Setting up Shop

By now you have heard about the massive U.S. Embassy being built in Iraq:

The $592 million embassy occupies a chunk of prime real estate two-thirds the size of Washington’s National Mall, with desk space for about 1,000 people behind high, blast-resistant walls. The compound is a symbol both of how much the United States has invested in Iraq and how the circumstances of its involvement are changing.

Whatever happened to investing in our country?

Link to the Yahoo News article.

Link to Think Progress article.

Via C

Enron - The Smartest Guys in the Room

Enron was an energy trading company that invented confusing ways to get people to invest money in its stock. Higher profits meant more money invested even though the profits were all fabricated. The people that invested their money thought the profits were real.

Eventually, the largest shareholders cashed in their shares of stock when it was most profitable and the rest of the shareholders were left with nothing when the corporation collapsed.

The name Enron has since become synonymous with corporate scandal and greed. This video brilliantly uncovers all the details. If you don't have an hour and forty minutes to watch this award winning video maybe you can just watch the first few minutes to see a nice view of the buildings of downtown Houston.

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Peaceful Places

Enjoy these picturesque Japanese Gardens:

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Via C

The Doomsday Code

This amazing documentary about the "End Times" predicted in the bible is probably the only time you will ever see the inside of the Dome of the Rock (Temple Mount), also known as Haram al Sharif (The Noble Sanctuary). The place where God (presumably) stood when he created the world.

If you don't have 100 minutes to enlighten yourself, at least take ten minutes to watch the very first part:

Via Eso

Presidential Library

I hope this is a joke?

Welcome to the future home of the officious George W. Bush Presidential Library. This patriotic website will serve as an authoritative digital archive, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the godly legacy of the most honest, peaceful, and intelligent leader in the 6,000 year history of the planet Earth.

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Via C

Positive Thinking

1. Open a new file in your computer.
2. Name it "Hillary Rodham Clinton"
3. Send it to the trash.
4. Empty the trash.
5. Your PC will ask you, "Do you really want to get rid of "Hillary Rodham Clinton?"
6. Firmly Click "Yes."
7. Feel better.

PS: Next week we'll do Nancy Pelosi

Note: This works just as well with the Republicans of your choice.

Via B&P

Packing Heat

I had no idea the Pistol Shrimp was so powerful?

Link to the video clip

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WARNING: You are about to enter an area of "Zero Information Statements"

Women in Art

"500 years of female portraits in western art in just under 3 minutes morphing from one to the next."

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Via Ursi

Under Construction

These pics of the Eiffel Tower being constructed are amazing!

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Via C

How to Find a Job

Great article/blog with plenty of amazing pics about fishing in Alaska. Complete with tips on how to get a job as a fisherman:

1. If you live in San Francisco, well hot dog, there are lots of fishing jobs right under your noses. I lived there for 6 years and it never occurred to me that fishermans wharf houses a bunch of legit fishermen. There is an out of the way dock more over by Giradelli square that docks most of the boats. SF also has a big herring fishery in the bay during winter and a thriving salmon trolling industry. Go to the delievery plants in the wharf or Sausalito. Many of those guys also have boats in Alaska.

2. Get a Job in a processing plant. You will be paid shittily but they might fly you somewhere interesting where you can make your escape shortly after arrival. Here are some names of processors in Alaska: Trident Seafoods, Westward Seafoods, Icicle Seafoods, Peter Pan Seafoods, Norquest Seafoods, American Seafoods. Find their info online and call em up. They might put you on a trawler/ processor.

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Via LAT

Movie Trailer - Sicko

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"You can't expect to wield supreme executive power just because some watery tart threw a sword at you!" - Monty Python's Holy Grail

American Art Archives

More brilliant pics and ads from early Americana:

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Via Ursi

Operation Northwoods

If the government did this once (or twice) what makes a person think they won't do it again? Article is complete with pics and additional links:

Operation Northwoods, or Northwoods, was a 1962 plan by the US Department of Defense to cause acts of terrorism and violence on US soil or against US interests, blamed on Cuba, in order to generate U.S. public support for military action against the Cuban government of Fidel Castro.

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Via C

Images of Las Vegas

My only regret is that I didn't have a camera when I spent six months of my life there last year. I took pictures with my eyes, unfortunately it's all stored away on the hard-drive in my head. Click on Las Vegas I, Las Vegas II, Las Vegas III, etc. to see more pics:

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Via C

Dynamic Architecture

A rotating building is a good idea because then everyone gets a chance at the "good view." But I will believe it when I see it:

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Via K

So This is an Oasis

"More recently, however, visitors have been flying in from all over the world to relax in the shade of the palm trees, sandboard on the dunes and, most importantly, take the waters. Because this tiny handkerchief of green is the Lourdes of Peru."

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Via J

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"The radio business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side." — Hunter S. Thompson

Cylindrical Fish Tank

Believe me when I tell you that this is the biggest damn aquarium I have ever seen!

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Speed Lounging

The Armchair Cruiser looks like fun but it would be better with an electric motor:

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Via UD

Confidential

Raw Food Recipes

Ani Phyo is an Executive Chef and a health nut living in San Francisco. This collection of vegetarian YouTube recipes using raw food is great for me because I unplugged my refrigerator a couple weeks ago (it was noisy and ran all the time):

Link

Link to Ani's website...

Via Boing

Forgotten Faces: Chinese and the Law

Australia has created a website with photographs respecting the nineteenth century prisoners and their stories:

Ah Keong was sentenced to 12 months hard labour in October 1889 for wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

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Via Ursi

Anne Frank Photo Gallery

Anne Frank lived for only 15 years yet somehow had more pictures taken of herself than I have of myself? Take a look at this one-page collection of priceless pics:

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Via C

Make No Mistakes...

With a pictographic depiction of the Twin Towers burning in the background, the President takes a step forward. For the full discussion, additional pics, and the official Reuter's News Link click below:

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4 Tiger

Horizon - Parallel Universes

Via Ursi

Reviving the Pentastar

Going back to the OLD logo? It's all in the stars:

In order to celebrate its new found freedom after being divorced from DaimlerChrysler AG, the newly minted Chrysler Corp. will ditch its current winged logo and return to the famous Pentastar logo.

Then this oddly out of place paragraph:

...Cerberus CEO Stephen Feinberg regrets naming his company after the mythological three-headed dog that guards the gates of Hell. We also learn that Feinberg owns Ford and Chevy pickups, which he plans to quickly trade in for a Dodge Ram.

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Welcome to China

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Via Digg

Producing Hydrogen on Demand

There is hope for the future:

Purdue University professor Jerry Woodall has discovered a way to make hydrogen out of a reaction of water and an alloy of aluminum and gallium. The production technique eliminates the need to store hydrogen, he said. Mixing water and pellets made up of the alloy in a tank can produce fuel for a small engine, or conceivably a car.

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Via Digg

Future Test Drive

I love the idea of quiet, emmission-free vehicles. Check out this Popular Mechanics video of the new electric motorcycle and you will too:

Their Stealth motorcycle has a horsepower equivalent to a 500-cc bike, and it tops out at around 50 mph. That's not much on the highway, but it's plenty of speed to zoom around town.

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Link to the sporty electric car video.

Via Digg

Things I didn't know...

Interesting article about the, "Top Ten Myths of Divorce":

(Myth) Living together before marriage is a good way to reduce the chances of eventually divorcing.

(Fact) Many studies have found that those who live together before marriage have a considerably higher chance of eventually divorcing.

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Via UD

Roommate Revenge

Hilarious video of a cruel, and unusual prank. I wonder if he learned his lesson? This guy is truly evil:


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I was married once, a while back, for almost two years. It didn’t work out because I was young, foolish, selfish, impatient, naïve, confused, frightened, ignorant, insolent, arrogant, isolated, and greedy... Now I’m just isolated

Very Wise Cartoons

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Via DI

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“No man is an island, but some of us are long peninsulas.”

Vintage Americana

America never looked so peaceful as in these 25 nostalgic pics from the 1940's:

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Via LAT

Surreal Cloud Formations

I didn't think I'd enjoy this large group of cloud pics as much as I did:

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Via LAT

Creative Ad Agency

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Via UD

My First Lesson...

This New York Times article about Motherhood will make you cry but keep reading because it has a positive message and a happy outcome:

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Via NM

More Political Humor

I don't watch The Daily Show with Jon Stewart but sometimes he is spot-on and very funny. Watch this hillarious clip of him skewering Attorney General Alberto Gonzales just to see the response of Conyers:

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Via NM

Cartoons

Via DI

Kid Zeppelin

I was never into power chords but if I could play like this kid I'd change my mind!

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Street Installations

The tenth picture, the nightime pic is my favorite (because of the newsstands):

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“It’s better to burn out than fade away.” - Neil Young

The Busses Have Eyes

Via B&P

War Profiteering on Video

"On May 10th, 2007, this video was banned in Congress."

"Republicans insisted this not be shown."

If Republicans are no longer the majority in Congress, then why did the Democrats allow them to insist this video not be shown? (Hint: It's because the Republicans and Democrats are the same party.)

Today (May 14th, 2007) this article was posted on Yahoo:

The Defense Department will begin blocking access "worldwide" to YouTube, MySpace and 11 other popular Web sites on its computers and networks...

How long before the Defense Department decides to begin blocking us from certain websites?

Link to the article on Yahoo.

"Republicans insisted this not be shown."

The reason the soldiers are blocked from viewing YouTube is because of THIS video. Please take 4 minutes out of your busy day and watch this video clip and then send the link to everyone you know.

The Defense Industry pays the Bush family to promote war and Dick Cheney is forever the former CEO of Halliburton who is receiving all the "no-bid" contracts at "cost-plus" expense to the American Tax Payer.

Don't take my word for it; watch the video.

Wake up people, the writing is on the wall...

Tags: documenting, the, decline, democracy, cool

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"All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his." - Oscar Wilde

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Any one of these quotes would have worked very well today:

- GOD could not be everywhere. That's why he made mothers. (Jewish Proverb)

- If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands? (Milton Berle)

- Hey, the way I figure it is this: if the kids are still alive by the time my husband comes home, I've done my job. (Roseanne Arnold)

- Any mother could perform the jobs of several air traffic controllers with ease. (Lisa Alther)

- The phrase 'Working Mother' is redundant. (Jane Sellman)

- It goes without saying that you should never have more children then you have car windows. (Erma Bombeck)

- And remember that behind every successful woman......is a basket of dirty laundry. (Unknown)

- Insanity is hereditary; you get it from your children. (Sam Levenson)

- Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own. (Aristotle)

- I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life. (Abraham Lincoln)

- God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers. (Jewish Proverb)

Thank you Miss C and Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day (Bonus Links)

You might enjoy this Mother’s Day game: Don’t Make Mama Cry.

Check out the Mother’s Day Shrine.

The Ten Worst Movie Mothers.

The Worst Mothers Day Gifts.

Gifts you should NOT give for Mother’s Day.

Johnny Dain’s Mother’s Day Gift Ideas.

Mamacita suggests some Mother’s Day Fun Gifts.

Mommies Who Drink. A book of humor.

Miss Lola Rose videotapes her mom’s opinions on funny stuff.

If you honestly have a crazy mother, there are resources for you.

Via MissC

Nappy Headed Hoe

Thanks Bob

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“Today, America would be outraged if U.N. troops entered Los Angeles to restore order. Tomorrow they will be grateful!” - Henry Kissinger (1991)

Mother's Day Funny

I don't read The Onion because it is sometimes too silly, but they have posted a special Women’s Issue that is defnitely worth the enjoyment:

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Soviet War Pics

Enjoy this massive collection of vintage Russian photos from 1941 to 1945:

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Via DI

Word of the day: Atwitter

I've heard of this but I didn't know it was an actual word?

-The White House is atwitter over the queen's visit (old news)
-Business is atwitter over the potential of Twitter
-Washington is atwitter over the DC madam's phone list
-Messaging firms were atwitter following the Virginia Tech massacre
-British tabloids are atwitter over Prince William's bar tab
-The internet is atwitter (formerly abuzz) over Creative Commons debate video
-Buster the dog is atwitter over Mother's day
-Supermarket tabloids are atwitter about Kate Bosworth's anorexia
-The TV industry was atwitter over Katie Couric
-The southland is atwitter about an aligate named Reggie
-The internets are atwitter about Rose O'Donnell leaving The View.

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Via J

Plan to Prevent Chaos

Our government has become very successful at promoting war and fear. From the San Francisco Chronicle:

As concerns grow that terrorists might attack a major American city with a nuclear bomb, a high-level group of government and military officials has been quietly preparing an emergency survival program that would include the building of bomb shelters, steps to prevent panicked evacuations and the possible suspension of some civil liberties.

With the "possible suspension of some civil liberties?" I hope they don't suspend the good civil liberties? At least they are letting us know in advance that we are screwed.

Many experts say the likelihood of al Qaeda or some other terrorist group producing a working nuclear weapon with illicitly obtained weapons-grade fuel is not large, but such a strike would be far more lethal, frightening and disruptive than the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Where would al Qaeda obtain enriched uranium? I find it strange that The Houston Chronicle has not breathed a word of this pending doom.

-- discussed how all levels of government ought to respond to protect the country from a second nuclear attack, to limit health problems from the radioactive fallout and to restore civil order.

From a "second nuclear attack?" I didn't know there was first nuclear attack?

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Via Boing

National Security Presidential Directive 51

But I thought we were a freer, safer nation?

President Bush issued a formal national security directive yesterday ordering agencies to prepare contingency plans for a surprise, "decapitating" attack on the federal government, and assigned responsibility for coordinating such plans to the White House.

Why did he use the word, "decapitating"?

The statement added, "Emphasis will be placed upon geographic dispersion of leadership, staff, and infrastructure in order to increase survivability and maintain uninterrupted Government Functions."

Are they planning to abandon Washington D.C. if there is an attack? Why did they capitalize the words, "Government Functions"?

After the 2001 attacks, Bush assigned about 100 senior civilian managers to rotate secretly to locations outside of Washington for weeks or months at a time to ensure the nation's survival, a shadow government that evolved based on long-standing "continuity of operations plans."

Were you aware of this? Who are these, "senior civilian managers"? How much are they getting paid? And what the hell is a, "shadow government"???

Other former Bush administration officials said the directive formalizes a shift of authority away from the Department of Homeland Security to the White House.

Consider me officially confused (among other things):

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Via Digg

Baraka

Via K

Just Say No (to Catnip)

Via C

Money...

It can buy you a House, but not a Home.

It can buy you a Bed, but not Sleep.

It can buy you a Clock, but not Time.

It can buy you a Book, but not Knowledge.

It can buy you a Position, but not Respect.

It can buy you Medicine, but not Health.

It can buy you Blood, but not Life.

It can buy you Sex, but not Love.

So you see, money isn't everything. The best things in life can't be bought, and often we destroy ourselves trying!

I tell you all this because I am your Friend, and as your Friend I want to take away your needless pain and suffering...

So send me all your money and I will suffer for you.

A truer Friend than me you will never find.

CASH ONLY, PLEASE

Via B&P

Island Mine

Via UD

Magic Secret

During a recent magic shows, a woman asked me, "Sir how do you do that trick?"

The magician responded, "If I told you I would have to kill you"

She said, "OK then...tell my husband!"

Thinking Outside the Rectangle

Why be normal when designing business cards? Check out this collection of extremely creative ideas:

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Via Digg

Dark Sky Over Death Valley

How did that rock get there?

Click on the pic to see the full size...

Via NM

The European Masters

Select the German or English language version to view this impressive collection of sidewalk/street art from around the world:

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Via Ursi

Amazing Miniatures

I don't know if I'm more impressed with these 1/6th sized German World War II models or the professional photography?

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Via Boing

Multiple Object Tracking

My vision is perfect so I had the most fun with this simple mind-game from Guelph University website in Ontario, Canada:

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Via NM

Inspired Architecture

God probably loves these ten pics of uniquely designed churches (with bonus churches at the bottom):

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Via UD

More Naked Art

Artist Spencer Tunick does it again this time in Mexico City:

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Via UD

Tornado Damage

Kansas.com has posted these twenty-five pics of the twister that leveled Greensburg:

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Via NM

Seeing The Invisible

Monday is the perfect day to peruse these haunting images from The Marsden Archive:

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Via Eso

Battle of the Brains

Via Ursi

Dandelion Wine Recipe

This might be a little bit over my head but I'd love to be able to make my own vino:

This dreaded pesty weed holds a true beauty & also makes a delicious wine!!!

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Running: How to

This informative article about jogging includes step-by-step instructions on how to build up and condition yourself to be a runner. There are also additional links to forums and articles about running:

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Via Digg

Dragon Boat Festival!!!

We had so much fun! Click on the link below to see all the pics:

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Tags: Dragon, boat, festival, houston, cool

Dragon Team T-Shirts

Most teams were sponsored by various schools, or clubs, or major corporations and all of them had very colorful t-shirts. Congratulations to Tindall & Foster for having the coolest design (and thank you for parting with one of your extras!!!).

Click the link below to see the individual pics:

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Tags: dragon, boat, festival, houston, cool

Houston Dragon Boat Festival

Okay, so this is nothing compared to Kowloon Harbor in Hong Kong, but the festival was free to all and the weather was beautiful. I was there early and it seemed like everyone was having a great time (thanks Mom for reminding me):

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More Strange News

For some reason I feel compelled to post this news item even though it disturbs me. A kid was arrested in Texas for drawing maps of his school. At least this time no charges have been filed (yet):

A Chinese student was removed from Clements High School in Fort Bend, Texas after parents complained he had re-created the school grounds in a game and uploaded the map for his friends to play. The boy was placed in the district’s alternate education school and later arrested, as the police considered him a “terroristic threat”.

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Tags: big, brother, still, watching, cool

Words of Wisdom

Read all (24) of the witty phrases from Larry the Cable Guy by following the link:

- Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
- The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.
- A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
- If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
- OK, so what's the speed of dark?
- Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.

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“The power of accurate observation is often calledcynicism by those who have not got it.” - G.B. Shaw

The Price of Poultry

This is the current price for a bucket of yardbird in downtown Houston (in case you were wondering).

Weird Shoes

Click below to see some extremely far-out footwear:

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Cash for Cockroaches

This museum is located right down the street from my house. Maybe I should try to catch some roaches?

Houstonians are invited to contribute their cockroaches at the entrance to the Cockrell Butterfly Center on Tuesdays (May 8th and May 15th) from 4 – 7 p.m. or Saturdays (May 5th, May 12th and May 19th) from 12 – 3 p.m. for $0.25 each. Upon arrival, ask for a Museum entomologist.

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Via Boing

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"My doctor told me I shouldn’t work out until I’m in better shape. I told him, 'All right; don’t send me a bill until I pay you.'" - Steven Wright

Bed, Bath and Beyond

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road...

If you need more proof that America has become a Police State look no further than the link below (it may take a minute or two to load but it's worth it). Home video of yesterday's protest in LA being broken up by armed guards:

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Via Digg

More on Electronic Passports

If this biometric technology is safer, why not just have the "chip" placed under the skin?

...this next generation of the U.S. passport includes biometric technology. A contactless chip in the rear cover of the passport will contain the same data as that found on the biographic data page of the passport (name, date of birth, gender, place of birth, dates of passport issuance and expiration, passport number), and will also include a digital image of the bearer’s photograph.

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Tags: Big, brother, is, watching, cool

Do It Yourself Solar Heater

This simple and efficient idea would work perfect on a blank wall facing the sun. Here's a smart way to heat a room using homemade solar power:

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My Radio Station

I don't know if this is going to work or not so let me know if you cannot access this new technology that will/should put your radio out the window:

Via J

Olive Garden's Alfredo Sauce

With so much cream, cheese, and butter, of course it's delicious! The only thing missing is the bread sticks:

I worked at the OG for 4-1/2 years, 2 years in the kitchen. (yield almost 1 gallon) Tblsp-Garlic Puree which you brown first. Then add 1 lb butter until melted. Add 2 quarts heavy whipping cream & 8 oz milk. Add 1 lb Parmesan cheese and 4 oz Fontina cheese with 1 teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons black pepper. Stir on medium-high until thickens. Turn off heat and continue to stir. Wha La!! Right off the sauce card. Enjoy

Link to a more simple recipe with OG Alfredo Sauce in the "comments" section.

Via Digg

The New E-Passport

"Passport, Passeport, Pasaporte." Why did they need to print this three times in three similar languages (data page, above photo)? AND, I know our president thinks he is the king of the world, but what does the moon and planet earth have to do with American landscapes?

The new U.S. e-passport will incorporate updated security features and a new design. This design will reflect the varied landscapes of our country and each page will include a quote reflecting the hope and success that is the United States of America.

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Via GAB

Bread Is Dangerous

A perfect example of the dangers of specious reasoning:

- More than 98 percent of convicted felons are bread users.

- More than 90 percent of violent crimes are committed within 24 hours of eating bread.

- Bread is often a "gateway" food item, leading the user to "harder" items such as butter, jelly, peanut butter, and even cold cuts.

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Via K

Home of the Free

When I left Chicago last year they had already banned goose liver (food), and were in the process of burning books in the streets (including Harry Potter). I'm not going to comment on this article because I don't know the background of the whole situation, but it's worth a read if you're curious about what life is like in Illinois:

Allen Lee, an 18-year-old straight-A student at Cary-Grove High School, was arrested Tuesday near his home and charged with disorderly conduct for an essay police described as violently disturbing but not directed toward any specific person or location.

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Google Earth: From Space to Your Face

I like to use Google Maps but there was a time when I used Keyhole (which is the product known these days as Google Earth). This article describes how they get the overhead pics:

Most people are surprised to learn that we have more than one source for our imagery. We collect it via airplane and satellite, but also just about any way you can imagine getting a camera above the Earth's surface: hot air balloons, model airplanes – even kites. The traditional aerial survey involves mounting a special gyroscopic, stabilized camera in the belly of an airplane and flying it at an elevation of between 15,000 feet and 30,000 feet, depending on the resolution of imagery you're interested in.

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Via NM

Humanizing China

Take a few minutes out of your busy day to view these extremely raw (and graphic) photos of China:

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Via Digg

Nothing New Here

Jay Leno knows more about electric cars than he is letting on. Go read this interesting article about his "prehistoric" collection:

Alternative fuel cars are yesterday’s news to Jay Leno. He owns several that date back to nearly the dawn of the automobile era.

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Link to an additional collection of Popular Mechanics articles on electric cars.

Via Digg

Colorful Vandalism

This graffiti covered building proves that abundance of color is never a bad thing:

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Spike Receipt Holder

Just this morning I was herding receipts from a weekend of debauchery when it dawned on me, "I need one of those spike thingies." Then I saw this:

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