Get YouTube With Your Blu-Ray

In a effort to boost sales, LG is including Cinemanow and YouTube access to it's network Blu-Ray disc players. Stream on over and check out the whole story.

And by the way, HAPPY NEW YEAR

Can't Wait for 2008 to End

And get going with 2009, you're going to have to wait an extra second this year. Let's all synchronize our watches here for the rest of the story.

Looking for Something to do With The Kids Over Winter Break

Why not take them to a science center

The Dark Side of The Moon

It is the 40th anniversary of man traveling to the moon. Get in your Saturn V rocket and check out the rest of the story.

Track Santa as He Makes His Way to Your Neighborhood

You can track Santa through NORAD using Google maps or Google earth. A great way to keep the kids busy while Santa wraps the presents. Turn your Radars here to get a fix on Santa's current location.

Merry Christmas

Maserati to reveal Quattroporte Sport GT S at Detroit show

Maserati's has revamped it's lineup of cars over the last couple of years and is producing the sexiest line of cars to come out of their Bologna, Italy factory in quite some time. Race on over to Maserati's website to checkout their unique line of cars.

Yahoo Open Strategy

In an effort to compete head to head with Google, Yahoo is launching serious parts of it's Open Strategy. The first big change will be to Yahoo mail. For more info head on over to CNET for the skinny.

Snow in New Orleans

To everyone's surprise, it snowed here in New Orleans yesterday for three hours!

The snow stayed on the ground for quite a while, and there was plenty of the wet stuff to make small snowmen!

As soon as I got to work, we all ran outside for and acted like kids for about an hour. It was really fun...

Hurry For a Chance to Win a SRV Lenny Guitar

Sirius satellite radio and Guitar center are teaming up to give away a Stevie Ray Vaughan Lenny guitar worth $17,000.00 clams. Hurry the contest ends December 15th Click here to enter.

Gas Price in the Big Easy

Gas is $1.47 in New Orleans this morning. Smile.

Texas and North Carolina Students Win Themselves a BIG Bag of Cash

A student from Texas and a team North Carolina won $100,000 prizes Today in a high school medical research competition. Also, prizes ranging from $10,000 to $ 50,000 were handed to five other high school students and five teams of two. Focus your brain here for the skinny on the competition. Check here for more on the N.C. students scholarships.

A Great Christmas Light Display

Make sure to turn up the volume on your computer.

Christmas Shopping

The author of this ariticle, Leonard Pitts Jr., won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 2004.

Check out his feelings on Christmas shopping...

click here for article

Shake, Rattle and Roll

What in the world can tear a perfectly good helicopter apart, ground resonance can. There have been 34 34 incidents in the United States since 1990.

“I was standing right next to it,” says Frank Robinson, founder of the world’s leading helicopter company, describing a close call he had during a 1961 test of a gyroplane. “I had to grab hold of it and hang on and ride the damn thing down. You don’t want to be standing out there when it starts to jump around — it can jump on you. And there’s not a good way to get out of it. Just cut everything, hang on and hope.”


Fly on over to Air & Space Smithsonian to lean more about this bizarre phenomenon that literally shakes some types of helicopters to pieces.

Open Source, Dead or Alive?

Open source software has been a godsend for masses that use it and those who write it. Some think it has out lived it's usefulness and in the same breath laud it for it's money savings and being able to drive productivity in tough financial times. To find out which way to go, check out the rest of the story on CNET.

December Chock Full of Celestial Events

Jupiter and Venus begin the party with the waxing moon tonight. Then at the end of December Mercury gets in on the fun. following these events the December 12th full moon will be at it's closest to Earth since 1993. To top it all off Saturn will make it's appearance at the end of the month. Train your telescopes on the Washington Post for the whole story.

Happy Thanksgiving

I Want One

I used to dream of owning one of these babies when I was a kid watching Lost in Space. Eric Scott gets to live the dream with his jet pack. Fly on over to CNET News for the rest of the story.

U.S. cancer rate declines for the first time

For the first time since the government began keeping records on the disease cancer rates have dropped. There are several reasons for the decline, including heather diets, decline in the smoking population, people getting more exercise. For more info head over to the story in the L.A. Times

Even a Little Walk Helps

Exercising on a regular basis can help against cancer risk. If you can't join a health club or find time to exercise on a daily basis, just parking a bit further away at the store or office is a start. Even walking thirty minutes a day helps. Find out more here.

It's Not Your Ordinary Bran Mufin

Mufin, has introduced a new way for you to find the kind of music you like from bands that you may have never even heard of. I don't know how they do it, but they use what they call fingerprinting technology that searches for certain musical characteristics of any song or artist you like and makes suggestions for other songs and artist for your listening pleasure. So tune in to Mufin, your music discovery engine.

Guitar Boat Hero

Josh Pyke has combined two of my favorite activities in his new video, guitars and boating. A guitar boat, what could be better, a guitar motorcycle I guess, for me at least.

LIFE on google

Google has procured the rights to digitally publish LIFE magazines photo archive.

Here is a link to the story and a link to google search for LIFE images.

Enjoy.

google search

Jonathan Coulton Fans

Jonathan Coulton has teamed with Creative Commons to release his greatest hits compilation on a one gig usb drive. CC will be offering the drives until December thirty first to help support their 2008 campain. Check out the particulars Here

First photo of planets outside solar system

Astronomers have taken a snapshot of three planets outside our solar system. One of the three being larger than Jupiter orbiting a nearby star. Check out the whole story here.

Transportation Overload

More Transportation Overload I don't know how they do it

The Crackeler

She looks like a beat up Q-Tip, but she is a ball of personality and is totally fearless. I did a bit of messin' with the second photo, turned out a bit grainy

Air Tanker Pilot Retires

Photo credit Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times

Chief water bomber pilot Jean-Pierre Guay is retiring from a 32-year career flying Canadair Bombardier CL-415. Thousands of lives, homes and acres in the L.A. area have been saved by these pilots with nerves of steel. They give up holidays and time with family as well risk their lives on a regular basis battling wildfires. Fly on over to the L.A. Times to read more about the job these pilots do and the ceremony Jean-Pierre Guay received for his years of selfless service.

Gas Prices to Drive For

The best news I have had in a while is the recent drop in gas prices at the pump. Bayou Boy called me last night to tell me the prices in his neck of the woods were down to $1.95 a gallon. They are $1.95 in my area of operation as well. I really didn't believe we would ever see gas prices below two dollars again. Lets hope the trend continues and leads to lower prices across the board. To find the lowest gas prices in your area, plug your zip code into the gas buddy icon on the right side of the page.For more on the fall of gas prices, drive on over here.

Window Shop Online?

With the holiday season just around the corner, Amazon is trying to take window shopping to whole new level, your PC. To those of us who would rather avoid the mall at all cost like me. Amazon is trying to bring the Mall expeience without the crowds to your house. Push your shopping cart this way for the skinny.

Kalamazoo Promise inspires other cities to follow suit

I was recently appalled to find out that the city of Detroit has a 75% drop out rate. I grew up near Detroit and I love the city and the state of Michigan, even though I don't live there any longer.
I visit the state at least once a month because my family is there.
I get so tired of people saying negative things about Detroit.
Obviously the city has major problems, but it has a lot of great things about it too. I have great memories of growing up in Michigan.
After I heard the tidbit about the drop out rate in the city schools I happened to watch a news piece on the Kalamazoo Promise. It is a program that pays college tuition for anyone who graduates. The amount given is based on the grade point average and is totally funded by anonymous donors who do not want any credit. They just want to have the focus on the program and for it to achieve it's full potential.
Apparently this has led to an increase in the housing market there along with the intended benefits.
I did some checking around and there are similar programs in the works for
Detroit and the city of Mt Clemens. This would be an amazing thing for the children of Detroit and I pray that it becomes a reality.
For more info visit these sites. http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/17825953/detail.html, https://www.kalamazoopromise.com/, http://www.detroitcollegepromise.com/

Home Energy Cost

As part of the government bailout package congress has included extended tax credits for solar and wind power to your home. With the cost of heating and cooling our homes on the rise, this is certainly good news. You can get the rest of the story @ USA Today

Photography

Like a lot of people I enjoy photography. You see a great photograph and say to yourself, Wow how did the photographer get that effect or such a fantastic exposure. There are so many settings on a camera, it is hard to get the right kind of combination to get the exposure you are looking for.

These days, a lot of photographers take a shot and enhance it with photoshop. While that's fine and dandy, that program is pretty damn expensive and you practically need a college degree in photoshop to use all of it's magic, plus all the photoshop extensions that are available separately. It's enough to make ones head spin.

While I do from time to time use photo editing software, I try to get the creative effect from the settings on the camera. Doing this can be as complicated and frustrating as going through photoshops dizzying array of options. There is a lot a trial and error involved, but there is a lot of info out there to help us on our photographic journeys. While I am no where close to being a great photographer, every now and then I take an image that I find interesting.

For those of us that are interested amateurs, there is quite a bit of help out there to guide us on our photographic sojourns. Here are a couple of resources I find useful. Popular Photography's how to archive, Webshots Blog,Photo.net are just a couple of resources I find have a wealth of info on how to improve the quality of your photography.

Ghost near my machines?

I took these pics a couple of weeks ago. Is it a ghost or the garage light causing a weird effect with my lens. I'll let you be the judge. Kinda spooky either way.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Great News

For those who love Converse Chuck Taylors (who doesn't)The company has come out with 100th anniversary designs that include tributes to the Doors and Black Sabbath. Jog on over to check out all their cool new designs.

Way Fast Go Kart

Since I love any thing with a motor on or in it that you can also drive, I am posting this go kart video. The video has been around a while but I still would love to drive that monster. A go kart with a GSXR 1100 motor. If it isn't fast enough for you, just put a great big motor in it.

Don't toss that old typewriter out just yet

Jesse Flores is keeping the old typewriters and business machines alive at his shop U.S. Office Machine Co in Highland Park California. Check out the rest of the story in the L.A. Times.

Election ‘08

When we came up with the concept of this blog, we decided it would be used for good news only. We wanted to exclude religion and politics from the subject matter because of the vast difference in opinions and the passion those opinions hold. The discussion usually turns heated and takes on a negative note for all those involved. I really do not want to stray from the original concept, but lately I have been hearing a little too much about which way one should cast their vote. So I am going to stray from the concept this one time.

We seem to get pulled one way or another when it comes to our opinions on politics and the people we choose to run our government. Who is the best person for the job. That depends on the person doing the voting. We all hear from friends, neighbors and family members about who we should be voting for. Who is right and who is wrong? Really no one is right or wrong, it's all a matter of who you consider to be the best candidate for you. I believe we should vote for the person who best represents what we care about in our government. Vote for the people whose values reflect your values, candidates who you believe would do the best job. The candidates you believe would best serve the U.S. citizens. Be they Democrat, Republican, Green, U.S. Taxpayers, Libertarian or Natural Law.

We all feel strongly about our political convictions, and when we voice our opinions we are looking for validation of those opinions. If the response we receive does not mirror our own, we sometimes feel the need to express to the other party the error of their ways. How in the world can you vote for that candidate He is a complete moron, he is going to ruin this country. Could they be right, is my candidate going to take the lot of us down the toilet? No way, he has our best interest at heart, he cares deeply about us and the country.

In reality, there is no way to tell. We have indicators that tell us of past performances and how well a certain individual will perform in the office they hold. The best thing we can do as voters is research. Get a voter guide, go out and look up the records of people running for office. Check out what their beliefs and policies are. Are their values closely aligned with your values? If they have held public office before, did their record stand in contradiction to what they promised they would do. Or did they perform their service with honesty and dignity. Get all the information you can about the candidates you will be casting a ballot for. Beware of chain emails with negative views of candidates, these are usually incorrect or outright lies.

The most important thing we can do is, get out there and vote. If you don’t like the way things are the best way to change them is to cast a ballot. Will you make the right decision on your candidates? Only history will tell, but you will never know unless you show up at your voting precinct November fourth. So in the end, I believe we all are making the right choice if we get out and vote for the candidates we believe in.

Britain's Oldest Toy?

Researchers have found what they believe to be the oldest toy in Britain. They think that it may be at least 2,000 years old. Check out the story at National Geographic.

U.S. Astronauts Second Home

A former secret Russian military base has become a second home for U.S. astronauts. It will serve an important role in training as the U.S shuts down the Space Shuttle program in 2010. The Russians will be the only way to the International Space Station until the next generation of U.S. space craft makes it debut by 2015. Check out The New York Times for the whole story.

Bailout Math

Roving Gringo

The "Gringo in Mexico," as Robert Alexander is known, has a hit TV show that is half travelogue, half food fest and 100% enthusiasm for all things Mexican. It's a potent pick-me-up in a country that has been feeling pretty down about itself lately. See the rest of the story here.

Tasty Deep Dish

Local folklore has it that Rallo's is where Jared of Subway fame gained the 265 lbs that he lost eating those dreadful Subway subs. Formerly Nero's Pizza, Rallo's was formed after an employee purchased the business back in 1995.
Rallo's serves up the absolute best deep dish slab in southeast Michigan. I have put down my share of pie, and for my money I look no further. The sauce has addictive properties that are so strong, it may become habit forming if not eaten under the direct supervision of a physician. The FDA is looking to categorize it as a narcotic. My doctor has gained almost as much weight as I have supervising my feasting sessions ( I think he may be addicted as well). I'm not kidding the pizza sauce they create is the best I have ever had.
I may need a twelve step program to get me off this stuff before I suffer the fate of Jared, and have to go on a strict diet of bland subs and walking. The cheese is piled high and generous helpings of toppings are thrown into the mix, the crust is burnt in all the right places to produce the best slab I have ever run though my digestive tract.
They also make round, though good, can't hold a candle to the deep dish. Along with their pizza, they also offer subs, pasta dishes, salads and wings. Their subs are whipped up the old fashioned way and baked in their pizza ovens to perfection. As a matter of fact, their subs are almost as good as their pies are.

So if you are ever in Royal Oak Michigan, and are looking for some great slab, look up Rallo's. They are kinda hard to find. Located on the end of a strip mall at the North East corner of 13 mile and Main, 121 E. 13 mile to be exact. They are carry out or delivery only. Make sure to have your eating pants nearby or at least have explosive bolts installed on your blue jeans so you can blow the hatch and hit the couch to catch the Red Wings game after you have engorged your self.

Half Life: Full Life Consequences

Now this is some kinda funny.

Zoo perks start early

The Detroit Zoo is offering discounted memberships to residents of the three counties that passed a millage to provide $15 million a year to the park and make up for lost revenue from the city of Detroit. Get the whole story here.

Louisiana Largesse

yesterday was for crabbing. and so i packed up my nets, my chicken necks, a can of dog food that i could punch holes in to attract them crabs and off me and my mrs. went.

good times. plenty of sun. but how many crabs? one. but let me tell you. the one i catched was one big ol' crab yeah. so on the way home we stopped and bought a dozen live ones for $8 and boiled 'em.

this is where i find my focus. it's when i'm out in the air, not looking for no kite crabs, they be too light, but on the shore where we sure to find our full fill.

eventually when we ate our crabs. i found my way outside. to my plants. this is where i find my focus. it's something that takes time, patience, water, care, nurturing, sun, some luck and good intention.

many times i couldn't figure out why it was that i so often feel the need to tend to my plants, but now i think i believe i know. it's 'cause i want to have something that relies on me. something that knows that i'm the provider. without me it wouldn't be so beautiful. and that's what they all are to me beautiful. even the cacti. there are flowers that come blooming out of them. blooming, busting, holding back for ain't gonna wait for no rain man days. when we have bad weather and they get knocked over, it's me who goes out and stand them back up. gives them a little food. and in return they give back to me tenfold.

although oftentimes disjointed is my life, i know there is always solace to be found in the rhythm of the plants.

Home Brew

Home Beer Brewing is attracting a whole new generation to it's ranks. Women are getting in on the fun as well with a brewing competition for women called Queen of Beer's Women's Homebrew competition. Take a sip of the whole story here.

Ann Arbor Olympic Medalist Shares Her Experience

Eberwhite Elementary School students received a special treat today. Alison Gregorka shared her experience as a Olympic medalist in water polo with children from the Ann Arbor grade school she attended. Catch the whole story here.

The Fall Planting Window is Open

Catch it quick before it closes. The Detroit Free Press has published a guide to planting your bulbs and perennials to best prepare them to spring up next spring.
You can check out the planting guide here.

Photo by Gymi

Fall Colors

Now that fall is here, it's time to start look for the best places to check out mother natures explosion of reds, yellow and orange. The Houston Cronicle has put together a list of web sites that will direct you to the best places to view fall colors in you neck of the woods. You can check it out here.

Oinktoberfest

Sounds good to me.

Louisiana Cookin'

Every time things down here on the Gulf Coast start to get a little too hot, or a little too windy, I like to sit back, settle down in my kitchen and cook up something good.

The website for this local magazine has absolutely all kind of stuff to stuff your tummy...

Check out Louisian Cookin' here.

Foundation ponies up for low income children's education

The Carvel Foundation gives a fifty thousand dollar grant for public school children to take a prep couse for the SAT exam. Click here for the whole story.

Art and Science Come Together Under One Roof

Rensselear Polytechnic Insitute has recently opened a two hundred million dollar art and science center Called the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center. For the whole story check out The New York Times article HERE

Taxis and Garbage...

I am usually not a real big fan of forwards. I would prefer that some one I know would take the time to drop me a line, let me know how things are going. Even if you are sending a forward include a little note so it is not so impersonal. Most often I just wind up deleting them. But every now and then one will catch my eye.

I received this forward last night, the usual no note attached. But this one was one that I found has a pretty good message.

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car backed out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. He was really friendly.

So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!
This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.
The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.

Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so ... Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!
Have a garbage-free day.

Life and Work

I found this article in yesterday's Wall Street Journal, and although there in a section it that sounds very cynical, the author then goes on to expound upon the ideas of thinking and focusing on one's world.

Even with the discouragement aspect, this is exactly the type of ideas that I love to read. I hope y'all enjoy it.

David Foster Wallace on Life and Work

"In a commencement speech, the author reflected on seeing the truth in the everyday world. Here's what he said."

Click here to view the article.

For the Dog Lover

It's great to have a place to take your dog to socialize with other dogs. A Royal Oak Michigan group has raised money to buy a fence for their local dog park so the dogs will not bother those who are using the park without a dog. You can find the whole story here