Interesting style. Many broken links, you'll have to explore a little. Not safe for work.

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To become a scientist just like Daniel, you can either spend thousands of dollars in a structured and professional setting, or you can let your natural curiosity take over with loving, helpful guidance.

(Mookie, I would kill you!)

(in the most loving and kindest way possible, of course)

Posted by: Ted at 02:26 PM | category: Links
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The San Jose Sharks have achieved their first-ever 100 point season, and have all but clinched the Pacific Division title for the second time in three years.

Since the playoffs are a whole new season, I'd just like to take a moment at this time to gloat over my fellow Munuvians as the clear winner of the First Annual Inter-Munuvian Hockey WhoopAss Jamboree*.

Go Sharks!

I'm also pleased to note that Helen's Dallas Stars and Heather's St. Louis Blues will also both make the playoffs, while Victor's Washington Capitals burnt to the ground (I feel your pain, really!) and Daniel never officially entered his Atlanta Thrashers.

*Anyone interested in getting in on next year's edition, the rules are simple:
1. Declare your favorite hockey team.
2. During the season, when your team plays another in the Jamboree, the loser must display the logo of the winner for 24 hours.
3. Trash talking and good-natured making fun-of is encouraged.

Posted by: Ted at 04:32 AM | category: Links
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1 Yeah, just three more games to go, then I wake up from this nightmare, and the Caps will be in first place!

I wish.

You have no idea how grateful I am the Caps only played everyone else in the Inter-Munuvian Hockey WhoopAss Jamboree only once. Wait, I think they played the Sharks twice. But still.

Posted by: Victor at March 30, 2004 08:11 AM (L3qPK)

2 Now if my boys can make it through and not choke again, then I will indeed know that my life has taken an upswing after all.

That, and based on the many deals and bargains I have made with various deities in order to get my boys to the playoffs, I have a lot of praying to do.

I will start with the God of Beer. That one seems best.

Posted by: Helen at March 30, 2004 08:32 AM (6dPV0)

3 As a Sharks fan, I know how low things can go. Don't forget Helen, I was a Minnesota North Stars fan before the Sharks came along, because the California Seals merged into them, so I have a long history of rooting for underachievers.

Posted by: Ted at March 30, 2004 08:45 AM (blNMI)

4 And also, please celebrate the complete mediocrity of the Carolina Hurricanes on my behalf. Although now that me and Ilya Kovalchuk both ultimately report to the same guy, I suppose I should toss my lot in with Atlanta.

Posted by: Scott at March 30, 2004 10:40 AM (zL4bg)

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I had a theme picked out for this Symphony, but IÂ’m still in the midst of a flu-administered ass-kickin', so I just donÂ’t have the energy to go through with it. You get the plain jane versions, which is fine, because these links are the highlights anyway.

Not that I won't run my mouth. Just pretend it's part of my folksy charm.

In no particular order...

Simon provides an essential guide to Hong Kong taxi's. There are even more helpful tips in the comments. Note to the tourism board: Louis Armstrong-impersonating taxi-drivers should be talked up more.

Pixy Misa wades into the philosophical debate with Idealism, Struggle, Despair, Passion, Success, Failure, and Enormously Long Lunch Breaks.

Meanwhile, Pixy's granddaughter writes from the future, but it was over two months ago that we first were able to receive Trixie's writing that she'll do later... I think the Nyquil just kicked in.

Ironbear of Who Tends the Fires offers up "Wax cannons and management training". A great story I enjoyed when it first appeared, and I'm happy to point it out for your enjoyment now.

Susie talks about the reasons for panic attacks.

Pierre of the Pink Flamingo Bar & Grill lays a righteous fisking on the Seattle Post Intelligencer when they explain that President BushÂ’s popularity is almost solely due to the fact that Americans are stupid. ThatÂ’s pretty much a direct quote by the way.

Jeff Doolittle offers up The Death of Hit Counting, with the following statement: "Considering the weight that is placed on things like 'sitemeter' this post is extremely relevant to blogdom." Here's an exerpt:

Counting the number of visitors to your site has become a lesson in futility. It is no longer possible (if it ever was) to accurately track the number of anonymous users to your website. While cookies and/or user authentication can still help you track visits by known users, assessing the number of casual visitors is not possible.

I'll say this on the subject, that if you use Sitemeter as a measurement instead of a counter, then it works well enough. I once worked a project to reengineer a software system, and discovered that a particular value had been calculated incorrectly for a long long time. The clients were horrified, but I convinced them that since the values were consistently calculated that even though they were wrong they had value as comparison and evaluation numbers. We fixed it and told the users that we were using a new method to calculate that number, and everyone was happy. Now, sitemeter doesn't offer that absolute consistency (as far as I can tell), but it's good enough to give me an idea of ebb and flow in visitors. I'm not going to obsess over numbers, especially since it's free.

From The Owner's Manual, Gary submits his Fair Warning to Round-Eyed Weirdos. Exerpt:

We may be experiencing fallout from the supremacy of American culture as exemplified by the global popularity of Western movies.

I won't even tell you what it's about, but it's not what you think it might be. Good read though.

Now this one is fun. Dave at Blogo Slovo sends in some thoughts on the television series "The West Wing". I'm a fan of the series, and he's spot on with his observations.

Andrew Ian Dodge of Dodgeblogium fame gets my pick for best title this week: Consensual Cannibalism. I'll forego the obvious jokes, because they've probably already been (over)done.

From Interested Participant, we have HUMAN TRAFFICKING LINKED TO BACHELOR PARTIES. Here's an excerpt:

In several previous posts, I've discussed at some length the occurrence of human trafficking and sex slavery in Europe and Asia (see SEX SLAVES IN CZECH REPUBLIC, BALKAN CHILDREN SMUGGLING, SEX TOURISM LAW, and BALKAN SEX TRADE). Logically, it would be of interest to me when a United Nations expert in the field of human trafficking appeared recently as the guest speaker at a City Club of Cleveland luncheon.

Short version: Males are evil. Go read. Good stuff.

I mentioned I was sick. Actually, I mention it often around the house, because I'm genetically predisposed to whine when unwell. My wife is a gem, promising that when she finally decides to collect my life insurance, it'll be when I'm mercifully asleep.

So you can imagine my reaction to this email greeting:

Hi! here's my entry!

And then I read the submission, and it's a very cool bit of writing. The Cycling Dude presents My CRITICAL MASS Experience, and here's the Dude's description:

In this time of Liberal Protesting of President Bush & The War Against Terror, I thought I'd share my own experience, in a Bicycle Ride, at the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles.

An excellent post, and I take great comfort in being on the opposite coast from Kiril, because if he doesn't have a sense of humor he might want to assist my wife as payback for teasing him above.

I've been a big fan of Hold the Mayo from his earliest days. Read Pick a Theory and you'll see why. In his words:

This was my analysis of the reasons for the Howard Dean melt down at the Iowa caucus, so it's kind of old news but it was good when it was written.

It's still good, my friend.

Watcher of Weasels offers up the Myth of the Jobless Recovery. I can't agree with his conclusion though:

The Democratic nominee (whoever it may be) will look like an abject idiot if, come this November, he is still using last August's numbers to argue for the repeal of Bush's tax cuts and the resurrection of Hillarycare.

If All You Have Is Lemons, by Graham Lester of uncategorical (no caps in the name), makes some telling observations that are sometimes overlooked for the 'greater good'.

The Cheese takes her stand on activism, protestism, and any other ism you've got: Don't Assume I'm Comfy Just Because I Don't Squirm.

Next up is Going From Bad to Worse, from Zero Intelligence. Provided synopsis:

A student is punished for using the word 'gay' correctly and in context while speaking about his gay mother. The school board refuses to define what is and what is not appropriate speech.

200 Words or Less: Celebrating Diversity. Harvey from Bad Money calls it "a silly answer to a stupid question found on a University of Virginia admissions application". I call it Harvey at his best.

And then there's Am I the widower of a woman or the husband of a fish?, courtesy of Jim at Snooze Button Dreams. His description is accurate - "I react when contraband items are brought into my house" - as is the title, go see how.

Feste of Foolsblog submits Damn Straight, with the following comment:

A recent announcement of detente between Bush and Chirac reminded me of this post. It's true, we will not entirely forget this betrayal, nor will we eat French cheese or sup French wine with quite same enthusiasm. Now we know each bite or sip puts money into the pockets of anti-Semites and America haters who rejoiced when 3000 Americans died at the hands of terrorists.

Damn straight.

Enough of my moping and griping, eh? Let's end this with a chuckle from the ever-[look up word before posting] Bunsen, who gave us the memorable Opening Attachments From People You Don't Know is the New "Goddamn, I'm Stupid". Bunsen comments hillariously on the morons who make virus propagation possible.

[I know, I missed it and don't feel like dealing with it. -- Ed.]

So that's it for this BestOfMe Symphony. Thanks to everyone who sent in submissions. I've enjoyed meeting the new-to-me bloggers, and have lots of new and interesting places to visit.

As an added bonus, I've included my choice for greatest album cover of all time (in the extended entry). Just because I can. more...

Posted by: Ted at 04:44 AM | category: Links
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1 Great work Ted.

Posted by: Simon at March 29, 2004 05:25 AM (UKqGy)

2 Nyquil Rocks - so does Ted. Get well.

Posted by: Stephen Macklin at March 29, 2004 05:47 AM (CSxVi)

3 Great work! And I love your quote about being genetically predisposed to whining-and I hope you feel better!

I'd meant to email you a submission, but again, no internet access...

Posted by: Helen at March 29, 2004 06:07 AM (6dPV0)

4 A lot of work for a sick guy. Both thanks and sympathy from me to you.

Posted by: LeeAnn at March 29, 2004 09:14 AM (HxCeX)

5 Excellent! Is the Flamingo's post link messed up, or is it me? (or bogsplot?)

Posted by: Susie at March 29, 2004 11:08 AM (J08nK)

6 Great Job!

Get well soon! :-)

Posted by: Kiril, The Cycling Dude at March 29, 2004 11:48 AM (BKVxs)

7 [APPLAUSE, WHISTLES, CHEERS]

Masterful! Just goes to show that thoughtful commentary from someone who actually reads the entries is just as good as a theme with lots of colorful little pictures (and it loads faster, too :-)

Posted by: Harvey at March 29, 2004 02:37 PM (tJfh1)

8 Kudos! (kudoes?) Whatever. A good turn-out this week everyone! I'm clickin' & readin'.

Love the album cover...I sold my vinyl collection a few years ago and I miss the album covers...CD art sucks...it's mostly mindless marketing.

Posted by: festevich at March 29, 2004 03:14 PM (bovjU)

9 Susie, the Pink Flamingo links work for me from home, but didn't from work.

Posted by: Ted at March 29, 2004 07:55 PM (ZjSa7)

10 I hope you are soon kickin' that flu's ass instead of the other way around!

Posted by: nic at March 29, 2004 08:37 PM (16A49)

11 great job .

except I know I sent Jim an entry and it doesn't seem to be up there .

*whine*

Posted by: goldie at March 30, 2004 10:14 AM (QFwud)

12 Goldie, I never saw it. Honest. Sorry.

Posted by: Ted at March 30, 2004 01:08 PM (blNMI)

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After the weekend I've had, I needed a good laugh. Major thanks to Off Wing Opinion for the pointer.

Posted by: Ted at 07:32 PM | category: Links
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Eleven lines. Sixty-one words. Essence.

Update: Taco has apparently set up a rotating quote on the page while he revamps his site. Still worth a look.

Posted by: Ted at 06:22 AM | category: Links
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more...

Posted by: Ted at 08:33 PM | category: Links
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This is so cool. Round up 100 art designers and ask them to come up with an album cover for the artist of their choice.

Imagine Ralph Steadman doing a Rolling Stones cover. Or Vonnegut doing Phish. The concept is pure genius.

Posted by: Ted at 06:51 AM | category: Links
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Lots of beautiful fractal art.

Posted by: Ted at 10:10 AM | category: Links
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Will be coming to Rocket Jones this monday, so dig deep into your archives and send an oldie but goodie. It's easy to do, and all the cool kids are doing it. Plus, if you'd rather nominate someone else, go for it! Or multiple posts, that's ok too. Anarchy rules.

That's like 'jumbo shrimp' or 'MicroSoft Works' isn't it?

Anyways, please please please make sure you put "BestofMe" or "Symphony" in the header of your email, because I've got a super-agressive spam filter and I don't want to miss anyone.

Posted by: Ted at 06:07 AM | category: Links
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I've had a few naughty links lately (and more to come, I'm sure), so to even things out a little bit, I present an extensive gallery of links to Religious Art.

Posted by: Ted at 05:00 AM | category: Links
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Some you may know, some may be new to you. Enjoy.

Remember a few weeks ago when Tuning Spork and StMack held their First Annual InterMunuvian Trivia Death Match and Pizza Demolition (or some such title), I asked a question of StMack, two questions actually, about the most expensive spice in the world (saffron, which he got right), and the second most expensive (vanilla, which he didn't know - go me). The point? I forget...

Some silly billies in Tennessee want to pass a law making it illegal for homosexuals to live in their county. Which county? Why, the same one that wanted to outlaw the teaching of evolution. Makes perfect sense to me, since evolution obviously doesn't apply there. Ably covered over at Classical Values, Norbizness, SilverBlue and Alphecca. Y'all go'way now, y'heer?

DUSTBURY! That's what I meant to say earlier about the saffron and... He gives the reason for the rising costs of vanilla and background and analysis and, and-

Ever get into something that you couldn't get out of? Yeah, like the paragraph above. Move along, nothing to see here...

I shall distract you with Babes with Guns. Courtesy of the Flea.

Mother Earth almost caught a rock. Read the details over at the Ministry of Minor Perfidy.

And if that wasn't serious enough for you, check out this bit about voting over at Anticipatory Retaliation.

When I take pictures of my dogs, their eyes get that weird demon-possessed glow. Someone once told me it's because of the way a dog eye is constructed. So if humans had that same thing happen, how would camera's be different?

Once again, I digress, but this time I remember my point, which has to do with dogs, dogs in pictures, and cameras! Go visit Two Nervous Dogs, firstly because she has a sweet demon-possessed doggie on her banner, and secondly because she stalks the neighborhood at night to document her neighbors Christmas decorations. Which are still up and running.

Random Nuclear Strikes celebrate St. Patrick's Day as only the nuclear-armed can.

Staying militaristic - sorta - over at Texas Best Grok we get a rundown on his extended visit aboard the USS Lexington aircraft carrier, now open as a floating naval museum. Three parts, too cool.

The synergist in Michele emerged with this brilliant fusion of two blockbuster movies of the year.

I shall mention here that I've been watching a live taped performance of Jezebel Diary, courtesy of Mr. Helpful. Now I can say I knew them before they were huge. Rock on!

Starhawk (who annoys me by living in Houston where they're having beautiful weather at the moment) posts about a new VIP member of the Dead Poet's Society.

Say Uncle is pondering blog slogans, and he's got some good ones there. He also has an interesting link about computer security and how to Google up passwords.

Wanna know why the US military kicks butt? Because of ideas like this. A mortar shell that you fire high over the battlefield, where it deploys a parachute and hangs there, transmitting a battlefield picture from the camera in it's nose.

Nic posted a very good piece about misfits in the workplace. We have a couple in our company, probably everyone does. I once had one as my contract supervisor, and though I only saw him once a month, my client hated him. He had zero people skills. One day our Vice President said to me "He's the type of guy you lock in a room and let him do great things." But for heaven's sake don't let him interact with the paying customers.

Thanks to H.D. Miller of Travelling Shoes for pointing up this little bit of scholarly research. An Iraqi professor collected data about graffitti on the streets of post-Saddam Bagdhad. Interesting and enlightening.

All right, that's where my notes run out.

Posted by: Ted at 12:29 PM | category: Links
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Topher's Breakfast Cereal Character Guide.

Posted by: Ted at 07:08 AM | category: Links
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The intervention over at Bloviating Inanities is over. For a brief time yesterday afternoon, BI sucked a little less than usual. You can tell things are back to normal, because Bill is back to being a whiny little bitch.

I'd like to thank the rest of the swarm:

Jennifer
Susie
Michele (my apologies for misspelling your name before)
Ron, the blogless
Paul
Wind Rider
SilverBlue
Keith, the photoshop wizard

Special thanks to the organizer of the event.

Nothing says "Love" like being TP'd, even online.

Posted by: Ted at 07:15 AM | category: Links
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From Sophont (who points out some of the coolest stuff):

"Think of a diamond in the sky," says Robert Rochte.

Rochte, director of technology at the Grosse Pointe Academy, and his eager third-grade students hope to see a tetroon within the next month, depending on the sun and wind conditions, when they launch the fifth in a series of experimental balloons from Grosse Pointe Farms in an effort to learn about weather, navigation and electronics.

They're also having fun.

Go read the whole thing, it's really impressive.

Posted by: Ted at 05:10 AM | category: Links
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Bill sent me this thank you e-card, which just goes to prove that he's more than a little creepy a considerate guy.

His attached message was “Oho!"

No Bill, thank you!

Posted by: Ted at 05:00 PM | category: Links
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Everyone knows about Where’s Waldo, those busy little cartoons where you’re supposed to find that red & white striped twerp in a crowd of people. Oho, what fun!

Let’s play the Bloviating Inanities special edition version: Where’s Bill? (in the extended entry – nsfw)

Hint: he’s not staff. more...

Posted by: Ted at 03:30 PM | category: Links
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Everyone knows about WhereÂ’s Waldo, those busy little cartoons where youÂ’re supposed to find that red & white striped twerp in a crowd of people. Oho, what fun!

Let’s play the Bloviating Inanities special edition version: Where’s Bill? (in the extended entry – nsfw)

Hint: heÂ’s not staff. more...

Posted by: Ted at 03:30 PM | category: Links
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Oho, itÂ’s another classic, a word search! Full of fun nicknames and pet names people have had for Bill over the years. In case you donÂ’t know the game, look forwards, backwards, up and down and diagonally for the words hidden in the grid below.

Posted by: Ted at 03:22 PM | category: Links
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Here are a whole heap o' places where you can find detailed plans for models constructed of paper. Historical spacecraft and satellites, aircraft and ships, robots and more.

NASA's site with many plans for satellites and space exploration related equipment. Rated easy to challenging.

NASA's Mars pages have a nifty model of the Pathfinder here, and a different set of plans for the Pathfinder here. Each focus on different educational goals.

This incredible site has everything from precision paper airplanes to models for several versions of the Delta, communications satellites, UFO saucers and many more.

Submarine.

Beaucoup models here of everything under the sun. Sydney Opera House or Wrigley Field anyone?

Robots, Japanese style.

There were plenty of rocket models in the links above, but how about a real flyable model rocket kit made completely out of paper? FlisKits is producing some of the most innovative designs out there, and one of them is their Midnight Express. Yes, it really flies! Note that the link leads to their product page, scroll down a little bit and click where it says "Free Download".

Texas-based Art Applewhite offers some unique saucer designs, including this page of free stuff to build and fly.

And of course, you just knew some clever genius came up with software to turn your CAD file into a paper-model plan.

Thanks to BoingBoing, Texas Best Grok, EGB, and the Rec.Models.Rockets newsgroup for these pointers.

Posted by: Ted at 05:48 AM | category: Links
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