headsup heritagekeyblog.
------------------------------------------------------
Rim Kellaher remembers Theodore Sorensen, who recently died.
-------------------------------
Another cloning dystopia film...
well, it sounds a bit less R rated than Splice.
and the "granddaddy of organ donor stories: A planet named Shayol.
-
I once wrote about this theory LINK....the problem I have with this is that when I was in Africa, the hippos killed by biting...and took a huge piece of leg out when biting. The X ray would have shown a thigh bone in several pieces, a large chuck of his thigh muscle missing, and the fracture wouldn't have time to start healing.
the location and partial healing of the leg suggests it was a chariot accident, where the chariot crashed and his thigh hit the front of the chariot and broke.
And this type of fracture is still treated with bedrest, making it more probable that he died a week or two later, either from infection of the fracture, from pneumonia (often a complication of bedrest, especially if he cracked some ribs from the accident), or from pulmonary embolism.
headsup heritagekeyblog.
------------------------------------------------------
Rim Kellaher remembers Theodore Sorensen, who recently died.
-------------------------------
Another cloning dystopia film...
well, it sounds a bit less R rated than Splice.
and the "granddaddy of organ donor stories: A planet named Shayol.
-
Insomnia downloads for today
Here's a science fiction book about a fearful future utopia:
The Flying Inn is a novel first published in 1914 by G.K. Chesterton. It is set in a future England where a bizarre form of "Progressive" Islam has triumphed and largely dominates the political and social life of the country. Because of this, alcohol sales are effectively prohibited. The plot centers around the adventures of Humphrey Pump and Captain Patrick Dalroy, who roam the country in their cart with a barrel of rum in an attempt to evade Prohibition, exploiting loopholes in the law to temporarily prevent the police taking action against them...
yes, it's GK Chesterton's satires on what happens when the busy bodies in charge try to tell you how to live.(and it was published in 1914)
==========================
Librivox also has the Five Little Peppers series for you to download to your kid's iPods.
and a bunch of swashbuckling adventure stories by H Rider Haggard (King Solomon's mines is his most famous).
When I lived in Africa, I read an article by a South African 'nanga (traditional healer/priest) who said that Haggard was friends with some of them, and incorporated some of their oral tales and history into his stories.
True or legend? Don't know, but I do know that the hills of Umtali are terraced, and that one can commonly find ancient paintings on sheltered areas in kopjes...more Here
---------------------
Joseph Ellis has a new biography out on the Adams family. No, not that one...John and Abagail.
Podcast about it from the Free Library of Phila.
they also have a talk by Michelle Norris (Of NPR).
------------
And IgnatiusPress has a podcast about their latest (mainly Catholic) books released. this weeks includes David Downing's Searching for the King: An Inklings Novel,
The Flying Inn is a novel first published in 1914 by G.K. Chesterton. It is set in a future England where a bizarre form of "Progressive" Islam has triumphed and largely dominates the political and social life of the country. Because of this, alcohol sales are effectively prohibited. The plot centers around the adventures of Humphrey Pump and Captain Patrick Dalroy, who roam the country in their cart with a barrel of rum in an attempt to evade Prohibition, exploiting loopholes in the law to temporarily prevent the police taking action against them...
yes, it's GK Chesterton's satires on what happens when the busy bodies in charge try to tell you how to live.(and it was published in 1914)
==========================
Librivox also has the Five Little Peppers series for you to download to your kid's iPods.
and a bunch of swashbuckling adventure stories by H Rider Haggard (King Solomon's mines is his most famous).
When I lived in Africa, I read an article by a South African 'nanga (traditional healer/priest) who said that Haggard was friends with some of them, and incorporated some of their oral tales and history into his stories.
True or legend? Don't know, but I do know that the hills of Umtali are terraced, and that one can commonly find ancient paintings on sheltered areas in kopjes...more Here
---------------------
Joseph Ellis has a new biography out on the Adams family. No, not that one...John and Abagail.
Podcast about it from the Free Library of Phila.
they also have a talk by Michelle Norris (Of NPR).
------------
And IgnatiusPress has a podcast about their latest (mainly Catholic) books released. this weeks includes David Downing's Searching for the King: An Inklings Novel,
For Those born before 1970
TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE
1930s, '40s, '50s, '60s and '70s!!
First, we survived being born to mothers who may have smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then, after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs painted with bright colored lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets,
and, when we rode our bikes,we had baseball caps,not helmets, on our heads.
As infants and children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes..
Riding in the back of a pick- up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle, and no one actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter, and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And we weren't overweight.
WHY?
Because we were always outside playing...that's why!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day.
--And, we were OKAY.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scrapsand then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes.. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem..
We did not have Play Stations, Nintendo’s and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVDs,no surround-sound or CDs,no cell phones,no personal computers,
no Internet and no chat rooms.
WE HAD FRIENDS
and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut,broke bones and teeth,and there were no lawsuits from those accidents.
We would get spankings with wooden spoons, switches, ping-pong paddles, or just a bare hand, and no one would call child services to report abuse.
We ate worms, and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls, and
-although we were told it would happen- we did not put out very many eyes.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them.
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team.
Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment.
Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers, and inventors ever.
The past 50 to 85 years have seen an explosion of innovation and new ideas..
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.
If YOU are one of those born between 1925-1970, CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good.
While you are at it, forward it to your kids, so they will know how brave and lucky their parents were.
Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it ?
your email of the day from TiaMaria
1930s, '40s, '50s, '60s and '70s!!
First, we survived being born to mothers who may have smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then, after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs painted with bright colored lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets,
and, when we rode our bikes,we had baseball caps,not helmets, on our heads.
As infants and children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes..
Riding in the back of a pick- up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle, and no one actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter, and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And we weren't overweight.
WHY?
Because we were always outside playing...that's why!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day.
--And, we were OKAY.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scrapsand then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes.. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem..
We did not have Play Stations, Nintendo’s and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVDs,no surround-sound or CDs,no cell phones,no personal computers,
no Internet and no chat rooms.
WE HAD FRIENDS
and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut,broke bones and teeth,and there were no lawsuits from those accidents.
We would get spankings with wooden spoons, switches, ping-pong paddles, or just a bare hand, and no one would call child services to report abuse.
We ate worms, and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls, and
-although we were told it would happen- we did not put out very many eyes.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them.
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team.
Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment.
Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers, and inventors ever.
The past 50 to 85 years have seen an explosion of innovation and new ideas..
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.
If YOU are one of those born between 1925-1970, CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good.
While you are at it, forward it to your kids, so they will know how brave and lucky their parents were.
Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it ?
your email of the day from TiaMaria
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Musical interlude of the day
the video is sponsored by St.Monica's parish in Bulacan, but the music is nice and it is accurate on how we celebrate All Saints day here in the provinces.
Local kid makes good
The Indian Express notes that Nikki Haley is their first IndianAmerican female governor...full name Nimrata Nikki Randhawa Haley
not much about Filipino American politicians in our papers yet however
not much about Filipino American politicians in our papers yet however
Shut down the computer or let it sleep?
MotherJones discusses the "green" aspect of the debate.
According to energy efficiency expert Michael Bluejay, while in use, the average laptop requires 15-60 watts, while desktops use 65-250 watts, plus an additional 15-70 for the monitor. In sleep mode, however, most laptops use a measly two watts, and desktops with monitors use 5-10 watts, says Nordman. ("Hibernate" modes on some computers use even less energy—for a good rundown on the difference between various power management modes, check out Michael Bluejay's guide.) Because sleep settings use so little energy, Nordman believes that it isn't really worth making a big production out of remembering to shut down your computer every day: "Much more important to make sure that your computer is set to go into power-saving mode after a certain period of idle time."
Me, I shut it down, because I lost my hard drive during an unexpected thunderstorm...not to mention that the cats love to sleep on the laptop.
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
According to energy efficiency expert Michael Bluejay, while in use, the average laptop requires 15-60 watts, while desktops use 65-250 watts, plus an additional 15-70 for the monitor. In sleep mode, however, most laptops use a measly two watts, and desktops with monitors use 5-10 watts, says Nordman. ("Hibernate" modes on some computers use even less energy—for a good rundown on the difference between various power management modes, check out Michael Bluejay's guide.) Because sleep settings use so little energy, Nordman believes that it isn't really worth making a big production out of remembering to shut down your computer every day: "Much more important to make sure that your computer is set to go into power-saving mode after a certain period of idle time."
Me, I shut it down, because I lost my hard drive during an unexpected thunderstorm...not to mention that the cats love to sleep on the laptop.
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Calm down
James Delingpole at the UKTelegraph explains what the "teaparty" backlash is about:
At stake is exactly the same thing the Greek alliance fought for when Western Civilisation was born at Salamis in 480 BC; the same thing we citizens of the West have been fighting for ever since: the right to forge our own destinies as free men and women....(and opposing) the stealthy encroachment of the Big Government into the most intimate recesses of our daily lives ...
As a BlueDog Demorcrat, I'm not sure I agree with all of this (should we eliminate public health measures? Protecting the vulnerable from the selfish who would abandon them, and protecting the public from greedy corporations is one function of the government), but it does explain why a lot of folks, especially immigrants, went to the US.
Oh yes: The flag is from the time of the US revolution, essentially telling England to keep out of our lives.
Recipe for the day: Tempura shrimp
I went to post a How to cook tempura video from the Inquirer, but it won't post.
But look at all these social network sites that they do include:
They include Yardbarker (so your noisy dog can post?),
Zoo Loo (So the Giraffes can ihi in privacy),
Yorumcuyum (sounds like something dirty)
and You Mob (for Mafia social networking).
And that's just in the Y's and Z's
oh well.
here's the Japanese way to cook Tempura:
and here is Tempura for lazy folks:
But look at all these social network sites that they do include:
They include Yardbarker (so your noisy dog can post?),
Zoo Loo (So the Giraffes can ihi in privacy),
Yorumcuyum (sounds like something dirty)
and You Mob (for Mafia social networking).
And that's just in the Y's and Z's
oh well.
here's the Japanese way to cook Tempura:
and here is Tempura for lazy folks:
Good news of the day
The US elections are being held, and that means (maybe) in another 12 hours the over-the-top political shouting will end...
The bad news of the day:
(except for recounts)
The bad news of the day:
(except for recounts)
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Monday, November 01, 2010
see more Must Have Cute
getyour HelloKittyStarwars stickers at Hellowars Etsy shop
Or, if you are a fan of Batman or a Trekkie, check out the links at Geekologie or at Joseph's MySpace/
see more Must Have Cute
It's now official
we've always suspected Ozzie Osbourne was a cave man type, but the UKMail confirms it:
Researchers studying his DNA have found that the singer is the descendant of a Neanderthal man.
(Photos Getty Images from the UK MAIL)
He is also a distant relative of outlaw Jesse James, the last Russian tsar Nicholas II and King George I – and shares some genes with the ancient Romans.
(Headsup Rogue Classicism)
The "WAGD" post of the day
I first read about this in the 1970's, but with an expected increase in solar flares and terrorist bombs, USAToday has the latest "WAGD" (we're all gonna DIE") flap that solar flares or an EMP could shut down the world...and gives these examples.
• On July 9, 1962, the Atomic Energy Commission and the Defense Atomic Support Agency detonated the Starfish Prime, a 1.4-megaton H-bomb test at an altitude of 250 miles, some 900 miles southwest of Hawaii over the Pacific Ocean. The pulse shorted out streetlights in Oahu.
• On March 9, 1989, the sun spat a million-mile-wide blast of high-temperature charged solar gas straight at the Earth. The "coronal mass ejection" struck the planet three days later, triggering a geomagnetic storm that made the northern lights visible in Texas. The storm also induced currents in Quebec's power grid that knocked out power for 6 million people in Canada and the USA for at least nine hours....
well, we have a generator, and our jeep doesn't have a computerized engine, so we should be okay.
• On July 9, 1962, the Atomic Energy Commission and the Defense Atomic Support Agency detonated the Starfish Prime, a 1.4-megaton H-bomb test at an altitude of 250 miles, some 900 miles southwest of Hawaii over the Pacific Ocean. The pulse shorted out streetlights in Oahu.
• On March 9, 1989, the sun spat a million-mile-wide blast of high-temperature charged solar gas straight at the Earth. The "coronal mass ejection" struck the planet three days later, triggering a geomagnetic storm that made the northern lights visible in Texas. The storm also induced currents in Quebec's power grid that knocked out power for 6 million people in Canada and the USA for at least nine hours....
well, we have a generator, and our jeep doesn't have a computerized engine, so we should be okay.
Family news
We got up at dawn to visit the cemetery before the crowds. First we went to the grave of Lolo's mother, and then to the grave of his brother and Ito.
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