Edinburgh, Scotland - New Year 2008

Paris, France - New Year 2008

Timişoara, Germany - New Year 2008

Singapore - New Year 2008

Hong Kong - New Year 2008

Taipei, Taiwan - New Year 2008

A Little Closer This TIme From 2007

Sidney, Australia - New Year 2008

Twenty Top 10'S of 2007

Prime Rib

Rotgut submits his prime rib for review! This one was smoked on a Traeger Grill with fantastic results.

Click on the article title for more on Traeger Grills.

Time To Take Down The Lights

Snorting a Brain Chemical Could Replace Sleep

A nasal spray of a key brain hormone cures sleepiness in sleep-deprived monkeys. With no apparent side effects, the hormone might be a promising sleep-replacement drug.

If I could just get some in time for tomorrow night!

10 Most-Anticipated Movies of 2008

Here is a list of most anticipated movies of 2008 according to yahoo. Each one comes with a teaser trailer!

The Mystery of the Missing Bass

It started two nights ago... watching a concert DVD in the Theater Room. Something was wrong. "Where did the damn bass go?" I headed over to the sub woofer and it showed a power light. I could even hear a small weak amount of bass, but nothing like it should be. After checking the settings on the amplifier I finally had enough, and pulled out the sub. It was cold, really cold!

The temperature outside was around 25 degrees, not unusual. Could it be the direction the wind was blowing, hitting the house head on, and streaming in through the gable vents unabated? Did they even put insulation around the sub box after they made it?

What ever the cause, the bass cone was so cold it could not flex! The sub was well below operating specs and the box it was sitting in was as cold as a refrigerator.

"What the hell?"

Go ahead and put your beer in there! It will stay cold!

The ladder to trouble. The theatre room sits above the garage, so at least I can get to this problem.

Well, there is the problem! First thing to notice is the giant gable vent opening the attic crawl space to the frigid arctic air outside! Next is the totally exposed sub woofer enclosure sticking out there freezing it's magnet off!

Thank goodness I hired professionals or this would have never happened!

Half an hour later and one roll of R13 insulation later and I think I have the problem licked.

Even with this I think I may have to find a better solution. The speaker fits so tightly in the box that warm air from the inside can't circulate around it. My thought is, maybe a heating pad under the sub on low during the winter might be the only way to keep it warm enough?

I await your thoughts.

Origami Now

Get your paper...

The Dunning-Kruger Effect

The Dunning-Kruger effect is the phenomenon wherein people who have little knowledge think that they know more than others who have much more knowledge.

Want to Encourage People to Travel?

Make a Plane Crash Video!

InvisibleMe

InvisibleMe is a fast, secure and anonymous free web proxy. It lets you browse the internet without leaving personal details behind such as your IP address and stops you from picking up cookies.

5 “DISPOSABLE” Web Accounts to Keep Your Identity Safe

Fed up with spam? Tired of telemarketing calls? Feelin’ paranoid about identity theft? … Here you’ll find a bunch “throwaway” web tools that can help you out.

Why Do People Eat Dirt?

People in many parts of the world indulge in the curious practice of eating dirt, also known as geophagy. But why they do so has remained something of a mystery. Now a new study aims to show whether loam in the earth can be vital in protecting pregnant women from harm.

Mmmmm... Dutch Babies

Vacation breakfast of champions!

4 tbsp. butter
3/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
4 eggs
1 c. milk

Melt the butter in a 2 quart oven proof bowl at 425 degrees. In a small bowl, combine the milk, flour, baking powder, and eggs. Beat with rotary beater until smooth. Pour batter into hot butter. Bake at 425 degrees for 18 minutes. DO NOT open the oven door while baking. Sprinkle a few drops of lemon juice on the slice of Dutch baby and tip with scattered powdered sugar.

We use 4 medium sized ramekin bowls and more than a few drops of lemon juice and powdered sugar!

Post Chrstmas Pool Update

DAY -

Dedicated or crazy! It is 25 degrees out there right now with a 12 mph east wind. That puts it at a balmy 14 degrees with the wind chill!

"I think the diving board goes here."

Yesterday, plastic was laid down to keep the ground from freezing. Last night's wind had another plan! Using a laser leveling device, the outer rim of the pool is being determined. The next step is to fill the bottom of the hole with gravel and then lay re bar.

Six Invaluable Online Resources For Personal Finance Education

Play Free or Die

Great Web games you don't have to pay for.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong on clear day!

Getting Ready

A storm in the North Pacific was nearing the northwest coast this morning. Snow will spread into the warned area from the west late tonight and continue through Friday morning. Snow will accumulate 2 to 4 inches in the valleys and up to 6 inches in the mountains. Winds will increase to 15 to 25 mph tonight and produce areas of blowing snow and poor visibility. Roads will become snow-covered and dangerous as temperatures will stay below freezing throughout the event. Snow will taper to snow showers by noon Friday.

A Snow and Blowing Snow Advisory means that visibilities will be limited due to a combination of falling and blowing snow. Use caution when traveling... especially in open areas.

Winter Is Here

Snow in Orofino, Idaho.

Prime Rib Time!

"Straight No Chaser" Sings The 12 Days of Christmas

What Song Is This?

Merry Christmas!

101 Simple Appetizers in 20 Minutes or Less

Here is a collection of party foods that are as easy to eat as they are to make. Each can be produced in 20 minutes or less. Many can be served at room temperature.

Inside Chernobyl's Sarcophagus

White Christmas?

Winter Storm Watch

... Winter Storm Watch now in effect from Sunday evening through Monday afternoon...

The Winter Storm Watch is now in effect from Sunday evening through Monday afternoon across southeast Oregon and southwest Idaho.

A strong Pacific storm will move across the area Sunday night through Monday with snow accumulating up to 2 inches in the lower valleys and accumulating 3 to 9 inches in the mountains. Below 3000 feet late Sunday night and early Monday morning snow may mix with freezing rain or rain in Malheur County and the Treasure valley. This storm also has the potential for wind gusts of 20 mph to locally 35 mph which would bring areas of blowing and drifting snow with local near whiteout conditions during times of heaviest snow and strongest winds.

A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant snow... sleet... or ice accumulations and strong winds that may impact travel. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.

New Panoramic Feature

Panoramic shots consist of many photos of an area you could never get in one click of the camera shutter, stitched together to make up one really big display. I have been creating panoramas for many years, but have never found a way to share them and maintain the effect. Using a new display vehicle called CleVR all of that has changed.

Below are three test shots using the new process. Just click in the window and then scroll around the photo and really get the feel of the wide world.

Hope you enjoy!

Cayman Islands

"Cruise Ship Row" from the beach of Cayman Island.

Day Fourteen Swimming Pool

DAY -

Finished the hole!

Crater Lake, Oregon

Clear and cold!

Track Santa!

About Santa

Santa maintains a huge list of children who have been good throughout the year. The list even includes addresses, ZIP codes and postal codes. The list, of course, gets bigger each year by virtue of the world's increasing population. This year's population right now is 6,634,570,959!

Santa has had to adapt over the years to having less and less time to deliver his toys. If one were to assume he works in the realm of standard time, as we know it, clearly he would have perhaps two to three ten-thousandths of a second to deliver his toys to each child's home he visits!

The fact that Santa Claus is more than 15 centuries old and does not appear to age is our biggest clue that he does not work within time, as we know it. His Christmas Eve trip may seem to take around 24 hours, but to Santa it could be that it lasts days, weeks or months in standard time. Santa would not want to rush the important job of bringing Christmas happiness to a child, so the only logical conclusion is that Santa somehow functions on a different time and space continuum.

Pool Update

Winter showed up last week, and with temperatures in the teens, they needed to keep the ground covered so it would not freeze... solid as a rock.

As it turned out, covering it was a waste of time. Four feet down... Solid Rock! Note: Scratch marks from the bucket teeth, looking for a weak spot.

Time to bring in the Big Gun! This CAT has a giant pneumatic jack hammer that should make rock beg for mercy. It also made us beg for mercy... $1,500.00 dollars a day to rent!

Chipping it out, one chunk at a time.

My guess is that the pool won't go anywhere after it's done.

At least we mined our own boulders for use on the berms surrounding the pool.
The finished hole.

Day Fourteen

Here is the current state of the pool project. Heavy rains have made it quite muddy out there, and with the coming of Christmas, my guess is it will stay looking like this for the next week or two.

Eyes!

Peter Jackson To Produce “The Hobbit”

Said Peter Jackson, “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to put our differences behind us, so that we may begin a new chapter with our old friends at New Line. ‘The Lord of the Rings’ is a legacy we proudly share with Bob and Michael, and together, we share that legacy with millions of loyal fans all over the world. We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle Earth. I also want to thank Harry Sloan and our new friends at MGM for helping us find the common ground necessary to continue that journey.”

Click title link for full story.

Turkey Or Prime Rib For Christmas?

How about this instead... It serves 125, takes eight hours to cook and is stuffed with 12 different birds ... now that really IS a Christmas dinner!

15 Weird Gadgets

A Look Into My Sorted Past

It is time to finally admit my role in the 1994 knee clubbing of Nancy Kerrigan. If you can remember back to January 1994, Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan were both vying for a spot on the U.S. Olympic figure skating team. A man named Shawn Eckardt was at that time employed as Tonya Harding's body guard. It turned out that Harding's husband Jeff Gillooly and Eckardt plotted together to have Nancy Kerrigan, Harding's competition, shall we say, disabled.

Now, I know you are wondering what all of this could possibly have to do with me?

During the above mentioned time frame, one of my job functions was working behind a counter sending MoneyGram's for Western Union. Well, Mr. Eckardt showed up at my counter one night, and sure enough, I sent the money to the hit man who whacked Kerrigan. $2000 dollars in case you have always wondered what a good knee whacking costs.

I was actually questioned by the police and met Eckardt, who with his lawyer tried to Jedi Mind Trick me into thinking I had not actually seen him. I assured them that I had.

Now, why today of all days to air this sorted and most certainly dirty laundry?

Because Brian Sean Griffith passed away today. Yup, he changed his name and no, I had nothing to do with it. Click on the title of this blog entry to read the article.

I feel much better coming clean and hope you don't think less of me knowing my connection to such a heinous crime.

Wow!

Are You Bored?

Rag doll physics at it's strangest!

Right Brain VS Left Brain Creativity Test

The Brain Type Test is based on the various characteristics associated specifically with each hemisphere of the brain. This test produces results unique to each individual's own left and right hemispheres. Many of the methods used here were pioneered by Dr. Roger Sperry's research on brain lateralization, for which he won a Nobel Prize in 1981.

The test examines the categories of linear, sequential, symbolic, logical, verbal, and reality-based, which are associated with the left hemisphere. It also examines the categories of holistic, random, concrete, intuitive, nonverbal, and fantasy-oriented, which are associated with the right hemisphere. There are always exceptions, and while the majority of humans are going to be classified as being left-brained or right-brained, one goal we have as humans is to strive to utilize both halves of the brain when processing information.

Speed is not a factor. Answer the questions as truthfully as you can.

Are You Left-Brained or Right-Brained?

The brain is composed of two hemispheres, known as the left and right hemisphere. While each hemisphere has unique functions, which one side performs and the other does not, both hemispheres possess the ability to analyze sensory data, perform memory functions, learn new information, form thoughts, and make decisions.

The way you use these abilities determines a large part of your personality and behavior. By the time we, as humans, are two years old, one hemisphere begins to dominate your decision-making process. Communication between the two halves is possible due to the corpus callosum and this process continues to improve until the age of 15.

The left hemisphere specializes in analytical thought. It is responsible for dealing with "hard" facts such as abstractions, structure, discipline, rules, time sequences, mathematics, categorizing, logic, rationality, and deductive reasoning. It is also responsible for details, knowledge, definitions, planning, goals, words, productivity, efficiency, science, technology, stability, extraversion, physical activity, and the right side of the body. Left hemisphere ability is the predominant focus in school and society.

The right hemisphere specializes in "softer" aspects than the left hemisphere. The right hemisphere is responsible for intuition, feelings, sensitivity, emotions, daydreaming, visualizing, creativity, color, spatial awareness, and first impressions. It is also responsible for rhythm, spontaneity, impulsiveness, the physical senses, risk-taking, flexibility and variety, learning by experience, relationships, mysticism, play and sports, introversion, humor, motor skills, and the left side of the body (the old belief that left-handed people are more creative does hold some scientific credence). The right hemisphere also has a holistic method of perception that is able to recognize patterns and similarities and combines those elements into new forms.

The Brain Type Test will determine which half is your dominant half, and to what degree. The test consists of 54 questions and may be completed in about 10 minutes. After completing the test, you will be given your free left and right brain score. You will also be given a small detailed paragraph explaining the characteristics that are associated with your dominant side.

Weekend Vegas Getaway

With just 4 shows left in her five year tour with Ceasars Palace in Las Vegas, Deb and I wanted to see the show again. Sunday marked the fifth to the last show... well done, we enjoyed it immensely.

Stuff We Saw In Vegas

That's right! Me and a real, live, Las Vegas Showgirl! Another life event to mark off of my list.

(Your list may vary)

Deb and a stretch Hummer Limo.

Now this one stopped me in my tracks! This sign appears to be respecting the health and welfare of those who do not wish to be poisoned by second hand smoke. But NO! It is actually apologizing to the smokers for inconveniencing them. Unfortunately they are not allowed to smoke in this particular hallway.

The worlds largest Hawaiian Shirt! This makes me feel much better about my XL shirt needs.

No it's true. It really is the Worlds Largest Aloha Shirt.

Pool Update

The snow and cold have arrived in Idaho. This has slowed the digging for awhile.

The Pool Makers.

When work resumes there will be a place to go.

Disappearing Car Door?

The original inventors and designers of the exciting Disappearing Car Door technology are now in a position to equip your favorite automobile with our cool, sexy, safe and convenient automatic door or design an original vehicle body incorporating this unique technology.

The State of HD DVD

HD DVD or Blu-ray? Are you waiting to decide which format will "Win?" Don't hold your breath.

Let The Digging Begin!

The pool goes here.

Dramatic equipment shot.

Phase one consists of using a laser to determine the grade, capping the existing sprinkler lines, locating the gas, water, and electricity lines, and determining the actual location of the pool, so all of the landscaping will fit around it

Day One

The pile of dug up grass on the right will be hauled away, any further soil will be used to build the berms going all the way around the pool and back fill the waterfall wall.

The Plan

Here is the plan for the pool. Missing is the waterfall that will be along the top side of the plan, along the edge of the pool. I'll post the updated plan when we get them next week.

Ground Zero