How Things Work -- TV

This ad from Scholz & Friends, Germany clarifies it all (and demonstrated that I have the speakers to my computer in the den hooked-up backwards!).

Up Periscope

A “skyscraper” periscope shows golfers the blind fairway at the third hole at the Aberdovey golf course in Wales.

The unusual periscope is 30 feet tall. At the third hole of the course the fairway rises so abruptly from the driving tee that golfers can not see the green even though the hole is only 165 yards long. By peering through the periscope, waiting golfers can see in what direction to drive and also note when the putting green is clear.

The periscope is a hollow wood tube fastened to a pole. The top of the instrument is covered with a gabled roof to protect it from rain.



This looks like it merits a road trip.

The Long Arm Of The Law -- Is It Over Reaching?

Police in Port Moody, B.C., have issued a public-safety warning about a man with alleged gang ties living in the city.

Port Moody police said Dennis Karbovanec presents an "immediate and significant threat to public safety," because he is a targeted gang member.

"Anyone choosing to associate or conduct business with [him] … is putting their personal safety at considerable risk," Insp. Andy Richard said Thursday.

Police allege Karbovanec, 28, is a close associate of the Bacon brothers and the Red Scorpion gang, and is believed to be in the crosshairs of the latest gang violence in metro Vancouver. Six days ago, Kevin LeClair, another known associate of the Bacon brothers, was gunned down in a busy parking lot in Langley.

Jamie Bacon, 23, and his brother Jarrod, 26, each have 24 outstanding firearms and drug charges against them. Last October, police warned the public to avoid the brothers, who had a number of death threats against them.

I'm a little concerned with this warning -- all we know is that this person is "alleged" to be involved with nefarious activities -- where do we draw the line? Should the police be publicly posting pictures/names of all people who have any kind of ties with an "alleged" criminal?

I do remember having students who had been charged with criminal offenses in my class (viz., Robert B) and felt somewhat uncomfortable having him in my office but really, he was presumed innocent until proven guilty.

How can we reconcile personal safety with the maintenance of our rights?

Could It Be Magic

Sushi Anyone?

The history of the world my sweet,
Is who gets eaten, and who gets to eat.
--Bertolt Brecht

Swimming Sucks

Went for a 1300 meter swim this morning but for some reason wasn't compelled to have an appointment with Mary Jane. Must be why I'm not an Olympic-calibre swimmer!

Super Bowl

Although it was a great game the commercials in Canada we're awful (I really don't need to see an ad for CGAs over and over again).



Here's a link to a site with all of the US commercials.