Saturday, January 27, 2007
Sheryl Harris is one of my favorite local (Plain Dealer) columnists. I even sent her a fan email once (she was nice enough to reply). She writes primarily about consumer information topics and doesn't pull her punches. (About The Ohio House making a hash of the predatory lending bill: "It's like trying to cross a warthog with a rabid badger and come up with Bambi.") Ya gotta love her. Here's her column about the recent theft of up to 40 million credit/debit card numbers from TJX Cos. and Ohio being one of only twenty states where consumers are not allowed to put a freeze on their credit reports. After reading this I sent an email to my State Rep. You should too.
Posted 6:54 AM by whatley (1) comments
Comments:
Post a Comment- Here's the rabid badger column.
Monday, January 22, 2007
"We are overwhelmed by you (expletive deleted) Americans," an exasperated emergency-room physician at a Canadian hospital across the border from upstate New York told one of my friends, whose girlfriend had driven him the eight hours from Manhattan to Quebec after he'd fallen down some stairs and broken his arm.
Posted 9:22 PM by whatley (3) comments
Comments:
- What's a matter mookie? American health care system got you down? Play this State of the Union Address Drinking Game and you'll feel better. For a while.
Post a Comment- Sometimes I feel bad because Marsha's job comes with really good health care, but its worth about $7,000 a year. Any profits more than 10 percent above the previous year(adjusted for inflation) should be considered windfalls and taxed accordingly. Single payer National Health would remove the medical liability component from all our other insurances (home, auto, business)since it would be redundant. The states could become the guarantor for medical malpractice as the agency responsible for issuing licenses to practice medicine. An honest error would not bankrupt a doctor and real malpractice would result in permanent loss of license. Doctor's fees should go down.
Glad I was able to straighten this out for everyone, what's next on the agenda?
For those who don't read it The Edge is a forum for some of the world's leading thinkers in a number of fields to discuss a variety of wide-ranging issues in a forum accessible to the general public. Issue 200 poses their yearly big question What Are You Optimistic About? Check it out.
Posted 5:42 PM by A. O. (2) comments
Comments:
- What am I optimistic about? I don't see much positive societal or governmental change on the horizon, but the basic zaniness of individuals leaves me feeling more positive about the world. I mean, when there is a Crazy Cat Lady action figure available, can things be that bad?
Post a Comment- I am wildly optimistic. We just got our local school district to allow cards with info regarding where to go for care if you are pregnant. I was hoping to attach a condom and a script for ortho novum on the back. Baby steps.
On a more appreciative note - thanks for the link to crazy cat woman. My sister's action figure is in the mail!
Friday, January 19, 2007
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Cocktails of the haggis hunter
Whisky with haggis chaser
Ingredients:
Large bottle of malt whisky
A Haggis
A glass
A very very small amount of water (dinnae droon it laddie)
Method:
Place generous amount of whisky in glass.
Wave water over whisky.
Drink whisky.
Cook haggis the following morning and serve on toast
with brown sauce as an excellent hangover cure.
Bloody Haggis
Ingredients:
Large bottle of malt whisky
A glass
A very very small jug of water
Tomato juice
Worcester sauce
Stick of celery
Bottle of vodka
Method:
Place generous amount of whisky in glass.
Wave water quickly over whisky.
Reserve tomato juice for the next time you cook linguine.
Place celery in bonnet.
Dab Worcester sauce behind ears.
You are now ready for a night on the town.
Put vodka somewhere that local teenagers will be unable to find it.
Drink whisky.
Cook haggis the following morning and serve on toast
with brown sauce as an excellent hangover cure.
Posted 1:19 PM by Andy (5) comments
Comments:
Post a Comment- Cocktails of the haggis hunter, continued.
Haggis sunrise
Ingredients:
Large bottle of malt whisky
A large carton of orange juice
A Haggis
A glass
A very very small jug of water
Method:
Dash eight sloshes of whisky into glass.
Show water to whisky from minimum distance of ten yards.
Carefully put carton of orange juice unopened in fridge lest it go off.
Drink whisky.
Cook haggis the following morning and serve on toast
with brown sauce as an excellent hangover cure.
Sloe comfortable haggis against the wall
Ingredients:
Large bottle of malt whisky
A large carton of orange juice
A Haggis
A glass
A very very small jug of water
A random selection of those lesser liquors in garish bottles so beloved by dull people seeking glamour
Method:
Half-fill glass with whisky, then add more whisky.
Sotto voce mention existence of water to whisky.
Pour other spirits into the nearest potted plant.
Give juice to tee totaller.
Drink whisky.
Cook haggis the following morning and serve on toast
with brown sauce as an excellent hangover cure.
Haggis on the beach
Ingredients:
Large bottle of malt whisky
A haggis
A very very small jug of water
Bag of sand
Method:
Pour sand on ground.
Pour water on ground.
Strip down to your underwear.
You are now at the beach.
Use haggis as a beachball.
Drink whisky from the bottle.
Russian Haggis
Ingredients:
Large bottle of malt whisky
A glass
A very very small jug of water
Bottle of vodka
Coffee liqueur
Cream
Method:
Hold bottle of whisky vertically over glass for several seconds.
Place jug of water in next room.
Carefully position liqueur in cupboard beside tea bags
– if you want ****ing coffee, you’ll drink ****ing coffee.
Place vodka unopened in freezer – it’ll feel at home there.
Drink whisky.
Cook haggis the following morning and serve on toast
with brown sauce as an excellent hangover cure.
Drizzle cream round plate for dead classy presentation.
Haggis margarita
Ingredients:
Large bottle of malt whisky
A Haggis
A lime
Lime juice
Bottle of tequila
Salt
A glass
Another glass
Small jug of water.
Method:
Wet rim of glass and dip in salt.
Cut lime into slices and attach to rim of glass.
Wet bottom of glass with lime juice.
Fill glass to rim with tequila.
Drop lit match into glass.
Now you have made a nice home-made heater,
sit down beside it, rest your feet on the haggis
and enjoy a wee dram.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Other than the fact that you die at the singularity, falling into a black hole may just be the vacation destination that Disney can't match.
Posted 9:11 AM by Andy (0) comments
Comments:
Friday, January 12, 2007
Ever thought about breathing liquid? It is a treatment sometimes used for premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed, or to deliver medication directly to alveoli. It was also seen in science fiction (the movie The Abyss). Liquid Ventilation, a December 1999 pediatric medical review. "But the perfluorocarbon for medical use is not available on the market. As premature babies need very small quantities and no commercial application for adults has been found, the patent-owning company has opted not to market it arguing that it lacks profitability."
Posted 8:42 AM by Andy (0) comments
Comments:
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Remember The Hunt for Red October? The boat was propelled by a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) drive, or "caterpillar". This property really works, but in order to build economical ships with the science, better (higher temperature) superconductors need to be developed so the MONSTER magnetic field required can be created from the HUGE electric current flow produced by the GARGANTUAN generators run on steam made in the nuclear reactors (or oil boilers) in the boat that Nimitz built. The highest accepted current superconduction temperature is 138Kelvin (-212 F). Nitrogen liquifies at 77K.
MHD science is understandable with some basic explanation. No calculus or Maxwell's equations are required. Just some basic algebra, a nod to Isaac Newton, and the concept about how electrical fields, magnetic fields , and the propulsive force operate at right angles to one another. That can be visualized easily by using one hand. Go to Magnetohydrodynamics and the Lorentz Force Law, A Presentation for Grade 12 Physics Students. Also go and look at RmCybernetics -MagnetoHydroDynamic Thruster to get a better sense of the potential implementation. Mitsubishi built an experimental MHD boat, the Yamato 1 a decade ago.
Another related technology is used in linear propulsion motors on high speed maglev (magnetic levitation) trains. Linear motors use the "likes repel/opposites attract" magnetic field interactions to move things along. One form of linear motor is used in a linear particle accelerator. Linear motors have been proposed for railguns that could launch projectiles, or possibly cargo destined for orbit.
Posted 12:00 PM by Andy (4) comments
Comments:
- Yes! Electrostatic precipitation has some of the same characteristics, but without being aimed or restricted to a specific region. All the power generation plants use electrostatic precipitation and other methods to take the dirty nasties out of the exhaust that goes up the smokestack. These days, it is more of a "steam stack".
- Why can't they use a system like that to clean auto exhaust? Use a turbo powered by the exhaust stream to generate the current and then dump the exhaust into a box full of electrostatic elements. Could double as a muffler. Other elements in "The Box" could extract waste heat to warm intake air or provide some other function that heat might be useful for resulting in a nearly cold emission.
That last idea is generated by my current thinking that a large part of our enviro/pollution problem is excess heat generation, i.e. low efficiency technologies, and any heat that can be captured will reduce overall impact. I also think that pavement is becoming a major issue. Not just its lack of porosity but its function as a heat sink and remitter of random energy. Any chance of a photosynthetic paving material anytime soon?
Post a Comment- Electrostatic precipitation only works for particulates wihin a specific size range, and depends on the gas flow volume, temperature, humidity being constant. Gasoline engines do not emit particulates, but diesel engines do. Vehicle engines vary speed and gas flow rates constantly, and the chemistry "in the box" changes with temperature and weather. The diesel researchers are working on particulate traps to make engines cleaner. They grab the teeny bits and have to be recharged regularly to burn the soot out. High temperature running can do this, so when the engine conditions are right, the computer increases burn conditions to raise exhaust gas temperature. This also increases NOx emissions, but if it only lasts for a few minutes every hour, there is still a net gain in overall exhaust quality.
Thermal pollution is a fact of creating order and forcing entropy to run uphill. Thermal plumes in air, water and the underground acquifer all are the scent trails of industrialization, central heating, electrical distribution and transportation. The multi-megawatts shed by city pavement and rooftops on a hot summer day can change the climate and rainfall patterns in the region.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
In the 20th century, the Haggis was known only as a particular Scottish recipe, often honored with poetry and ceremony on High Occasions. It is not widely known, however, that in the dim, deep history of Scotland, the Haggis was actually a small Highland animal.
Tales have been told of the fierce Wild Brindled Haggis of Mull, and of the North American Haggis-raising experiment of the Dane, Ole McDonald. In recent times, more information has become available concerning other breeds which were at one time common in other areas. This information is the result of much time and research carried out in out-of-the-way pubs and late-evening interviews with experts on the subject, whose expertise waxed or waned with the supply of Guinness.
In ancient days, many breeds of this shy, elusive and fabled little animal roamed freely throughout the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. In fact, many of the old roads began as Haggis Tracks, sometimes resulting in precipitous routes which are now driven only by the less fearful - especially on Skye.
Most breeds of the Haggis were small and rotund (a shape foretelling its appearance on the platter). Most had large eyes, to better see through mist and during long winter darkness. All had thick fur for protection from the damp and chill. A few of the Island varieties had webbed feet, and at least one breed was egg-laying. Common was a fierce demeanor to ward off others, and all tended to develop unique habits. Some breeds were of a solitary nature, while some lived in loosely-organized groups called "grumps", a term obviously coined in reference to their temperaments. There are seven species for which historical information has been unearthed (to be continued).
Posted 10:01 PM by Andy (5) comments
Comments:
- The Multi-Colored Haggis of Harris
This breed had long silky fur and was larger than the usual Haggis. It was also a bit more even-tempered, except when molting, which occurred every seven years. This molting period was accompanies by much snappishness and bickeriing. They would scratch against rocks to dislodge the old fur, which was left in great tufts all over the island. Some aver that this is the origin of the phrase, "the seven-year itch." The resourceful and creative folk who inhabited the island at that time would gather this fur and weave it into a warm distinctive tweedy fabric. This art still continues, although no longer with Haggis fur.
- The Black Velvety Balmoral Haggis
This distinctive Haggis was found throughout the Highlands, though few in number. Its fur was very short and dense. If a Highlander was fortunate enough to find one, the skin made a warm headcover. This was generally bound to the head with a checkered band of cloth, and some claim that this was the forerunner of the diced bonnet.
- The Wee Tufted Burrowing Haggis
and
The Nonchalant Egg-Laying Haggis
These two breeds once inhabited the St. Andrews area. The Burrowing Haggis was wont to dig a hole about five inches in diameter and about four inches deep. This allowed him to keep watch for enemies, but also to remain somewhat sheltered from the wind. Savoring sweet grasses, he would graze an area surrounding his burrow until the grass was clipped smooth and velvety. The Nonchalant Egg-Layer was a wanderer, not limiting itself to a particular nesting site. The female laid eggs indiscriminately about the countryside during the summer months, eggs that were leathery, white, round and dimpled all over.
Gentlemen, when on walks through the area, with their knobbed walking sticks, soon began knocking the eggs out of their way with the knobbed ends of the sticks. This soon evolved into a contest, with competition waxing fierce (and with many a wager) to see who could knock a dimpled Haggis egg into a Burrowing Haggis hole. If, unfortunately, the hole was occupied, the Haggis would emit a protesting "GOFF," which was the danger cry of the Burrowing Haggis. As the popularity of this pastime increased, the gentlemen began inviting their friends for a Saturday of "Goffing" in the country. Large groups began gathering each Saturday, and the game became quite hazardous for both the Haggis and the players. To alleviate the crowded conditions, each group of players was alloted eighteen Burrowing Haggis holes, with their surrouding smooth grassy areas, for their game. The resident Haggis, disturbed beyond reason, migrated to other areas, only to find other gentlemen who, having heard of the St. Andrews "Goffers," rushed to take up the sport themselves. It is said that the Haggis finally, in desperation, stowed away on ships to other parts of the world, where evidence of their habitation still remains. Athough nothing has been heard of these two particualr breeds recently, they do deserve some recognition for their contribution to the sporting world.
- The Singing Haggis of Skye
Inhabiting only the northern end of the island, these Haggis lived in family groups: sire, dam and two pups. The pups remained with their parents for two years. Occasionally, on a very dark, misty night, these families could be heard practicing the "Departure Song" deep within their burrows. This song was sung by the four on a midsummer's night in the mountaintops, to herald the departure of the pups to make burrows of their own. The sire and the two pups would each sing a particular note, as continuously as possible, while the dam would sing a melody. The people of that area were so taken with this music that, centuries ago, when this breed became extinct, they constructed a musical instrument to duplicate this sound as closely as possible. This instrument is still being played throughout the world by people quite unaware of its origin.
Post a Comment- The Apocryphal Pink Haggis
Over the centuries, there have been scattered reports of sightings of pink Haggis. These reports cannot be taken seriously. All these sightings took place in or near major distilleries or popular pubs, thereby rendering questionable the credibility of the witnesses.
The Fearsome Iain Haggis of Glencoe
This tiny fierce breed lived in rock crannies high in the mountains and was seldom seen. Relatively recent sightings of this Haggis have been reported by a few Campbells, who claimed to have been savagely bitten about the ankles. Some wag has suggested that this might have been the origin of the Highland Fling.
Epilog
It is hoped that future research will continue to uncover new data concerning the Haggis. As this occurs, relevant data will be reported as received.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Censored stories anyone? Well, not exactly censored (and I don't even want to think about what may have been censored), but certainly not given the importance they deserved. Instead we got 24/7 coverage about John Mark Karr, the whacko who claimed he was with 6-year-old beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey when she died in 1996. Ye gods. Anyway, here ya go:
The Top Ten
The 15 Runners-Up
The Rest
What? You want more? Ok, here's the Top Ten From Foreign Policy Mag.
Posted 4:52 PM by whatley (1) comments
Comments:
Post a Comment- Because we simply don't have enough recaps and "best of" lists to consider, here are the Top 10 stories of 2006 that weren't really news at all, from celebrities breeding to Snakes on a Plane. An audio clip from NPR's The Unger Report by Brian Unger.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Greetings and salutations.
Just checking in and finding out if I can post. (made the change to the 'new' blog).
Family is well, Mom, Dick, Chris (now the Elyria Safety Service Director), Marsha (living in Fl most of the year), Andy (Lt. on Elyria PD), Matt (Sgt. on Elyria PD) and Robin (still at Kent), Meredith (10 and sassy as always) and Kevin (9 and dedicated to all forms of electronic entertainment).
Me? Still at Westfield though have moved from IT to the Personal Lines Department as technology lead, business intelligence data analyst (combination of oxymoron and info archaeology) and application developer. Better pay and better working conditions. Will have to do until I win the lottery ... (what do you mean you have to buy a ticket .... damn.... oh well.)
2007 - Fortieth HS graduation anniversary ........ whew!
Ciao
Posted 10:52 AM by jeichenlaub (1) comments
Comments:
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Global warming? Cartoon showing US and Australia leadership actions. John Howard is the Australia Prime Minister since 1996.
Posted 10:07 AM by Andy (1) comments
Comments:
Post a Comment- All from a New Zealand perspective by cartoonist Tom Scott
.
Monday, January 01, 2007
To revive a previous discussion - the idea of using high-frequency energy (like microwaves) to split water into hydrogen and oxygen for fuel is still being bandied about. There are arguments that "big oil" and "big energy" are suppresssing the technology. A chemist from Australia (John Christie, Faculty, School of Chemistry, La Trobe University, Bundoora) nails the issue when he writes: "The real problem with producing hydrogen from water is not efficiency, but simply the total energy cost. "
A non-mainstream "garage-tinkerer" who claimed to have produced fuel from water at better than break-even was Stan Meyer, who died in March 1998 after eating at a restaurant. See Water fuel cell at Wikipedia for some pros and cons. He was secretive and paranoid about the details of his machinery, and supposedly, on his death, his house was "raided" and all of his critical stuff and records were spirited away. Even the truth of his death was disputed. One confirmation was published by E. F Mallove, the Editor in Chief of Infinite Energy Magazine and head of Cold Fusion Technology, Inc. Mallove was himself killed in May 2004, reportedly by crack addicts during a robbery, when he returned to his former neighborhood to clean up a house his family owned. Conspiricists rave freely about these events. No Polonium 209 isotopes (from 188 to 220) were detected in either case.
Here is a site that lists lots of real, apocryphal or hearsay methods to get hydrogen from water. Personally, my favorite method would have the ephemeral folk of fairy tales separating it with teeny little tweezers.
Posted 11:41 AM by Andy (5) comments
Comments:
- Here you go Andy try some Ancient Gravitics
- Or maybe you need some deeper background on Implosion Technology
- Everybody Wing Chun tonight because Robert Patterson reports that "Wing Chun would prove to be an instrumental key in my comprehension of natural and environmental energies." Along with his apprenticeship in HVAC, and his learning "to read blueprints and schematics".
Also drink plenty of water because "The dynamics of flowing, GOOD healthy water is bristling with levitational and healing qualities." And you will learn to fly. Better yet - go ask a porpoise about flying using implosion technology.
- I call this theThe Sky Whale
Post a Comment- Someone has done the theoretical aerodynamic analysis. The constant roller-coastering would turn me green, then orange, then I would jump out, without a parachute. Since we have lightweight composits, and better construction techniques than the Hindenburg, why not it with the propulsion tunnel right down the center axis and with enclosed ducted fans. Two counter-rotating props, with intake at the highest pressure point in the bow, and exhaust at the lowest pressure point in the stern. Actually, if you build it double-ended, it could reverse direction without turning around.
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