Dr. Bryan Jepson - Autism

Doctor Bryan Jepson's discussion of his book "Changing the course of Autism"

Fight Fan?

If you love fights of any kind, you've got to see this one.
If you detest fights of any kind, you will love this one.
Either way, watch this fight(?).

Paper Airplanes

My kids and I had a fun time tonight experimenting with different types of paper airplanes that I learned to make by looking at Alex's paper airplanes We tried 7 different models. Gage likes the planes that flip and loop, and Blake likes the planes that go straight and fast.
What is neat about the website is that their are instructions on how to make the planes, but I'm not very good at reading the directions and following them; however, the site also has videos of each plane being made. Now that is how I learn best; watching it being done.

Itchy Owie

It has been a rough year thus far for us up in Saltlick in regards to biting bugs. We seem to have more than our own share of pests: ants, ticks, spiders, gnats, horseflies, chiggers and no-see-ums. The last 2 on the list, I have experienced much in the past week, and it got me thinking that I don't even know what these 2 are, and I don't think I would know one if I saw one. Both, it turns out, they are both so small, there is no wonder I haven't ever really seen one in detail enough to know what it was.
So, I did a little internet research, and out of the kindness of my heart have elected to share my findings with you. Enjoy.
No-see-ums (biting midges) pictured above
Chiggers

Living in Coal Country

I have always been skeptical of people that complained about big business treating them unfairly. I'd watch a show like 60 Minutes or 20/20 and see some guy or gal going on and on about how this or that company had come in and just destroyed their lives. And I would think, "Waa Wah Waa!!! Quit your whining and just move." I guess I was thinking that they were just overly dramatizing the situation to get something for nothing. Over the past 4 years, my lack of sympathy has resulted in a swift kick by "just desserts."
Living within 1/8 mile of a coal mine and having at least 10 mines (deep and surface) within a 5 mile radius of my home, I am now well aware of the hardships associated with living in coal country. In Eastern Kentucky, coal is not only the primary revenue generator for the area, it essentially is what almost all other revenue sources are dependent upon. Because of this, the people of Eastern Kentucky are expected to endure whatever the coal companies dish out.

My personal experiences have included the following in just the past 4 years:
*loss of 4 water wells,
*loss of water usage for a day or more on no less than 40 occasions,
*dirty water greater than 20% of time, filthy water greater than 5% of time,
*the effects of dirty water on brand new appliances and fixtures,
*the smell of Methane gas in our water,
*excessive mud on road,
*coal dust on my house, porch, porch furniture, yard and on my kids (because of it being on the afore mentioned),
*loss of use of our vegetable garden due to dust,
*noise from the mine fan 24-7 for nearly 365 days per year,
*noise from the machinery often beyond dark (at times beyond midnite and beginning again in before 6am),
*blasts (although speaking with a mine inspector revealed that "That mine doesn't blast. They don't have a permit to do so."),
*dealing with coal trucks
-noise, dust, mud, excessive speeds on one lane roads, discourteousness, overloaded, wear and tear on roads

So, my education has been extensive, expensive and exasperating at times. I hope to stop learning soon.
The small man has no recourse. What government official would possibly stick his neck out to help you by opposing the hand that is feeding him? None that is going to stick around for long. The only voice that we have is involvement with a group such as KFTC (Kentuckians for the Commonwealth). My brother-in-law Rick Handshoe introduced me to the organization, and I thought it would be worthwhile to introduce you to the organization as well.

Helium Balloon Ride

How many movies or cartoons have you seen where someone grabs too many helium balloons and takes off flying through the air?

Well, some guy has actually done just that, but he did it on purpose while sitting in a lawn chair. He said that it was incredibly peaceful and that he was able to hear things on the ground like cattle moos and people talking. All I would have been able to hear would have been my teeth chattering and my knees knocking.

Helium Balloons Carry Man in Lawnchair 193 Miles

Are you taking cholesterol medicine?

Are you taking cholesterol medicine? If you are, are you aware of a disorder called rhabdomyolysis? If not, I recommend that you become aware of it.
In brief, this disorder can occur if high levels of statin in your body prevent the production of crucial proteins utilized in muscle function. The result minimally can be muscle soreness and rapid fatigue associated with exertional activities, and at worst, can lead to kidney failure and death.
My brother, Larry, and a close friend, Shane, have both been taking cholesterol medications and have both had unexplained diffuse muscle and joint pains. After suffering with the symptoms for way too long, they both have come to find that the medications they were taken were the culprits.
If you would like to know more, here are some resources:
Mayo Clinic rhabdo info

American Family Physician rhabdo info

Space Doc rhabdo info
Please feel free to contact me with your insights, suggestions, concerns or questions regarding this matter.

Wrestling Tragedies

The story regarding the murder/suicide of Chris Benoit, professional wrestler re-raises a lot of questions about the risks of steroids and it also brings to mind how prevalent tragedy is in the wrestling world. I found an interesting article at FoxNews.com regarding this topic.
Past Deaths of Professional Wrestlers

Killer Sand vs. Jaws

Despite my poor attempt at humor titling this blog article, I have chosen to reference this news article out of a serious desire to share interesting and potentially helpful info.

I had never heard of deaths occurring from people having holes dug in the sand cave in on them, but apparently this type thing happens more often than shark bite deaths.

See for yourself........ Doctors Say Sand More Deadly Than Sharks at Beach

Where Has All the Common Sense Gone?

This was taken from a newsletter at PineconeResearch.com
As George Carlin once said, "Some people need practical advice."
Here are some of the wackiest warning labels of the past few years according to the Michigan Law Suit Abuse Watch website (www.mlaw.org.):• A label on a baby stroller warns: "Remove child before folding."• A brass fishing lure with a three-pronged hook on the end warns: "Harmful if swallowed."• A popular scooter for children warns: "This product moves when used."• A 9x3-inch bag of air used as packing material cautions: "Do not use this product as a toy, pillow or flotation device."• A flushable toilet brush warns: "Do not use for personal hygiene."• The label on an electric hand blender promoted for use in "blending, whipping, chopping and dicing," warns: "Never remove food or other items from the blades while the product is operating."• A household iron warns users: "Never iron clothes while they are being worn."• A label on a hair dryer reads, "Never use hair dryer while sleeping."• A warning on an electric drill made for carpenters cautions: "This product not intended for use as a dental drill."• The label on a bottle of drain cleaner warns: "If you do not understand, or cannot read, all directions, cautions and warnings, do not use this product."• A smoke detector warns: "Do not use the Silence Feature in emergency situations. It will not extinguish a fire."• A massage chair warns: "DO NOT use massage chair without clothing ... and, NEVER force any body part into the backrest area while the rollers are moving."• A cardboard car sunshield that keeps sun off the dashboard warns, "Do not drive with sunshield in place."• An "Aim-n-Flame" fireplace lighter cautions, "Do not use near fire, flame or sparks." • A 12-inch rack for storing compact disks warns: "Do not use as a ladder."• A cartridge for a laser printer warns, "Do not eat toner."• A 13-inch wheel on a wheelbarrow warns: "Not intended for highway use."• A warning on a pair of shin guards manufactured for bicyclists says: "Shin pads cannot protect any part of the body they do not cover."• A snow blower warns: "Do not use snow thrower on roof."• A dishwasher carries this warning: "Do not allow children to play in the dishwasher."• A popular manufactured fireplace log warns: "Caution — Risk of Fire."• A box of birthday cake candles says: "DO NOT use soft wax as ear plugs or for any other function that involves insertion into a body cavity."

Gravity Shoppe

Wood working meets precision time instrument meets better mouse trap. Get ready to go "Whoa!" The Gravity Shoppe

Kentucky Factoids

Here is a link that I am borrowing from Brian Green's blog:

Kentucky Facts and Trivia.

I have been in Kentucky since 1993, and I have seen quite a bit of it since then, but I obviously have much more to see and learn about The Commonwealth.

IceCream Man

This news story occurred in my hometown of Mission, TX today. I am obviously busting with pride..........Not!!!

Texas Ice Cream Man Busted for Allegedly Selling Pot
Friday , May 25, 2007
MISSION, Texas — The jingle of the ice cream truck also meant pot sales on wheels, and at least one young customer figured that was not cool.
Police say an elementary school student tipped them off to an ice cream truck driver who was apparently selling $5 and $10 bags of marijuana from the truck. Most customers were in the third, fourth, and fifth grades.
"It's a scary thought, but that's the info we received," Mission police Chief Leo Longoria said.
The driver, a Mexican national, was arrested Thursday. Police on Friday were withholding his identity pending an expected arraignment on drug possession charges.
While police did not witness any sales, they did find packets of marijuana alongside the more traditional frozen treats.
News video showed the driver may have been doing some subtle advertising. While the outside of the truck was festooned with pictures of ice cream, pendants in the shape of marijuana leaves dangled inside the truck.

Mother's Day Story - Chap Stick

This is a story that was sent to me from Big Blake by way of my big brother Larry. Evidence that God has a sense of humor:

So, we had this great 10 year old cat named Jack who just recently died. Jack was a great cat and the kids would carry him around and sit on him and nothing ever bothered him. He used to hang out and nap all day long on this mat in our bathroom. Well we have 3 kids and at the time of this story they were 4 years old, 3 years old and 1 year old. The middle one is Eli. Eli really loves chapstick. LOVES it. He kept asking to use my chapstick and then losing it. So finally one day I showed him where in the bathroom I keep my chapstick and how he could use it whenever he wanted to but he needed to put it right back in the drawer when he was done. Last year on Mother's Day, we were having the typical rush around and try to get ready for Church with everyone crying and carrying on. My two boys are fighting over the toy in the cereal box. I am trying to nurse my little one at the same time I am putting on my make-up. Everything is a mess and everyone has long forgotten that this is a wonderful day to honor me and the amazing job that is motherhood. We finally have the older one and the baby loaded in the car and I am looking for Eli. I have searched everywhere and I finally round the corner to go into the bathroom. And there was Eli. He was applying my chapstick very carefully to Jack's . . rear end. Eli looked right into my eyes and said"chapped." Now if you have a cat, you know that he is right--their little butts do look pretty chapped. And, frankly, Jack didn't seem to mind.And the only question to really ask at that point was whether it was the FIRST time Eli had done that to the cat's behind or the hundredth.And THAT is my favorite Mother's Day moment ever because it reminds us that no matter how hard we try to civilize these glorious little creatures, there will always be that day when you realize they've been using your chapstick on the cat's butt.

BarBQue Instructions

My brother Larry is by far one of the greatest cooks
in the world, and he sent me an email with this instruction
manual attached. Read and learn.

When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following
chain of events are put into motion:

Routine...

1) The woman buys the food.

2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the
vegetables, and makes dessert.

3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking,
places it on a tray along with the
necessary cooking utensils and sauces,
and takes it to the man who is lounging
beside the grill.

Here comes the important part:

4) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.

More routine....

5) The woman goes inside to organize the
plates and cutlery.

6) The woman comes out to tell the man that
the meat is burning. He thanks her and
asks if she will bring another drink
while he deals with the situation.

Important again:

7) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND
HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.

More routine......

8) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread,
utensils, napkins, sauces and brings
them to the table.

9) After eating, the woman clears the table
and does the dishes.

And most important of all:

10) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM
for his cooking efforts.

11) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed "Her night off."
And, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's
just no pleasing some women...

Baby Got Book

The Cornett Family sent this to me. So, I'm placing all blame on them. If you aren't able to laugh at this, forgive me. Personally, I find it hilarious. Read some of the comments under it. What are your thoughts on the video; what are your thoughts on the comments? Baby Got Book

Hardware Wars

Here is the finest spoof ever made of Star Wars.....
Hardware Wars.
Hardware Wars PT 2

It is absolutely horrible, but it is the finest.

This Guy is Crazy

This story was given to me by Big Blake via email several months ago. I thought I'd share it with you.
This is a case of "photographer photographs photographer." The following
photographs were taken by photographer Hans van de Vorst at the
GrandCanyon, Arizona. The descriptions are his own. The identity of
thephotographer IN the photos is unknown.

I was simply stunned seeing this guy standing on this solitary rock
IN the Grand Canyon.The canyon's depth is 900 meters here. The rock on
the right is next to the canyon and safe.

Watching this guy on his thong sandals, with a camera and a tripod
I asked myself 3 questions:
1. How did he climb that rock?
2. Why not taking that sunset picture on that rock to the right,
which is perfectly safe?
3. How will he get back?
This is the point of no return.

After the sun set behind the canyon's horizon he packed his things
(having only one hand available)
and prepared himself for the jump. This took about 2 minutes. At
that point he had the full attention of the crowd.

After that, he jumped on his thong sandals... The canyon's depth
is 900 meters here.
Now you can see that the adjacent rock is higher so he tried to
land lower, which is quite steep
and tried to use his one hand to grab the rock.
We've come to the end of this little story. Look carefully at the
photographer. He has a camera, a tripod and also a plastic bag,
all on his shoulder or in his left hand. Only his right hand is
available to grab the rock and the weight of his stuff is a problem.
He lands low on this flip flops both his right hand and right foot
slips away... At that moment I take this shot.

He pushes his body against the rock. He waits for a few seconds,
throws his stuff on the rock, climbs and walks away.

Sci-Fi Parody

Here is one of the all time great parodies of Sci-Fi movies. I remember it from my high school days and lines from them were a major part of my cousin Whitney's and my vocabulary in the early 80's.
For some reason it is divided into pt one and pt two.
Enjoy.
Closet Cases of the Nerd Kind pt1
Closet Cases of the Nerd Kind pt2

Beat Box

Watch this and you will have a new appreciation for BeatBox.

PodioBooks

Interesting site for getting audio books for free. They function on donations only. Here is an excerpt from their Donations Page:

This isn't going to be a tear-jerking plea for your cash, and I'm not going to try and convince you that starving authors will continue to go hungry if you don't pass some bucks his or her way. Instead, I'm just going to tell you The Master Plan of how you can make the world a better place.
I'm a child of capitalism, just like many of you. Truth be told, it's supply-side economics, which is a conversation for another time. As good little capitalists, we expect to pay for things, and we expect to get paid for things. Groovy.
We've also become accustomed to artists and creative types getting shafted by The Man. Drop $15 bucks for the latest CD by your favorite artists, you just gave the band a nickle. Which they have to split. Five ways. That beautiful new hardback you just shelled out $24.99 to read? The author saw just under two bucks. Another dinner at Taco Bell™ is in order.
So we've taken that model of accepted commerce, and turned it on it's head. With Podiobooks.com, you decide if something is worth supporting. The author spends time, energy, and often times very real dollars on making each of these chapters. Here on the back side, the costs to do all the tech stuff are greater than zero. But that's OK. We're not begging. Authors and techies alike are doing this to get good books spread around far and wide.
But if you want to donate, you can. We use PayPal to handle all of our payments, and the bulk of your donation goes to the author, not the site. We started out giving half of the money to the author, and now we're up to 75%. That's before PayPal fees, by the way. We absorb those costs (and many others) on the back end.
Check it out at: Podiobooks.com