Orchard Tornado

Check out this tornado!


The picture of this tornado was taken by Lori Mehmen of Orchard, Iowa, on June 10, 2008. Read the whole story here.

Pop or Soda?

Do you drink pop?

Or do you drink soda?

Depends on where you live. If you live in God's Country, you'd drink pop. Probably. At least I do.

The map below maps the various generic names for soft drinks used throughout the country, color-coded by county.


If you plan to travel anywhere this summer, be sure to check this map before leaving so you'll know how to properly request soft drinks wherever you go. Or, for fun, intentionally use the wrong generic name. Bwuahahahahaha!!!!

map from Gene Expression: Soda vs. Pop

NumberWang, The Numbers Game Show

NumberWang is the numbers-based game show that's sweeping the world. Enjoy!

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Here are some suggestions on what to get me for Father's Day, should you want to get me anything.

DVD National Treasure 2 - Book of Secrets (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)


DVD National Treasure (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)


DVD Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl (Three-Disc Special Edition)

This edition may be difficult/impossible to find.
DVD Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)


DVD Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

I used to have this, actually, but don't anymore. Bummer. :( So that's why it's on the list again. If you like a challenge, try to get the Best Buy version that includes a bonus "Best Buy exclusive" disc.


flash memory card memory stick pro duo (any size at least 1 GB)

book Liberal Fascism: The Secret History of the American Left, From Mussolini to the Politics of Meaning by Jonah Goldberg


music CD An Ancient Muse by Loreena McKennitt


Dilbert books This is the Part Where You Pretend to Add Value, Cubes and Punishment, or Positive Attitude




And, of course, things I always like:

• Starbucks French Roast coffee, pre-ground
• macadamia nuts
• Indy-edition whopper from Burger King
  
• mixed nuts sans peanuts
  
• M&Ms
• chocolate milkshake from McD's or Wendy's
  
• the new strawberry-flavored Mountain Dew... it's quite tasty!
  
• pizza
• lasagna
• Wok In Wok Out
• gift certificates: Barnes & Noble, and restaurant

And, of course, cards are nice, too. :)

Walking Can Be Dangerous

Walk Highlands is a web site dedicated to helping people pick walking routes across the Scottish Highlands. The site contains interesting pictures and information of these highland areas.

What really caught my attention was the disclaimer at the bottom of the web page about Glenelg Brochs: "Walking can be dangerous".

Always remember, gentle reader, walking can be dangerous. Beware!