Jeopardy Answer

Jeopardy Question Answer of the Day: A group of this bird is commonly referred to as a "Rafter".

If you know the question, write it in the comments below!

High Gas Prices

So gas prices around me are $4.10 a gallon this Memorial weekend (gouging?), and that really sucks, or so I thought initially.

Since the gas prices have skyrocketed, I've really started to become more energy conscious, I haven't bought a hybrid or started using a cloth shopping bag, but I've done other things. I have started asking for paper bags instead of plastic at the grocery store, shutting off lights in the house, and I bought a Honda Civic; gas mileage was a big part of that decision.

I don't think we should all become tree hugging hippies, but managing our resources responsibly isn't something that hippies have exclusive rights on. Our "Carbon Footprint" is kind of a buzz-phrase right now, but as much as we would like to think so, it's not our right as Americans to drive civilian tanks (big SUV's) for no other purpose than transporting people from point A to point B. I'm not against trucks, they serve a vital role in our economy, when actually used for their purpose (to haul stuff).

My point to this post? Don't be wasteful! Or at least recognize that maybe instead of relying on engineers to discover some alternative energy source to solve all our problems and continue to be irresponsible, ride a bike to work, carpool, do something to save oil.

Why oil and not energy? Oil is not renewable, and its products aren't biodegradable (plastic), you can grow more trees, but you can't make more oil in our lifetime.

Another obvious benefit to not burning so much oil? Pollution, I really hate blowing my nose at the end of the day and it being black from all the pollution. (Like when I was in Beijing, but that's a whole other story.)

Conclusion:
Don't be wasteful, figure out something in your life that you can change to use less oil.

Gas Prices in England. (Just some reassuring information that life in America ain't so bad.)

You've Got (Space) Mail!

I recently read about "Interplanetary IP Communication", or the internet in space, on Google's Blog, and interestingly enough, there's already something similar occurring with NASA and their Mars Rover program. Instead of WWW (World Wide Web), NASA has a interplanetary network called the Deep Space Network (think there's a DSN.Google.com? Not so catchy.) The DSN uses several receivers/transmitters that are on and orbiting the Earth and Mars (and a research ship inbetween).

Initial Reaction: Screw Space Internet and get that World-Wide Wifi up and running!

Informed Reaction: Turns out the research involved is expected to have commercial/terrestrial spin-offs. Sweet.

For more information, check out Space.com's article.

Nailed

Check out this post from Science Blogs about things found in people's heads, most of which were self inflicted, that's right, the one above wasn't an accident. The man hammered the nails into his own head over the span of 3 months, and consciously went to the hospital after that big nail started to hurt a little.... can you say crazy?

Cruising Starfish

This time lapse video of starfish "walking" is really neat, they just look like they're gliding.(I don't know what that stuff is in the first 15 secs).

Sony Vaio VGN-FE550 Review

I bought this a few months ago for just over $400 used (not bad seeing as it retailed for ~$1700 just 2 years ago)

Pros:

• Large Vibrant Screen
• Core Duo Processor handles nearly all tasks with ease
• Upgradeable Ram and Hard drive
• Video Camera
• Good size to power ratio
  

Cons:

• Integrated Video Card (can't upgrade)
• Clasp that holds laptop shut doesn't automatically retract, leaving it exposed and vulnerable to being broken off.
  
• Video Camera is of poor quality, the voice doesn't sync up with video, and there's no included software to record video (except Windows Movie Maker, which kinda sucks).
• Comes loaded with Windows XP Media Center Edition, which is useless.
  

Conclusion:

Overall I'm very pleased with this machine, I've read alot about bad battery life, but even after 2 years mine gets around 2.5 hrs, which isn't bad considering the duo core processor and the large, bright screen. I'm disappointed it can't handle any serious games, and since the video card is integrated, that can't be remedied. If you want to browse, watch video, multi-task or even run memory intensive programs like Photoshop or Premiere, then this is your machine.

If you enjoyed this review, be sure to check out my other reviews.

Here are the specs, I copied them from CNET in case the page goes down. Hopefully their lawyers won't come after me.

General Specifications

Platform Technology

Intel Centrino Duo

System Type

Notebook

Built-in Devices

Stereo speakers, Wireless LAN antenna

Width

14.4 in

Depth

10.8 in

Height

1.4 in

Weight

6.2 lbs

Color

White

Notebook type

Mid-size laptops (6-7.5 lbs.)

Screen type

Wide-screen

Wireless capabilities

802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g

Processor

Processor

Intel Core Duo T2300 / 1.66 GHz

Multi-Core processor technology

Dual-Core

Data bus speed

667 MHz

Processor features

Enhanced SpeedStep technology, Execute Disable Bit capability

Chipset type

Mobile Intel 945GM Express

Cache Memory

Type

L2 cache

Cache size

2 MB

RAM

Installed Size

1 GB / 2 GB (max)

Technology

DDR II SDRAM - 533 MHz

Memory specification compliance

PC2-4200

RAM configuration features

2 x 512 MB

Storage

Floppy Drive

None

Hard Drive

100 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 4200 rpm

Hard drive type

Portable

Optical Storage

Type

DVD±RW (+R DL) - Integrated

Card Reader

Card reader type

Card reader

Supported flash memory cards

Memory Stick Duo

Display

Display Type

15.4 in TFT active matrix

Max Resolution

1280 x 800 ( WXGA )

Widescreen Display

Yes

Features

X BRITE

Video

Graphics Processor / Vendor

Intel GMA 950

Video Memory

Dynamic Video Memory Technology 3.0

Audio

Audio output type

Sound card

Audio Input

None

Notebook Camera

Camera Type

Integrated

Input Device(s)

Input device type

Keyboard, Touchpad

Keyboard localization and layout

QWERTY

Telecom

Modem

Fax / modem

Protocols & Specifications

ITU V.90

Networking

Networking

Network adapter

Networking / Wireless LAN Supported

Yes

Wireless NIC

Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG

Data link protocol

Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet

Networking standards

IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g

Expansion / Connectivity

Expansion Bays

None

Expansion Slots Total (Free)

2 ( 1 ) x Memory

Interfaces

1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire) - 4 pin FireWire, 1 x Docking / port replicator, 1 x Headphones - Output - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x Microphone - Input - Mini-phone 3.5 mm, 1 x Modem - Phone line - RJ-11, 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45, 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)

Power

Power device form factor

External

Battery

Technology

Lithium ion

Installed Qty

1

Mfr estimated battery life

3.5 hour(s)

Manufacturer Warranty

Service & support type

1 year warranty

Service & Support Details

Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year - On-site, Technical support - Phone consulting - 1 year, Product info support - Web support

Operating System / Software

OS Provided

Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005

Software

VAIO Media, VAIO Update, Sony SonicStage, Sony DVgate Plus, InterVideo WinDVD, Sony Click to DVD, Sony Image Converter, VAIO Recovery Wizard, VAIO Security Center, VAIO Support Central, Roxio DigitalMedia SE, AOL Online (180 days trial), Microsoft Works 8.5 (Trial), Quicken 2005 New User Edition, Sony SonicStage Mastering Studio, Norton Internet Security (60 days subscription), Microsoft Office 2003 Student and Teacher Edition (Trial)

Bobcat Xgames

Check out this video of a skidsteer loading itself onto the back of a truck, just him balancing it on two wheels is amazing!

Amazing Volcano Photos

Here are a few photographs of the Chaiten volcano erupting in southern Chile,

Lightning in the dust plume

This photo is surreal, it almost looks photoshopped.

To see some more awesome shots, check out the full article at Mail Online.

Batman bin Suparman

That is a person's name, he is from Singapore. Check out this article from neatorama for other crazy names people have been given. (For example: Urhines Kendall Icy Eight Special K, what were they thinking?!?).

Stupid Facebook in Real Life

This Tuesday's Stupid Video features a funny skit from the guys at idiotsofants about what life would be like if we approached it the same way we do on Facebook.

Enjoy.

Chicken Fried Rice

I'm on a diet, so of course I want everyone else to eat healthy too, here's something I scrapped together today, and was surprised at how good it was.

Healthy, Quick, Chicken Fried Rice

Makes 1 serving.

• 4 oz. skinless chicken breast (cooked)
• 1 whole egg
• 1/2 cup instant brown rice
• 1/4 cup fresh, clean, sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup fresh, diced onion
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• fresh ground pepper to taste
  
• salt to taste (omit salt for low sodium diets)

Preparation

While the rice is cooking in the microwave, slice up the chicken, mushrooms and onions. In a hot skillet combine and stir everything together and cook on med-high until the pieces of egg are browned.
Total Prep Time: ~15 mins (if chicken is already cooked)

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 470
• Fat: 23.8 g (mostly from olive oil)
  
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
  
• Protein: 32.5 g
• Sodium: 225 mg (amount w/o added salt)
  

I think it would be good to add some soy sauce as far as taste goes, be careful though, soy sauce has a ton of sodium. Some peas and corn would also be good in it, and they add a fairly insignificant amount of carbs, but the more you add, the more time it takes, and I like quick meals.

Overall I'm happy with how balanced this meal is, and how quickly I was able to prepare it (the 15 mins was rounded up), when I made it I added a little extra rice for more carbs and some salt, this was my post workout meal so I could afford it. One last thing, the veggies weren't really measured, the amounts above are just approximations, add as many veggies as you like.

Sarah Connor Chronicles is back for a second season!

That's right, Fox announced today that the hit show will be back for a 2nd season in the Fall, hooray!

Here's a link to Fox's fall lineup, thankfully they've canned some boring shows like New Amsterdam and Canterbury's Law, but have kept House, Family Guy (of course), and American Dad (which are some of my favorite shows).

Photo Google Maps

I was looking up places to go on a road trip and noticed Google Maps has a new feature.


As you can see, if you select 'Photos' under the new 'More' button, little thumbnails pop up all over your map, with photos of those places that are submitted by users, pretty cool! Makes me want to post some photos so my name is on Google Maps.

Also, there's a Wikipedia option, and when selected the signiature Wikipedia 'W' shows up all over with information about the different noteworthy places.

Whoa, settle down Hillary!

Remember the Scary Hillary Clinton Video I made a while back?

I found another picture that should be included:

Yikes!

I guess that's why politicians aren't movie stars (movie stars can be politicians though...)

Found it in this article about Hillary beating Obama in the West Virginia primaries.

Global Warming?

I stumbled upon this while checking the weather to see if I can ride my bike to work in the morning.


If so many people don't believe in the hype myth theory of Global Warming, why does the media continue to shove it down our throats as undeniable truth?

Goodbye Jar Jar

Stupid Star Wars Video Tuesday! (Sorry it's a little late, long day)

New States added to the Union

Obama recently visited all 57 states, now that's some impressive campaigning!




Thanks to Stop the ACLU

Jay Leno's Best Newspaper Clippings

This compilation is really funny, I've always liked that portion of the show.


Best of.

Little Baby Democrats

I thought this video summed up the current democratic race for the nomination pretty well, (and it's cute).

I'm with the baby brother =)

South Park Stupid Video

This Tuesday's Stupid Video is a South Park clip ABOUT stupid videos, and I'm pleased to say that the Stupid Panda Video from last week was included! (0:33)

(Just a warning to our sensitive Squared-Fans, the end gets a little messy, you may want to stop viewing about halfway through.)

Three Hulls of Fury

USS Independence in a drydock.

I stumbled upon this photo while browsing through Google Reader and it stopped me in my tracks, pretty bad@ss! (It looks even more bad@ass if you click to enlarge)

That is a photo of the USS Independence LCS-2, it's the flagship for the U.S. Navy's new Littoral Combat Ships (I didn't know what littoral meant either, it basically means 'close to shore'). It's a little over 400ft in length and is designed for special mission use. Unfortunately it doesn't have Destroyer Class amount of firepower, it's geared towards defense, but it's still impressive, and its trimaran design is very striking.

Here's a few more photos.

At Night.

In Water (well, almost)

The ship has a missile launcher, machine gun, torpedoes, and loads of cool defensive measures, but I'm disappointed that the gun you see mounted on the front isn't a Phalanx.

This guy (the Phalanx) is basically the last round of defense against missiles. It uses good ol' American brute force, it's self tracking/targeting and can pump out 4,500 rounds per minute (75 rnds per second) of 20mm armor piercing tungsten or depleted uranium core kinetic energy projectiles (that's nerd for bullets)...

Counter Protesting

Sorry about the language, but this was pretty funny.

The Game is On

This week a group of hackers were able to break Google's Captcha security measure, and back in January they cracked Yahoo's.

For those of you who don't know what Captcha is, it's those impossible to read, fuzzy, jumbled letters and numbers that you have to enter as extra security. The significance of this? Now spammers can automatically sign up for email accounts to spam you with.

CAPTCHA is an acronym for "Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart". It was developed to do just that, distinguish between computers and humans based on the fact that we as humans have enough intelligence to figure out what those letters and numbers in the image are, and repeat them.

So my first reaction? Great, more spam. But after thinking about it, I believe this battle between network security and hackers will eventually spawn AI (Artificial Intelligence). As security relies more and more on logic and human intelligence to distinguish between bots and humans, hackers will continue to increase their bots' ability to mimic human intelligence. This 'One-Upping' will eventually lead to the spawning of computer AI and the end of the world! Ok, so maybe the apocalypse is a bit much (I've watched too many Terminator movies). But with greed as the primary motivation, I think hackers are capable of quite a bit.

Synchronized Metronomes

I've no idea the significance of this, but I thought it was pretty cool.

Pyro from Xmen..... almost

"The very existence of flamethrowers proves that some time, somewhere, someone said to themselves, "You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I'm just not close enough to get the job done."
-George Carlin

This guy is just asking for trouble.



I wouldn't leave a comment saying he's gonna burn his face off, just his hand and most of his arm....

I can't dis him too much though, I have this faint memory of nearly burning down my garage as a result of a failed flamethrower project when I was a kid....