Sad.

This is a story about Ralph, a whale shark, who unexpectedly died.

Officials realized something had gone wrong, publicly wrong, about 1:30
p.m. Thursday.

It happened at the tunnel guiding visitors to the big window at Ocean
Voyager. It's a stunning place, a Plexiglas walkway where people see fish on
their right, their left, and overhead. Looking up, visitors saw one of the
aquarium's two largest attractions, Ralph. He swam slowly, his tail cutting lazy
arcs.

He swam the length of the tunnel, more than 50 feet. Ralph stopped when
he reached the end. He tilted over to one side. People pointed and snapped
photos. Ralph sank to the tank's sandy bottom.

Then Ralph was helped to a holding area where they worked until almost 10:00 p.m. to save the whale's life. Its a sad story. Apparently the whale was dehydrated and had not been eating as much as he should have.

Its cases like this where it becomes obvious that we really need to know much more about the creatures we share our planet with.

Read the article here.

Fuel my blog.

Just joined an interesting website called Fuel My Blog. Essentially, the concept is that you place your blog on this site. You get an image in a selected space and thus it helps increase traffic. A neat idea on networking.

Check it out and sign up.

Sodium disposal.

Here is a brilliant idea of the past. Lets dump drums of sodium into a lake. Well its interesting to watch:

See google video here.

Make your own wine.

If you have great grapes, the right equipment, an experienced wine maker and $5,000, it's pretty easy to make a barrel of good wine - even if you live in Finland.

But how do you make wine? Seems it isn't that difficult. Here is the process laid out in simple form:

Wine making is a fairly simple process and can be accomplished in eight easy steps:

1. Choose grapes/fruit.
2. Crush grapes/fruit.
3. Strain juice into fermenter.
4. Inoculate juice with yeast. (Yeast Types)
5. Allow wine to ferment. Be patient!
6. Rack wine (that is, move the wine containers as needed). Be patient!
7. Bottle wine.
8. Age wine. Be patient!

Want some more information? Well I'm happy to help with an assortment of helpful links from Google.

http://ingeb.org/junk/wine.html
http://www.honeycreek.us/advanced.htm
http://winemakermag.com/yourfirstwine/grapes.html
http://www.brewerylane.com/getting_started.html

The Box office.

Interesting humor. Some are fun. Either way I think I like Box office. Plus they talk about one of my all time favorite movies. V for Vendetta (more on that later!) Anyway, check out Box office on their Blog.

Sports Art.

Not entire sure what this is, but its called Sports Art. I'll post more about this once I'd read into it. But take a look at it.

Insightful.

This is a very inspirational quote and very true:

2006 was a year of huge change and adjustment for our family. It wasn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s been worth it. Now that we have survived (literally) the first 6 months of moving to a different country with a new language and culture we see how God has started to really open some doors to do some really meaningful work in helping other folks live better lives. Jesus wasn’t shy about the responsibility that belongs to those who have this world’s blessings. We who have much are responsible for helping those who have little. In America if you talk about wealth redistribution to help the downtrodden as a form of social justice you’ll get shouted down, often by right wing conservatives, many of whom also profess to carry the name of Christ in their religion. But the truth is real. From the very earliest teachings in the Bible right through the end the message has been simple: God doesn’t care about your religion if you don’t care (and do something for) the poor, the widows, the orphans, the sick, the lost. The world is a messed up place. Things are not the way they ought to be. Education will not fix things. Politics will not fix things. Governments will not fix things. Sad to say, the church doesn’t seem to be much interested in fixing things. Will we just shrug, say it’s too bad, keep doing what we do and spending what we spend on ourselves? Will we continue to erect palatial places of entertainme… errr, I mean “worship” just to appease our own appetites? Or will we be willing to stand in the gap between the way things are and the way things should be? Will we put our money, our hands, our hearts where our mouth is? One thing I can tell you from personal experience- when you stand in that gap you will be stretched to the point of breaking. But if there’s anything I’m willing to be destroyed for it’s this. We’re excited about what’s to come.

Santa or Satan?

Stephanie Cherry has posted an interesting article describing why she is going to deny the experience of Santa from her child. Disclaimer: I fully support people and however they'd like to raise their children. I think its perfectly fine Stephanie has chosen this path. I just want to shed some light on what Christmas is, thats all.

Because of course Santa and his reindeer met up with

[....the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12:9]

Santa is of course the great pretender, the source of all that is evil in this world. While I do agree that the concept of Santa is a lie, it is something that I choose to experience with my child. Why? Because its a fantasy and something that brings that sparkle of imagination into children. Children in their beds imagine a jolly kind old man who gives to the children of the world, sharing his kindness and love. Of course Santa is the Devil's work.

What I think is the biggest deception is celebrating the birth of Christ during the winter time. No where near the actual time of Christ's birth. Christmas is actually more associated with Pagan holidays, since according to most scholars it is believed Christ actually was born spring time. In fact Christmas has been banned as a pagan celebration time and time again.

Give yourself an education. Or at least a start. And ask your priest for his explanation. Most will say its just when they decided, and no one knows when Christ was born. Nevermind it coincides with some major pagan celebrations.

Losing Weight.

An egg a day. Not sure how much I'd stick to this diet. I quote:

Eggs are high in protein, surprisingly low in saturated fat and more satisfying than carbohydrates. In fact, people who had eggs and toast for breakfast ate 419 fewer calories the following day than those who had a bagel with cream cheese and yogurt, the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reports.

But isn't there something they are high in? What is it?

Because eggs do contain a fairly high amount of cholesterol, limit your intake to no more than seven per week.

Ahhh. Thats it. An egg a day. mmm. I don't know about everyone else. But I don't enjoy a single egg omelete. My suggestion would be to have all seven at once. Fry it all in butter and then have a sensible lunch and dinner. The biggest key to really losing weight is balancing what you eat and regular exercise. It doesn't matter if you eat eggs or not. Mix it up. I'd suggest avoiding eggs because of their high cholesterol content. Eating a bowl of fruit and some oatmeal would be a much healthier breakfast. Of course its ok to eat eggs...but I'd really only do it occasionally.

Best Free Email service.

A variety of free services are available in which to communicate via email. This article will attempt to help you decide what service is best for you. We will look at spam and antivirus protection. As well as included features in each service.

To start most ISP (internet service providers) give a free email account to all customers. These can generally be accessed via either online access through a browser or using software like Outlook or Thunderbird.

The browser access tends to be clunky, akward to use and with little added functionality beyond a simple address book. The biggest disadvantages of using these services is that spam filtering and virus security must be done by the end-user. In other words by you. Some ISP's do provide you with spam filtering and instruct you on setting up antivirus software. Though the spam filtering is very selective and not very reliable and often email that your ISP considers spam (that actually isn't) will be blocked and you won't know it until you receive that phone call from your friend asking why you don't email them back. You are more than welcome to use this service but I'd recommend one of the big three free services. We will go over them below.

The big three are: MSN Hotmail, Yahoo! mail and Google Gmail. Any of these can either be accessed via a browser or configured to work with Outlook or Thunderbird.

First, lets explore Hotmail. An excellent service providing 1000 mb of email and attachment storage space. Hotmail in my experience is very poor in distinguishing what is spam and what isn't. Though you can filter the spam and tell Hotmail what isn't spam. Since it does often filter things you wish to receive. Hotmail uses Trend Micro products for virus scanning and automatically scans emails and attachments. They also will automatically disable content that might be threatening, allowing the user to enable the content if they wish to view it. An address book, greeting card system, notes, folder management, calendar and appointment management system are all intergrated within Hotmail.

Next, we have Google Gmail with a 2000 mb limit to start and constantly growing. (mine is at 2804 mb) Gmail includes probally the most features. Inluding: intergrated chat system, address book, calendar, photo storage, intergrated spreadsheet and document system, folder management, chart important emails via star system, and many more services accessed all through your Google Gmail account. Sounds good so far?

Well the biggest issue is signing up. Currently, you can only sign up via your mobile phone or by receiving an invite from a friend. Giving out my mobile number over the web was not something I personally would want to do, but don't worry it should be fairly easy to get an invite. I have 60 invites myself. So if you need a Gmail account comment and let me know.

That aside it does all sound great, but what about spam and virus protection? Virus protection I'm guessing occurs through Google proprietary software. I was unable to determine what Google does use to scan viruses. But you will find the following at Google's help center:

Gmail automatically scans every attachment when it's delivered to your account, and again each time you open a message. Attachments you send are also scanned. Checking attachments for viruses protects our users and their information, and prevents the spread of viruses.

If a virus is found in an attachment you've received, our system will attempt to clean the file, so you can still access the information it contains. If the virus can't be removed from the file, you won't be able to download it.

If our system is unable to scan certain files, you'll see an error reading 'Oops... the virus scanner has a problem right now.' You'll have the option to try again later or to download at your own risk. Please note that if Gmail can't scan the contents of the file, we can't guarantee that it's safe to view.

If an attachment you're trying to send is infected with a virus, Gmail will display an error message to tell you, but it won't clean the file. To send the message without that attachment, click the link in that error message that says 'Remove attachment and send.'

If Gmail detects that you're trying to send an infected attachment, we suggest running your anti-virus software in case your hard drive is infected. If you don't have anti-virus software, you might consider purchasing/installing one of the popular applications so you can protect your computer and information from viruses.

Google will also block all executable files even if they are zipped (.zip, .tar, .tgz, .taz, .z, .gz) format. The file will bounce back to the sender. Spam protection is good. Google will block most emails that it interprets as spam. Though some spam does get through. The best spam protection I have seen is via the final free email service we will review.

Yahoo! email has steadily become my favorite free email service. Yahoo provides 1000 mb of storage space. Yahoo barely lets any spam through. Maybe once a month, if even that. Once I went 6 months without receiving a single spam email. Yahoo includes easy attachment access and searching, address book, calendar, notepad, photo upload and management, and probally has the best group management of the big three with a large selection of active communities to join and participate in. Virus protection is provided via Norton antivirus a very familiar name. Yahoo uses the most clean and clear browser access of the big three, I'd also consider it the easiest to use.

Well that concludes this review of free email services. Let me know if you have any specific questions or note any errors.

Whats that smell?

Yes. Its coming from Jersey. What is it? Well they aren't sure, and I quote "officials are baffled by the odor". But they are sure its not harmless. Hmm.

Lets rationalize this. We don't have a clue what it is. But we are pretty sure its not going to hurt anyone. hehe..he..he. Oook. I get the feeling they don't know what they are talking about. Why is that? "officials are baffled by the odor" ooooh yeah.

Read more about it.

Wired Home.

Gates speaks about the new changes in Vista some pretty neat things:

Gates discussed some additional features not yet disclosed. Among them is a new "sports lounge" area so users tapped into Microsoft's MSN Soapbox online site can simultaneously view additional sports information, up-to-date fantasy sports data and the latest sports videos.

Microsoft has also teamed with the Nickelodeon and Showtime television networks and Starz Entertainment's Vongo subscription movie service so their Web-based content will be directly available through Vista. Movies downloaded from Vongo can also be played on the TV using Microsoft's Xbox 360 game console.

Microsoft seems to continue to be heading in the direction of merging the computer with our entertainment center. I see things heading this way as well. I'm sure Vista will be a hit, with the usual questions at the start. But just like XP it will be accepted.

Some other interesting partnerships are utilizing Vista's new capabilities:

Hewlett-Packard Co. is set to have a new all-in-one computer and touch-screen display designed to fit into a kitchen nook or a family room, letting users scribble messages on the screen or watch a movie. Toshiba Corp. is debuting a high-end tablet notebook that has a secondary display on the front edge so users can read incoming e-mail or calendar alerts even while the laptop lid is closed.

Sony Corp. is planning a new Windows Vista media center that is white and round, meant to look more like an entertainment electronics device than a computer.

Gates also announced Windows Home Server, a software platform that can serve as a beefy repository for a household's mushrooming collection of digital photos, videos, music and documents. The server also provides automatic data backups and allows family and friends to access some files remotely over the Internet.

But as the artice says, probally one of the most exciting things will be:

the addition of Texas Hold 'Em in its preloaded selection of games in Vista.

Vista preview info here.

Hot in '07

Whats going to be hot in 2007? Lots of obvious things. Its assumed again that Google will continue to be the powerhouse that it is. The little new Microsoft that could buy it all. I question how long it will take before Google will get the same reputation as Microsoft. Maybe it will be this year.

Apparently though:

Not so lucky are Hollywood's reigning "brat pack" of Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie and Britney Spears. All three were relegated to the predicted 2007 "losers" list.

I'm not entirely sure I agree with that. Paris will probally continue forward. With little to no changes. Perhaps another single released. Nicole will head deeper into whatever is affecting her. Hopefully she will get better. Her illness is not something that should be joked about. And Britney...well she has babies, so it might take time for her to bounce back, if she will. I'm sure she has more than enough money to relax for the rest of her life.

Read the article here.

Dead birds in Austin

Imagine walking through downtown Austin and seeing dead birds littering the streets. Well about 60 of them have been found so far. No apparent cause. They closed down about 10 blocks. And authorities say that there is no cause for alarm. Nooo of course not. No big deal. Just continue throughout your day. Just make sure to keep an eye on the sky, might be a lot more than bird poo falling on you today. Perhaps a whole bird.

Check out the cnn story here.

The Electric Car.

Kind of exciting news. It looks like GM might bring back the electric car. With newer battery technology and a new concept, the car could be available in 1-2 years. Its interesting that more and more focus is being made on electric and hybrid cars. I wonder if people are starting to see that a climate crisis really is occuring.

The car is quoted as saving the average American 500 gallons of gasoline per year. It seems that SOME of the electric cars might be gasoline engine supported, so it might be hybrid. The article was somewhat vague. Anyway. You can read more about it here.

It is a numeric life

It is a numeric life
An interesting blog. about various studies that have been published. A for instance is:

Housework prevents breast cancer more effectively than athletic activity or manual paid labor does, according to a recent study of 200,000 women. According to researchers, "out of all of the activities, only housework significantly reduced the risk of both pre- and post-menopausal women getting the disease", and spending "16 to 17 hours a week cooking, cleaning and doing the washing" reduced cancer risk "by 30% among the pre-menopausal women and 20% among the post-menopausal women".

Traveling Secrets. That aren't so secret.

An article on yahoo talks about traveling secrets. Yeah. Sorry, but most of these are pretty obvious. Not to mention many will result in no results.

One really great tip though is the airport security line. Just go to http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/ and the Transportation Security Administration's Web site, which lists security checkpoints at every U.S. airport and publishes average wait times by the hour at wait-time. A very useful tip. And definetly worth keeping in your arsenal.

Instead, figure out which hotel you want to stay at and call it directly. If you're still out of luck, consider a reseller's Web site. Hotels, like airlines, overbook reservations because they know that not everyone is going to show up. But some of their inventory goes to third-party travel sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and Travelocity, which contract with hotels ahead of time to sell a preset block of rooms.

Calling a hotel directly won't get you anywhere. Mention a website deal? Well they will say its a website only special and you'll have to purchase through them. As to the websites. Well if you are on yahoo reading the article, its highly likely that you'll know this sort of thing.

Even if that moment has passed, all is not lost. Two years ago, when my husband and I went to St. Thomas for his birthday, our original room was a dark cave directly above a noisy outdoor bar. A quick trip back downstairs, a little explaining that it was a special occasion (while kicking myself that I hadn't mentioned this when I checked in), and we were reassigned a room with an ocean view and a private balcony.

While it would be wonderful being moved to a better room if you talk to management about a noisy room, it really is highly unlikely that you will get upgraded specifically to a high class and "upgraded". Generally unless you are in a five-star hotel you will get another identical room. Spend the big bucks and maybe then you'll get a deal.

Anyway. Read the article and judge for yourself. Some interesting tips. But nothing new or special.

The Tao of Cormacjosh.

An interesting blog title. And an interesting Blog.

A collage a day.

Excellent stuff. Well worth watching.

Mattie's photo.

Forgot to post up a photo of Mattie.

A very adorable dog. I'm keeping an eye on that site. And I'll be sure to update you all if there seems to be any progress.

New Father at 50.

What's it like to be a father to two new children at 50? Will I cope with babies, sleepless nights and crying? Or will it be a dream - like time travelling back to another life when I had two new babies in my 20's? Let's find out!

This guy at the age of 50 is the father two children. Both under the age of 5. Now I'm not entirely sure from the site whether or not he IS the father or whether he is the grandfather and has the children. Either way looks like an interesting guy. Added to linkroll!

Mattie?! Where are you?

Where in the world is Mattie?

An interesting blogger site in which the sole purpose is to find their lost dog. Mattie. Here is the quote:

This is no way to treat our visitors. Earlier this month, while Tom and Alice Matthews were visiting from Michigan, their car was stolen from the University City Loop area. Their 12-year-old dog, Mattie, was inside.

When the thieves were caught a few days later in Cape Girardeau, they said that they had left Mattie and his crate in Jennings. The crate was found, with Mattie's blankets, but there was no sign of Mattie.

The Matthewses had to return to Michigan last weekend, but they asked a family friend to continue the search. The friend contacted Stray Rescue, which is circulating fliers with a $500 reward which will be updated this weekend to a $3,000 reward of which Stray Rescue contributed $2,000.

Anyone who may have seen Mattie or who is willing to print out and distribute flyers is asked to call Stray Rescue at 314-771-6121.

This is horrible. Its one thing to steal a car. But the dog. My bet is the dog just got let out and is somewhere loose. Best wishes to them. I hope Mattie is found. I added the website to my linkroll. If someone comes across this post and happens to have seen Mattie. Please let them know.

Wireless touchpad.

I have to admit this is a pretty neat gizmo. Combining a laser pointer with an RF touchpad its a nice combo for presentations and the like.


Find out more here.

Sick.

Well. Unfortunately it seems the yearly bug finally has caught up with me. Not only do I feel sore all over, but I have a nice cough. And a few other fun things. Luckily I get to work 12 hours today, and then 12 hours tommorrow. And I'm not sure what Monday is. And to top it all off classes start off Tuesday.

Well I've found my new favorite site.

Make money.

Not to mention the clear and to the point post on how to make money on the internet.

Happy New Year!

Really the only new year resolution I have is to finish projects.

Stem Cells and regrowing Pig teeth.

What a title ehh? "...regrowing Pig teeth", perhaps I'm just tired but that sounds funny. Those who may not know me should know that I am a huge advocate of stem cell research. I believe it holds to key to curing many of the worlds woes.

Here is an interesting case in point. At the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, Caligornia researchers have been able to regenerate the teeth of pigs.

“Dr. Songtao Shi said: “In this study, we use stem cell technology to generate ‘a bio-root and periodontal tissue’ along with dental clinical porcelain crown technique to restore tooth function in swine (mini-pig).”

Now if only people would move on from the ethics of it. Many do not realize that many viable research material gets thrown into the trash. For instance in many clinics where abortions take place the embryos are merely discarded. Would we rather a life be thrown away or perhaps used to prolong or even save more lives?

Anyway. The full reference article can be found here.