We WON!!! We WON!!! We WON!!!
 |
| Oracle Team Wins Americas Cup 2013 |
| SCORE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Oracle | team USA | 9 |
| Emirates | team New Zealand | 8 |
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Update on America's Cup 34th competition
Saturday, September 28, 2013
AC72's
What's are AC72? They're wing-sail catamarans,72 feet long by 46 feet wide, weighing 13,000 lbs with a wing-sail 131 feet tall, covering 2,798 sq feet in area, sailing @ 40 mph (35 knots). They hydrofoil at or above 18 knots which boosts speed 35 -40%.
How do I know all this?
I watched the televised competition of America's Cup on the bay at San Francisco.
I was always intrigued with the design of a catamaran but, since I”m not into sailing, I never became interested in them, consequently never dreaming of a cat sailing ABOVE water.
Designers of naval architecture have utilized space age materials of glass and carbon to create light weight structures attached to hulls. Sails have given way to wings and when the AC72's foil, they are like magic carpets flying above water.
Horses are the sport of kings, but racing AC72's is the sport of only a handful of mega-billionaires. Being prohibitive, the number of entrants in the race has dropped.
They are also dangerous to manipulate with one known fatality to date.
In all probability though, further experiment in design will continue since hydro foiling saves fuel and sailing at such astounding speeds will certainly be ours in the future.
How do I know all this?
I watched the televised competition of America's Cup on the bay at San Francisco.
I was always intrigued with the design of a catamaran but, since I”m not into sailing, I never became interested in them, consequently never dreaming of a cat sailing ABOVE water.
Designers of naval architecture have utilized space age materials of glass and carbon to create light weight structures attached to hulls. Sails have given way to wings and when the AC72's foil, they are like magic carpets flying above water.
Horses are the sport of kings, but racing AC72's is the sport of only a handful of mega-billionaires. Being prohibitive, the number of entrants in the race has dropped.
They are also dangerous to manipulate with one known fatality to date.
In all probability though, further experiment in design will continue since hydro foiling saves fuel and sailing at such astounding speeds will certainly be ours in the future.
 |
| AC72 Oracle Catamaran |
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Vandalism and the 300
During Labor Day weekend 2013, 300 teenagers broke into and trashed the home belonging to Brian Holloway in Stephentown, N.Y. The teenagers took photos of themselves and each other as the $20,000 damage was occurring and posted them on Twitter, along with running in-progress dialog.
Holloway, an ex NFL player, invited the teenagers to come help clean and repair the damage, urging the them to take responsibility for their actions and for the community to come together to help them learn to make better decisions and re-direct their lives as they are on the cusp of serious implications for their own futures: drugs, alcohol and more serious criminal activities.
Holloway re-posted the photos and dialog from Twitter on a web site http://www.helpmesave300.com/ where he asks the public to help him save the 300 teens by teaching and guiding them to a more responsible path.
The teenagers' parents voiced criticism of Holloway's re-posting the photos on his website. Some threatening lawsuits and other retaliations for reposting the original photos and tweets. One of the student's tweeted during the event: "So glad my parents don't give a f### what I do".
Vandalism isn't just about property damage. It damages the lives of those directly impacted both the victims and perpetrators. It's a long lasting and life changing event.
In the era of social media and the desire to be "first post!", this is a window into the real views of the teens which is unhindered and not self-censored, with no parental interference. The images and tweets are global and cannot be retracted. They are what they are. They will be there forever because that is the nature of the internet. Nothing is ever removed permanently. There's always a backup somewhere with the images and tweets.
Parents need to be concerned about the effects however, pretending that their children didn't do anything wrong or denying their actions doesn't set a very positive example. Getting "caught" isn't the punishment. The teens are already "caught". It's about why did they think that it was "OK" to start with? Some of the vandals were not children or teens, they are adults over 18 and became negative role models to the others. Why did any of the 300 think it was OK to trash the house of friend, neighbor, schoolmate, teammate, resident? Why do the parents think it is OK to deny the implications of the actions in and for their own family, friends, school and community?
As of 9/22/2013, 4 of the 300 have helped restore the damage done; the community did come together and helped repair the house. 4 maybe not seem to be a large number, but that's 4 teens and their families who understood the importance what happened and the need for change. There are 296 more lives that need to be turned around.
The parents of the 296 need to "give a f###" about their children and show that they do care. That they care for themselves, their children, their lives and the community.
Holloway, an ex NFL player, invited the teenagers to come help clean and repair the damage, urging the them to take responsibility for their actions and for the community to come together to help them learn to make better decisions and re-direct their lives as they are on the cusp of serious implications for their own futures: drugs, alcohol and more serious criminal activities.
Holloway re-posted the photos and dialog from Twitter on a web site http://www.helpmesave300.com/ where he asks the public to help him save the 300 teens by teaching and guiding them to a more responsible path.
The teenagers' parents voiced criticism of Holloway's re-posting the photos on his website. Some threatening lawsuits and other retaliations for reposting the original photos and tweets. One of the student's tweeted during the event: "So glad my parents don't give a f### what I do".
Vandalism isn't just about property damage. It damages the lives of those directly impacted both the victims and perpetrators. It's a long lasting and life changing event.
In the era of social media and the desire to be "first post!", this is a window into the real views of the teens which is unhindered and not self-censored, with no parental interference. The images and tweets are global and cannot be retracted. They are what they are. They will be there forever because that is the nature of the internet. Nothing is ever removed permanently. There's always a backup somewhere with the images and tweets.
Parents need to be concerned about the effects however, pretending that their children didn't do anything wrong or denying their actions doesn't set a very positive example. Getting "caught" isn't the punishment. The teens are already "caught". It's about why did they think that it was "OK" to start with? Some of the vandals were not children or teens, they are adults over 18 and became negative role models to the others. Why did any of the 300 think it was OK to trash the house of friend, neighbor, schoolmate, teammate, resident? Why do the parents think it is OK to deny the implications of the actions in and for their own family, friends, school and community?
As of 9/22/2013, 4 of the 300 have helped restore the damage done; the community did come together and helped repair the house. 4 maybe not seem to be a large number, but that's 4 teens and their families who understood the importance what happened and the need for change. There are 296 more lives that need to be turned around.
The parents of the 296 need to "give a f###" about their children and show that they do care. That they care for themselves, their children, their lives and the community.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Cream Puffs
I just ate a cream puff. I know.... it's heart attack food and a highway to heartburn, but I ate it anyway.
It has been years since I last ate one. In fact, I didn't know bakeries still made them considering they are such artery clogging food.
The first recipe my high school Home Economics class learned to made was cream puffs. When I got home from school in the afternoon, I practiced making the recipes I learned in class and cream puffs became a favorite after school snack for my brothers and sisters.
As the years passed, the recipe for making cream puffs got filed away and 'lost in the stacks'. Those delicious, creamy, light as a feather. vanilla fragrant cream puffs were only a distant memory. That is, until my two sisters, Adeline and Esther, and I visited our brother Jerry and his wife Barbara, a few years ago.
During this week long visit, we spent a lot of time reminiscing childhood memories and as a surprise, Jerry made cream puffs for us. The three of us were able to visit Jerry and Barbara again the following year and we demanded Jerry make cream puffs for us. Jerry's cream puffs became legend in our family stories.
Eating one brought back wonderful memories of sharing those happy days.
It has been years since I last ate one. In fact, I didn't know bakeries still made them considering they are such artery clogging food.
The first recipe my high school Home Economics class learned to made was cream puffs. When I got home from school in the afternoon, I practiced making the recipes I learned in class and cream puffs became a favorite after school snack for my brothers and sisters.
As the years passed, the recipe for making cream puffs got filed away and 'lost in the stacks'. Those delicious, creamy, light as a feather. vanilla fragrant cream puffs were only a distant memory. That is, until my two sisters, Adeline and Esther, and I visited our brother Jerry and his wife Barbara, a few years ago.
During this week long visit, we spent a lot of time reminiscing childhood memories and as a surprise, Jerry made cream puffs for us. The three of us were able to visit Jerry and Barbara again the following year and we demanded Jerry make cream puffs for us. Jerry's cream puffs became legend in our family stories.
Eating one brought back wonderful memories of sharing those happy days.
 |
| Cream Puff |
Saturday, September 07, 2013
Phalaenopsis Orchids
I received six beautiful Phalaenopsis orchids from my son who saw them on sale. The store was selling them for $2 apiece and he couldn't resist buying them. Now I am the proud owner of these beautiful plants.
I had always assumed they were touchy plants requiring sensitive care and particular temperature, but apparently care and maintenance is surprisingly easy according to the information I read on the internet.
At various times in my life I've met people who raised orchids in small private greenhouses and was always impressed with their choice of a hobby. On occasion I've admired one displayed on a coffee table at an acquaintance’s house, but I was really taken aback when I visited a friend in a hospice some years ago. Each room of the hospice had an exquisite Phalaenopsis in full bloom for the pleasure of the patients. I have often wondered if a nurse had suggested them.
The blossoms, at the end of long canes, are exotically elegant and remind me of colorful butterflies. The plants I have are pink, red, yellow and lavender. There are so many species, each with its own characteristic and combination of colors they are a joy to learn about.
I had always assumed they were touchy plants requiring sensitive care and particular temperature, but apparently care and maintenance is surprisingly easy according to the information I read on the internet.
At various times in my life I've met people who raised orchids in small private greenhouses and was always impressed with their choice of a hobby. On occasion I've admired one displayed on a coffee table at an acquaintance’s house, but I was really taken aback when I visited a friend in a hospice some years ago. Each room of the hospice had an exquisite Phalaenopsis in full bloom for the pleasure of the patients. I have often wondered if a nurse had suggested them.
The blossoms, at the end of long canes, are exotically elegant and remind me of colorful butterflies. The plants I have are pink, red, yellow and lavender. There are so many species, each with its own characteristic and combination of colors they are a joy to learn about.
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| Phalaenopsis orchids |
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| Phalaenopsis orchids |
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| Phalaenopsis orchids |
Wednesday, September 04, 2013
To Bomb Syria: Yes or No?
The air waves are full of discussion about bombing Syria, pro and con. I'm surprised we are even discussing it. The general public rarely gets an opportunity to voice an opinion one way or the other. I think we Americans love military operations since we have had so many of them. I was curious about the number of U S wars and 'Police Actions' so I went to duckduckgo.com to find out.
I was flabbergasted at the number of web sites listing them and even more astonished when I perused some of them. Many web sites have comprehensive lists of military involvement starting with the American War of Independence, September 1, 1774. The American War Library lists: Year, Location, Killed, Wounded, Cost.
Of my family, my husband, one sister and four of five brothers and are buried in U S National Cemeteries.
How do you think I will vote?
I was flabbergasted at the number of web sites listing them and even more astonished when I perused some of them. Many web sites have comprehensive lists of military involvement starting with the American War of Independence, September 1, 1774. The American War Library lists: Year, Location, Killed, Wounded, Cost.
Of my family, my husband, one sister and four of five brothers and are buried in U S National Cemeteries.
How do you think I will vote?
List of wars involving the United States American War Library American Military History New and Recent Conflicts of the World American History Timeline
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