Jul 16 2010

The Luckiest People Alive!


May 2 2010

Chinese Chef Dies From Eel Stuffed Up His Butt

Doctors in Sichuan, China, found an eel up a 59-year-old man's rectum and the creature had eaten his bowels! The unnamed chef in China was passed out drunk and his friends played a prank on him which went horribly wrong.

WTF kind of sick "friends" are those?! What happened to the classic prank of just drawing dicks on the faces of passed out drinking buddies or posing them in precarious scenarios and taking photos? Crazy, crazy world today...


Mar 17 2010

Whitney Back on Crack?

Please say this not so! She has had such a well publicized comeback, it would truly be heartbreaking if she relapsed. But it does happen...


Mar 10 2010

WITOLA Turns One Year Old Today!

Well it's been a year here already. This started out as a idea to help me learn more about WordPress and manipulating the code for clients and other sites. I am happy with this creative outlet via word, picture or video.

So far looking at my Google stats I've had over 6,488 visitors and 40,385 page views. Pretty cool for a very low key site.

It has been great to share with family and friends my rants, ideas, experiences, etc. I will continue, thanks for stopping by!


Mar 2 2010

World Air Traffic View From Satellite

How many people do you think are in the sky at any given moment? In the video link below you will see air traffic around the world for 24 hours, taken from a satellite. You won't believe this! The yellow dots are airplanes in the sky during a 24 hour period. Click on the image to view the video or the link at the bottom of the post.

Stay with the picture. You will see the light of the day moving from the east to the west, as the Earth spins on it's axis. Also you will see the aircraft flow of traffic leaving the North American continent and traveling at night to arrive in the UK in the morning.

Then you will see the flow changing, leaving the UK in the morning and flying to the American continent in daylight. It is a 24 hour observation of all of the large aircraft flights in the world, condensed down to about 2 minutes. From space we look like a bee hive of activity.

You could tell it was summer time in the north by the sun's foot print over the planet. You could see that it didn't quite set in the extreme north and it didn't quite rise in the extreme south.

I have never seen this before. We are taught about the earth's tilt and how it causes summer and winter and have had to imagine just what is going on. With this 24 hour observation of aircraft travel on the earth's surface we get to see the daylight pattern move as well.

Remember watch the day to night..... Day is over in Australia when it starts.

WorldAirTraffic0-24h


Jan 8 2010

Solar Energy and Net Metering

A friend of mine wrote this article and I thought I would pass this on with his permission. Feel free to follow him as well on Twitter: @HDSolarguy.
Informative and definitely the future, hopefully. Come on people these are the United States... get it together!
Earlier this week, along with 8,000 other people in my neighborhood, we lost power for about 12 hours due to some problem with an electrical cable a few miles from our house. And a LOT of my friends wrote to say, "Hey, I thought you had solar power... how come your power went out?" So I thought I would take a minute to explain.

In the middle of the day, when the sun is overhead, solar panels usually make more power than your house can use. In the old days (pre-2000), you would need to store this extra power in batteries for use at night and whenever the sun was not shining.

This type of solar (called off-grid, since you are basically disconnected from the power line), was very complicated, inefficient and expensive. It's one of the reasons solar didn't catch on for a very long time.

Then, about 12 years ago, many states (including CA) passed net metering laws that forced the electric utilities to buy back any extra solar power you were producing and give you full credit for it.

Most renewable energy is intermittent -- it comes and goes -- so that sometimes, you have too much energy and sometimes, not enough.

With net metering, you stay connected to the power company (on-grid solar) and in the middle of the day, your meter runs BACKWARD for credit as you sell the extra power to the power company. Then, at night, you buy back the power you need and the meter goes forward again.

(Note: There is a great little 5-min video on this at http://www.stellarsolar.net/how.html)

In California (and many other states), you only pay your power bill annually and you pay the net difference between what you've produced and what you've used. If you produce and use the same amount, your net power bill is $0.

Depending on state laws where you live, you may even be able to get extra money back at the end of the year if you produce more power than you use. Imagine that... a power check instead of a power bill. California just passed such a law but is still deciding how to calculate the rates on this extra power; we may not get paid the full rate for it, time will tell.

And this, dear friends, is why solar is still not more widely deployed in these United States. Not because it is too expensive (you can currently produce solar power for about one-third to one-half of what your power company charges).

The problem is that the net metering laws are different in all 50 states and in many of them, you do not get paid full price for your "extra" electricity, even though the power company re-sells it to the business community, usually at a higher price than you would pay as a homeowner.

In fact, there are still five states in which net metering is actually illegal! Missouri recently passed a net metering law in which the utility must pay you no more than $.03 per kWh even though they sell it for over twice that much.

This creates a number of problems for the future of solar energy but there is a simple solution and you may hear more about it this Spring. It's called "National Net Metering" legislation and it would set a common standard for buying and selling solar power -- for everyone, no matter where you live.

The bad news is that it will probably not be discussed alone but in concert with many other even more "controversial" bills dealing with climate change, carbon reduction and cap-and-trade.

But to really understand how important net metering is, just imagine what our economy would be like if the internet were still a one-way pipe into your home... with only a handful of service-providers and the rest of us forced to play the role of consumers (only).

Net metering (and solar power) transform the power line to your house into a two-way pipe and change you from an energy consumer into a part-time energy producer.

As such, net metering is more than just a way to own your own power source (with about a 5-year payback). It also provides a gateway for anyone to participate in the global economy, buying and selling power (which has actual cash value as measured by your electric meter), but produced cleanly and profitably: it is as revolutionary as Napster -- but not for music, for electricity!

P.S. - You can check on the status of Net Metering in any state at http://www.dsireusa.org/

P.P.S - Google just created a subsidiary called "Google Energy" and has applied to FERC for permission to buy and sell power. See http://bit.ly/8qIK5a


Dec 16 2009

A Politically Correct Holiday… Bah Humbug!

capitol_christmas_tree_1995_2A friend sent this to me and I found myself laughing out loud at the ridiculousness of political correctness over the holidays. Kinda takes the fun out of just having a nice time with good intentions.

Company Memo

FROM:    Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO:        All Employees
DATE:    October 1, 2009
RE:        Gala Christmas Party

I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks!  We'll have a small band playing traditional carols...feel free to sing along.  And don't be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A Christmas tree will be lit at 1:00 PM.  Exchanges of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over $10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets.  This gathering is only for employees!
Our CEO will make a special announcement at that time!
Merry Christmas to you and your family,
Patty

Company Memo
FROM:     Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO:         All Employees
DATE:     October 2, 2009
RE:         Gala Holiday Party
In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees.  We recognize that Hanukkah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year.  However, from now on, we're calling it our "Holiday Party."  The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians and to those still celebrating Reconciliation Day.  There will be no Christmas tree and no Christmas carols will be sung.  We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.
Happy now?
Happy Holidays to you and your family,
Patty

Company Memo

FROM:   Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO:       All Employees
DATE:    October 3, 2009
RE:        Holiday Party

Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table, you didn't sign your name..  I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only", you wouldn't be anonymous anymore.  How am I supposed to handle this?  Somebody?
And sorry, but forget about the gift exchange, no gifts are allowed since the union members feel that $10.00 is too much money and the executives believe $10.00 is a little chintzy.

REMEMBER: NO GIFTS EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.

Company Memo

FROM:    Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
To:        All Employees
DATE:    October 4, 2009
RE:        Generic Holiday Party
What a diverse group we are!  I had no idea that December 20th begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party!  Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs.  Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party or else package everything for you to take it home in little foil doggy baggy.  Will that work?
Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet, and pregnant women will get the table closest to the restrooms.
Gays are allowed to sit with each other.

Lesbians do not have to sit with Gay men; each group will have their own table.
Yes, there will be flower arrangement for the Gay men's table.
To the person asking permission to cross dress, the Grill House asks that no cross-dressing be allowed, apparently because of concerns about confusion in the restrooms. Sorry.
We will have booster seats for short people. Low-fat food will be available for those on a diet.
I am sorry to report that we cannot control the amount of salt used in the food.  The Grill House suggests that people with high blood pressure taste a bite first. There will be fresh "low sugar" fruits as dessert for diabetics, but the restaurant cannot supply "no sugar" desserts. Sorry!

Did I miss anything?!?!?
Patty

Company Memo

FROM:    Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO:        All F*%^ing Employees
DATE:    October  5, 2009
RE:        The F*%^ing Holiday Party
I've had it with you vegetarian pricks!!!  We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it, and you'll get your f*%^ing salad bar, including organic tomatoes.  But you know, tomatoes have feelings, too.  They scream when you slice them.  I've heard them scream.  I'm hearing them scream right NOW!
The rest of you f*%^ing wierdos can kiss my *ss.  I hope you all have a rotten holiday! Drive drunk and die,

The B*tch from H*ll!!!

Company Memo

FROM:   Joan Bishop, Acting Human Resources Director
DATE:   October 6, 2009
RE:       Patty Lewis and Holiday Party
I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Patty Lewis a speedy recovery and I'll continue to forward your cards to her.
In the meantime, management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd off with full pay.
Happy Holidays!
Joan


Dec 2 2009

Nazi Mystery: Twins from Brazil, National Geographic Explorer

In just a one mile radius in a secluded town deep in Brazil, there are 80 families with blond, blue-eyed twins, a rate nearly 1,000% above the global average! Many believe that this phenomenon is the result of escaped Nazi scientist Joseph Mengele, who may have continued his experiments to build an Aryan master race in this town.

mengele-scrapbook-image

Known as the Angel of Death, Josef Mengele spent years doing medical experiments on Auschwitz inmates, primarily interested in twins. After the war he eventually escaped to South America and stayed in hiding until his death in 1979.

Pretty creepy and an amazing ad for Seiko watches! Read more here.


Jun 14 2009

I will always call it the Del Mar Fair

img_0809Well today was our annual trek to the Del Mar Fair, currently the San Diego County Fair, but I can't seem to bring myself to say the longer version, to see the latest gadgets, gizmos, flowers, woodwork, photography, and culinary delights.

People watching is always fun and a carni-folk afternoon is worth the price of admission. With the high price of parking and entry tickets (we had already paid $46 before we hit the gates...) Dave and I discussed how we had no idea how parents can bring their families and afford the day. It must be a $200-$300 day event and definitely something that must be saved up for in these economically challenged times.

We entered to the fine aroma of corn grilling on the open coals! A quick slab of butter, a shaker of seasoned salt and Parmesan cheese and I was reveling in the fact I had for once planned ahead and lost 12 pounds a few weeks prior. Not an ounce of guilt today!

img_0807We made the rounds of food booths; looking at everything from deep-fried Twinkies, Snickers and now even Reeses bars to the 10lb BBQ Turkey drumsticks, pizza, Australian potato chips, battered artichoke hears, sausage and beef sandwiches to mesquite chicken and settled on a pastrami grilled sandwich with jalapenos for Dave and a grilled Mediterranean chicken kabob for me... delicious!

img_0812Next we made our way over to the flower section. I am taken back at the brilliance of nature and these amazing astrids, dahilas, orchids and roses take my breath away. The images don't do justice and the fragrance was heavenly.

We then cruised the endless booths where we dodged parents who thought they can command the right-of-way because the have strollers, countless fashion-risk-takers, arguing couples, ice cream dripping children, men eating wedges of fudge standing at tool exhibits, women who should not be wearing cut off belly showing shirts, and speeding wheel chair kamikazes. The food gadget salespeople, Cham-wow pitchmen, jacuzzi displays and latest in food storing and cookware were endless as were the Russian doll and spiritual Targot card readers! I even got a new wallet and Dave a few tool items.

img_0822img_0825Next we found the wonderful Chinese chair massage booth, had a quick 10-minute pick me up rub down and hit the ground running to see the rest of Carnitown. After a few hours and what seemed like miles, we found refuge in two wonderful massage chairs and worked the remotes for a while.

After that we went outside to watch the bunji jumpers try and hold their food in, and weaved through the crowds over to the woodwork and photography buildings. As we made our way out we came across the Web Design entries that were relegated to the back of a stairwell. I had no idea that there was a Web Design exhibit and made a mental note to submit next year for sure.

img_0827img_0828Well, one last snack for me was a cherry lemonaide and a Hot dog on a Stick, slathered in mustard. Although my dogs were barking I passed on the infamous Footsie-Whootsie machine; I had no more spare change! No dinner tonight, I am happy, content and shared another laugh filled day with my favorite person. More pictures in the Photos page...


May 27 2009

San Francisco Adventures Day 2 – Part 1

img_0630

Holy smokes, it feels like I have been here a long time already and it has only been day two.

Today found us waking up after not much sleep to eating some breakfast, drinking two double espressos and showers. We were out the door by 11am to traipse about The City and show Kenny my past. After yesterday's mad hiking, we decided it best to drive and walk today.

We first headed to the Haight to pick up some putty for my fake Austin Powers teeth and my super model photo shoot. Long story short while Kenny was at SDSU after I left he took a photography class and asked if I would model for him for a project. I brought my Austin Power teeth and coke bottle glasses to distract and Alvin was born! So we decided to take pictures of Alvin all over San Francisco. They will be in another post after I get them from Kenny, good times and terribly funny.

img_0599Anyways, after we drove up Haight to Stanyon to Fredrick to Lincoln Boulevard, we went directly into the Sunset District where I grew up and came to 1487 27th Avenue - the streets, the neighborhood, the whole Sunset - has changed so much! Looking at the house and garage, I am amazed at how my dad parked the Ford LTD Station Wagon in there!

Memories I think are best kept as just that, nothing compares to them. My childhood home looked SO SMALL and nothing looked like I remembered at all.

Then we made our way down to St. Ignatius College Prep where I attended high school, down to Ocean Beach and the Zoo, went along Lake Merced where I fished off the dock with friends, over to the Great Highway and up the coast to the Cliff House. We walked around and took some pix and then up California Street and detoured to the Palace of the Legion of Honor and posed with the Thinker statue by Rodin. Then out past the Lincoln Park golf course, to Sea Cliff and then hit Clement Street for Chinese at Yet Wah. Delicious, but the memories of going with Dave and the flavors were just not the same.

img_0601img_0606img_0643img_0669img_06721img_0673

We then went to Peets for a pick up, before driving through Pacific Heights, down and through the Marina to Chrissy Field and out to Fort Point at the Golden Gate where we helped celebrate it's 72nd birthday today!

Then we hit Highway 1 through the Presidio and made our way back to where I went to grammar school, St. Annes. The church was closed! I wanted a photo shoot damn it! Oh well, off we went down to the Sunset again, and hit up the Windmills, Soccer Fields and live Bison area. We looped around the museums of the De Young and the California Academy of Sciences and rounded Stow Lake and the Chinese Pavillion.

Driving back to Kenny's place to crash on the couch, we passed the Painted Ladies Victorians which are always featured in movies of San Francisco. Whew, what a day and it's only 5:30pm.

Tonight we are supposed to see a drag queen friend of Kenny's named Cookie Dough, should be interesting, but we'll see... it's been a long day. Pictures of this excursion are on my Photos page, enjoy!