Today, at work, one of the ladies in the bookkeeping department came in to tell me there was a small cat in the parking lot at work and she had fed it but she thought it was sick. I asked her if it was someone's cat and she said she didn't think so because it was in bad shape. She asked me for a second opinion.
I went to the parking lot and saw a semi-truck backing up and the cat wasn't even moving out of its way, which is clearly not the sign of a healthy, alert cat. I rushed over and got in the way so the truck wouldn't back up further and then bent down to pet the cat, who still hadn't moved much. I started to pet it, and after awhile it started purring.
The cat was, at most, 6 months old. The ears were very hard and not soft and pliable like that of a healthy cat. It was covered in hard scabs -- apparently from a long-ago fight. It was very frail, and quite obviously half-starved to death and it was heartbreaking to see it. But it ate all the food it was brought, so that was a good sign. Most sick cats don't want to eat. We decided to take it for a medical opinion, so I picked up the cat and held it and pet it while it started to purr. I don't think it object too much, but it clearly was in bad shape. We put the cat in the box for transport. The cat curled up in the bottom of the box as cats are wont to do.
The cat was dead when it arrived at the vet's office. I am sad.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Global Warming
Our "President" continues to insist global warming doesn't exist. Yet this headline from today says otherwise.
Melting ice threatens sea-level rise, shrunken polar glaciers,
temps at 130,000-year highs
Excerpt From From Associated Press March 23, 2006
WASHINGTON - Already the Earth is shaking beneath melting ice as rising temperatures threaten to shrink polar glaciers and raise sea levels around the world.
By the end of this century, Arctic readings could rise to levels not seen in 130,000 years, when the oceans were several feet higher than now, according to new research appearing in Friday's issue of the journal Science.
Even now, giant glaciers lubricated by melting water have begun causing earthquakes in Greenland as they lurch toward the ocean, other scientists report in the same journal.
So, this is okay? I just love our president. Not. I hope he visits Iraq more often. Maybe someone will fax his top secret itinerary over there in advance. Yay.
Melting ice threatens sea-level rise, shrunken polar glaciers,
temps at 130,000-year highs
Excerpt From From Associated Press March 23, 2006
WASHINGTON - Already the Earth is shaking beneath melting ice as rising temperatures threaten to shrink polar glaciers and raise sea levels around the world.
By the end of this century, Arctic readings could rise to levels not seen in 130,000 years, when the oceans were several feet higher than now, according to new research appearing in Friday's issue of the journal Science.
Even now, giant glaciers lubricated by melting water have begun causing earthquakes in Greenland as they lurch toward the ocean, other scientists report in the same journal.
So, this is okay? I just love our president. Not. I hope he visits Iraq more often. Maybe someone will fax his top secret itinerary over there in advance. Yay.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
A Cute Little Sigfile
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Great British Design Competition (Contest)
I am pleased to see Concorde has won the British Design Competition (link shows the winners) for the best ever in British Design, and in second place was the Tube Map! Congratulations Concorde!
You can see my Concorde page at http://www.darsys.com/concorde.html -- that will in turn link you to my other Concorde pages.
I love the Tube and map as well, but I don't have a page to send you to yet, but my great London Compendium may be of interest.
You can see my Concorde page at http://www.darsys.com/concorde.html -- that will in turn link you to my other Concorde pages.
I love the Tube and map as well, but I don't have a page to send you to yet, but my great London Compendium may be of interest.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
A literal pain in the neck
Yesterday, I found out I have a slipped vertebrae or disc in my neck. It's the one right where my neck passes my shoulder. I'm not quite clear on which, but more information will be given to me this Saturday when I return to the doctor. I do know it's painful as hell. This has, obviously, got me a bit worried. And, as I said, it hurts like all hell. I am rather upset about it too.
The Back Story: I was fine Monday morning. I got out of bed and proceeded to do all those other things one does in the bathroom whilst preparing for work. I started to brush my teeth and got this searing pain in my left shoulder (on the backside in the soft mushy part near my neck) which literally dropped me to my knees in mid brush.
I figured it was a pinched nerve, and it would go away by the following day. Tuesday it was no better and was a bit worse, and that night in bed was hellish pain. Wednesday morning I called and ended up seeing a Chiropractor who took an x-ray. I have no medical training and could see the problem right away. Sure enough, he told me "you have one of the straightest spines I've ever seen on a 40 year old, except for this one spot here" and then went on to tell me that was what was causing most of the pain. He showed me body diagrams and what not, but it was all over my head. He thinks he can fix it, but we'll see. (I have faith in chiropractors having used them successfully in the past.)
If I move my head at all, or my left shoulder I want to cry like a girl. He said he won't likely recommend an operation, and he said where the problem is happening is an extremely dangerous place to operate. But if the pain doesn't go away, I'm going to have my neck amputated at the shoulders.
The Back Story: I was fine Monday morning. I got out of bed and proceeded to do all those other things one does in the bathroom whilst preparing for work. I started to brush my teeth and got this searing pain in my left shoulder (on the backside in the soft mushy part near my neck) which literally dropped me to my knees in mid brush.
I figured it was a pinched nerve, and it would go away by the following day. Tuesday it was no better and was a bit worse, and that night in bed was hellish pain. Wednesday morning I called and ended up seeing a Chiropractor who took an x-ray. I have no medical training and could see the problem right away. Sure enough, he told me "you have one of the straightest spines I've ever seen on a 40 year old, except for this one spot here" and then went on to tell me that was what was causing most of the pain. He showed me body diagrams and what not, but it was all over my head. He thinks he can fix it, but we'll see. (I have faith in chiropractors having used them successfully in the past.)
If I move my head at all, or my left shoulder I want to cry like a girl. He said he won't likely recommend an operation, and he said where the problem is happening is an extremely dangerous place to operate. But if the pain doesn't go away, I'm going to have my neck amputated at the shoulders.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
NHL Florida Panthers Hockey Message Boards
Hello! Last week an exciting beta test began for a small group of hockey fans Today, I am pleased to open the beta test for everyone -- all hockey fans are welcome. I'll put the URL at the bottom of this post, but read on first.
I've created a Message Board System running phpBB -- a bulletin board system. It is fully customizable and works in many languages (so if you prefer to operate in, say, Spanish, I can install a language pack for you -- just ask me).
Optionally you can do many things, including:
a. add a little graphic "avatar" to identify yourself
b. Add links to email, IM clients, and homepages
c. Add your hometown
d. Post using italics, bold, fonts, and use hyperlinks
e. Use emoticons "smileys"
f. Change the default display style "theme" to one of several I have installed. [anyone who can help me make a Panther theme should e-mail me.]
g. Change the format of the date/time to your local format
h. Turn/on off many of the features if you prefer a stripped down version
i. hide/show your online status
j. Get an e-mail notification when someone replies to your posts
If you want to muck around, there is a TEST FORUM where you can post meaningless tripe, make new topics, and do whatever you want within reason to see how it works. When we go live, I will delete this test forum.
Only members will be allowed to post to the boards when they go live -- if you do not register you will not be able to post. Once you register and log-in, some additional hidden forums will appear.
I have made areas for Panthers, Affiliates, Prospects, Hockey (NOT Panthers), Not hockey (anything else), and there is a private area for PAID members of the Florida Panthers Booster Club. Booster club members must contact the club management and they must instruct me to add your name to this forum.
After you register and log-in for the first time, please go to the "From Your Moderator" section and read the READ ME FIRST post. Our main web-page TOS has been updated to reflect the message boards as well.
http://www.panthershockey.net/bbs.html this URL will always work no matter where I may move the board. The current board URL may not be final so stick with the one above :)
I look forward to your comments and suggestions.
-- E
I've created a Message Board System running phpBB -- a bulletin board system. It is fully customizable and works in many languages (so if you prefer to operate in, say, Spanish, I can install a language pack for you -- just ask me).
Optionally you can do many things, including:
a. add a little graphic "avatar" to identify yourself
b. Add links to email, IM clients, and homepages
c. Add your hometown
d. Post using italics, bold, fonts, and use hyperlinks
e. Use emoticons "smileys"
f. Change the default display style "theme" to one of several I have installed. [anyone who can help me make a Panther theme should e-mail me.]
g. Change the format of the date/time to your local format
h. Turn/on off many of the features if you prefer a stripped down version
i. hide/show your online status
j. Get an e-mail notification when someone replies to your posts
If you want to muck around, there is a TEST FORUM where you can post meaningless tripe, make new topics, and do whatever you want within reason to see how it works. When we go live, I will delete this test forum.
Only members will be allowed to post to the boards when they go live -- if you do not register you will not be able to post. Once you register and log-in, some additional hidden forums will appear.
I have made areas for Panthers, Affiliates, Prospects, Hockey (NOT Panthers), Not hockey (anything else), and there is a private area for PAID members of the Florida Panthers Booster Club. Booster club members must contact the club management and they must instruct me to add your name to this forum.
After you register and log-in for the first time, please go to the "From Your Moderator" section and read the READ ME FIRST post. Our main web-page TOS has been updated to reflect the message boards as well.
http://www.panthershockey.net/bbs.html this URL will always work no matter where I may move the board. The current board URL may not be final so stick with the one above :)
I look forward to your comments and suggestions.
-- E
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Live Action Simpsons Video (Official)
The producers of The Simpsons have produced a live action opening sequence. Yes, a live human playing Bart, Lisa, Homer, and Marge. It was produced for Sky One TV in the UK to promote their airing of The Simpsons.
It's a fantastic video for the novelty value -- the actors look nothing like the characters except in very brief passing. But it's a hoot to watch. You have got to have a look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brh6KRvQHBc
(Broadband recommended)
It's a fantastic video for the novelty value -- the actors look nothing like the characters except in very brief passing. But it's a hoot to watch. You have got to have a look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brh6KRvQHBc
(Broadband recommended)
Monday, March 6, 2006
Sex Injuries and the Broken Penis
Okay, sometimes I see an article in the mainstream press so amusing I just have to talk to someone about it. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone to discuss this with, so I'll just go on about it here.
You have to like an article with the tagline "Broken penises, lodged foreign bodies give new meaning to unsafe sex." In fact, you have to love it. I really don't have a point or reason in discussing this, but it's really amusing to me on a juvenile level. I mean, we're talking an MSNBC report too, and not some whacked-out site. A semi-legitimate news site is running this.
How often can you see a quote like this? "A 29-year-old man heard a snap during sexual intercourse followed by immediate detumescence and a swelling of the penile basis and scrotum, due to a penile fracture." What? Never seen that one before have you? Every single guy reading this cringed.
How about this gem? "A 27-year-old lady presented with persistent cough, sputum and fever for the preceding six months … history also confirmed accidental inhalation of the condom during fellatio." Yes, well there's really no comment necessary on that is there?
Anyway, this was painful to post because some of the stories hurt to read, but I encourage all you pervs and non-pervs alike to check this one out!
You have to like an article with the tagline "Broken penises, lodged foreign bodies give new meaning to unsafe sex." In fact, you have to love it. I really don't have a point or reason in discussing this, but it's really amusing to me on a juvenile level. I mean, we're talking an MSNBC report too, and not some whacked-out site. A semi-legitimate news site is running this.
How often can you see a quote like this? "A 29-year-old man heard a snap during sexual intercourse followed by immediate detumescence and a swelling of the penile basis and scrotum, due to a penile fracture." What? Never seen that one before have you? Every single guy reading this cringed.
How about this gem? "A 27-year-old lady presented with persistent cough, sputum and fever for the preceding six months … history also confirmed accidental inhalation of the condom during fellatio." Yes, well there's really no comment necessary on that is there?
Anyway, this was painful to post because some of the stories hurt to read, but I encourage all you pervs and non-pervs alike to check this one out!
Sunday, March 5, 2006
Queen + Paul Rodgers (Miami Concert Review w/set list)
First, I must say Queen are still a force to be reckoned with -- let nobody say otherwise. After seeing this concert, I will fight anyone who says otherwise. Now that we have that away. They performed Friday 3 March 2006 at Miami, the opening date of their first US concert tour in over 20 years -- and this being my first Queen concert.
Let me being by saying I am a Freddie Mercury fan and Queen without Freddie simply isn't the Queen we all know an love. I went to this show with much trepidation because I am not a big fan of either Paul Rodgers or Bad Company -- to be quite accurate: I am wildly indifferent. Nonetheless, I went with my friend Evan (the world's biggest Queen fan ever), and figured I'd be in for an interesting night. I was not disappointed in that regard.
Queen still rocks. I must say, Paul does not try to be Freddie Mercury, and that's a good thing because that would have ruined absolutely everything. Queen does many of their hits plus a number of Paul's hits as well. I daresay, everyone will have a good time except those expecting to see a resurrection of the Ghost of Freddie.
Here's the set list as we heard it:
It's A Beautiful Day (intro)
Reaching Out
Tie Your Mother Down
Dragon Attack
Fat Bottom Girls
Take Love Where You Find It, (new song, first live performance ever)
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Say It's Not True
'39
Love Of My Life
Hammer To Fall
Feel Like Makin' Love
I'm In Love With My Car
Last Horizon (as a Guitar solo)
Bad Company
Another One Bites The Dust
These Are The Days Of Our Lives
Radio Ga Ga
Can't Get Enough Of Your Love
The Show Must Go On
Bohemian Rhapsody
We Will Rock You
It's Alright Now
We Are The Champions
God Save The Queen (Instrumental)
Queen performed faithfully all these songs -- carefully picked to avoid needing Freddie. Those astute among you will note that Bohemian Rhapsody without Freddie would simply be unacceptable, would be entirely correct. So, Queen, in their infinite wisdom used an overlay audio track of Freddie to do most of this song, Paul coming only when the song goes into full Rock-Drive. It worked very, very, very well.
The audience interaction from the band's perspective was great, but I was disappointed in the Miami crowd (as was Evan). The concert was only 60% full at best and many of the people there were obviously not Queen fans. I think all real Queen fans know how to do Radio Ga-Ga, and I have to say I was embarrassed at those who were in the stands -- although those on floor mostly were with the programme.
My sole disappointment, of course, was the lack of Under Pressure, one of my very favourite Queen song. I like the stuff from Flash (sue me, okay) but wasn't crushed it wasn't performed. I also was mystified why they didn't open with The Show Must Go On because that would have been appropriate.
I have seen posts elsewhere saying that after the show was over that they played the music from the bonus hidden track from Made In Heaven when the lights came on (after they left the stage) but I am unable to verify this as we left as the closing notes to God Save The Queen wafted into the air.
The show was a solid two hours from start to end and well worth the obscene amount we paid for floor seats. it was opening night so there were some issues: an out of tune guitar, some lines to songs flubbed here and there, but nothing catastrophic.
Let me being by saying I am a Freddie Mercury fan and Queen without Freddie simply isn't the Queen we all know an love. I went to this show with much trepidation because I am not a big fan of either Paul Rodgers or Bad Company -- to be quite accurate: I am wildly indifferent. Nonetheless, I went with my friend Evan (the world's biggest Queen fan ever), and figured I'd be in for an interesting night. I was not disappointed in that regard.
Queen still rocks. I must say, Paul does not try to be Freddie Mercury, and that's a good thing because that would have ruined absolutely everything. Queen does many of their hits plus a number of Paul's hits as well. I daresay, everyone will have a good time except those expecting to see a resurrection of the Ghost of Freddie.
Here's the set list as we heard it:
It's A Beautiful Day (intro)
Reaching Out
Tie Your Mother Down
Dragon Attack
Fat Bottom Girls
Take Love Where You Find It, (new song, first live performance ever)
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Say It's Not True
'39
Love Of My Life
Hammer To Fall
Feel Like Makin' Love
I'm In Love With My Car
Last Horizon (as a Guitar solo)
Bad Company
Another One Bites The Dust
These Are The Days Of Our Lives
Radio Ga Ga
Can't Get Enough Of Your Love
The Show Must Go On
Bohemian Rhapsody
We Will Rock You
It's Alright Now
We Are The Champions
God Save The Queen (Instrumental)
Queen performed faithfully all these songs -- carefully picked to avoid needing Freddie. Those astute among you will note that Bohemian Rhapsody without Freddie would simply be unacceptable, would be entirely correct. So, Queen, in their infinite wisdom used an overlay audio track of Freddie to do most of this song, Paul coming only when the song goes into full Rock-Drive. It worked very, very, very well.
The audience interaction from the band's perspective was great, but I was disappointed in the Miami crowd (as was Evan). The concert was only 60% full at best and many of the people there were obviously not Queen fans. I think all real Queen fans know how to do Radio Ga-Ga, and I have to say I was embarrassed at those who were in the stands -- although those on floor mostly were with the programme.
My sole disappointment, of course, was the lack of Under Pressure, one of my very favourite Queen song. I like the stuff from Flash (sue me, okay) but wasn't crushed it wasn't performed. I also was mystified why they didn't open with The Show Must Go On because that would have been appropriate.
I have seen posts elsewhere saying that after the show was over that they played the music from the bonus hidden track from Made In Heaven when the lights came on (after they left the stage) but I am unable to verify this as we left as the closing notes to God Save The Queen wafted into the air.
The show was a solid two hours from start to end and well worth the obscene amount we paid for floor seats. it was opening night so there were some issues: an out of tune guitar, some lines to songs flubbed here and there, but nothing catastrophic.
Fairytales of yesterday will grow but never die
I can fly my friends
The show must go on. -- Freddie Mercury, Queen, 1991
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
