Whoof Arted

WHAT ARE WE DOING ABUSING ANIMALS LIKE THAT?!!

2011-07-10T09:05:00.008-08:00

"Pigging in the maintenance of pipelines refers to the practice of using ...

'pigs' to perform various operations on a pipeline without stopping

the flow of the product in the pipeline."

~ wikipedia ~

It has come to my attention that

animals have been and are

still being used in inhumane ways

to clean, unclog, and

inspect the inside of pipelines in

the name of oil consumption.

This is one device used to send

them in or get them back out ---->

called a "launcher/Retriever"

that is, assuming they are in good enough shape

to have made it through the pipe

and take back out. Brutal - I know!

This all happens while the crude

oil is STILL FLOWING!

I have no idea how that affects

the bacon or the ribs but believe it causes more

unnecessary stress to the ordinary

'Sus scrofa domesticus' than is due them

and probably affects their taste tremendously.

Ever eat an extremely tough or very oily pork roast?

As if it's not harsh enough to use animals

for testing chemicals and human products...

We must try and put a stop to this unmerciful, callous

treatment of animals!

it's time to

SAVE THE PIGS!

(donations to this effort will be readily accepted)

To some old pals i miss the most

2011-05-30T22:54:00.005-08:00

I raise my glass and give a toast.

A sister, brother, long-lost friend,

you left something for me to boast.

You gave me more than you could take

and, for that, make no mistake.

You are a part of of who I am

and others left within your wake.

I found, with you, a part of me

who I always wished to be.

I miss you now and want you here.

Hardly possible, you see.

Sometimes I just think of you

when I'm at at a place we knew

together - I won't forget.

The places seeming not too few.

When I'm at that place, I know,

what you've given me I show...

I think of you

and feel the wind blow.

NOT my intention to disgrace Pele. Just being tidy

2011-04-08T20:38:00.003-08:00

The sand from Hawaii is bad luck to TAKE.

Imagine how many reef walkers/water shoes

we wore while traversing beaches on an island.

One set gets left to dry in 'the pile', another set

forgotten after a new purchase, the 'last' beach...

I pulled insole after insole and dumped each

different set on papers and collected the worth.

BLACK ~ very few shell or

coral fragments

WHITE ~ very few rock fragments

mostly coral and shell

MAGIC ~ Gray look, has mix of lava,

shell, and coral and is called magic

because the currents take it away

and bring it back.

I regret not getting to walk in green or

powder white sand. we might have needed

another bag checked at the airport just for shoes.

There may be an art piece planned for these

colors of da island...

as soon as i'm sure the coast is clear.

It was 4 years almost to the day

2011-03-30T16:51:00.004-08:00

I realized, as I tore the old ski lift tag from my

snow pant zipper, that it was March of 2007 when

I was boarding Aleyeska with Rod and Devyn last.

It seems a shame there was so

long between trips when last Saturday was

a great exhausting ball of fun that my body

has taken very well to this point.

Courses were set up for different events

with the best view of them from above.

If there is snow on top the end of April, I plan

another trip with a "haole" from the non-mainland.

That would cure his jealousy of snow play while

he lives in a tropical oasis in the mid Pacific.

~ ~

@,@

\_/

eh, Joe?

Can you count the fry in this picture?

2011-03-25T16:05:00.000-08:00

you may need to zoom in for an accurate count

This would be about 1/3 of the total brood of

little Managuense (Jaguar Cichlids) my pair have.

I should be more clear....SHE is eating them, and

HE has HER chased to the opposite end of the 48"

tank holding with the Oscar, Sid. God forbid a few

of the numerous fry meet their end.

This may be a better view of the immensity this

father has figured for a few weeks :

any guesses?

Extremely great time had on da Big Island!

2011-03-19T06:44:00.000-08:00

It hasn't been a full month since my last post, but near.

At the fear of being called a liar, thoughts of our fine

state of AK, family, & friends crossed my mind daily.

Saying, "So long" to the Peninsula

Surreal color of jade.

Pahoihoi

Waipio Valley

Pineapple

Although, i have been browsing properties for sale there...

We go to da island, brah, and feel mo betta wit sand and surf fo old body.

2011-02-24T06:15:00.002-09:00

Green Lake

Green Sand

Pristine rental

I would expect that our fine state will still be here when

we get back and we are entrusting you to keep it in good

shape. Our house and pets are in good hands, I believe.

Mahalo to Brit and Robert for house caring

and Aloha to you.

We see you bumbye, yeah?

Decorate them BEFORE they are inside!

2011-02-12T07:49:00.003-09:00

Not the craziest, I'm sure, but...

This toy may be the hit of the trailer

park for birthdays in 2011!

In other weird news - New Years Eve;

Darco Sangermano, 28, was hit in the temple by the .22 calibre bullet while wandering with his girlfriend through Naples – a city in Italy notorious for its rowdy New Year celebrations, often involving firearms and powerful fireworks.

The bullet went through the right side of his head, behind his eye socket and lodged in his nasal passage but miraculously did no serious damage.

Bleeding heavily, he was taken to hospital in an ambulance shortly after midnight, but while waiting to be seen by doctors he sneezed and the bullet shot out of his right nostril.

Ya gotta love fruits on the island, brah.

2011-02-08T16:34:00.002-09:00

EPIC DISASTROUS STORMS IN U.S. HISTORY:

2011-02-02T17:12:00.006-09:00

# 1.

The Great Blizzard of 1888 (the Great White Hurricane)

March 11 - 14, 1888

Eastern United States

Snowfall of 40 to 50 inches was recorded over New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut as sustained winds created drifts as much as 50 feet tall. Total deaths are thought to have exceeded 400. Most of the cities on the eastern seaboard were shut down for days, if not weeks.

# 2.

The Storm of the Century

March 11 - 15, 1993

Eastern United States

This massive cyclonic storm had arms that at one point reached from Canada to Central America. More than 300 were killed.

Alabama and Georgia were hit by as much as six inches of snow. Areas further south received up to 16 inches of rain. Tornadoes and thunderstorms broke out all over the South.

In the northeast, record low temperatures were accompanied by large amounts of snow; some affected areas received as much as 3.5 feet, while drifts piled as high as 35 feet. Storm surges as high as twelve feet were recorded.

# 7.

The Blizzards of 2010

February 5-6; February 9-10, 2010

Mid Atlantic States, Northeast

Affecting the entire eastern seaboard, these storms dumped as much as 40 inches each on the eastern United States.

resource:

http://www.epicdisasters.com/index.php/site/comments/the_worst_us_winter_storms/

Could I have been wrong this whole time about the eminent doom of an oncoming ice age?

There are a lot of records with similar patterns in weather, it seems.

I, personally, will vote for the warming thing - as others.

Not like me to be sentimental about a fish,

2011-01-24T16:26:00.004-09:00

but this Jewel Cichlid of mine

dropped out of our physical realm just

Saturday - after watching him age for the

last month. He was about 9 years old which

was the longest I ever had a Cichlid. Most of

them died over water conditions or other extreme

unfortunate measures such as being eaten by another tank dweller.

This fish (with no real name in his life) lived

through a serious variety of conditions that

includes a 3-month long algae bloom in which

everything else (even the 14" pleco.) died

but him. He lived through a catfish named

Stanley, a gar, clown knife, numerous cichlids,

and many, many, many guppies and minnows.

He actually knew too many fish to count in

his short 9 years in my tank. I already miss

him. Not like missing a dog, but like missing

one button on a shirt. He was a jewel.

So I threw him out with the trash.

WELL?! He was too big for a proper "flush"

burial and I just couldn't watch the mollies

tear him apart .

It's been o'er a month

2011-01-16T11:26:00.000-09:00

...since the last post on site

and it seems to have left this spot in a blight.

With great words of wisdom and dry country wit,

I've missed posting steady for those who read it.

Which includes, not limited to, a misguided few

who sit at their house with very little to do.

To those that sit bored and seek steady new things

who have likely hooked up with more interesting pings:

My mind has been elsewhere and wandering 'round.

Wasting time building sidewalks in a virtual towne.

And some of you know Trenchknife and RamdaggerII

It's been long since i parted my way from those two.

They took lots of time from a schedule that's thin.

I don't know how I got mixed up with that again.

Anyway, to just say, hope you have a good day.

May you find peace and wisdom in what you do and say.

There's a bundle of knowledge on the web you can see.

If you want truth without stretch, please don't count on me.

Can you say, "Global cooling?"

2010-12-12T10:14:00.003-09:00

As the current weather patterns draw out what

was seen last season, it seems to be breaking records

for snowfall that were set anew just under a year ago.

Blizzards "plague" the nation, traffic stands still, stadiums

collapse, and the "war" on global warming continues.

WAIT! DON'T DO IT!!

Maybe all those efforts to thwart the warming trend

are paying off ten-fold better than ever expected.

The new hybrids have GOT to be stopped before

our earth is forced into another ice age!!

Christmas is nigh!

2010-12-12T09:45:00.003-09:00

Could there possibly be a bigger rush than for Christmas?

Time is running short for that secret gift.

You'll never guess what I got you.

get'em started early

2010-12-05T08:54:00.003-09:00

Not to just be a braggart,

2010-12-01T19:32:00.003-09:00

But, we had the youngest member of the

beaver clan at our place last night =D

It was great. We played ball, rode bikes,

and even played 9 holes of wii golf

(she whipped my butt). I know some of you

HAVE NOT MET THE GREAT KARTER PERSONALLY

and have just a clue of what you're missing.

POO-NANNY!

I almost feel sorry for you so

here is a picture of the precious

little beaver, between games, while she visited:

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T09:45:00.003-09:00

Something Missing

For those of you who sit with few

for dinner on this day,

Know in part you're in my heart

and will be come what may.

I'm grateful for life, my loving wife,

my family that extends,

a great career, a tall cold beer,

acquaintances and friends.

I'll sit and spin a lazy grin

with a meal inside my core,

but speak no lie, I'll think of pie

to then be filled some more.

And then to nap (if you're such a chap)

before a ball game's through.

Deep thought within to fuel the grin,

I'll sit and think of you.

~ john r mclay~

(Yes. This IS mine AND original!)

Missing those who are dear to me and wishing

a relaxing, delicious day for all of you.

---------------------------------------------------------------

on the side: A cautiously cute surprise this morning

was my pair of Nicaraguan cichlids have

started a family with a few hundred eggs.

The oscar, Sid (fishus), wants to go look

at the eggs, and maybe try a few, but the

parents will have nothing of the sort. And the

male is quite a force to reckon with when it

comes to family matters. Me too, I guess.

Perpetual energy found!

2010-11-22T05:26:00.000-09:00

A new sport is born!

2010-11-18T20:35:00.001-09:00

Looks like a mess of fun, but I think

I'll wait until May to try that here.

You've probably been paying attention, but

2010-11-15T17:48:00.005-09:00

Have you seen the new TSA security measures

being used at airports? The choices of being

scanned to the birthday suit by equipment

that emits "very little radiation" or physically

have your modesty crushed by man/woman-

handling to get through the gate are becoming

the only items on the menu if you choose to fly.

"Passengers who refuse to complete screening would be prevented from

boarding their flights, and could face a fine as high as $11,000, though

those fines have up to now never been imposed."

Kind of on the fearful side of invasion, I think.

Wikihow has a good article about it for

information of what to expect.

Sure, we can't have terrorists

walking onto planes willy-nilly

with bombs in their shoes,

deodorant, or underoos. I

simply wish they (the terrorists)

would quit finding places to

hide bombs because i fear

what could come next.

It almost makes me want to

just stay home. If everyone

stayed home for two weeks

instead of flying busily around

the airlines would probably go

bankrupt and 100,000 new

security job positions cut

which, in turn, increases the

unemployment rate and

puts an end to a lot of jobs

created by stimulus dollars

and we simply can't waste that.

I only have 3 lumps to report

after getting scanned that

could be linked to the machine.

The rest, I think, came from

that taco in the airport food court =(*

Here's a copy of my recent

full body scan:

(no, it's not gumby)

FOUR WHAT?!

2010-11-10T18:52:00.005-09:00

News from the future

Overall USA elections campaign spendings for our

most recent election totaled around $4 BILLION

according to reliable sources. Where is priority?

(These totals include money spent by outside organisations

on behalf of or against Democrats or Republicans)

The numbers are staggering (to state the obvious)

compared to, maybe, a school district's budget that

always seems to lack funding for footballs and colored

pencils there should be a few dollars left to give

deserving teachers a nickel as well.

Maybe I just don't get it.

Party Ball

2010-10-17T10:30:00.000-08:00

A lot of talk
and assumptions fly as
we approach a serious election in the
near future. Some would have us believe that
"one side" or "the other" should be supported
regardless of who the key figure is at the time
due to a person's view(s) of what color their shorts are.

A lot of views and ideals I agree
with may be rooted in one party, but there
is a much bigger problem that pushes and
stirs up who leads our country today,
where our resources are
being used, and where
or what our future lies.
Convincing our fellow Americans
that we can live conservatively
would be a good start, yes?
I just remembered - I need a new
cell phone and espresso maker
and one of them new pad thingys...

~-
O0
-

Redundancy in a repetitious repeater

2010-10-12T05:46:00.000-08:00

No pot of gold

2010-09-17T17:05:00.007-08:00

Rainbows were plentiful this afternoon, though.
The heavy fog of the last 2-3 days over the Anchorage
bowl was high above the ground by late morning
today. The light was different and the air had
an unmistakable, crisp autumn feel.

Over 14"
note the wet leaf for a pillow

With faces blushed as if embarrassed to
be outwitted and caught by such a game
of hooks and sinkers, many reached
past the 12" mark on the ruler. Before
this goes further, there are different ways to
measure the length of a sport caught fish
that people use to explain the sizable catch.

example:

There are suggested methods for getting all
the numbers (if it is not getting released)
but I like to be a little less invasive.
My fish are measured at standard length
and always will be when talking about a
one-number description in size. They are
then released ASAPAT (as soon as pics are taken).

a humble 16"

My new personal lake record
rainbow trout at just over 20".

Not the best picture, huh.?
He laid down beside my tape and, as I
hit the trigger, flipped while spitting the
hook and hit the water with a swimming bolt.
The meeting was a brief 20 seconds. You may
be thinking, at this point, "This is another fish
story with a poor picture quality of every
Sasquatch photo ever published." The next
set of pics should clear up any size question;

The 20" trout's head

Approximately 10 lb Coho head on the same spot.

Modified photo to show length by calculating arc.

Measured at "total length", this 'bow could
have been a 24" monster (if I chose the cheaters' rule).

Sometimes I wonder

2010-09-13T16:50:00.007-08:00

If we, the American people, really understand

The structure of the world around us.

Although more of us seem to want to be involved
on a regular basis, some demonstrations are only
fueled by what is shot at us from our TVs and WWW.
Some entities develop theories from thin air.
Help develop conspiracy theories here.

Media and political groups drum up so much hype
just to cause reactions for ratings when what they
really do could be considered theoretical slander
at times. If you have not looked up Uncle Jay, I
suggest you do. He has a way of explaining the
news so it is easier to understand.

thanks to about.com for some humor in pics

2010-09-07T21:08:00.002-08:00

I'm not looking for a meal this time of year

2010-09-06T10:52:00.005-08:00

Dawn in the city

I just like to think of it as saying "Hi" to some

of the 8" trout I caught last year - now, in a
12" form and feistier than before.

I fed them eggs so they can
grow up bigger and stronger.
_~
oO
'
I made them bite spinners and wobblers, too.
Beads seemed on the menu until yarn was
used. The bite died instantly, but it is still
hard to blame the yarn over timing.
Not goodbye, but "So long."

I happen to still be on the look for that
18" 'bow of the lake, from 12 months back,
and wonder how big it is now...
Without dragging on, fishing was nice.

The rod research continues over the
steel piece that I now have an estimated
date of manufacturing around 1907. Turns out
that steel
rods even
100 years old have very low value ($5 - $35 typical)
to collectors. Not much information on dates
and models of these fine steel rods of early 1900's
decades but more interest in them is sprouting.

||........................................
[]........................................

I emailed info and pictures to an "expert"
for any info he could provide. Just the
entertainment of searching has been worth my $5.

New boots and another fish story

2010-09-03T05:02:00.006-08:00

Night before last, I shelled out just over
one hundred dollars for some new work boots.

The old boots I was wearing were beyond their
safe expiration date by many months and did
not need any more gorilla super glue, shoe goo,
or duck tape. What better way is there to break
in a good pair of boots than to go fishing?
I arrived at my "secret" lake around 5 AM
with all kinds of lures, yarn, beads, worms, and
salmon roe. Enough variety to throw at rainbows
that I would be secure in saying, "They weren't
biting", if nothing was hooked. The first lure
I tossed was hit before it got back to my grasp.
Quite a few little fish were on different hooks
through the next 30 minutes - then I started
throwing roe for "the big one". A few big hits
to my larger hook gave me hope of a lunker.
Needing to relieve my body of morning
coffee, I wedged my rod (line still out with roe)
behind my bucket and stepped behind a tree
20 feet away. Before my business could be
put away, my bucket flipped and rolled my
camera within 12" of the water as my Ugly Stick ($36)
and new Ross reel ($110) were being yanked into
the lake. I quickly jumped to the bank in
time to see my rod disappear off the shoreline.
I had only momentary thoughts of my new boots
before stepping into the murky water to blindly
feel for the rod 18" deep. EUREKA! The reel
was hung up on a rock! On the business end
of my gear happened to be a ten pound Coho
that was passing by and got hooked in the side
fin. I'm sure it wasn't the best morning this
buck ever had and I let him go with a warning.

Because the bite was on, wet feet did not deter me
from staying until 6:30 then going straight to work.
Many pan-sized 'bow I saw, and the biggest was
this 12" that got his picture with my wet boots.

My feet and pants were dry by noon and I have
never had a pair of boots break in so well! I
only hope that when it comes time to buy a
new pair, the fish are in because I will look
silly standing in the lake otherwise.

Was it worth picking up ?

2010-08-31T05:21:00.005-08:00

I would figure this 4 piece rod to be a circa 1910-1930 vintage.
An alloy-lined steel, 6'-6" spinning rod with cork handle,
nickle - soldered guides with amber glass, brass ends at sections.
The handle is bent a little and the cork chipped, but the only other
flaw is a few chips on the paint. You would
never guess what I paid for it.

Biggest question(s);

1 - What is the value of this cute little rod?
2 - Should I be fishing with it?

In thought of floating a raft with the youngest,

2010-08-28T08:55:00.003-08:00

I was hoping for a sunny weekend to check out
one certain lake North of our town of LA.

I checked current radar images for the area to
"guess" the weather - as a wise Eagle has taught me.
It looks as if there might be squalls of rain through
the day and the storm front could intensify if conditions
of surrounding currents change. The winds should
lessen - what little there is - but the outlook for
precipitation holds steady at 50-60% chance.

The biggest factor pulling at my thoughts
is that trout on my hook have been few this year.
I guess I was spoiled by timing and circumstances
for 2009 being the best trout experiences
of my fishing habits. So, I looked over my
blog posts from one year ago, on this day,
and I was bragging about the Coho fishing.
It was the next coming weeks that rainbows
hit so well. It might be worth going out in the rain.

P.S.

I am usually forgetful enough to not recognize a birthday
(or two) until it has come and gone like my Father's, I'm sorry to say.
Today is lucky for me (selfish - i know) that I can wish a special Lady
a merry day and let her know I'm thinking of her without the guilt of
belated phone calls and such.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!

summer, 2010

2010-07-30T20:30:00.006-08:00

Although the summer is fleeting

and Chinook near end of run,
there comes a time of river beating
for a freezer full of fun.

Their scales will glue on eyes of rod,
their slime upon my reel.
Pictures taken with a nod
the fun is most surreal.

With morning dew laid on my back
i walk down to the stream.
Just as dawn prepares to crack
the reel begins to scream.

I watched it jump and let it run
and course against the drag.
'twas hooked in lower left - was done
with beads and yarn (as tag).

Only one thing would be greatly missed,
even with the great Coho.

'tis catching o'er eighteen inch fish
in a familiar lake with 'Bow.

dance, dance, dance

2010-07-27T21:02:00.005-08:00

cheese!

2010-07-08T20:46:00.006-08:00

HELLO...Hello...hello..

Is there anybody in there?

Just nod if you can hear me.
Is there anyone home?

(photo by Tyrena)

This land (blog) seems almost void aside from
a back-to-back poster in the fam.
Without too much grovelling over many
being too busy to blog due to various
reasons, nor make excuse for a
long-term lag in my post incentive,
I feel it could always be worse.

Look on the bright side!

I'm not locked inside a car:

And I don't have this stuff running out of my truck:

Do I?....
Even if I do, at least I'm not this guy:

Beaver turned poop-packer in a day.
Why the career move? "Longer coffee
breaks and more bennies", says he.

What I did for my Memorial Day vacation;

2010-06-07T10:59:00.000-08:00

Visited with family and friends, Went to
a fine dinner in Homer for Parents' anniversary,
Counted near forty (40) boats trolling the
shoreline for the coveted Chinook salmon,

Went clam digging with an old friend,

Played at Happy Valley waterfall,

Absorbed the beauty of the world around us,

and left footprints in the sand.

If there was ever a perfect relief for
mental well-being, this place is it.

Modifications need made for the gear to
fly right, but the idea isn't new and more
experiments will be soon...after the new
launcher is built (gave this one away).

I found myself out in a wild place Friday morning

2010-05-24T21:58:00.008-08:00

After a flight to Fairbanks from the wee morning

hours, we boarded the passenger bird for Galena.

Counting on a qualified pal to talk to on both flights,
I managed to find some answers in thought.
Although it appears to be only runway in this
particular city, there is far more to see than
the bare eye can pick out from the swamp.
At least that's what I've heard. I was only
there working ungodly hours (so we
didn't have to stay until Sunday).

Great flight in for smooth travel, but the
view was better flying out of thunderhead
clouds and the immense shadows they cast.

The air was just a lot more choppy and sharp.
In case you wonder exactly where it is :

I have new experience in my own state!
Cool is that, huh!?

Don't make me have to do it again.

The cheap Motorola phone takes decent pics, also.

The cool part is that I bluetooth'ed them to my drive.
A couple of clips, too....2010....ya gotta love it.

A value engineering and scope reduction exercise?

2010-05-18T05:11:00.004-08:00

That's what is said to have "reduced" the
budget for "our" crime lab project by $20 mil.
in meetings throughout last summer. The
meetings, themselves, probably cost 20
million to put on due to luncheons, coffee,
donuts, and an array of commercial ads
to convince citizens this is (needed).

(Artist's conception of the new lab)

This project is so big, the administration, in
an effort to keep costs down to a skimpy
$91 million, will leave one fifth of it incomplete.
It will take an additional $20 million to finish.
Is this really an "exercise" that actually reduces?

Above is the FBI crime lab that cost (only)
$20 million more than our local budgeted
amount for the new lab. The BIG difference
that caught my attention is their 650 employees
compared to our 40 (estimated 67 by 2020).
Laboratories of the Missouri Highway Patrol,
the Arizona Department of Public Safety,
the Phoenix Police Department,
the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation,
and the State of North Dakota,
all together, cost $6 mill. less than this ONE.
I realize that Alaska has more crime "per capita"
than other states, but do we really need the
prestige of this project already approved by
our legislation in Juneau? Maybe the $1 million
in charcoal black granite and the 3 glassed in
stairwells would be a good place to start an
actual "reduction" instead of exercising?

The extravagance, sometimes, is astounding...

2010-05-13T22:33:00.000-08:00

...summer?...
sshhh.

Thank God I'm never this over-bearing

2010-05-09T07:32:00.001-08:00

Mother's Day Fact :

In Yugoslavia, Mother's Day is known as 'Materitse', 'Materice'.
On this day, there a strange tradition of children tying up their
mother and setting them free only when she gives
them sweets and gifts.

Aren't you glad you're a Mom in the good ol' USA?

Here's a great Truth/Fail video game for Mother's Day.

Berm holes?

2010-05-04T20:13:00.005-08:00

A strange occurrence in the last
remaining berm by the house.

It was not the sleds

appearing that had been engulfed by
careless placement and the first big
snowfall the roof needed shoveled.
(they weren't the good sleds, anyway)

It was the bermworm holes through
the core of the snow mass that,
until now, was only a story
I have heard or read. The
evidence before me is
a shock to say the least.
Ice worms are omnivorous
and have been known to cause
problems at the ice castle in Canada.

The population of ice worms
in Anchorage has doubled over
the last 5 years and scientists are
teaming up with fish and game to
determine if aerial hunting and open
season should be allowed to prevent any
problems of specie eradication. The species
of concern would include; mice, shrews, small
birds, reptiles, and small house pets under 10 lbs.

Any sighting of a live worm should be reported to
fish and game IMMEDIATELY, but DO NOT approach
or come in contact with it. May be hazardous or fatal.

A thought to cross my mind today

2010-05-04T05:36:00.000-08:00

Was wind mills standing in the bay
turning their vanes on current of air
to power our lights on streets so fair.

More oil is an option but what does it get?
Break off one pipe and we're knee-deep in s#@!

No matter how we toss blame and yelp,
we've run out of options in calling for help.

(alaskan s.o.s.)

Only 40 years of oxygen left?

2010-04-29T19:04:00.000-08:00

So, rumor was, some global scientist's studies
could lead us to believe we will use up all of
our oxygen in the next 4 decades. To
conserve our precious oxy, he suggested
that our nasal passages should be clean
and receptive to oxygen available.
Then, we should all plug one nostril
and we shall have 8 decades (not 4)
to fix it with only 1/2 of the oxygen use.
He's a thinker - that one. More conservative
measures may be needed for more time.

Maybe he has
a better idea to clean up the 100 mile (+)
oil spew in the Gulf instead of gathering
up quantities and setting it afire....?...
Maybe we need to "one-up" the volcano?
By the way, the leak has been found to
be producing around 210,000 gallons
a day - not 42,000..."I'm very confident that
this is a new leak, something that was not
there earlier this afternoon," Doug Suttles
of BP told reporters yesterday.
SE winds have begun to blow the
mass into wetlands...great.
So they have poked a hole in the globe
that they can't patch under a mile of water.
.434 psi per foot of head/depth x 5280 feet
= 2291 psi. The oil pressure is greater...

who wants to go cork it?

Old ads are funny

2010-04-25T07:49:00.003-08:00

You ain't makin' me switch!

Tired of trying to lose weight?
Try this old cure:

Two things I've learned from researching global activity :

2010-04-23T05:26:00.002-08:00

-------------------

1. Never lend a geologist money. They consider
a million years ago to be recent.

2. "Everybody is talking about the weather
but nobody does anything about it."
(Mark Twain)

...In other news, another volcano has erupted in the Gulf of Mexico....

2010-04-21T21:34:00.001-08:00

No, wait! That's just one of the 4,000 oil rigs out there.
If we're worried our lawnmowers are destroying the
atmosphere, have we really looked at our job-making,
family feeding, extravagance-providing industries
(flights, oil, cruise lines, etc) and what feeds them?
Will scientists ever be able to predict volcanic eruption?
At least we know what causes earthquakes now.
I should get away from this mental frame and

plan a vacation!!

actually, i was thinking of HITWRA...............

"Aviation experts say the volcanic plume has caused the worst travel disruption Europe -- and the world -- has ever seen."

2010-04-18T08:38:00.002-08:00

source : unknown aviation expert in Europe

I suppose the humor I see here is that traveling
probably wasn't the same 130 years ago when
Iceland blew it's top in a similar way. Come to think,
travel wasn't so immense just 20 years ago! I think
someone was just trying to sound smart in a situation
he was on the spot and, actually, has no answer. Imagine
if this should continue through the year what
effects it will have on the earth, overall.

"Eyjafjallajokull",
I should have said in the last post. My mistake
in research of the 1783 eruption of Laki. I have
posted information previously about the year
without summer in Europe. Scientists are only
speculating (of course) this may be a year to
match that event of famine, drought, and cold.
We may just get some glaciers back! Does it
make any sense to charge industry or any
other for carbon dioxide emissions when
Iceland could be paying for all of our woes
if we already had a global carbon tax imposed?
...unless they agree to shut the mountain off...
...cricket...

Hey! ...Al!...HEY AL!!

Do you think it's time to stop raping the world of
it's riches, yet?! I already think you're an ass for
playing on human hysteria and riding your fame
but maybe "Goracle" butt-kissing followers and
the Democratic parties in general will have to open
their eyes when they dig a foot of snow off their
walks in June next year.

The year, 1912. The day, June 6

2010-04-17T06:17:00.004-08:00

A thunderous sound was heard in Juneau, Alaska

that demanded

attention
of

all

living

creatures
human, or not.
The sound had
traveled 750 miles
and about 1 hour to grab
their attentive ear. The residents
of Kodiak Island heard the same sound
earlier, but much more defined and powerful.
The source was Novarupta Dome and was the largest
and most powerful volcanic eruption of the 20th century:

Although most thought Katmai (above) to have
been the cause, it was over 40 years later that
an expedition would prove different. The eruption
immediately threw ash about 20 miles high and
drifted in a large spreading pattern that blanketed
a vast area of the North American continent.
Due to removal of that much material (magma)
from beneath, Katmai collapsed and sank
several hundred feet into itself.

^ This should give you an idea of the immensity
of this eruption compared to the others
in our local area and the fallout effects
recorded in the last 100 years.
I know that air traffic is of greatest concern to
media and our societies, but have you seen the
ash and debris thrown by Laki volcano in Iceland?

...makes me feel kinda little - you?...

A lot of worry is that the much larger Katla will
erupt as seems to be the pattern from records as
200 years ago had caused Móðuharðindin or,
"Mist Hardships". I am thinking that more attention
should be payed to surviving on the ground rather
than how we can hop continents in our planes.
I would not be one to tell you that this is the
end of times, but it could possibly be the onset
of a new age....

What do you suppose the carbon footprint of that is?
Maybe we should impose fines on Iceland.

I laughed and chuckled when I saw this

2010-04-14T21:43:00.002-08:00

...but probably because it scared me a little...
built in 2005

If you think that's crazy, you should see this competition.
Although "green-going" companies and sponsors use "saving the world"
as a line in this contest's endeavor, it looks to me more like
"escaping the world" and another fine use of many
of our precious and limited resources. The use of resources
doesn't bother me much as long as we have the means to
escape after we've mined, drilled, exploded, and scraped
this planet dry...or maybe we need to send these crafts out
to mine other orbs and bring back the goods.

HOW TO INSTALL A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM:

2010-04-12T05:10:00.003-08:00

1. Go to a secondhand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work boots.

2. Place them on your front porch, along with a copy of Guns & Ammo Magazine.

3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazines.

4. Leave a note on your door that reads:

"Bubba,

Bertha, Duke, Slim, & I went for more ammo and beer. Be back in an hour.
Don't mess with the pit bulls; they attacked the mailman this morning and
messed him up bad. I don't think Killer took part, but it was hard to tell
from all the blood. Anyway, I locked all four of 'em in the house.

Better wait outside. Be right back.

Cooter"

2010-04-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

Is it all just words?

2010-04-06T18:44:00.004-08:00

The GLM counts
1,003,779 words
in the English language
but that number is argued
on a regular basis, by many as
to the true definition of what a word is.
It would be difficult to use them all up at once.
Some folks have always seemed to find the words
to fill any number required for essays, paperwork,
and general diplomacy in daily situations. In fact,
some of the eloquent, descriptive terms used to
decorate a string of words and add a touch of
creative thoughts in those who look over
them and soar with their imagination
through a sea of images that only
their mind can conjure up.

Some folks say little or nothing.

I really like to play with their arrangement on a page
and make interesting
designs with the piles
of letters made up in
small groups and
placed one after
another until
they all have
a meaning
of sorts
when
they
end
.

A
lot
of the
words in
long sentences
are, in the end,
just stretching
out a simple thought
and can probably be cut
from the line up without
affecting the meaning of the sentence or phrase at all.

WARNING

2010-04-04T12:31:00.004-08:00

The following images may not be suitable for young
viewers or those who are offended easily. Parental
Guidance highly suggested.

So, in honor of fools everywhere...

2010-04-01T19:57:00.002-08:00

Including a younger brother in Calli.
I called the shop this morning at 6:15 AM, knowing that no body
would be in until the usual plumber's 6:30 and left this message :

"Hi, this is Jay Lion. I came in to work and there was
water everywhere! I think we have a bad seal. Please
call me at #... .... as soon as you get this."

I was actually there to see the reaction when the boss
called the number left in the message - the Alaska Zoo office.
The polite, patient lady at the zoo told her she was pranked.
you should see the number of calls the Cincinnati Zoo
gets every April fool's day - as well as zoo pranks past.
I would have gotten away with the prank completely if I
could have kept a straight poker face. To ice the cake, an
email I sent them, of a pranky nature, was opened by 2
in the office within 20 minutes of each other. I heard of
the reaction from another and has me on a
list of get-backs, I'm sure.

you didn't get an email from me today, did you?...

...happy april first, brother...

Stronger than usual solar winds, blue skies, and changing days

2010-04-01T04:52:00.001-08:00

Records in the last 20 years show that winds caused
by the sun's energy are increasing steadily
which has changed the speed of the earth's rotation
around the sun. A faster turn that has been more
closely examined proves certain changes in the
atmosphere, the tides, and even the colors we see.
The British Mail on Sunday announced that the sky was
becoming less blue. It cited a 14 year study conducted at
the Loof Lirpa University in Amsterdam which had used
special digital cameras and color charts to measure subtle
shifts in the sky's color. The study's researchers had found
that the "'coefficient of blueness'... has drastically diminished
from 9.3 percent in 1996 to just 6.9 percent this year."

As a consequence the length of the day has decreased over
the past two decades, meaning that the calendar was now
inaccurate. Top scientist in the matter, Hugh Phelfrett said,
"Just as February has an extra day in leap years,
we conclude that March ought to have 30 days once every
100 years, not 31… If we start the adjustments this year we
should be back on track. In other words, today should
be April 2 , not April 1 ".

The news can be confusing sometimes

2010-03-29T19:38:00.000-08:00

It is hard to determine actual facts from
trumped up hoopla such as major news
syndicates listing facebook as a reference
to their information for reporting fact.
I stumbled on to a simple explanation
of the news in brief and the best part
is it happens to update weekly so I can
stay current on the world's situation.

Uncle Jay Explains The News
catch it next monday

You should never feel alone...

2010-03-28T17:00:00.000-08:00

if you know that these guys are always around.

Tardigrades
Also known as water bears or moss piglets.
More info at this reference center.

Discovered by Johann August Ephraim Goeze
in 1773, over 900 species of water bears have
been found everywhere around the world.
Imagine having company that you can't evict,
dry, freeze, boil, or nuke out of existence.
Makes me think of some roommates in the past,
but these pigs never eat all my chips and salsa!
If we could only find a way to charge them rent...

HOW TO WRITE GOOD

2010-03-27T08:36:00.001-08:00

by Frank L. Visco

My several years in the word game have learnt me several rules:

Avoid alliteration. Always.
Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.
Avoid cliches like the plague. (They're old hat.)
Employ the vernacular.
Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.
Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.
It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.
Contractions aren't necessary.
Foreign words and phrases are not apropos.
One should never generalize.
Eliminate quotations. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: "I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."
Comparisons are as bad as cliches.
Don't be redundant; don't use more words than necessary; it's highly superfluous.
Profanity sucks.
Be more or less specific.
Understatement is always best.
Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.
One-word sentences? Eliminate.
Analogies in writing are like feathers on a snake.
The passive voice is to be avoided.
Go around the barn at high noon to avoid colloquialisms.
Even if a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.
Who needs rhetorical questions?

2010-03-21T07:33:00.003-08:00

The Invisible Man has been captured!

2010-03-17T16:37:00.002-08:00

Imagine the nerve of this guy to think he could
stay undiscovered throughout the passage of time.

Technology caught up with him and he is now on
trial for 4,500 bank robberies, inside stock trading
tips, and 12,673 accounts of jaywalking. The
authorities keeping him under lock have
needed 24/7 surveillance and one
hand on the rascal each second
after the daring escape attempt
that found him cornered on
the 15 story building roof.
If only he was Superman...

...just kidding...
This is, actually, the work of an artist
of camouflage by the name of Lui Bolin.
He paints himself to match any surrounding and just blend in.

see more of his work at Oddity Central

2010-03-15T13:32:00.001-08:00

Even with all the sadness and trauma going
on in the world at the moment, it is worth
reflecting on the death of a very important
person that almost went unnoticed last week.
Larry La Prise, the man who wrote "The Hokey
Pokey" died peacefully at the age of 93. The
most traumatic part for his family was getting
him into the coffin. They put his left leg in.
Then the trouble started.

A Game addiction? I think not...

2010-03-10T21:18:00.003-09:00

I have not joined face book over peer
pressure or any other reason , but a lot
of people I know are "facing out"(my term)
daily and I think, sometimes, I should join
just to see what I'm missing.......

...then again, maybe I won't waste my time
on silly web games like the farm or stumble
around randomly through the never-ending
structure of virtuality we call "the web".
I'll just go play a game of poker instead.

My golfing oscar, Sid

2010-03-05T20:36:00.002-09:00

Call this silly , but it would be a silly month to be serious.
My adopted oscar - Sid (recently named) - has a golfing
habit since a stray drive fell in the tank. I finally captured
his driving abilities on digital:

If you have owned, or do own, an oscar, a golf ball
seems to make a great toy. Maybe he is just
angry at how white it is, but he is excited
when it's unreachable and i get it back
out for him. i seem to have a few less
minnows to feed, as well.
Great fish - even though
i never wanted to own one.

...wonder how the newly reformed health care reformed form to beat all other forms is being digested.?...

2010-03-05T08:30:00.008-09:00

(FACT):

In 1966 a rugby match between a team from
Colwyn Bay, Wales and Portmadoc rugby club was
unexpectedly abandoned when, at the kick off, it was
discovered that neither team owned a ball...

Now, climate mathematics unveiled!

pic found at searchwarp

2010-03-02T20:52:00.000-09:00

............

Happy Humorists Are Artists Month!!

2010-02-28T10:17:00.002-09:00

I know a lot of artists in that regard.
That should excuse some of the behavior around
the comment section of some blogs I keep up with.
The rest of the year, however, is riddled with holidays
that could keep us celebratory Americans jolly one
day at a time.
Tomorrow is
also listed as
National
Pig Day, Solo
Vacation Day,
and the start
of National
Ghostwriter's
Week. Just the
recognition
of humor for
an entire month
leaves no room for seriousness
and useful facts for filling a lengthy post
and, for the week, can we be sure of the actual writer
of anything we read? This is a good thing as I see it.
Enough of solving global dilemmas and awareness
of world situations that affect us all. Maybe it is just
time to do things differently - be silly and ramble on
senselessly about nothing that concerns the human race.

Don't be a pawn to seriousness!

Directional therapy

2010-02-24T21:01:00.001-09:00

I was relaxing and watching a movie with my family a couple of days back and wound up in a phone conversation that was a good 15 minutes worth of instruction, direction, and consult from my vast knowledge of the plumbing genre. When advice is given in certain professional situations such as this, caution should be first priority in knowing who you are giving the potentially dangerous information to, and, are they sharp enough to follow through with any action involved in the direction(s) without someone getting hurt or killed? I did not exercise this caution and will be extremely lucky if law suits are not pending from the outcome of my client not following directions - if he was even listening.

As a favor to you - my reader(s?) I have organized a list for ease of giving direction(s) that may help curtail any errors or lack of attentiveness and keep you out of this dilemma --

1. Organize and simplify the directions:

Keep the directions as simply stated as possible so that your Father-in-law can remember them easily and not get lost in your words. Make the most important information stand out. "Stan, I want you to get your jacket, get your backpack and put on your shoes, then come back here to me. Got that? Jacket, backpack, shoes. Go!"

2. Use multisensory strategies to help the memory:

You can sing and dance the directions with your Father-in-law. "jacket, backpack, shoes, yee-hah!"

You can have your Father-in-law clap his hands or tap the table for each step he needs to do.

3. Teach your Father-in-law to repeat the directions:

Have your Father-in-law repeat each direction a few times. "get out a piece of paper, a pencil and write my name at the top of the paper. Paper, pencil, name. Paper, pencil, name..."

4. Make charts for procedures or routines that are repeated:

This is especially helpful for organizing and keeping a routine. For example, if you have a list of items that need to be done each day before work you can create a checklist.
_____ make my bed.

_____ put dirty clothes in the hamper.

_____ feed the cat.
____find pants.

As your Father-in-law completes a step, he/she can check that step off the list. This will give your Father-in-law some direction and keep the attention on the task at hand.

5. Be supportive and stay positive:

Nagging your Father-in-law is not going to assist them in learning strategies and skills to follow directions. You can provide support for your Father-in-law by:
prompting your Father-in-law for listening skills. "I am going to give you the directions, I would like you to please look at me so I know you are listening."

asking your Father-in-law how you can provide a reminder for them without nagging them. He might suggest a hand gesture or a tap on the wall, a wink of the eye, etc

offering understanding when your Father-in-law feels frustration. " I understand it is hard to keep track of doing so much at once. Would you like me to help you put together a list that we could start checking off after each step?".....right....

praising your Father-in-law often. If he didn't complete the task praise him for making an effort. If your Father-in-law fails to complete a task, encourage him to try to get it finished. Use positive encouragement.

If you would like to help me keep from court hearings,
please send flowers and good wishes for a speedy recovery
to the burn victim at this web page. Please mention my blog
and my good intent in the note. Thank you.

Wildlife in Turnagain Arm ingesting bad minerals

2010-02-19T05:19:00.002-09:00

After many public reports and much research,
scientists/biologists find that the mountain goats
and rams of Turnagain Arm are in such high
numbers that food supply is limited. As in the past,
critters are eating thawed areas of dirt for their
only means of survival. From the present
study of the light mineralogy of beach sediments,
it is inferred that the source of the sediments
is a mixed type: igneous and metamorphic
crystalline rocks, together with palaeosediments.

Indigenous species of the area have been
ingesting these light minerals from thawed
areas of bluff face to fend off starvation.
The minerals, when combined, make a gas
that is not unlike helium - causing a high
pitched tone and pale color in many of
the mountain creatures and, in rare cases,
kids have been seen floating off the hill
to disappear into the afternoon sky.
If you should be in the area for photo
opportunities, any event as this should
be reported to local authorities immediately
before this phenomenon spreads to the
natural inhabitants of our fine waters.

POP QUIZ :

2010-02-16T20:26:00.004-09:00

Both of these tools were used in the same
trade, and within the same century.

what trade (specific) and century?
specific tool names will have potential bonus.

This is the second hardest puzzle known to man

2010-02-16T05:20:00.002-09:00

The hardest happens to be HOW our current
President's administration is going to
keep their/his many promises.

Current Democrat leaders are worthless as * "&@!~~" on a hog!!

2010-02-15T10:08:00.009-09:00

but had the nerve to admit another big mistake

*tattoos, that is......

I actually "stumbled" onto these pics on
an artist by the name of Wim Delvoye's website.
"WIM City is pretty interesting, although I had
only begun to look thru' it when I saw the swine.
If tattoos on pigs makes you wonder why, maybe
you didn't go to the stuffed, tattooed pigs section
and see the art these swine are destined for.
VERY fancy (gross) doorstops, yes?
I might get two hogs just to
practice tattooing and
use them for decor
on the front porch
of the cabin.

...we still don't rent pigs....

How much do you know of Valentine's Day history?

2010-02-14T08:38:00.000-09:00

It wasn't until 1537 that St. Valentine's Day was
declared an official holiday. England's King
Henry VIII declared February 14th a holiday.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The oldest known Valentines were sent in 1415 A.D.
by the Duke of Orleans to his French wife while he
was imprisoned in the Tower of London. It is still on
display in a museum in England.

Already knew it? Take a quiz!!

Trivial - I know.

2010-02-12T05:35:00.003-09:00

Don't be a copy cat!

~ There have been 572 attempts to patent the
wheel in the United States. Seven of these
were granted, but revoked when they
were challenged in court.
--------------------------------------------

In case you feel bacteria free,

~ There are approximately
10,000 microscopic organisms
between your monitor and your face.
------------------------------------------------------

And , if you think all of our matter matters,

~ If all the empty space were removed from all the atoms in
the universe, the resulting matter would only be
about the size of a grapefruit.

2010-02-10T05:24:00.000-09:00

GREAT GLOBAL IDEA, JETHRO!

2010-02-06T06:24:00.005-09:00

The IMF (International Monetary Fund) has
a plan of giving $100 billion (yearly), built
around a "green fund", to help poor countries
"mitigate the effects of climate change".

...right...
Or, maybe they are just trying to
take over the world..?....

Wouldn't it be humorous if the IPCC based
it's decisions for their global climate agenda
on book reports and speculations?

"Genius may have its limitations, but
stupidity is not thus handicapped."

~Elbert Hubbard~

Our roads are not safe!

2010-02-04T16:23:00.002-09:00

So
my audience consists
of folks who should have never
had a license, but do anyway? Great.
and, the two commentators make around
33% of my regulars. According to my study,
approximately 1/3 of the drivers allowed to drive
on public roadways, at any given moment, could
be detrimental to my safety - and those around
them that have actually acquired their license by
legal, proper means. Caution should be taken by
those who are in the right to be behind the wheel
and no hesitation should be made in reporting
those that are test-avoiding, brake-riding
fools. You may recognize them as the
ones that use the center turn lane
for suicidal moves and turn
hard left into both lanes
just before turning
to the right.
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
\ [] /
\[]/

(as usual, this has not been a scientific study)

And she tests

2010-02-03T20:16:00.007-09:00

Do you remember your DMV learner's permit test?
I think I took my test on those "new" machines
when DMV was in Lakeside Mall. I do not recall
how many times I took it to pass, though. 40? 1?
There is practice test after test to be found online
that are state specific to check your knowledge if
you wish, but some of the wording in questions
leaves me believing the immigrants have taken
over DMV!! The words read like a poorly translated
assembly manual/brochure like for that lawn chair
I bought at walmart! They really should provide
an interpreter for those tests before
someone blows a gasket
...

"If are taking test who writes badly,
which side of road brain is on when signal
where pressure with relief valve?"

a. may, for 15 dumb questions, burst

b. will, for 15 dumb questions, burst

c. shall, for 15 dumb questions, burst

d. all of the above.

Trivial answer :

2010-02-01T16:48:00.002-09:00

Steve Miller Band (or, Steve Miller Blues Band to begin with)
were the singers of these fine lyrics and the pic is of
Steve Miller - circa 2009. "Paul Ramon" happens to
be none other than Paul McCartney - who not only
played bass guitar in a few songs with them, but also
drums and backing vocals..

And you thought you knew music....

POP quiz : Who sang this?

2010-01-31T17:38:00.003-09:00

"Come on try it, you can buy it, you can leave it next week, yeah
Somebody give me a cheeseburger"

(this should be MORE than a hint):

(image by wikipedia)

True or false? : The Federal Reserve is neither Federal, nor does it have a reserve....

2010-01-31T08:26:00.002-09:00

When the average American is told that the dollar has lost 95%
of its purchasing power since the inception of the Federal Reserve
in 1913, they look at you with a blank stare and start wondering
whether American Idol is on TV tonight......

One could call them for a brief conversation
to verify any of this information as fact or fiction,
but who wants the scare? More than one leader
(ie ; Thomas Jefferson, 1787)
in our nation's history was aware of the corruption
involving the Central Bank of America before the
inception of The Federal Reserve in 1913 - The Glass Bill -
which was immensely regretted by our President
Woodrow Wilson a few years later - claiming to have
"ruined" our country by this action of giving control
of the nation to our system of credits.

As I spent 1.5 hours writing this post, realize
the ADHD boy in me got lost searching quotes
from some of our leaders, over 200 years ago,
that worried our nation would be where it is today.....
There have been many smart people leading our
nation in the past that we should learn from.
Thus, a new section to my Grande Index has been added:

-- Forefathers Quoted --

Any quote of interest you might present me will be
considered to add to the wisdom here, from our past, to
help us guide the future. More of our leaders, as well as citizens,
should read through these quotes and search through
our nation's past, and others, before discerning
appropriate action(s) that will affect our society.

What have we learned? If Adam could go back to the
Garden of Eden, would he still eat the forbidden fruit?

.........

We should all be aware...

2010-01-27T17:13:00.002-09:00

...that butterflies taste with their feet
and turtles can breath through their butt,
but did you know that ;

If you have an itchy throat, scratching your ear
stimulates a muscle spasm in your throat which,
in turn, stops the itch,
Firehouses typically have circle stairways due to
the day when horses pulled the engines and
could easily learn to walk straight stairs,
A snail can sleep for 3 years,
The cigarette lighter was invented before the match,
and a duck's quack does not echo...
Enough of trivia, though.

Watch this guy perform:

Laser Magician Video

To Twilight fans out there

2010-01-26T22:29:00.003-09:00

I feel like saying, "I hope this doesn't offend any
of you", but that has never bothered me before...

What do movie ratings mean, anyway?

2010-01-25T19:06:00.001-09:00

I can understand most ratings on DVD's/movies
until the point that American movie companies
(along with federal mandates) decided they needed
to be more diversified as to specific content.
Here is a site that will tell you what rating (almost)
any movie has been assigned since 1968. Great link
there for an explanation (rules in PDF) for specific
reasoning for application of ratings given by MPAA
and NATO. Although most "goes to figure" (i say
that because I didn't read the rules - I just figure...
I'll leave it for you to learn), some of the specifics
listed below the ratings seem an apology of sorts
as to why it is rated in the first place.
Examples below:

Whaddaya mean "thematic"?! Does the song at
the beginning suck so much it needs apology?

OMG this country is lost......
Oh! I get it now!
PG means parental guidance, PG-13 means
that under 13 need parental guidance, R
means that under 17 need parental guidance,
and NC-17 means if you're under 17 you
should not be let in at all (it does not mean
"no charge", as I come to find out).

What, exactly, is "incedental", and
how the heck do you get it lit!? (still pondering)
And, NO!, I won't let the children smoke it!!

Whatever the movie in this year of 2010, you should,
now, have the resource(s) to learn why it
has the rating and, specifically, the reason
(smoking, spitting, nuding, chewing, spewing,
cursing, bleeding, reading, speeding, etc...).

Incidentally, I smoked while writing this post.

written and produced by
mclay productions, inc.

Rated PG
[for mild thematic element,
offensive language and attitude,
and incidental smoking]

Al's real plan exposed!!!

2010-01-24T13:43:00.003-09:00

New addition to The Grande Index.

plus, new record low temperatures are set - 2009

35 serious errors to do with global warming

2010-01-23T08:16:00.001-09:00

Too lengthy to
copy/paste here for fear my
page might be mistaken for
something more verbose.
Click the title for link.

Movies in review

2010-01-22T06:02:00.001-09:00

As far as the movie
I should have watched a few
years ago, I would say An Inconvenient
Truth was a well made film because digital
animation and art is a fun area for me, but it
seemed more like a fear and guilt festival or a
a brag session about the "Egore", himself. We
realize, I think, what this man has done but are
we really aware of his words' capabilities? At the
least, 50% of this 1.5 hour flick had nothing to
do with the earth's temperature, but seemingly
had a lot to do with what a great man Al is,
how he is the "Ex-next President", and
how he has had this "answer" for
many decades, now.

Does his group really have our well-being in mind?

Next, I watched
Not Evil Just Wrong. This
was filmed not to tear down a clean
economy or good ideas in technology,
but to present facts as they should have
been presented without exaggerating the
outcome or portraying the demise of the
human race as we know it. A lot of informa-
tion that was brought to light in this film
has plenty of factual studies to back it up.
The very scientist with Al when he ac-
cepted The Nobel Peace Prize was one
that made a huge deal of the onset
of the "New Ice Age" in the early
1970's. Now, our demise
shall be heat?

What I have determined from seeing both films
simultaneously is that most earth scientists agree
that CO2 is the most necessary component of ALL
life forms on earth and a lack of it would mean the
suffocation of trees and plants...and death of us.

Both films interested me enough (without beer)
to endure 3 hours of movie without falling asleep.
If you have seen An Inconvenient Truth and
haven't seen Not Evil Just Wrong, I highly
recommend it. If there is trouble finding it
comment or email me and I will get you a copy.
If you have not seen either, I suggest you do.

A lot of men have preached the end of time - probably
since the beginning of time - but panic promises threat.
Global hysteria may be the death of our race, yet.

2010-01-16T15:36:00.004-09:00

Einstein, Albert - right?

If you look at this picture from a
distance (15 feet), who is it?

found at : jimspages.com

USELESS!?

2010-01-16T09:31:00.003-09:00

What kind of machine has our country become?
Do you think those that needed "change"
enough to vote for our current leader
are, now, waking up wondering,
"what the h - e - dubble hokkee
stikks did we do?"

I suppose we should be grateful because,
like my daughter said, without a bad
guy, how can there be a hero?
Aside from the games wii play,
who wants the thankless position
of saving the world?

And, now, your uncle
can be a hero at games, too!

useful side tip : always read the menu carefully before ordering

I KNOW YOU'VE BEEN WAITING.....

2010-01-10T12:39:00.003-09:00

Along with a lot of effective and tactical uses,
bacon has proven many properties to be
beneficial to health and well being.
Yes, ladies. If you carry guilt for
your children not having the
intelligence enough to tie
their own shoes, maybe you
should have eaten more bacon.

The US of A is as well known as any country
(aside from Canada) for consuming our
share, plus, of bacon in a year's time.
Although differences in styles, many
other countries indulge regularly, also.
A lot of bacon in Russia is eaten raw
in different ways such as sliced with
cheese and bread/crackers, or used to
wrap cheeses/scallops, etc.
Then there is salo.
Cured, unrendered pork fat that is
eaten on breads, etc., thinly sliced.
Not having eaten this personally,
(quoted):
"It's like bacon, only bacon is delicious
and has meat on it and is cooked."

I'm sure we all take bacterial chances in
what we eat from time to time, so raw
bacon should be low cause for worry
if you sometimes eat sushi, ice cream,
egg nog, lemon flips, or even........
( cookie dough)..... Just the tolerance of
raw egg bacteria should allow you to
indulge in a taste of this product if
the opportunity arose. I would.
Just don't eat the soap...

"Affiliated" is a big title for a small town blogger....

2010-01-09T13:03:00.003-09:00

After ordering the DVD I can't seem to find
shelved locally, I am now an affiliate of
Not Evil Just Wrong.
Although not like me (ever) to join a group(s)
with any cause, and announce it, this
seemed appropriate as my web site has
had multiple posts pertaining to this
area and I hold personal interest in
how the people of the world can be so
gullible as to believe many - if not any -
things without so much as research
with an open mind to verify, at the
least, some truth to the matter(s).

As this DVD is from the opposing
arguments against the machine
that forces emissions taxes, auto
industry design changes, funding
misuse (on many levels), and
instilled fear in many peoples,
it promises to be one-sided.
For that matter, it is only right
that I view An Inconvenient Truth
along with it to leave my mind
open to possibility(ies).

After viewing, my full review
will be posted for sake of sharing
information and offering a reason
to learn and research all the facts
before throwing more money into an
endless abyss of excuses and exaggerations.

Find no record of the movie?

2010-01-06T16:17:00.001-09:00

They must be democrats!
I called Blockbuster Video to see if they
stocked the movie "Not Evil Just Wrong".
The manager I spoke with said that she
couldn't even find that movie listed on
the national data base. I even had to
repeat the title 3 times as she searched
and heard chuckles from a co worker
helping her search. They do have 16
copies of "An Inconvenient Truth" and
would be willing to reserve a copy
for me, though.........I declined.
The "Goracle" doesn't own stock
in Blockbuster, does he?.......

Not Evil Just Wrong

^buy it here^

The preview offered on Youtube:

Would the public school system play this
along with An Inconvenient Truth as curriculum
for a factual, non-biased opportunity to learn?

want to see some new snowfall records in the last week?

what if...?

Last year was swell,

2010-01-05T18:56:00.001-09:00

but did it light the way for the year ahead?

I might just be done with making a cartoon
of myself and start discussing serious global
matters. Maybe not rewrite so much, chase
fireballs, follow the dog senselessly, poke at
the Irish, or try to save our cows.
No , sir! This year will be completely different...
I've already a list of potential subjects that
involve keeping you informed of the facts
and alert of situation(s). What are US
dollars paying for these days and what
cash can I get for my handshake when
all the dust settles?

I'm serious this time....

(coming soon : bacon in Russia!)

2010-01-01T12:17:00.001-09:00

Happy New Year!

Who would have known?

2009-12-31T23:50:00.000-09:00

Although not on record as ever being in the area, it
appears that a few Bighorn have made their
way over the mountain range from Canada.
Recent rumor of such had just graced my earshot.
It could be that an over population of cougars
has driven some of them away from their
typical territory. Sheep were on my mind
during our recent highway trip North and,
through Turnagain Arm, I captured a few
"blind" photos by point-toward-the-subject-
and-hope-it-gets-in-the-frame method(s).
While looking over all the pics from our
trip, I stumbled onto what seems to be a
Stone (or, Bighorn) ram just standing there
looking! It was getting dusk which made it
hard to discern in the dark and lacking
much if any definition of color, but some light touches with an editor to brighten the subject
and you can be the judge of the breed :

God forbid the cougars follow them in....

For those that we miss

2009-12-23T17:16:00.004-09:00

Is it? That special time?
Is everyone jolly, and all things aligned?

It still feels like the same office chair,
and we haven't figured out who's warming the globe, where.

But, there are presents around and the tree is all lit,
The traffic is thick, but I'm done - so I sit.

Usually flying around like a bird without wings,
picking up last-minute, forgotten things.

The girls are all peaceful - no fighting among,
The stockings, of course, by the chimney, hung.

For, Santa will come with his sleigh full of toys
for all of my girls (who know too many boys).

No coal in their stockings or lumps in their lids
they must really care - they're really good kids.

And I sit, and I wonder of future in store
for all of my kids and what tales we have lore.

We sit by the fire with stories about,
and fill in the blanks - ne'er detail left out.

If feeling aside and missing the love,
Let this cheer your heart with a quick, simple shove :

MERRY CHRISTMAS - I mean it! Not even a blink!
This time of year, It's of you that we think.

For those that we see, we'll cherish the time,
and of those we do not, I've written this rhyme.

I wish you all well, and 'til we meet again,
keep grass under foot and strength from within.

Just know that we're missing the moments we've had,
the sharing of tales and the memories clad.

All people we know give our hearts warmth and cheer.
For this, we are blessed with a happy new year.

john r mclay

please have the same with yours.

p.s.
the dog is going to survive, but still "puny"

What happens when a doggie gets chocolate poisoning?

2009-12-21T14:38:00.003-09:00

If she could speak, she would tell you.

The rest of us (humans and critters) slept soundly,
probably even snoring on occasion, while this little mutt,
of certainly less than ten lb. mass, stayed awake finding
new, creative ways to decorate the living room and
upstairs carpet(s) with spots and trails of choc.
harf. Being the nervous and energetic, high-
strung thing she is, she has not slept for
more than a 5 minute nap since I saw
she was having problems around
6AM, this morning. Knowing full
well of the chocolate carpet, the
determination in ailment was easy.
In fact, the only symptom she
did not display before 10AM,
this morning, is a coma......

I don't reckon she considers herself as lucky
as we consider her, but the toxin (theobromide)
has diminished drastically and shows obvious in
her blue, not-twitching-like-meth-anymore
eyeballs and can relax for extended periods of
time (10 minutes) without quivering. It
would be my bet, however, that even a critter
as pin-headed as her would not touch chocolate
again - at least in such quantity.

DARE To keep
your pets off
chocolate!

I will let you know when Lily has actually
"come down" for the great sleep, but please
keep chocolate out of your pet's reach.

Hard to believe....

2009-12-14T22:21:00.003-09:00

<^>
/\
I
know
Christmas is
near! I mean
that this is a
Christmas tree!

as strange of creation
this is, many more fit
the "weird" category of
Christmas decor. Moscow
has quite a taste for abnormal
flair this year, although pretty :

but, this has to be my favorite
of the household models I have viewed :

It IS actually alive and well as part
of this house and decorated on each floor.

An unnatural, yet intriguing, tree that caught
/////////////////my eye\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
is my
favorite
of all
trees .
(It got's
fire!) :

What's in your house?

2009-12-05T08:58:00.000-09:00

............bored?............

2009-11-30T17:29:00.002-09:00

And so... the drive (sporting xp for the last 7 years)
started freezing up like it was trying to get demoted
to a door stop. The wife and I have spoken of replacing
that system for at least a year, but I did not want to
venture into 2 : an extensive mental view
(as over a stretch of time or a series of events)
Or, was that "hasta la vista" ? How did they
come to the number seven as a name for
their new OS? The web knows...
I have the old drive re-formatting beside
my desk and can get programs/drivers on
the new drive if needed - convenient, right!?
only the old tower seems to not be liking
information of any sort. The key factor in
my mind is that it is only 24 inches from keeping
the laundry door from pounding my aquarium.
Then, there is no need for it to be carried out to
the recently emptied computer "bone" pile on
the now-empty shelves..........wait!........
what's that?.......It's acting like it....
almost....remembers the last.....couple
of.....days......eureka!! It works!
AND - because this operating system has
been installed by at least 3 (yes, three)
different system discs, took about 16 tries
to get it working, and has succeeded in 7
out of 8 restarts so far, I feel as if this
quilted OS should be named :

WINDOWS 47.825
(or, 47 and 7/8)

....um....nevermind. it just forgot how to
boot again (6 more times failed - making it a 47.5 )
and the system disc went back in the
drive and I'll just have to wait and see
how it turns out................
................

_ ~
0.O
~

Awaken by makin' bacon....

2009-11-21T10:41:00.001-09:00

HOW COULD YOU NOT LIKE IT?

I even know some people (me included)
that might wear it if it happened to be
one of my Christmas gifts hint .
It wouldn't, typically, obsess me so, but
the K made some for breakfast and shared :')
There simply has to be a little piece of bacon in
all of you. I know there is in us! Now that I think
more about it, a sibling of mine was mentioned to do
with bacon on the Phoenix New Times
(".....waxing rhapsodic about bacon....").
But, that is beside the point.

Now, for the first time, I give you the formula
for the perfect bacon sandwich!
DO NOT SHARE THIS WITH ANYONE
OR THE SECRET WILL BE LOST!!

N = C + {fb(cm) . fb(tc)} + fb(Ts) + fc . ta

N = force in Newtons required to break the cooked bacon.
fb = function of the bacon type.
fc = function of the condiment/filling effect.
Ts = serving temperature. tc = cooking time.
ta = time or duration of application of condiment/filling.
cm = cooking method.
C = Newtons required to break uncooked bacon.

If you watch the movie "Jaws" backwards its about a huge shark that throws up so many people that they need to open a beach.

2009-11-16T05:20:00.000-09:00

* VIRUS ALERT *

2009-11-14T23:22:00.002-09:00

*** VIRUS ALERT ***

If you receive an email entitled "Rumplestiltskin" delete it immediately. Do not open it. It will not only erase everything on your hard drive, but it will also delete anything on disks within 20 feet of your computer.

It demagnetises the stripes on ALL of your credit cards. It reprograms your ATM access code, screws up the tracking on your VCR and uses subspace field harmonics to scratch any CD's you attempt to play. It will re-calibrate your refrigerator's coolness settings so all your ice cream melts and your milk curdles. It will program your phone autodial to call only your mother-in-law's number.

This virus will mix antifreeze into your fish tank. It will drink all your beer. It will leave dirty socks on the coffee table when you are expecting company. Its radioactive emissions will cause your toe jam and bellybutton fuzz (be honest, you have some) to migrate behind your ears. It will replace your shampoo with Nair and your Nair with Rogaine, all while dating your current boy/girlfriend behind your back and billing their hotel rendezvous to your Visa card.

It will cause you to run with scissors and throw things in a way that is only fun until someone loses an eye. It will give you Dutch Elm Disease and Tinea. It will rewrite your backup files, changing all your active verbs to passive tense and incorporating undetectable misspellings which grossly change the interpretations of key sentences.

If the "Rumplestiltskin" message is opened in a Windows95 environment, it will leave the toilet seat up and leave your hair dryer plugged in dangerously close to a full bathtub. It will not only remove the forbidden tags from your mattresses and pillows, but it will also refill your skim milk with whole milk.

It will replace all your luncheon meat with Spam. It will molecularly rearrange your cologne or perfume, causing it to smell like dill pickles. It is insidious and subtle. It is dangerous and terrifying to behold. It is also a rather interesting shade of mauve.

I repeat.... do not open it!!

____Whoof Arted____