The Explainer

I don't know if any of you read 'The Explainer' on slate.com. Every week or so they answer a somewhat shallow question about a current phenomenom in the news. For example, when that kid in Arizona killed his father they had an article on the best way to interrogate a child in order to get the truth. Or when the Large Hadron Collider was turned on in Switzerland, they explained what would happen if you fall into a black hole.
Each year, at the end of the year, they post a list of questions that they just couldn't get to. Readers vote on the question that they think is most deserving of an answer, and then The Explainer writes an article answering the question. It's pretty funny to read some of the questions people come up with, and to try to think of what the answer would be. Some of the funniest ones I've posted below.

1. Could you please explain why it is that squirrels are capable of such amazing athletic feats? What is it about their brains and, to a lesser degree, their bodies that allows it? I watch them at my house and have seen some amazing things.
2. I am an 11-year-old boy and girls in my class harass me constantly and I want to file a restraining order against one of them. Is that possible?
3. If one gets a personal e-mail from a very famous or important person, such as the president, or the queen of England, or the Pope, or Paul McCartney, can that e-mail have monetary value? I guess not. It's just an electronic transmission on a screen. There's no original. There's no way to buy or sell it. Seems a shame tho.
4. Why do all of the deli guys and food cart guys call me "Boss" (well, me and everyone else)?
5. If you were on a boat, what signs do sharks give if they are hungry and will attack versus if they just want to swim around the boat?
6. I have been accused of assault in Ohio. The woman fell over a box in the hall backward, and my brother opened the door, saw her lying there, and started hitting me. I got him down and held him down. It was all over a fight concerning my niece. What do you think will happen?

So, which of these do you think it deserving of an answer? And do you have an answer for any of these questions?

Walking safely this winter

I received a very important e-mail at work today. It's regarding my safety as I walk the treacherous streets of Michigan this winter. I decided it would be very irresponsible of me to not share these tips with you, my blog readers. I hope you take these to heart:

Here are a few tips to avoid occupational falls during winter:

• Take small steps to keep your center of balance under you.
• Test potentially slick areas by tapping your foot.
• Keep your eyes focused where you are traveling.
• Avoid inclines and slippery surfaces if possible.
• Step, don't jump, from vehicles and equipment.

If you slip and know you are going to fall, reduce potential injury by taking the following actions:

• Toss the load you are carrying. Protect yourself instead of the objects being carried.
• Relax as much as possible when you begin to fall.
• Roll with the fall. Try to twist and roll backwards, rather than falling forward.
• (My personal favorite) Bend your back and head forward so you won't slam your head on the pavement as your feet shoot out from under you.

I don't know about you, but I NEVER remember to bend my back and head forward as my feet shoot out from under me. Good thing I got this e-mail. I will be much better prepared next time. Hopefully you will be as well. I would hate for one or more of my blog readers to become one of the 1,500 casualties that result from irresponsible falling each year.

You're welcome.

My Passions

Have you ever been really passionate about something, only to discuss it with another person and realize that they just don't get it? It's one of the most frustrating feelings in the world when you try over and over, to no avail, to help them see why what you are talking about matters. This happened to me today (and in my passion I may or may not have compared my plight at work to people in Nazi Germany doing nothing to stop Hitler. I'll admit that was a bit overkill). So in honor of my having very strong feelings about things that just don't matter, I've decided to compile a list of my passions:

1. Ipod's - I'll never own one. In fact, if we're friends and you own an Ipod, it's best you don't mention it. Apple, for a company who claims to be all about open source etc., you're pretty stingy with your .99 downloads. If I pay for a song I should be able to do what I want with it. Not just play it with YOUR software/hardware.

2. I will never watch the movie Titanic. Think about it, you know exactly what's going to happen, and it's depressing. I'm going to pay for that? I probably wouldn't be as passionate about this one except so many people just love that movie. Yeah, I like watching people slowly die in a freezing ocean as well. I hate the idea of this movie so much that I won't even see the new movie that is coming out with Leonardo Dicaprio and Kate Winslet.

3. Bike helmets save lives! Wear them! You know who you are.

4. Sleep. It's important. I'm not impressed if you tell me you live on 5 hours a night. I just think you're crazy.

Ok, I'm tired, and I can't think of any more. But when I think of them I will keep you posted.

Dream analysis anyone?

I had a really weird dream last night. Maybe it's too personal to post here, but I really don't care. I think everyone who reads this blog knows that at one point in my life I was married. My ex's name is Nate, and he was in my dream. So read it over, and if you like, in the comments post what you think it means.

The Dream

I had recently gotten back together with Nate. We had a child who was about 4 years old (doesn't really work with the timing of everything, but whatever). This was not just any child, but was my youngest brother when he was little (he wasn't my brother in the dream, nothing creepy here). I had a plane to catch (don't know where I was going), but I couldn't remember what time it left. I asked Nate to check, and he said it left at 2:30. I looked at my watch and it was already 1:30 and I hadn't even packed yet, so I started throwing stuff into a suitcase. I asked Nate to help me, but he said it was my own fault for not knowing what time the flight left and he just stood there watching me. Finally I was ready to go, and I told our kid that I was going away for the weekend and he would be staying with his dad (Nate). The kid says "Who's that?" Nate laughed at that, and I was really annoyed. I said "That's hilarious Nate, your kid doesn't even know who you are."

The End

So what do you think?

Just a quickie

I don't have much time, but I just wanted to direct you towards Amy's blog. The link is on the right. It's hilarious!

I did what I said I would do

About six weeks ago I posted that I promised my younger brother I would run in a 5k with him. I told him this even though I hadn't been running in nearly a year. So yeah, I'm pretty much stupid.

Well, I did it. I ran in the race. About half-way through I swore I'd never do it again. I don't know how you people run at an elevation of 4,200 feet, but it's not pleasant. I made it through though, and my time was half-way decent. Half-way decent for me anyway. I already knew once I finished the race that I would do another one. Probably soon. I think this is why it took me so long to ever sign up for a 5k. I'm quite competitive, so I'm already wanting to better my time in the next race. I knew that would happen, and I wasn't sure I wanted my life to become that. :)

My brother (who is in the picture with me) is the greatest. He started the morning by playing the theme from Rocky for me, and when he finished the race (he won) he came back and ran the last mile with me. My time would have been at least a minute slower if it weren't for that. Thanks Scott!

The picture I posted was actually taken after the race, if you can believe it. I think I look quite chipper. So anyway, that's just a boring update of my life, I'll try to think of a more intersting topic when I get back to Detroit.

The top 10 songs of all time

I've decided to compile a list of my top 10 favorite stongs. Some of them might surprise you, but maybe not. So now, in no particular order:

Poison - Fallen Angel (1988)

This song has a great beat, and it makes me want to sing out loud. An interesting tidbit, this song was the only single on the album (Open up and say...Ahh!) not to make the Billboard top 10. And yet it's the best one. Go figure.

Aerosmith - What it takes (1989)

I first heard this song when I was very young. Aerosmith has a lot of great songs, but this one is timeless. I think it could be released today and be a hit.

Gin Blossoms - Until I fall away (1992)

The Gin Blossoms are great to listen to when you're going through a break-up. Enough said. I haven't listened to them in awhile, since I haven't had the opportunity to break up with anyone for years.

Oasis - Don't go Away (1997)

The argument could be made that this song shouldn't make the list because the members of Oasis are such jerks. But I tried not to let that sway my judgement.

Jimmy Eat World - Kill (2004)

It took some time for this song to grow on me, but now I can't imagine ever getting sick of this song. Love the lyrics.

All American Rejects - The Last Song (2003)

Not one of their most well-known songs, but I really like the lyrics.

Collective Soul - World I know (1995)

I don't know what to say about this one. I like it. It was released when I was an impressionable youth. It impressed upon me.

Def Leppard - Hysteria (1987)

Def Leppard was the first group I fell in love with at 12 years old, and while they have a lot of awesome songs, this one is the best.

Papa Roach - Forever (2006)

I just love this song. I can't even tell you why. It fits many moods. I can work out to it, listen to it on the plane, wherever, it fits.

Toad the Wet Sprocket - Good Intentions (1995)

It's just good. I'm going to admit, I'm getting tired and can't think of much to say.

Honorable Mentions:

Heart - Alone (1987)

Ok, this is embarrassing to admit, but I heard Carrie Underwood perform this song on American Idol and it gave me the chills. I've loved it ever since.

Everclear - Rockstar (2000)

I first heard this song when I was going through a really hard time in life, and it made me laugh. Anything that could make me smile at that time stuck with me. As a side note, the name of the album it's on is 'Songs from an American Movie, Vol. One: Learning how to smile.' A word of warning, the language isn't the best. But it's funny.

Kate Voegele - I won't disagree (2005)

If you download this song you have to be sure to get the right version. It makes a big difference. It has to be from the 'Don't look away' album. It's awesome.

Counting Crows - A Long December (1996)

I mostly like this song because it reminds me of high school and the guy who introduced me to it. So hopefully he doesn't read this blog because that would be embarrassing for him to know.

So what do you think? What's your top 10?