Normal rockets are often called "three fins and a nosecone". This entry in the most recent EMRR rocket design contest is anything but. Wicked cool.

Posted by: Ted at 12:24 PM | category: Rocketry
Comments (4) | Add Comment
Post contains 37 words, total size 1 kb.

This weekend my wife and oldest daughter Robyn bought their dresses for the upcoming wedding. Instead of a long, drawn-out ordeal travelling from store to store looking for *the* dress, each found what they were looking for at the very first places they went. For an occasion like this, you don't mind spending the money (Liz and Robyn were a little afraid to tell me what the wedding dress cost, but when they did I was relieved because it was much less than I had prepared myself for).

That's the good.

On Friday, the kitchen floor people came out and removed the new floor that they had botched. Somehow, somewhy, when they moved the stove to get at the floor underneath, instead of removing the temperature probe from the oven, they took the readout from the counter and tossed it inside. That night, I went to preheat the oven and was almost overcome from the fumes as that plastic readout unit melted and made a huge mess in the bottom of my brand new oven. A half hour of scraping and scrubbing got it out, but I was *not* a happy camper.

Yesterday the subfloor guy showed up to fix the problem that contributed to the screwed up installation of the floor. He had given me a ballpark estimate of the cost based on what we could tell him because he didn't want to cut the floor up ahead of time. He was concerned that with Liz on a cane, it would leave him open to liability if she tripped on it. He came highly recommended by several people, and I was prepared to fork over the top end of his estimate, while hoping it would be closer to the low end.

No such luck. After an hour of looking at what needed to be done, I finally asked what it would cost to do the job right (instead of the cheaper mickey-mouse alternatives that we'd been discussing). I knew what really needed to be done, but he didn't want to have to say it.

Ouch.

Well, it's done. It's beautiful, as much as a sub-floor can be beautiful. He was a craftsman, as carpenters go, and in the end the new floor will be better for it. Tomorrow the kitchen people show up again and install the new floor. That part of it (removal and install new) is free for us, because they goofed the original. Liz will be watching like a hawk, because she's still pissed that it had to be redone. Plus, now she knows what a good job should look like.

So we've spent our 3-day weekend with more contractors making a mess in the house, and spent way more money than was originally planned, but that's ok. Robyn's wedding dress is absolutely beautiful, and Liz is gorgeous in her new dress.

Posted by: Ted at 11:01 AM | category: Square Pegs
No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 490 words, total size 3 kb.

There are 3 shelves tucked into each back corner of our shower, and this morning I noticed something.

My wife has two shelves for her various bottles. My son has a shelf with two bottles. Rachael has a shelf with multiple bottles, even though she's away at school. I have a single shelf, with a single bottle of shampoo. The dogs have a single shelf, with a single bottle of shampoo.

Means nothing, but I'm glad that the dog's shelf and mine are nowhere near each other, lest some half-awake morning I wind up citrus fresh and flea-free.

Posted by: Ted at 10:34 AM | category: Square Pegs
Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 108 words, total size 1 kb.

Where to start...

Rich, who has been pointing out the inexorable subjugation of the human race to our future mechanical overlords, links to a story about a new robot.

..."an electromechanical sommelier", capable of identifying wines, cheeses, meats and hors d'oeuvres.

Then, of course, there's this:

But when some smart aleck reporter placed his hand in the robot's omnivorous clanking jaw, he was identified as bacon. A cameraman then tried and was identified as prosciutto.

Too nicely, maybe...

(as always, special thanks to Webster Colcord for permission to use his graphics)

Posted by: Ted at 12:10 AM | category: NaNoWriMo2006
Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 156 words, total size 1 kb.

If you did, thank you. You recognize that our freedoms come with responsibility.

Posted by: Ted at 07:45 AM | category: Square Pegs
Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 15 words, total size 1 kb.

Californian, that is. I used to say that earthquakes were the price you paid for living in paradise. Now, after learning that Californians actually defeated a proposition to limit Kelo-style property seizures, I think I'd rephrase that:

Living among the insane is the price you pay for paradise.

Posted by: Ted at 07:41 AM | category: Politics
Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 70 words, total size 1 kb.

I am pro-gay marriage.

I voted for the Virginia Marriage Constitutional Amendment.

Let me tell you why. I've explained this about four times over the last week, so I thought I'd put it out here and just point people here when the subject comes up.

First, I believe that the word "marriage" needs to be taken out of the argument. Leave "marriage" to those who become partners in a church, under the old rules. Gay couples and those who stand before a Justice of the Peace, etc. aren't technically "married", they have entered a civil union or some other term that will be coined or evolve into common usage. Same results, same standing in the eyes of the law, but by not officially calling it a marriage, you're taking away one of the hot buttons of the extreme members on both ends of the spectrum.

Now, as to voting the way I did... When the Virginia constitutional amendment passed, in a practical sense it accomplished nothing. Things are going to go along exactly as they always have, except that now it's in writing. Most importantly though, is that the amendment takes the resolution of the issue out of the hands of the judicial branch and places it squarely in the hands of the citizens of Virginia, where it belongs. Activist judges are being recognized as a growing concern with many people, and the passage of amendments like these are as much a check on the power of the bench as they are a statement against gay marriage.

That is *exactly* why I voted for it.

So now what? Well, as of this moment the name-calling must stop. If the amendment is to be modified or repealed, the only way will be to muster your logic and make persuasive arguments and convince people. Calling me an ignorant bigot does nothing to help your cause, it causes me to dismiss you as a childish idiot throwing a temper tantrum because I don't believe as you do.

Whining because you want it "right now" reinforces that perception.

The measure didn't pass by an overwhelming majority. If you want to change it, forget the martyr act and be reasonable and debate the issue and score your points. It won't happen overnight, but it won't happen at all if you don't change minds.

Posted by: Ted at 06:56 AM | category: Politics
Comments (3) | Add Comment
Post contains 396 words, total size 2 kb.

The title made sense when I started writing this. Now, not so much.

Michele posted a link to this nice little Jethro Tull piece done by Ian Anderson and an orchestra.

While you're there, check out an oldie but goodie, Bouree.

Or enjoy this version.

Heck, you should just do a search there on Jethro Tull and spend an hour enjoying the music. Be prepared to be amazed at the variety of styles that Tull plays to keep their songs from getting stale.

It just dawned on me while watching this video, they sound a bit like Blue on his CD's (which I also highly recommend - scroll down on that link).

Posted by: Ted at 05:59 PM | category: Links
Comments (3) | Add Comment
Post contains 114 words, total size 1 kb.

This morning on the radio there were two different reports of deer being hit by cars. By coincidence, last night I was watching part of the Blue Collar Comedy show and heard this bit:

You want to hunt deer? Here's my suggestion: take the bullet, slow it down to 55mph and put headlights and a horn on it, and I promise you, the danged deer will jump in front of it.

I think he's on to something.

Posted by: Ted at 06:04 AM | category: Square Pegs
Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 81 words, total size 1 kb.

Last night I installed Apache, PHP and MySql on yet another PC in the house. I also added Komodo because it's an editor that I'm used to. Every time I do all this, I wind up swapping machines with some other family member because they need the newer features on the one I'm using. At this rate, I'll be looking for versions that run on Windows 3.1.

Posted by: Ted at 05:37 AM | category: Square Pegs
Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 77 words, total size 1 kb.

The company that makes those plastic pink flamingoes is shutting down, due to rising energy prices and the cost of resin.

Thanks to Dogette for the pointer.

Posted by: Ted at 04:33 AM | category: Links
No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 31 words, total size 1 kb.

Anthology: Giant Evil Space Robots.

The official site is built (used my old account from last year).

I have ideas and words ready to pour from my fingers onto the page. I hope y'all do too. If you'd like to join the fun, follow this link and drop me an email because the more, the merrier.

And after dark, beware those glowing red lights about 100 feet up.

Posted by: Ted at 04:05 AM | category: NaNoWriMo2006
Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 72 words, total size 1 kb.

I've told you before that oldest daughter Robyn is engaged to be married. The special date has been moved quite often as family commitments and schedules change (her fiancee and future brother-in-law are both military). On Friday, I got a call informing me that the date had changed once again.

Next month.

The reasoning is that since most everyone from both sides of the family will be here for Christmas, that they'll just a have a simple ceremony then. Later they can do something big and churchy if the mood strikes.

These two seem to have their act together, together. Their priorities are: 1. Robyn finishes school (next December graduation), 1. Henry gets promoted (studying hard for the testing), and 3. Have kids, in a few years.

My wife asked if my suit still fit. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

Posted by: Ted at 09:01 AM | category: Family matters
Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 156 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Woo Hoo!!! Congrats to Eldest Daughter!

Posted by: Tuning Spork at November 05, 2006 07:03 PM (6DfNx)

2 That wasn't, "Yes."

Posted by: Victor at November 06, 2006 08:54 AM (WHtgF)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

A lot of guys in hobby rocketry volunteer their time doing educational outreach things like talking to students or putting on demonstration launches. Doug Pratt blogs about a recent Q&A he had with some students. You should go read the whole thing (it's short), but I'll give you this much. After explaining that no, he doesn't work for NASA, one of the kids asked Doug how he knew so much about it. Here's his reply:

“I’m not a scientist or an engineer. I know a lot about this stuff because I love it. That’s all you need.”

Amen.

Posted by: Ted at 08:19 AM | category: Rocketry
No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 108 words, total size 1 kb.

That idea was rejected after considering what it would do to our grocery bill.

Whew, where to start? It's been busy busy busy lately. Here's a suggestion, if you meet someone who works in your payroll group, and you've been paid lately, buy them lunch or give 'em a hug or oral sex or something. Trust me, these folks have earned it!

On the home front, Liz just got back yesterday from a week in Norfolk with oldest daughter Robyn. My life has consisted of work, coming home and cooking, and then falling asleep in front of a hockey game or one of my beloved crappy horror movies. It isn't often that it takes me three evenings to finish watching an hour and a half movie.

Not much beyond that, I guess. Too busy to blog. Too busy to *write*! My NaNoWriMo ambitions this year were completely wiped out by about 9am on November 1st. I do hope to still do some work for the Giant Evil Space Robots anthology (is that still on?).

So hang in there, and I'm doing the same. Posting will resume on a regular basis just as soon as the lithium kicks in as is practical. I've been surfing a bit and reading y'all, if you don't notice, it's because I wipe my feet before coming in. Mama taught me right.

Posted by: Ted at 07:59 AM | category: Square Pegs
No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 234 words, total size 1 kb.

An awesome resource for hockey fans, it's like having an entire sports page dedicated entirely to NHL Hockey and delivered to your email inbox every day.

Thanks to Off Wing Opinion for pointing this one out.

Posted by: Ted at 05:58 AM | category: Balls and Ice
Comments (3) | Add Comment
Post contains 40 words, total size 1 kb.

It's been a long time since I've posted anything from kitchen, but it's been quite a while since I've been able to do any serious cooking. Liz is out of town for a week visiting our oldest daughter, so I'm taking full advantage of the culinary freedom to try some new recipes.

Last night's dinner:

Sweet & Sour Country Ribs

Ingredients*
2-3 lbs country pork ribs
4 Tbsp soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (20oz) chunk pineapple in juice
1 tsp crushed coriander
1/2 lb snow peas
2 tsp chopped candied ginger

Directions
Start the oven going to 325 degrees.
Put the ribs into a shallow casserole dish (9x13 works well).
Pour pineapple juice over ribs. Save the pineapple chunks for later.
Drizzle the soy sauce over the ribs, then sprinkle with the garlic and coriander.
Bake for an hour and a half to two hours, basting with the juices every half hour or so. The ribs should be very tender.
Put the ribs onto a heated platter and pour the juices from the pan into a large measuring cup or bowl. Let it settle for a few minutes and then skim the grease from the top.
Heat a medium frying pan on the stove.
Add the pan juices and bring to a boil. Let it cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to cook down.
Add the snow peas and stir, let them cook for a couple of minutes, until they turn bright green and are just tender crisp.
Add the pineapple chunks and stir in to heat through.
Pour it all over the ribs and sprinkle with candied ginger.

We served rice on the side, with the pan juices over the rice. Mmmmmmm. This one is going into my recipe book.

*That's what the recipe called for, but here's what I did different.
First, I forgot the garlic. Just flat out forgot it. Didn't have any coriander or candied ginger either. Instead I sprinkled about a tsp of ground ginger over the ribs before going into the oven, and at the table a dash of soy sauce on the ribs really woke up the flavor.

Posted by: Ted at 05:41 AM | category: Recipes
Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 370 words, total size 2 kb.

My Video is on google videos! Woo. Let me know what you think about it.

The people in it are my friends: Molly, Shannen, Diedre, Renee, and Shae.

Posted by: Mookie at 12:48 PM | category: Links
Comments (5) | Add Comment
Post contains 40 words, total size 1 kb.

In 1942, shortly after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutters hockey club was born.

Brainstorm of Lieutenant Commander C. R. MacLean, a former player from Michigan and personnel officer at Curtis Bay Yards in Maryland, the Cutters played through the 1942-43 and 1943-44 seasons in the Eastern Amateur Hockey League, considered to be one of the most competitive leagues of its time.

They also played a number of exhibition games and once, at Carlin's Iceland in Baltimore, their home ice, the Cutters went head-on against the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings.

The Cutters took two league championships in their brief history, and the team was broken up when the Coast Guard came under pressure because the guys were playing hockey when so many others were in combat.

Go read, and learn about a little-known bit of frozen history.

Posted by: Ted at 09:47 AM | category: History
No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 153 words, total size 1 kb.

From Dustbury:

And if you thought HD in radio meant the same thing as HD in television, think again:
"Quite honestly, it doesn't stand for anything," said Peter Ferrera, president and CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance. "The concept was somewhat of a steal from HD television, where viewers know it means better quality."

Posted by: Ted at 08:42 PM | category: SciTech
No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 74 words, total size 1 kb.