…if we didn’t have such an idiot for president (MP3 remixed from the first debate). Thanks Simone for the link.
Month: October 2004
How Do Americans Sleep at Night?
Between the cost of gas to all the problems around the world that could threaten our safety, it’s amazing we’re able to get any sleep at all.
Don’t Crap In The Woods
A soil scientist at Oregon State University has discovered that adding additional organic matter to Oregon’s forest soils may actually increase rather than hinder the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. So in other words, don’t crap in the woods, or you could put a hole in the ozone. Full story.
Another Reason to Avoid Nebraska
I’m sure kasey can think of a few more than this, but I know this is more than enough reason to me: Tommy Lee is moving to Nebraska to enroll at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and cameras will follow him around for a reality TV show. Apparently Hollywood is out of ideas. Full story.
For The Math Geeks
All of the problems at Nick’s Mathematical puzzles should be able to be solved with pre-college math, but they’re still pretty dang tricky. I used to love math class in highschool (didn’t take any math in college, despite getting a BS, because I challenged out of the classes I needed). I think I’ll keep myself less rusty and start plowing through these (yes, I am weird).
Beats Having A Bake Sale
We’ve all seen the kids going door-to-door selling candy, gift wrap, magazines, and all that kind of stuff to get funds for their school. But I can’t say that I’ve ever seen lingerie as a school fund raiser.
It’s National Roller Skating Month
And I know I’m excited. Really.
Apparently October is National Roller Skating Month and the spokesman for the campaign to get more kids to roller skate is none other than former UO Duck and benchwarmer NBA 2004 Slam Dunk champion Fred Jones.
The press release I linked to doesn’t include some fun quotes from a press release Barney sent me.
“Roller skating has always been a way to socialize, listen to music and play a few video games with your friends,” said Dan Brown, president of the Roller Skating Association International.
I don’t know, but I don’t think skating and playing video games at the same time is all that brilliant of an idea. I’m assuming they mean playing at the arcade at roller rinks, but I’m just making sure.
Roller skating indoors provides a safe, fun way to stay in shape and makes for a stronger and better body. “It’s also a great place to hang out with your friends, hear some good music and maybe even meet your first girlfriend,” said Jones with a smile.
Maybe it’s because I grew up here in Bend where the roller rink has pretty much sucked for years (until recent years when they got bought out and remodeling), but I can’t say ever wanted to date any of the women I saw at the roller rink.
Sample Florida Ballot
If Floridians have trouble with the Fisher Price voting machine, they’re going to have nothing but bad luck with this one.
The Race to Find a Rach III Pianist
Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto is one of the most difficult pieces a piano player could ever play. Most pianist wouldn’t even attempt it. It drove David Helfgott, the Australian prodigy portrayed in the movie Shine to a nervous breakdown. I’ve heard it. I’ve seen the music for it. My wife, a pianist (though she’ll never admit it) tried playing it really slow, and still couldn’t do it. It’s just that hard.
So what do you do when you’re the Oregon Symphony’s president, and you find out that your pianist that was scheduled to play the piece in your three-concert series has crippled his right hand so bad after the first concert that he’s unable to play? You panic, and then you call all around the country to find a last minute replacement that flies into Portland an hour before concert time after not playing the piece since March. Full story. Thanks Isacc for the link.
Denmark to Claim North Pole
Apparently Denmark is looking to claim the North Pole as an oil grounds for themselves, but I’m sure they’re just looking for Santa. Full story.