Saturday, September 11, 2010

From The "Why Didn't I Think Of That" File



The Baggy Rack — Like having an extra pair of hands — no spilling!

Transfer food to a plastic bag without doing a juggling act. Rack holds the bag open so you can pour or fill using both hands. It won’t “slump” and spill contents on the counter, and stays upright as you work.

More info here.. or click the pic.

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Hmm Someone Called


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26 Of America's Most Beautiful Coastal Views


Pebble Beach #9 - Image Source

From towering Pacific Northwest sea stacks to mile upon mile of mirage-like tidal flats, these 10 littoral landscapes take ocean views to a new level.

People often talk about how moving the shore is—a place that relaxes, awakens, and recharges. Then there are those whom, well, it literally moves: “Our family loved going to the beach so much that we spontaneously picked up and moved our family of six there! No job, no plan, no idea whether we’d truly like it or not.... We just did it,” says Mike Ragsdale, formerly of Birmingham, AL, now of Santa Rosa Beach, FL. “That was almost four years ago, and we all agree it was the best thing we ever did as a family.”

What is it about ocean shorelines that has such power? They touch every sense: the redolence of fresh sea breeze, the sand underfoot, the sparkling sunsets, and the white noise of crashing waves. Whether you’re reclining on windswept sands or trekking across dizzying bluffs, the ebb and flow of the water is hypnotic, and its sheer expanse grounding. Something as vast as the ocean just puts all of life’s little worries into perspective.

“For me, it’s the freedom that comes with a coastal visit that’s particularly appealing,” says Jeanna Zelin, founder of Retreats by the Sea, which organizes luxury wellness getaways to such beachside destinations as Portland, ME; Santa Barbara, CA; and Chatham, MA. “You’re on vacation, so there’s no work to be done. Plus, the textures and scents and sounds of the surf carry your mind away—you turn off your left brain and just start feeling.”

Zelin’s lifelong affinity for the beach stems from childhood summers on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, where wild ponies roam on certain shores. Those on Shackleford Banks have a special story, says Zelin: “The origin of the Shackleford horses, according to my relatives in North Carolina, is a mystery—with the most common legend telling the story of Spanish mustangs swimming ashore from a wrecked ship.” Camping next to meandering horses, especially ones with such an exotic backstory, makes for the most romantic and rustic of beach scenes.

Treasures can be found along all of the United States’ coasts, 95 thousand miles of eastern, western, northern, and southern shoreline that exemplify the diversity our country has to offer. Rent a convertible, crank up some Beach Boys, and cruise down the glittery glam beaches that line California’s Pacific Coast Highway. Or, for a more isolated drive, try winding in and out of the majestic fjords draping southeast Alaska’s forested border, a haven for bald eagles and humpback whales.

So whether you crave a bracing hike along blustery seaside cliffs or a relaxed afternoon under the fiery sun, the U.S. has a shore to match your every mood—and views that will blow you away.

Tongass National Forest, AK
Alaska’s Tongass National Forest—the largest in the U.S.—is a rainforest (albeit a temperate one) on Alaska’s southern coast. All that precipitation makes for a spectacular landscape, with mist-obscured coves, mighty waterfalls, and North Pacific fjords as immense and enchanting as Norway’s. Plus, the extraordinary wildlife (think bald eagles, porcupines, black bears) is exactly what one dreams of in Alaska, and the activities are endless, from fly-fishing to sea kayaking.

Insider Tip: From May through the first week of September, Orvis’s eight-day Cruising Southeast Alaska package will help you access the hard-to-get-to spots on intimate ships, with onboard naturalists who accompany guests during onshore excursions.

Long Beach, WA
This 28-mile-long finger of land dips into the Pacific at just the spot where the Columbia River shoots into the ocean. While it may or may not be the “World’s Longest Beach,” as a sign asserts, it is most certainly among the most untouched and hasn’t changed much in the two centuries since Lewis and Clark finished their expedition there. Take in the same view of the magical sunlit shore they must have admired while walking the 8.5-mile Discovery Trail that traces part of their route or stroll along the half-mile wooden boardwalk resting on top of the dunes.

South Padre Island, TX
The beauty of the 34 miles of undeveloped beaches and dunes at Texas’s southernmost tip is best experienced in the pristine blue waters: sports fans can try windsurfing, kite-surfing, or sand-surfing. Board-free doesn’t mean bored, though: go for a horseback ride on the beach or paddle a kayak through back bays and inlets; jump a fishing charter or dolphin-watching cruise; or just drive out to the end of the northbound road, cross the dunes to an empty beach, and pretend you’re on a deserted island. Unwind at day’s end while watching the sunset behind the calm waters of the Laguna Madre Bay on the island’s western shore.

Continue to the complete article!

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Woof Woof


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Sad Eyes


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So cute - I wouldn't be able to resist!

A-Hem You Won The Duel




















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Remembering 9/11 - Budweiser

Friday, September 10, 2010

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Dream Theater Minus Portnoy



I am sickened.

The greatest drummer who has ever lived has just made the stupid decision to leave my favorite of all-time band. No, Neil Peart didn't leave Rush. But that's the only analogy I can think of, other than Michael Jordan Leaving the Bulls in 1993 to go play for the Lakers. Or maybe Jerry Seinfeld leaving his own show around season #5 or #6 and choosing to go start his own cooking show.

I am thoroughly sickened that someone would let go of their dream. I don't honestly know if it is Mike Portnoy's dream to be a major factor in Dream Theater for 25 years.. or much longer. It would be mine!

As I posted a few hours ago, Mike Portnoy has decided to leave Dream Theater. I have no idea what he's thinking. Perhaps he's drunk? Or smoking crack. A heroin binge? What a stupid thing to do. Avenged Sevenfold is who he's recently been touring with - filling in for them due to the death of their drummer. Avenged Sevenfold is 1/100th of what Dream Theater is! And the other side projects Portnoy is involved in are probably even less than that in the eyes of most of his fans. DT is MP (and John Petrucci), but more importantly MP is DT!

I honestly don't think I would be as upset and pissed at the same time had the guy been killed in a horrible accident or something! At least that would leave lasting memories of his legacy, legend, and future. As it is now, Dream Theater will certainly struggle to maintain what popularity they did have. In my opinion it was never as high as it should have been. A ton of the millions of DT fans would say that a lot of what DT did have - was in fact mostly because of Mike Portnoy.

I know the other guys are extremely talented, and I sincerely wish John Petrucci the best.. because it's gonna be even harder now. Holy cow..

C'mon Mike - please change your mind. Tons of us will never go to another DT concert without you there. Yeah you got that right.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Breaking News: Mike Portnoy's Leaving Dream Theater



Drummer Mike Portnoy, who has been working with Avenged Sevenfold since the death of drummer James "The Rev" Sullivan, has now issued the following announcement about parting ways with Dream Theater:

"I am about to write something I never imagined I'd ever write: After 25 years, I have decided to leave Dream Theater....the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter of a century. To many people this will come as a complete shock, and will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it is not a hasty decision...it is something I have struggled with for the last year or so....

"After having had such amazing experiences playing with Hail, Transatlantic and Avenged Sevenfold this past year, I have sadly come to the conclusion that I have recently had more fun and better personal relations with these other projects than I have for a while now in Dream Theater... Please don't misinterpret me, I love the DT guys dearly and have a long history, friendship and bond that runs incredibly deep with them...it's just that I think we are in serious need of a little break...

"Dream Theater was always my baby...and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985...24/7, 365...never taking time off from DT's never-ending responsibilites (even when the band was 'off' between cycles)...working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band...

"But I've come to the conclusion that the DT machine was starting to burn me out...and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my DT spirit hungry and inspired.

"We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here & there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a 'hiatus' to recharge our batteries and 'save me from ourselves.'

"Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather...I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be...

"While it truly hurts for me to even think of a Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy (hell, my father named the band!!), I do not want to stand in their way...so I have decided to sacrifice myself and simply leave the band so as to not hold them back against their wishes....

"Strangely enough, I just read an interview that I recently did that asked me about the future of DT and I talked about 'always following your heart and being true to yourself'...sadly I must say that at this particular moment, my heart is not with Dream Theater...and I would simply be 'going through the motions,' and would honestly NOT be true to myself if I stayed for the sake of obligation without taking the break I felt I needed.

"I wish the guys the best and hope the music and legacy we created together is enjoyed by fans for decades to come...I am proud of every album we made, every song we wrote and every show we played....

"I'm sorry to all the disappointed DT fans around the world...I really tried to salvage the situation and make it work...I honestly just wanted a break (not a split)...but happiness cannot be forced, it needs to come from within....

"You DT fans are the greatest fans in the world and as you all know, I have always busted my ass for you guys and I hope that you will stay with me on my future musical journey, wherever it may lead me....(and as you all know my work ethic, there will surely be no shortage of future MP projects!)

"Sadly... Your fearless ex-leader and drummer, MP"

Source - Via Vernon, thanks bud!

Here is Dream Theater's statement.

This truly breaks my heart.. More on this once I collect my thoughts and grieve a little lot.

Make Music With iNudge



Instructions:
* Select 1 of 8 different Sound Patterns from the small Matrixes icons on the right.
* Use your mouse to draw notes on each 16 Step Matrix.
* Adjust the volume of the iNudge.
* Click MORE for advanced adjustment abilities.
* For each Pattern, adjust Volume, Mute, Clear, or set Audio Pan from Left to Right.
* Click on the Tempo numbers and click up or down to change the overall Tempo.
* Make the nudge longer for more iteresting patterns with the PLUS button.
* Use Clear, Copy, Cut and Paste to edit your pattern faster.
* Get & Share allows you to Send Mail, Get Link, Get Embed code or Spread in communities.
* Use the Feedback Forum to tell us what you think, leave your comments or make suggestions.
* Check out MOST LISTENED and NEWEST iNudges too!

Click the iNudge banner image to go check it out - this is pretty cool!

These things (or programs just like them) come around from time to time, and I almost always enjoy them. It's the musician in me. Here's one I created, if you should be so inclined to check it out:



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The Keyboard Comes To Life




More of these here..

Ghost Ping Pong


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All About Coffees




































Click 2wice to embiggify..

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Mastering English


I take it you already know,
Of tough and bough and cough and dough.

Others may stumble, but not you,
On hiccough, thorough, laugh and through.

Well done! And now you wish, perhaps,
To learn of less familiar traps.

Image Source

Beware of heard, a dreadful word,
That looks like beard and sounds like bird.

And dead - it’s said like bed, not bead,
For goodness’ sake, don’t call it ‘deed’!

Watch out for meat and great and threat,
(They rhyme with suite and straight and debt).

A moth is not a moth in mother,
Nor both in bother, broth in brother.

And here is not a match for there,
Nor dear and fear for bear and pear.

And then there’s dose and rose and lose –
Just look them up – and goose and choose.

And cork and work and card and ward,
And font and front and word and sword.

And do and go and thwart and cart –
Come, come, I’ve hardly made a start!

A dreadful language? Why man alive!
I’d mastered it when I was five.

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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Look! A Bus Full Of Zooeys!


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Biggest Arsehole In The World



Hilarious!!

Haikus Don't Make Sense


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Junkhead

Full screen is mandatory!



Watch Layne.. Watch him close the whole song.....

Watch Jerry's solo.. Jerry's rhythm.. the structure!.. There isn't a better live recording of Alice in Chains. Period.

Now check out this live recording from 2006 - 15 years later. The same awesome song - their best. William DuVall proves his case here. And they reproduce the exact same sound as from 1991. Cantrell included! Cantrell, especially..



There will probably be more Alice In Chains reviews. I play the best. So come back.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Breast Cancer Awareness - Are You Obsessed With The Right Things?

removed

Over-shot It A Little


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Keep your eye on the launcher thingy.. Doh!

Sure looks real, but I'm sure it isn't.

Introducing: Injustice Down



Hey everyone I want to take a few moments to promote a brand new band of a couple friends of mine. Take a few seconds and go check out Injustice Down. These guys have a great sound, and deserve some serious respect.

Please go download their brand new single "Broken" at iTunes, and help their launch to fame! Click the pic!

Related: Hillbilly Fest Dot Com

Sunday, September 5, 2010

1964 Prediction Of The Future


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Vintage Camel Ad


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World Beer Flow Chart

























For a better view, click times two..

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NFL Fan Expense
































Click a couple times to enlarge..

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They forgot to mention that probably more than half of all these fans also play fantasy football. Not only does it have a serious effect on spectatorship, but it gets expensive too! Especially when you don't win.

Ice Dispenser Results


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It's crazy how there are so many more of them that don't work properly than those that do work properly.

Good Investments


Clicky clicky make it biggy biggy..

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- (NSFW)

Optical Illusions Extravaganza

~ A Feature post over at Dark Roasted Blend ~



Don't hurt your brain looking at these. Better yet, warp your brain into another dimension. Above: A classic example of topologically unique sculptures is the Moebius Strip. Emmanuel Lattes made probably the best presentation of this in recent memory: 3D Printed Double Moebius Strip. (More info here.)

It's easy to get dizzy just looking on these object, trying to process how they could possibly be constructed and where the mysterious "hidden joint, or break" is located. Today we are going to look at various illusion in shape, color, shadow and 3D perspective:





French magician Francis Tabary created many such strange objects, some placed in an outdoor garden environment - all of them head-scratching and eye-catching examples of 3D optical illusions:





How about an impossible door?





This little animation is fast becoming very popular - and no wonder: when you first look at the spinning girl, her rotation is probably clockwise. But if you start to concentrate on her shadow instead, suddenly her rotation switches to counter-clockwise! It may take some time, but the moment it happens, you are going to be genuinely surprised... (First seen here.)



Continue on to the full article - there's a TON more!

I'm Gonna Try This Sometime


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The Original Photobomb


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From the Seinfeld episode "The Slicer".