National Bubble Wrap Day

I heard this on the news. It's the 5th Annual Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day. It was invented in 1960 and since then we have had a lot of "Pop" ing going on.

Who would have ever thought of such a thing?

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

Can't get your tires rotated here

While looking over some other Blogs, I came across this post. It's about abandoned buildings in Toronto, Canada, that has been covered by Graffiti art. These look really good, as graffiti goes. While I'm not a big fan of graffiti (I think it is vandalism), I do believe there should be areas set aside for these people to express their talent. Perhaps, the buildings shown here are such places.

Lindsay R. Casey: can't get your tires rotated here

American Memory

I found links to these two sites over at Michelle Malkin.

The September 11, 2001, Documentary Project (Self explanatory).
After the Day of Infamy (Photos, documents, man in the street interviews after the attack on Pearl Harbour).

Each site references and documents two major events in our country's history. There are lots of documents, photographs, and drawings. Very well done and informative.

Both are organized by the American Folklife Center. They are must-read, bookmark-and-revisit-often sites.

Check them out and let me know what you think.

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

Marine Helicopter Crash in Iraq

The Major Networks are reporting the crash of a US Marine helicopter in western Iraq. Reported dead are 31. Fox news says this is the Heaviest casualties of any single incident involving U.S. troops since invasion.

Reports say that the Marines were conducting security operations and were going to help election workers.

Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash.

Our hearts go out to those families who have lost their loved ones in this incident.

Reference: Fox News; MSNBC; ABC News.

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

Storm Chasing

There are people who chase the proverbial "American Dream." These guys are Storm Chasers.


This actually produces some odd tornaodes after these shots.

I just don't think I could drive around the countryside chasing storms in order to get pictures for a book. Somehow this falls into a catagory I call insane. Reminds me of the move "Twister". The pictures of the dogs playing in the snow are pretty good, too.

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

Darth Tater

Update: Look here for the story.


Darth "Tater"

Tequila and Salt

Got this via email. Not sure where it came from, originally, but thought it worthwhile to post here.

You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists, loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

And always remember. . .When life hands you lemons, ask for tequila and salt.

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

Catalog Sales Shipping Practices - A Mild Rant

I called to place a catalog order today. The company name is unimportant. The common policy of all catalog sales companies needing a "physical address" to ship to, is.

I called to place an order for a product -- $142.00 worth. We went through the usual name, billing address, catalog key #, etc. I provided the required credit card information, then gave the item number.

I was told I needed to provide a "physical address" for shipping since UPS won't deliver to a PO Box. I asked if the company was going to pay shipping. No, they weren't. I told them if I had to pay shipping, then I wanted the order shipped to my PO Box. There was no comprimise. I cancelled to order and asked to be removed from their mailing list.

Here is my view on this. If a customer calls any company to place a catalog order, it is the customer's right to ship wherever they want, ESPECIALLY if the customer must pay shipping.

I would not have had such an issue if this company were to pay the shipping, but they would not. Therefore, if shipping is on me, then ship it where I want it shipped. PERIOD.

Don't give me the party line about insurance, etc. You can still use the USPS, insure the package, require signatures at delivery, etc, and still satisfy the customer. DO NOT assume that I want anything shipped to the so-called physical address. If I wanted anything sent there, the address you would have on file to send me the catalog would not be a PO Box.

That's it. I've decided that if a company requires me to pay shipping, and does not want to ship to my PO Box, then I don't need what they offer.

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

I've added a new link

In "My Ever-Growing Blog Roll" I've added a couple of new blogs. Ed Bott is a technical blog with articles and links for Windows and Office. Some good stuff here.

Highways West is a neat site that links to various Auto club magazines for Western States. It looks like a neat source for anyone driving the highways in the Western US.


Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

SGT Nathaniel T. Swindell

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

SGT Nathaniel T. Swindell, 24, of Bronx, NY, died Jan. 15 in Mosul, Iraq, from a non-combat related injury. SGT Swindell was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, Fort Lewis, WA.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones he leaves behind.

(Via Stryker Brigade News)

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

Busty Mousepads

I wonder if I can get away with one of these at work. I doubt it.

Busty Mousepads

This quality mouse pad features a cleavage- uh, CLEVER ergonomic wrist rest on a pair of gel boobs.

(Via J-Walk)

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

Something is very WRONG here

Starbucks New Drink -- Chantico

We went out and sampled the new Starbucks Chocolate drink yesterday evening.

"The Chantico Drinking Chocolate"

To say this is a really good drink, especially if you like chocolate, is an understatement. This drink is SO rich, the sample (maybe a half ounce) was more than enough for me. Cauleen had some whip cream added to her sample to cut the chocolate and add a little lighter taste.

WOW, this was good. It was not like drinking coffee or milk, it was truely like drinking dessert.

Here is what the Starcucks promotions say about Chantico:

We could go on and on. Simply put Chantico drinking chocolate is a delightfully decadent new drincable dessert from Starbucks. Chantico is best enjoyed as a perfect ending to a dinner out. So now you can end your day exactly where it began.

Here are a few things about drinking chocolate

that you may not have already known

• For more than ninety percent of its more than 1,500 year history, chocolate was consumed as a beverage

• The name “Chantico” comes from the Aztec goddess of hearth and fire. Chantico was said to provide homes with warm comfort and heat for cooking.

• All chocolate originates from the Cacao (kah-KOW) tree and thrives only in regions within 15 degrees of the equator.

• Chocolate was believed to be the favored drink of the Mayan Gods (circa 250-900 A.D.)

• For the Aztec culture (circa 1200-1521 A.D.), chocolate was a luxury item and often used as currency.

• Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, chocolate houses in Europe catered to the upper and noble classes with this traditional beverage.All-in-all, this is a good drink if you really want pure chocolate. Enjoy it, we sure did.

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

Which File Extension are You?

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

Do you act your age?

You can take this quiz over at Blogthings.

According to the quiz, I am 30 years old.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

Oh, to be 30 again!

(via J-Walk)

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

The Nearest Book

Got this idea from a variety of other Blogs. (Kimdergarten, The Problem, The Tea Break), so I thought I would grab it and put it here.

The nearest book on my desk here at work is Please don't just do what I tell you! Do what needs to be done. by Bob Nelson.

1) Grab the nearest book.
2) Open the book to page 54.
3) Find the seventh sentence.
4) Post the text of the sentence in your blog.

Just my luck. Page 54 is the last page of a chapter, so there is only 1 sentence:

"To wait for management's attention, therefore is to court disaster and risk losing the customer, your job, or even the business itself."

One really needs to read the rest of the book to get the full context.

Try it yourself and post a note.

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

Paint by number

I hadn't thought of this until I visited J-Walk. I remember my mother got completely hooked. We all did this as a family on the dining room table after dinner. Dad even framed a quite a few of them and they were a standard art form in our house.

A gallery of Paint By Number paintings.

This genre of painting began when Max Klein of the Palmer Paint Company got together with the artist Dan Robbins and made everyone an artist. The motto of Craft Master, the major paint by number company, was "Everyman a Rembrandt!" By 1954, more than twelve million sets had been sold.

Shown here is an action-packed image from the Wild West.

Oh, the memories.

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

Got Stress?

Just follow the instructions. . .



Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

Meet Akiane

This young girl is now 10 years old. Her original drawings are selling for as much as $90K. No telling how far she will go. The web site is AWESOME, especially some of the drawings she did at age 4 and 5.

This is a Self Portrait she drew at age 7, The poem was written at age 8.

She is truely blessed.

The names I'll never know I can't forget
Is there someone to feel I'll never see
I cover a stranger with the first moment
Blades of ages are sweeping through me

Nowhere to go when strength is nailed
I found white garden in the marble snow
God is slowly falling in my heart
As I am sitting on His arms to grow

(via J-Walk)

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

Create your own South Park Character

I'm not a fan of South Park. I think it's pretty stupid. I feel the same for The Simpsons, King of the Hill, Survivor, you get the picture. Anyway, I found this little diversion over at Spiderwebwoman.

It was fun. You can try for your own creation here. You'll need to scroll down the page and you'll need Flash MX.



Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

PVT Cory R. Depew

January 07, 2005

The DoD has identified PVT Cory R. Depew as the Task Force Olympia soldier killed on January 4th in Tal Afar.

Depew was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, WA.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends he leaves behind.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty - Official DoD announcement
Fort Lewis soldier killed in Mosul - Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Beech Grove man dies in Iraq attack - Indianapolis Star
Hoosier Soldier Killed in Iraq - WISH TV

(via Stryker Brigade News)

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

Write your name in the snow

Use your mouse to write your name in the snow.

(via J-Walk)

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

What I'm reading (listening, to)

I don't read as much as I used to. Instead, I listen to Audio Books. It's a great way to pass the time while driving, and it's an excellent diversion when stuck in traffic.

I just finished listening to London Bridges by James Patterson. What a book! It was fast moving and suspensful. It had those little twists and turns that makes you want to keep reading (listening) and casuses you to want more. I highly recommend this book.

I'm ready to start listening to the DaVinci Code.

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

Cows, The Constitution, and The Ten Commandments

COWS: Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that our government can track a cow born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she sleeps in the state of Washington. And they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give them all a cow.

CONSTITUTION: They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq. Why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart men. It worked for over 200 years and we are not using it anymore.

TEN COMMANDMENTS: The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments in a Courthouse! You can not post "Thou Shalt Not Steal, " Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery" and "Thou Shall Not Lie" in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians. It creates a hostile work environment!

(Source unknown)

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.

Nerd Quotient

How do you score as a Nerd? Here is how I did:

Overall, you scored as follows:

71% scored higher,
1% scored
the same, and
28% scored lower.

What does this mean? Your nerdiness is: Not nerdy, but definitely not hip.

(Via J-Walk)

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.