Out of the Frying Pan

Something you may not have considered: cats and clementines

Clementines are still in season. Have you thought of stacking them on your cat's paws?

But there's more!

You haven't seen it all...

Solo effort!

And the mesmerizing finale...

Trick

Maybe you've heard this before. I hadn't and think it's kind of a cool trick.

Take the last 2 digits of your birth year add them to how old you will be this year. The sum will be 111.

Life in the teleconverter lane

Despite good advice I was given, a 2x teleconverter for my 500mm lens was at the top of my Christmas list. It really must be used with a tripod, but this time it was just supported by my left arm as I focused (no auto-focus with THIS kit) and snapped with my right. What a blast.

Below is the same frame, 50mm. Fun -- and I'm looking forward to taking some decent photos soon. Or sometime ;)

Everybody dance!

Ramping up for US Thanksgiving, get on your feet: The Original Gratitude Dance. And when you're done, check out gratefulness.org, where they're "building a worldwide Network for Grateful Living". HT Polly Smith for the video

Book quix, redux

A few years ago, I got Stranger in a Strange Land. I'm happier with this result, mainly because I so admire Barbara Tuchman.

You're The Guns of August!
by Barbara Tuchman
Though you're interested in war, what you really want to know is what causes war. You're out to expose imperialism, militarism, and nationalism for what they really are. Nevertheless, you're always living in the past and have a hard time dealing with what's going on today. You're also far more focused on Europe than anywhere else in the world. A fitting motto for you might be "Guns do kill, but so can diplomats."
Take the Book Quiz at the Blue Pyramid.

Reinventing the wedding march

As usual with youtube embeds, this one doesn't pick up the widescreen, so click on through for what has to be one of the most joyful beginnings ever. HT, Dan Mayhew on f/b

Clever things

• Time zone converter
• Open Clip Art Library
• Simple online database creation - free, for up to 1000 records (200 mb) and two users per month, which is a pretty sweet deal
• Mozy, remote back-up, unlimited for $4.95 per month; totally free (i.e., no credit card requirement or set up fee) for 2 GB per month
• When is good - a way to work out, well, when is good to get together. Useful for groups where scheduling gets a little complicated. Amazingly, there's no signup form
• How to pack a bento box - HT AGT
• Longmont area traffic twitters, just in case you'd rather not get into the 30 minute wait for road construction at Lyons. There's a lot of "auto vs motorcycle", especially taking into account that there's no helmet requirement here

Wonderful world

HT, Phyllis - thank you, dear!

Ladies and gentlemen, start your popcorn!

The Alexander McCall Smith fan letter announces that, starting March 29, HBO is running 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series based on his books. He says they've made a "good job" of it.

I really like his site, BTW, even with the music in the background (there's an obvious "off" switch at the upper right). It's attractive, simple, and seems to do a good job of communicating what he and his books are like. If you are in New York and can get to the RTO event, it's going to be something.

Jerry Seinfeld, personal productivity guru

Don't Break the Chain. Huh?