Space

Heliocentric Tow Trucks

This isn’t really news for anyone paying attention, but I found this article about the potential for an asteroid hit in 2036 interesting, because it describes a new method of diversion that I hadn’t considered or heard of previously (though it’s obvious, once you think about it).

It’s called a “gravity tow,” in which you hover a large mass near the asteroid, and maneuver it, pulling it from its trajectory simply using the gravitational attraction between them. It seems like the safest, most controlled way to go, and doesn’t require physically grappling, which could make problems worse if you end up breaking it. I’m glad to see that there’s a lot more thought going into this than the traditional “nuke it” approach.

Administrative

More Kitchen Remodeling Issues

I’m still bogged down in kitchen destruction/reconstruction. I’m installing recessed lights from Halo, and when I open the box to find the electrical connection I find they’re connected to connectors that I find a mystery. The wire to the socket is already installed in them, as is the ground (two stranded wires, one to the socket and one to the housing).

Am I supposed to use these to connect the incoming power (and perhaps outgoing, to the next light in the series, as well)? If so, how does it work? It’s just a little plastic thingie, with multiple holes to stick wire into, but no obvious places to poke to release pressure on the conducting clamp that holds the wire in place.

Or does it just grab the wire, and it’s a one-way deal?

I can’t figure it out from any on-line search. My options are to just hook it up and hope it works, or cut the existing wires and wire nut them together (which was what I’d figured I’d be doing, but if this dealie works, I’m happy to use it–I just want to know how it works).

Humor

The Solution To “Dangerous Incompetence”

Democratic leadership:

HARRY: …the first phase of our multi-faceted plan focuses on the number one key to restoring national security: getting Osama bin Laden. Even as we speak, this dangerous fugitive is still on the loose. As the leader of a Democratic majority in Congress, I will make sure that the head Army and Navy generals get a clear and unambiguous message: “Get Osama” is “Job One.”

NANCY: But it is important to do smart too!

HARRY: That’s right, Nancy. That’s why our tough, no-nonsense emails to the generals will include pictures of Osama bin Laden, so they will know who to get.

NANCY: But whats about disguises?

HARRY: Way ahead of you Nancy! Using state-of-the-art PhotoShop smart computers, we will create simulated pictures of Osama bin Laden wearing a mustache, soul patch, trucker hat, and so on, and these will also be included in our emails. Then, the generals will distribute the pictures to the soldiers, and they can then make a surprise attack at Pakistan and get Osama bin Laden, no matter his latest look. Imagine the looks on the terrorists’ faces!

I can’t wait until November, so I can vote for these people. They sound smart! And tough!

Humor

The Solution To “Dangerous Incompetence”

Democratic leadership:

HARRY: …the first phase of our multi-faceted plan focuses on the number one key to restoring national security: getting Osama bin Laden. Even as we speak, this dangerous fugitive is still on the loose. As the leader of a Democratic majority in Congress, I will make sure that the head Army and Navy generals get a clear and unambiguous message: “Get Osama” is “Job One.”

NANCY: But it is important to do smart too!

HARRY: That’s right, Nancy. That’s why our tough, no-nonsense emails to the generals will include pictures of Osama bin Laden, so they will know who to get.

NANCY: But whats about disguises?

HARRY: Way ahead of you Nancy! Using state-of-the-art PhotoShop smart computers, we will create simulated pictures of Osama bin Laden wearing a mustache, soul patch, trucker hat, and so on, and these will also be included in our emails. Then, the generals will distribute the pictures to the soldiers, and they can then make a surprise attack at Pakistan and get Osama bin Laden, no matter his latest look. Imagine the looks on the terrorists’ faces!

I can’t wait until November, so I can vote for these people. They sound smart! And tough!

Humor

The Solution To “Dangerous Incompetence”

Democratic leadership:

HARRY: …the first phase of our multi-faceted plan focuses on the number one key to restoring national security: getting Osama bin Laden. Even as we speak, this dangerous fugitive is still on the loose. As the leader of a Democratic majority in Congress, I will make sure that the head Army and Navy generals get a clear and unambiguous message: “Get Osama” is “Job One.”

NANCY: But it is important to do smart too!

HARRY: That’s right, Nancy. That’s why our tough, no-nonsense emails to the generals will include pictures of Osama bin Laden, so they will know who to get.

NANCY: But whats about disguises?

HARRY: Way ahead of you Nancy! Using state-of-the-art PhotoShop smart computers, we will create simulated pictures of Osama bin Laden wearing a mustache, soul patch, trucker hat, and so on, and these will also be included in our emails. Then, the generals will distribute the pictures to the soldiers, and they can then make a surprise attack at Pakistan and get Osama bin Laden, no matter his latest look. Imagine the looks on the terrorists’ faces!

I can’t wait until November, so I can vote for these people. They sound smart! And tough!

Education

More “Zero Tolerance” Insanity

Once again, “zero tolerance” equals “zero intelligence“:

Elliot Voge, 14, told Stoneybrook Middle School principal Jimmy Meadows he forgot that he had left the Swiss Army knife in his pocket after using it to whittle wood last month. The next day, just after he was dropped off at school by a classmate’s mother, he said he discovered the knife in his coat and immediately went to the office.

Nevertheless, Meadows suspended him and recommended expulsion.

I would have liked to hear the moronprincipal’s side of the story, but I suspect it’s the same old, mindless “rules are rules, and they must be enforced.”

And they wonder why people home school.

Education

More “Zero Tolerance” Insanity

Once again, “zero tolerance” equals “zero intelligence“:

Elliot Voge, 14, told Stoneybrook Middle School principal Jimmy Meadows he forgot that he had left the Swiss Army knife in his pocket after using it to whittle wood last month. The next day, just after he was dropped off at school by a classmate’s mother, he said he discovered the knife in his coat and immediately went to the office.

Nevertheless, Meadows suspended him and recommended expulsion.

I would have liked to hear the moronprincipal’s side of the story, but I suspect it’s the same old, mindless “rules are rules, and they must be enforced.”

And they wonder why people home school.

Biting Commentary about Infinity…and Beyond!