I just felt like posting some odd tidbits that have been rattling around in my brain. I have a few posts in the queue that are in the process of being tweaked, some to their death. But that’s the system I use and it works for me. At least until I discover another system.
You may have noticed that I have been dicking around with my header image again. I don’t know why. Most other blogs keep a static picture. I guess I just can’t seem to make up my mind. I simply love the photo above. It is not my rocket but one of Elvis’s that he launched at Balls in 06. The motor was an Ammonium Nitrate magnesium motor that over pressurized at about 500′ altitude. It then proceeded to burn and smoke for another few minutes providing lots of photo ops for the people who are a bit slow on the old shutter. The motor was later cut down on a lathe and used the next year to fly Norbert on a Dragons breath L.
On to the tidbits…
Tidbit #1
The Olympics
Where can I watch the coverage of the cool sports?
I would like to watch the shooting and fencing events.
Did you know that Americans are doing well in these events?
Mariel Zangunis won a Gold medal in the Women’s Individual Sabre
Vincent Hancock won a Gold medal in Men’s Skeet
Matthew Emmons won a Silver medal in Men’s 50m Rifle Prone
Sada Jacobson won a Silver medal in Women’s Individual Sabre
Kimberly Rhode won a Silver medal in Women’s Skeet
Corey Cogdell won a Bronze medal in Women’s Trap
Jason Turner won a Bronze medal in Men’s 10m Air Pistol
Eller Walton won a Gold medal in Men’s Double Trap
Tim Morhouse, Jason Rogers, Keeth Smart, and James Williams won Silver in Men’s Team Sabre
Thats 3 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze medals that were not covered or even mentioned TV.
I guess I have to subscribe to ESPN 8 the “OCHO” to see the Olympic coverage I want.
Too bad it doesn’t exist.
Tidbit #2
Political ads.
Political ads are becoming so formulaic that it’s laughable. A high school class presidential canidate could write a better commercial on a single poster, and many probably do.
Political ad formula:
- Project opponent as stupid, extreme, crooked, or on the take.
- Show bad photo of opponent and color it so they either look evil or twisted hopefully both.
- Play threatening music.
- Convey the message that there is a serious problem that needs to be fixed and how the opponent didn’t do anything of voted against solving the problem.
- Change the tone of the music and show a friendly and colorful candidate.
- Claim with out any evidence that the candidate will change everything and solve the problem.
Most of the time, it seams, both candidates use the same formula against each other. The public is faced with a choice between an evil, extreme, crooked Democrat, or a twisted, stupid, Republican on the take.
I find most of these ads amusing simply because of the problems the candidates profess to solve. I believe that most of these problems are either not solvable through legislation or are caused by legislation.
How about a different approach to campaign ads?
Flounder ad formula:
- Leave your opponent out of the commercial.
- Tell the audience what you did so far.
- Tell the audience what you’re going to do.
- Shut up sit down and wait for the votes.
Campaign ads should be considered a job application. Tell us why we should hire you, not why your opponent is a dirt bag.
Tidbit #3
Temple
I was driving home the other day in my HPM while listening to Rush. No not that Rush, the Canadian band that should have more influence.
It occurred to me that the message that Rush delivers in their lyrics are just as relevant today, as they were in 1976….
Are we already worshiping the Priests of the Temple of Syrinx?
We’ve taken care of everything
The words you hear, the songs you sing
The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes
Its one for all, all for one
We work together, common sons
Never need to wonder how or why…..
I feel like Tom Swayer.
No, his mind is not for rent
to any God or government.
Always hopeful, yet discontent,
He knows changes aren’t permanent,
But change is….
I guess its time to ride the river.
-pf
Prairie Flounder 
Always wondered what-in-the-Hell Geddy Lee was saying . . .
I understand. I had to listen religiously for years to understand Geddy. Its getting much easier now that he is getting older, his voice can’t go as high!
-pf
– love the header: it reminds me of the first Star Wars for some reason.
– In Japan they only show events with Japanese competitors in them (with very few exceptions). But I think many countries do this. Like the “Ocho” reference.
– Political ads are insulting to people’s intelligence, but they must work or they wouldn’t do it. I guess some people’s intelligence aren’t easily insulted. As a Canadian, I always find it amazing that “religion” and “military service” are emphasized so much in U.S. elections; it’s not usually mentioned at all in Canadian ones.
– 2 years ago Rush were doing a tour of South America and I was amazed how big they were down there: bordering on the U2, Rolling Stones, and Oasis levels. I’ve always loved them. I’ve always wanted a Red Barchetta!
Oh my. Now that you mention it the header photograph looks like a viper from Battle Star Galactica!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonial_Viper
-pf
I can’t stop playing with my header either. Or maybe I just like playing with Photoshop. Not sure.