theoderick's Xanga

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 14:51:04 GMT

Prototype F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Helmet

I found this on BBC News...

"The British Ministry of Defence has eliminated missiles and other projectile weapons in favor of a more open, glass covered cockpit offensive. Why? Their new tactic is to fly as close to enemy aircraft as possible while wearing this prototype helmet to make the opposition [crap] themselves to death."

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 20:53:34 GMT

Use your vocabulary skills to help feed the world...

FreeRice.com

This is a game with a real consequences. Ten grains of rice are donated through the UN for every word you get right. It adds up-- 63 million grains of rice were donated yesterday.

Thanks for passing this along, Shirley.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 02:49:26 GMT

My visit to the Carnivore Preservation Trust in Pittsboro...

I did some volunteer work for an exotic animal shelter this weekend, which houses tigers, leopards, ocelots and binturongs. It was a unique experience to get within a few feet of some of these animals, especially knowing that a few of them could take me out with a single swipe.

This is a binturong. It's natural habitat is in the rainforest. The binturong is a close relative of the mongoose, but this species is very safe to be around.

I also got up close and personal with this tiger. Did you know that they are legal pets in some states (including North Carolina and Florida)? Very inspiring creatures, but not the best choice for a pet. Imagine the cost of feeding a half-ton carnivore. And they smell too-- I learned something new about tiger "spray." Males mark their territory by spraying urine and anal gland secretions. The guide likened it to a super soaker that shoots 30 to 40 feet away. So the next time you're behind a tiger that lifts its tail, watch out. If I had my choice though, I'd rather be behind a tiger than in front of one. Tigers have the greatest reputation as man-eaters, and they tend to attack from the rear.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 19:46:00 GMT

Widespread Mis-fortune

My friend, Wynn, came to visit me a few weeks ago (yes, people do come out to North Carolina) and we went out to a local Chinese restaurant. After paying the bill, he cracked open the first fortune cookie, read it, and scowled. Turning the fortune over to me, it read, "You will experience an impending crisis."

I laughed and offered him my cookie, consoling him that it would surely balance out with something positive. He reluctantly accepted the cookie, examined the new fortune, and gave me another dirty look. I had to laugh, because it read, "The truth hurts."

Apparently, he wasn't the only unfortunate one. The Wall Street Journal just released a feature about this and people are reacting to the new trend, with fortunes like, "It’s over your head now, time to get some professional help," and "Perhaps you’ve been focusing too much on yourself."

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 20:20:03 GMT

To my dear friend Richard (who looks like this icon)...

Congratulations on getting married.

Wishing you and the soon-to-be Mrs. Clean shiny roads for your journey ahead!

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Tue, 08 May 2007 03:18:38 GMT

Open auditions at Charlie's...

I figured, hey, why not?

It'll be fun with friends...

But wait a second, we're not really geeks...

Or are we?

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 19:48:51 GMT

Hanging out with Yul Kwon, the last Survivor.

http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Interviews-Features/Article/default.aspx?posting=%7BD29E8B5A-96A3-4CC0-8D07-9C43904BFA3B%7D

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 03:31:23 GMT

You ever wake up one day and wonder if you were actually dreaming about something that happened the day before?

That happened to me yesterday.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 03:54:54 GMT

On Guard!

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 00:56:18 GMT

What happens when Joshua Bell performs incognito during rush hour in DC?

The Washington Post conducted an experiment where Joshua Bell performed as a street musician during rush hour in Washington DC. Over 1,000 people saw him perform, but what do you think happened? Check out these three video clips of "the best classical musician in America." It's unbelievable.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html