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.