ML-L3

ML-L3, originally uploaded by Chris1051.

Enabled me to get some great night shots and a cheesy self portrait.

Tonight's Moon

Waxing Crescent Crop, originally uploaded by Chris1051.

I took some photos of the moon and some constellations. I couldn't get a good one of Saturn but Got great ones of Orion, Ursa Major, Pleiades, Taurus and Cassiopeia. I cant wait for the spring clear nights. The remote worked really well. You can see the new Star gazing and Moon gazing set here.

Storm approaching

Storm approaching, originally uploaded by Chris1051.

No... time... to... upload photos... So I'll post an old one.

Goodnight people.

Happy Fred

Happy Fred, originally uploaded by Kevin In Canada.

Gotta lighten the mood.

Barack Obama Smear campaign

There are still a lot of shitty emails going out to the evangelical base. Filled with untruths and scare mongering. Some go almost to the point of calling him the antichrist.

For reference here is the stupid email:

Subject: The Obama Tidal Wave

We are witnessing a political phenomenon with Barack Obama of rare
magnitude. His speeches have inspired millions and yet most of his followers
have no idea of what he stands for except platitudes of "Change" or that he
says he will be a Uniterian. The power of speech from a charismatic person
truly can be a powerful thing. Certainly Billy Graham had charisma and both
his manner of speech and particularly the content changed millions. On the
extreme other hand, the charisma of Adolph Hitler inspired millions and the
results were catastrophic. Barack Obama certainly is no Hitler or a Billy
Graham, but for many Americans out there feeling just like a surfer who
might be ecstatic and euphoric while riding a tidal wave, the real story is
what happens when it hits shore.
Just Some of What Defines Barack Obama:

• He voted against banning partial " birth abortion.
• He voted no on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions.
• Supports affirmative action in Colleges and Government.
• In 2001 he questioned harsh penalties for drug dealing.
• Says he will deal with street level drug dealing as minimum wage affair.
• Admitted marijuana and cocaine use in high school and in college.
• His religious convictions are very murky.
• He is willing to meet with Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, Kim Jung Il andMahmoud Ahmadinejad.
• Has said that one of his first goals after being elected would be to have a conference with all Muslim nations.
• Opposed the Patriot Act.
• First bill he signed that was passed was campaign finance reform.
• Voted No on prohibiting law suits against gun manufacturers.
• Supports universal health-care.
• Voted yes on providing habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees.
• Supports granting driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.
• Supports extending welfare to illegal immigrants.
• Voted yes on comprehensive immigration reform.
• Voted yes on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security.
• Wants to make the minimum wage a "living wage".
• Voted with Democratic Party 96 percent of 251 votes.
• Is a big believer in the separation of church and state.
• Opposed to any efforts to Privatize Social Security and instead supports increasing the amount of tax paid.
• He voted No on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax
• He voted No on repealing the "Death" Tax
• He wants to raise the Capital Gains Tax.
• Has repeatedly said the surge in Iraq has not succeeded.
• He is ranked as the most liberal Senator in the Senate today and that takes some doing.

If your political choices are consistent with Barack Obama's and you think
that his positions will bring America together or make it a better place,
then you will probably enjoy the ride and not forward this Email. If you
are like most Americans that after examining what he stands for, are truly
not in line with his record, it would be prudent to get off the wave or
better yet, never get on, before it comes on shore and undermines the very
foundations of this great Country. We have limited time to save America or
the Supreme Court as we know it. Inaction is action.

If you agree this is important, pass it on. The mainstream media will not
do it for you!

I did a rush response and I know I missed a few things but this irked me.

Quote:

Quote by: Stupid Email Subject: The Obama Tidal Wave We are witnessing a political phenomenon with Barack Obama of rare magnitude. His speeches have inspired millions and yet most of his followers have no idea of what he stands for except platitudes of "Change" or that he says he will be a Uniterian. The power of speech from a charismatic person truly can be a powerful thing. Certainly Billy Graham had charisma and both his manner of speech and particularly the content changed millions.

Oh geez Already a evangelical reference. I can see where this one is going

Quote:

Quote by: Stupid Email On the extreme other hand, the charisma of Adolph Hitler inspired millions and the results were catastrophic.

Absolutely pointless reference used as a tool for scare mongering.

Quote:

Quote by: Stupid Email Barack Obama certainly is no Hitler or a Billy Graham, but for many Americans out there feeling just like a surfer who might be ecstatic and euphoric while riding a tidal wave, the real story is what happens when it hits shore. Just Some of What Defines Barack Obama: He voted against banning partial " birth abortion.

Uhhh, no he didn’t. The bill in question was up for a vote on 13 March 2003. Almost 2 years before Obama assumed office in the senate. What a way to stir up the evangelical right.

Quote:

Quote by: Stupid Email He voted no on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions.

More stiring up the evangelical right. You can look at Obama’s voting record here The only issue about abortion he did vote yes for was this

Quote:

Quote by: Votesmart Unintended Pregnancy Amendment Official Title of Legislation: S AMDT 244 to S Con Res 18: To expand access to preventive health care services that reduce unintended pregnancy (including teen pregnancy), reduce the number of abortions, and improve access to women's health care. Project Vote Smart's Synopsis: Vote to adopt an amendment to the Senate's 2006 Fiscal Year Budget that allocates $100 million for the prevention of unintended pregnancies. Highlights: - Increases funding and access to family planning services - Funds legislation that requires equitable prescription coverage for contraceptives under health plans - Funds legislation that would create and expand teen pregnancy prevention programs and education programs concerning emergency contraceptives Senate Amendment Passage Vote: 03/17/2005: Rejected: 47 - 53: Recorded Vote Number: 75. Senate Passage Vote: 03/17/2005: Passed: 51 - 49: Record Vote Number: 81. NOTE: Senate incorporated S Con Res 18 in H Con Res 95 as an amendment. Last Updated: 10/24/2005 For further status information, call the Voter's Research Hotline at 1-888-VOTE-SMART (1-888-868-3762).

Sounds OK to me

Quote:

Quote by: Stupid Email Supports affirmative action in Colleges and Government. In 2001 he questioned harsh penalties for drug dealing. Says he will deal with street level drug dealing as minimum wage affair. Admitted marijuana and cocaine use in high school and in college. His religious convictions are very murky.

The war on drugs has never worked, and never will work.
Who gives a flying Fuck what his religious convictions are? Where does it say in the constitution that someone has to be a Christian to be president? It doesn’t. Even back during the penning of the constitution, it was generally known, that ones religion is kept to oneself.

Quote:

Quote by: Stupid Email He is willing to meet with Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, Kim Jung Il andMahmoud Ahmadinejad. Has said that one of his first goals after being elected would be to have a conference with all Muslim nations.

So what the fuck is wrong with talking? I thought that’s what leaders were supposed to do. Didn’t Reagan have a dialog with Gorbachev? I suppose this email is geared towards the "bomb first, ask questions later" crowd.

Quote:

Quote by: Stupid Email Opposed the Patriot Act. First bill he signed that was passed was campaign finance reform. Voted No on prohibiting law suits against gun manufacturers. Supports universal health-care. Voted yes on providing habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. Supports granting driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. Supports extending welfare to illegal immigrants. Voted yes on comprehensive immigration reform. Voted yes on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security. Wants to make the minimum wage a "living wage".

1 – Patriot Act was signed Oct 26, 2001 more than 3 years and 3 months BEFORE Obama was a senator.
2 – Meaningless.
3 – Nothing wrong with that.
4 – Certainly nothing wrong with that.
5 – nothing wrong with that
6 – 10 couldn’t find anything on driving licenses but Bush has supported each and every measure outlined here with regard to illegal immigration. I place high doubt with regard to Social security – as I cant find a single bill that mentions this here
11 – nothing wrong with that.

Quote:

Quote by: Stupid Email Voted with Democratic Party 96 percent of 251 votes. Is a big believer in the separation of church and state. Opposed to any efforts to Privatize Social Security and instead supports increasing the amount of tax paid. He voted No on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax He voted No on repealing the "Death" Tax He wants to raise the Capital Gains Tax.

1 - Who gives a Fuck? The same can be said with any senator on both sides of the aisle.
2 – Uhhhh, Its in the goddammed constitution you dumbasses.
3 – I agree – Why would you want to privatize SS?
4 – Uhhh No he didn’t
5 – It was a combined bill, and I agree with his vote.
6 - False He didn't vote on the capital gains tax.

Quote:

Quote by: Stupid Email Has repeatedly said the surge in Iraq has not succeeded. He is ranked as the most liberal Senator in the Senate today and that takes some doing. If your political choices are consistent with Barack Obama's and you think that his positions will bring America together or make it a better place, then you will probably enjoy the ride and not forward this Email. If you are like most Americans that after examining what he stands for, are truly not in line with his record, it would be prudent to get off the wave or better yet, never get on, before it comes on shore and undermines the very foundations of this great Country. We have limited time to save America or the Supreme Court as we know it. Inaction is action. If you agree this is important, pass it on. The mainstream media will not do it for you!

1- no references, and um, Iraq is a huge quagmire and the "surge" is only working in the minds of the neocons.
2- Ranked “most liberal” by Who? The unnamed author of this stupid email? It certainly doesn’t reflect in Obama’s voting record. If anything he is more moderate than some senators. I like how that part where it says “If you are like most Americans” Uhh in case you retards forgot, the Dems won huge victories in 2004. I don’t know where they get that “most Americans” BS from.

I cant win

Back in Dec My 4th Gen iPod finally died. And I bought a replacement (the iPod Nano 8GB 3rd Gen Product RED) Which was brilliant. I tried testing it on my fm transmitter and there must have been some water in the transmitter, cause the iPod died as soon as I placed it in the transmitter. So I blame it on the accident first, but I should have known better.

I am pissed. But its still under warranty. So I go to the genius bar tomorrow. And they are hopefully going to replace it.

We will see.

SO now I loaded all my podcasts into the nüvi® 350 But the car mount is playing up now (water may have shorted out the charger mount)

Mad...

Old ass link still working

This is an excellent dark D & B set from feb 2005. The only flaw is the volume level being off here and there. But Fanu says it is the fault of 98.6 FM It was broadcast for radio Szolfézs.

Dark ass D & B

From back in the day

I dont believe in supernatural BS but this track is awesome.

Commute home

MaxSpeed, originally uploaded by Chris1051.

Making my way north

I'm afraid I had a slight accident

DownBelowfe, originally uploaded by Chris1051.

Friday we had some freezing rain and then it started to snow. Having spent 3 years in Alaska an 3 years in Boston I -out of instinct - tried to recover out of a fishtail. Which would have been fine had the embankment been small or not as steep. I had a complete flashback from the infamous Smooth Rock Falls, ON incident of 2003. Or the even more infamous Flats incident of 1998. But this time I was driving the poorly engineered Ford Ranger as opposed to the superior design of the Subaru Outback. (The Flats - I wasn't even driving). It was so snowy, they couldn't tow it last night. And they (the State Trooper) said I was responsible for towing it out. So today I went down and did that. In this photo You see the drivers side door, and I tried to open it while upside down and it didnt open so I had to roll the window down to escape. I believe the seat belt saved my life. The airbags did not deploy. I walked away with minor injuries. Seemingly unscathed. (bruises, body aches, a super massive headache). The photos have been poorly edited using MS paint. (I never get my photos on explore because I don't use photoshop Or edit them in any way) I edited them cause I don't want to reveal my place of employment.

Be sure and look at the flickr set

Can we end the war now?

Can we end the war now?, originally uploaded by Chris1051.

No really. Its now going to cost us 3 Trillion dollars (thats a 3 followed by 12 zeros) and we have lost 3974 US personnel as of today. (thats not including any maimed or mentally injured. I can imagine all 3974 of those people had at least one person who loved them -whose lives have been forever changed. For a mistake. For people pushing an agenda fast tracking approval through the congress.

This number - 3974 also doesnt include UK dead (175 as of today) and other "coalition" deaths (133 as of today) It doesn't include civilian "collateral damage" deaths either. Of whom no one is counting except Iraq Body Count

And gas today in Nashville is $3.19 And its as if those $300 checks are really going to help the economy. I'll tell you what will help the economy its to get out of Iraq and stop spending $7,400,000.00 PER HOUR

Now there's an idea.

A blow against creationists

Fig 1.1 Some creationists believe dinosaurs and humans coexisted, throwing out all contradicting geologic evidence as well as logic and common sense.


A small victory in the larger battle that is creationism in schools.

AUSTIN – Veteran State Board of Education member Pat Hardy of Fort Worth was defeating a challenger in the GOP primary Tuesday night, holding off an effort by social conservatives to gain a working majority on the politically divided board.

Victory by Ms. Hardy, a former high school teacher and current curriculum adviser in the Weatherford school district, in the GOP primary would virtually assure her of another term because no Democrat has filed for the post.

The Fort Worth Republican had been targeted by some social conservative groups for her independent voting ways and her frequent opposition to a bloc of seven social conservatives on the 15-member board.

Social conservatives threw their support behind Cleburne urologist Barney Maddox, known for his strong support of creation science and calls to revamp textbooks used in classrooms across Texas.

After some victories and some defeats, the creationism battle will continue to torment us.

It got cold

A weather front moved in and it got a bit cold. Which is fine cause we don't want plants to bloom thinking its spring and then die afterwards when it gets cold. I enjoyed the 70 deg (22 deg c) weather we had this weekend, and the timing could not have been better. But we don't want system wide damage to plants and trees like we had in 2007.


I was grasping at straws looking for a good photo to compliment the blog post but I couldn't find one. Sorry. The above is a screen shot, a resistance table for calibrating a temperature sensor.

Darwin

Darwin, originally uploaded by Chris1051.

Instead of putting "God" on our money we should change it to showcase some of America's best achievements in science. (Like our accomplishments in space, Maybe a man on the moon image or a space shuttle launching. )

Also some color would be nice. (not the color currently in use by the treasury, where it looks like someone wiped their ass with my $20)

And you gotta just love a country that puts a portrait of Charles Darwin on the 2nd most used bank note. the £10.

Imagine

I just bought some tracks from John Lennon and Plastic Ono Band.

People really need to listen to the lyrics of this song.




A close second is this song (please listen and understand the lyrics to both)

Taking a dump at work

via videosift.com

Cool Lunar Eclipse video

[Learning is Fun] Density

Density = mass /volume

Diet cola is less dense than regular cola. If you took a diet Pepsi and a regular Pepsi and placed them in a bucket of water, the regular Pepsi would sink, while the diet Pepsi would float. The reason is because the regular Pepsi is more dense than water -probably due to the fact that the manufacturer packed 41g of sugar in to a 355ml can. (around 7 teaspoons of sugar equivalent)

Here's another learning fun bit about density. Saturn is less dense than water. So if you had a scoop of Saturn, it would float in your bathtub.

[Learning is Fun] Lunar Orbit

Moon5crop, originally uploaded by Chris1051.

1 Lunar Orbit = 23.7 days on earth = 655.2 hours

[Learning is Fun] C = ?

Speed of Light, originally uploaded by jpctalbot.

C = 299,752,458 m/s

C = 1,079,252,848.8 km/h