We never did get to the rocket launch on Saturday. I'd started feeling ill Friday morning, and had to leave early to take Rachael to the doctor for her pre-admission checkup. She hadn't been feeling all that great, and on the way home she urped. So between both of us feeling less than wonderful, her working both days, all the packing to get done (oldest daughter Robyn and her boyfriend each took a carload down to ODU), plus the hot, oppressive, humid weather, well, we took a pass on standing out in the sun all day (fun as that may be).

Liz takes Rachael to her campus on Thursday. Robyn continues to move her stuff all week. Busy little bees, we are.

Posted by: Ted at 05:54 AM | category: Square Pegs
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Better than a year and a half ago, Ross left for Iraq. He's home again, and his blog still sucks. Drop by anyways to welcome him back and thank him for his service.

Posted by: Ted at 11:43 AM | category: Links
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The headlines I'm seeing are rather misleading. The "missile" being talked about is the Russian-designed Katyusha rocket.

It's not insignificant, but as weapons go it's not very large either. They are unguided, medium-range weapons (~12 miles), perfect for harrassment and interdiction fire (the Russians load them onto truck-mounted launchers and fire them in salvos of five to twenty or more.

They can be purchased on the black market for about a thousand dollars each.

They can carry chemical weapons.

To see the threat that these rockets pose to Isreal, here's a map that clearly shows the areas that are in range of Katyusha's fired from within the Palestinian areas.

It must be borne in mind that Hezbollah has acquired its own strategic deterrent capability against Israel by means of long-range Katyusha rockets which can hit targets from the northern border area of Israel almost down to Haifa Bay. -- Ha'aretz, 26 May, 14 July 2000

Cheap and simple weapons can be incredibly cost effective when their proper use is understood.

Posted by: Ted at 06:14 AM | category: Military
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With all but a handful of companies already reporting for the quarter, it turns out that three quarters of them met or exceeded their projected earnings.

Posted by: Ted at 06:08 AM | category: Square Pegs
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Big thanks to John for pointing this site out.

In 1958 Alfred Hitchcock directed his masterpiece Vertigo, which was set in San Francisco. In 2003, this guy went around the city with a camera and took pictures from the same viewpoints as the movie. The photos are posted side by side, so you can see the changes that have happened in 44 years.

I love the internet for sites like this.

Posted by: Ted at 05:24 AM | category: Cult Flicks
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From IMDB.com:

Premiere magazine just released their list of the "Top 20 Most Overrated Movies of All Time" -- which of them is the most overrated?

• 2001: A Space Odyssey


• A Beautiful Mind


• American Beauty


• An American in Paris


• Chariots of Fire


• Chicago


• Clerks


• Easy Rider


• Fantasia


• Field of Dreams


• Forrest Gump


• Gone with the Wind


• Good Will Hunting


• Jules & Jim


• Moonstruck


• Monster's Ball


• Mystic River


• Nashville


• The Red Shoes


• The Wizard of Oz

I'd be interested to hear your take on this.

Posted by: Ted at 07:40 PM | category: Cult Flicks
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We hear a lot of noise from those who want us to ignore the fact that we were attacked (thanks to the Flea for the pointer).

Ten tons of steel from the World Trade CenterÂ’s twin towers will be used in the construction of the USS New York, according to a Navy official.

The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock is slated to be commissioned in 2008.

Forget? Hell no.

Posted by: Ted at 11:55 AM | category: Square Pegs
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This is too cool. An Elvis mural done with Post-it Notes. Follow the links and find instructions on how to do your own digital sticky art.

Posted by: Ted at 11:32 AM | category: Links
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Little tidbits I found interesting...

Goalie Curtis Joseph (aka Cujo) signed with the Phoenix Coyotes, which incidentally are now being coached by Wayne Gretzky. The 'Yotes haven't made a big splash in the free-agent feeding frenzy, but they've signed several quality players. Watch for them, they may surprise a few people.

I didn't realize that with all the the new rules changes, it could mean this (courtesy SharksPage):

Larger Neutral Zone, more difficult to clear the puck & blue line is now inside the doors - therefore if a player enters the ice and moves forward he'll be offsides

There's some question about this one. We'll have to wait and see it in action.

I heard on the radio this morning that the Capitals have made an offer to Peter Bondra. Now if he comes back, that would make me happy.

"Three teams not radically exploring the unrestricted free agent market because of the way they are built are Ottawa, Tampa Bay and ourselves. If that is the company I'm to be judged with, IÂ’ll take that." -- GM Doug Wilson, San Jose Sharks

And finally, the Atlanta Thrashers website has been named best in the NHL by The Sports Business Journal and the University of Massachusetts Amherst (yeah, not a biggie to most of us, but who else does these rankings?). Sites were judged for design, content, commerce, and fan interactivity.

The top 5 were: 1. Atlanta, 2. Washington Capitals, 3. Chicago Blackhawks, 4. Columbus Blue Jackets, 5. San Jose Sharks.

Thanks again to SharksPage for the last two.

Don't forget to join us for the third annual Hockey Whoopass Jamboree!

Posted by: Ted at 11:22 AM | category: Links
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For those reading the PDA version of Rocket Jones (as opposed to those us 20th Century deskbound dinosaurs), I've done some tinkering with the templates and added Eric's routine to now allow comments.

It should be easier to read, and I'd appreciate any feedback you'd care to give. Danke.

Posted by: Ted at 06:09 AM | category: SciTech
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Please don't drink and read Rocket Jones. Bad things can happen.

Trust me, I have it on good authority.

Posted by: Ted at 06:02 AM | category: Links
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Taco Bell is as good at marketing as Burger King is bad. Very few clunker ads. They don't drive a commercial run into the ground either. The little mutt "Yo Quiero, Taco Bell" could've become obnoxious, but they know to quit a little early - leave 'em wanting more.

What got me to thinking about this is a pile of hot sauce packets in our kitchen. Each one has a prominent little spot on the front with a cute message. For instance:

"It's ok to say it. I love you too."

"Hey, where are you taking me?"

Subtle, simple, effective.

Posted by: Ted at 05:21 AM | category: Square Pegs
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Almost two years ago, I put up a post about some of the unusual rockets that the kids and I have built and flown. In it, I said this:

I just realized I don't have pictures posted of another odd-roc we did, named Invader Zim's Song of Doom. She used a funnel for drag stability instead of fins, and the nosecone was a green plastic easter egg with silver alien eyes made from duct tape. This one had problems from the outset. Not with the going up part, but with the coming down part. As in parachutes not wanting to work correctly. She finally destroyed herself by becoming a lawn dart, and we have the video tape to cringe over anytime we want to watch it. Embarrassing.

I finally did find a picture of the Invader Zim's Song of Doom rocket. This is pre-decal, which were basically just "doom, doom, doom, doom..." winding up, down and all over the silly thing.

This next one is one of my early scratchbuilt mid-to-high power rockets, the Bootlegger. She's still in fairly good shape, but semi-retired after making many great flights. I made the logo in PowerPoint and printed it onto decal paper using a laser printer.

This rocket is called Watch the Birdie, and she was an experiment in finishing techniques. I used black primer followed up by an ultra-flat black cover coat, and around the rocket nozzle area I used heat-resistant barbeque paint. The flash adds a shine that really isn't there in real life, this thing is suck-all-available-light-into-it black. And for those who think all I do is big rockets, look closely at the picture and you'll notice that I built two. The little one is 3 inches tall and fully flyable.

Last one. The picture is small, but it's the only picture I have of this rocket, taken just before liftoff. Several years ago, Estes released a neat kit called the Prowler. It was a big rocket, being more than four feet long, and very customizable. What happened when I was building mine was that the glue siezed up before I got the tubes joined together and wound up with about a one half inch gap. It was strong enough to not matter, so I filled the gap with rocket bondo and got ready to paint it. Since this rocket was one half inch longer than the regular version, it must obviously have been crafted by the peace loving people of the workers paradise of the USSR as a defense against the inferior (by one half inch!) rocket built by the war mongering capitalist running dog lackeys. So after a red, silver and black paintjob (and the one yellow fin), in bold cyrillic letters she was christened the Prowlski.

I flew her on big motors for her size and weight. I lost her three different times, but since I had my name and number on the rocket, the first two times I got phone calls from the person who found it. The third time was in the early fall in a farm field (it wasn't cotton, corn or tobacco so I'm guessing soybeans), and even though I saw about where it landed I spent about an hour looking without finding it. I picked up the remains in the spring, because the farmer collected lost rockets as he did his harvesting, but this one went through the machine and was an almost total loss. I got the motor casing back undamaged (the expensive part - yay!).

I still have a couple of Prowler's in the box, I probably should build another one.

Posted by: Ted at 04:18 AM | category: Rocketry
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This is the revised version:

"Someone once said that there was no doubt that we would colonize the Moon and Mars. The only question was what language would be spoken: the language of science or the language of business. My money is on business. The language of business is universal, ignores national borders, and is capable of speaking all human languages."

You can go to RocketForge to see the original quote, and his reasoning behind thinking that the original is not necessarily true.

Posted by: Ted at 07:42 PM | category: Space Program
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Like it?

Amy made it for me. She rocks.

Posted by: Ted at 11:45 AM | category: Links
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1 Who is it?

Posted by: Victor at August 17, 2005 07:59 PM (l+W8Z)

2 Olivia Newton John from the end of Grease, right?

Posted by: nic at August 17, 2005 08:14 PM (l+W8Z)

3 I likey.

Posted by: Tuning Spork at August 17, 2005 08:37 PM (JWzsg)

4 It was inspired by the following post and the resulting comments.

http://rocketjones.mu.nu/archives/107005.php

Posted by: Amy at August 17, 2005 10:06 PM (tPzR0)

5 Correct-o-mundo Nic!

Posted by: Ted at August 18, 2005 04:48 AM (+OVgL)

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Hosted by the Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry. Held at Great Meadow Equestrian Center, in The Plains, Virginia. Starts at 9am, flying until 5pm. Normal FAA waiver to 4500 feet altitude, J motor maximum. Spectatin' and model rocketry free, high power is $5.00 for the day. Performance Hobbies of Washington DC will be onsite for all your rocketry needs.

I know Doug Pratt is planning on flying a biggun' on a HyperTech (or is that a SkyRipper?) J-330 hybrid motor (with nitrous injection). If I get the altimeter bay rebuilt in time I'll be putting up "Ain't Misbehavin'" on a RATTworks I-80 hybrid (now where did I put that picture?). I'm also going to launch my scale Phoenix (another picture here) on an Aerotech H-128 White Lightning. Plus my usual box o' little fun stuff.

You're invited.

Posted by: Ted at 05:55 AM | category: Rocketry
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1 Yup. I plan to put up my big 5.5 inch diameter fiberglass Nike Smoke on a Hypertek J330 motor. Very pretty rocket; it's a Performance Rocketry kit. The simulations put it at about 2200 feet, which should be good for the field if there's no wind. As you know, the Hypertek motor is a hybrid, burning plastic for fuel and nitrous oxide for the oxidizer. Just like your RATT Works motor, but the ignition scheme is a little different. Make sure you tell me when you're ready to launch, so I can get pictures!

Posted by: Doug Pratt at August 17, 2005 09:11 AM (D6ZyB)

2 Performance Hobbies will NOT be attending this weekend.

I may go for my level 1 cert..

Posted by: Maelstrom at August 17, 2005 09:49 PM (h8+48)

3 Rich, do you need a motor? I've got some H-128's and an H-165 Redline I'd be happy to let you use.

Just let me know if there's anything I can do.

It's just as well that Ken won't be there, I'm broke.

Posted by: Ted at August 18, 2005 06:28 AM (blNMI)

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I couldn't decide on how to start this. First I wanted to just go "neener, neener" because it's me and not you, but I've already used up my "jerk" points for the month (don't ask). Then I thought about telling you about how excited I was (I did a nipple check, and it's true, I'm *very* excited), but that would give y'all mental images that would scar my children, frighten friends, and maybe (he said hopefully) bring a wistful smile or two to the ladies.

Secret message to Blue: I sound like a straaange creature, never before seen on B-B-B-Broadway!

I can hear you saying, "would somebody please smack him so he gets to the point."

To which I reply, "careful, we both might like it." (mental note: we haven't had a bondage post in a while)

So, if you've been following along, the aforementioned Blue is host and MC of The Simian Syndicate podcast. Their latest show is up, and not only do I get a shoutout, but Blue and Mad Monty (more than a sidekick, less than that crazy uncle you're ashamed of) run wild with it. After singing my new theme cue (think choirs of angels: "Rocket Jones"), Blue reads some words I wrote about the podcast (the Bobcat Goldwaith voice was classic and not far off the mark), they flatter me unashamedly and boost my ego until I swear I'd make Bob the dick drug guy look depressed.

Rereading that last paragraph, I see where I use the parens like my own virtual sidekick, interjecting asides here and there. So what would I call this new medium? Kind of a written podcast thing... wordcast? Oh wait. It's called a blog. Never mind.

So yes, they give me mad props and proclaim Rocket Jones hella good (that line inserted to annoy and embarrass my daughters). Blue also heaps praise upon Cindy and the Ken and Squip Show, which shows that he's a class act and shouldn't be judged solely on what he says about me. I'm sure it's the alcohol talking.

Ok, enough of that. Being serious for a moment, The Simian Syndicate is one of the funniest things I've heard in a long time. Their recent bit "Our Global World" had me in tears (and it's Mookie approved!) and they've introduced a MadLib segment to the show. Add in the great music, keep-you-on-your-toes banter ("drinking makes me Carl") and you've got one heckuva entertaining hour.

Aside to Blue: how about putting in a word for me with Soccergirl? I want a shoutout from her too.

I've come up with the perfect way to say thanks to The Simian Syndicate, and the beauty of it is that it's free for you and I but it could cost him money! What could be better?

Here's the deal: head on over to his place and download a show or two or all. Give 'em a listen (please use headphones at work or around the genteel). Or don't listen. Whatever. See, they talked about how they wish that they had bandwidth issues, so I figure that the least I can do is help them realize their dream.

Wordsmith. I'm a fucking wordsmith!

Posted by: Ted at 05:02 AM | category: Links
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Like I promised I'm going to promise (trust me, it'll make sense eventually).

(in the extended entry - safe for work but may offend delicate sensibilities) more...

Posted by: Ted at 08:49 PM | category: Square Pegs
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When I get to it in the next day or two...

Drink Rum. Sample:

Bigger = More Better

My life has been clouded by mystery. I've lived my entire legal drinking life in Virginia, where liquor sales are run by the "man". All liquor has to be purchased through state run stores. Not that big of a deal I always thought... until now.

Apparently, in South Carolina, liquor can be sold by anyone. Including those big crazy bulk warehouse type stores. I have found that Sam's Clubs down their are stockpiling liquor in amazingly large quantities.

Want to pick up 1000 rolls of two ply toilet paper? Hell no, but I would love to get a 5 gallon drum of Bacardi Silver!

Buying in bulk always seemed so silly to me until now.

It's like the light of enlightenment (shut up) has been shined in my left eye very brightly while my right eye is closed tightly fearing the wonderment of it all.

Liquor in bulk. I can die happy.

Funny, funny stuff.

Posted by: Ted at 08:43 PM | category: Links
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None of my children were afraid to spread their wings and take a chance on the big world outside our family home. It's hard as a parent to let go and watch them make mistakes, because you're used to being a safety belt and suddenly you've instead become a safety net. They may fall, but you're still there to keep them from crashing. They discover the hard way that independence isn't easy, but as you test the air every bit of turbulence you encounter increases your confidence and allows you to truly soar.

I'm excerpting some lyrics from the musical Wicked. This song is sung as a duet by Elphaba (before she becomes the Wicked Witch), and her good friend Glinda (who becomes the Good Witch).

Defying Gravity

(some intro omitted)

Something has changed within me

Something is not the same

I'm through with playing by

The rules of someone else's game

Too late for second-guessing

Too late to go back to sleep

It's time to trust my instincts

Close my eyes

And leap...

It's time to try defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you can't pull me down

GLINDA
Can't I make you understand
You're having delusions of grandeur?

ELPHABA
I'm through accepting limits
Cuz someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But till I try I'll never know
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love I guess I've lost
Well if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost

I'd sooner buy defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity
And you can't pull me down!

(bridge omitted)

ELPHABA
So if you care to find me
Look to the Western sky!
As someone told me lately
Everyone deserves the chance to fly
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who ground me
Take a message back from me!

Tell them how I am defying gravity
I'm flying high, defying gravity
And soon I'll match them in renown
And nobody in all of Oz
No Wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down!!

(ending omitted)

I didn't leave out parts of the words because they aren't beautiful, but because they didn't fit the picture I'm trying to paint (to mix mediums and metaphores).

I highly recommend that you get a copy of the Wicked soundtrack and give a listen. Amazing work, and this particular song thrills me every time I hear it.

And makes me think of my kids.

Posted by: Ted at 11:41 AM | category: Waxing Lyrical
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