tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67376892024-03-05T21:30:56.561-08:00Days of Whine and Wieners -- Welcome to the webpage of Britt S. BakerBritt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.comBlogger291125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-48187881404551154112010-07-06T12:37:00.002-07:002010-07-06T12:44:11.668-07:00I'm taking a break...... Or maybe killing the blog. <br /><br />Haven't decided yet.<br /><br />In the meantime, may I suggest <a href="http://www.savagechickens.com/">Savage Chickens</a>?Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-20655240349646725722010-05-31T17:08:00.009-07:002010-06-10T20:25:04.231-07:00Pickles! Revisited<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://api.ning.com/files/SoTCuNDJDxSpWcaGsKOEhx1knNCSc03OtTtF*wuSkn4uU*AzZ0C-5dfK0-TH35nnBq91oa*hDWMBz9xTHEaH50w4SC278MDx/SADPICKLE.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 217px; height: 252px;" src="http://api.ning.com/files/SoTCuNDJDxSpWcaGsKOEhx1knNCSc03OtTtF*wuSkn4uU*AzZ0C-5dfK0-TH35nnBq91oa*hDWMBz9xTHEaH50w4SC278MDx/SADPICKLE.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I finally tried one of my <a href="http://brittbaker.blogspot.com/2010/02/pickles.html" target="new">pickle pops</a>.<br /><br />Well, um, yeah...<br /><br />It was disgusting.<br /><br />I so wanted to like them.<br /><br />Sigh.Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-87199116391176716832010-05-24T13:20:00.005-07:002010-06-10T20:34:35.079-07:00No Like BoomI decided not to go to the annual <a href="http://brittbaker.blogspot.com/2009/05/bang.html" target="new">Hyack Festival Anvil Salute</a> this year. Just didn't feel like leaving the house.<br /><br />But that didn't mean that we missed out.<br /><br />This was shortly after the first boom:<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Foqtkr98Mh0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Foqtkr98Mh0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Doesn't really translate well in this crappy YouTube video, but the dog was vibrating so hard, it felt like I had stuffed a quarter up her butt. </magic fingers><br /><br />It also took a few takes to get it right. Apparently I shouldn't try to talk before I've finished my first coffee:<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/65IAx1QFXHI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/65IAx1QFXHI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Ehhhh, whatever. Think I'll keep my day job.Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-40899652135388279112010-05-01T07:56:00.002-07:002010-06-10T20:40:08.665-07:00Deck FurnitureSo we got new cushions for the deck chairs:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/4566224577/" title="Untitled by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/4566224577_e3d5378279.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And the dog inherited our old <strike>cushions</strike> torn cloth barely wrapped around fibrefill:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/4566855402/" title="Untitled by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3298/4566855402_dd829d9319.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Classy!Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-72336698709154953012010-04-30T16:28:00.008-07:002010-06-10T20:40:09.682-07:00Rated E for Eyeball DamageOnce upon a time I started a web site. And being the cheap bastard that I am, I built my <strike>web site</strike> mangled bunch 'o crap on Geocities. <br /><br />Thanks to the fine folks @ the <a href="http://www.archive.org/web/web.php" target="new">Internet Archive Wayback Machine</a> I managed to find a 2001 version of <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20010516201149/http://www.geocities.com/athens/forum/4381/" target="new">my page</a>.<br /><br />Note: It was much, much worse when it was live. Pages on the Internet Archive are often stripped of some of their elements. In may case it's missing the bee-you-ti-full background image plus the wave file of Pachabel's Canon. Also, the pull down links do not work anymore due to a complex (and archaic) redirect system that I used @ the time.<br /><br />I will admit that I couldn't remember my Geocities URL, but I actually found it linked on this <a href="http://www.nerdworld.com/cgi-bin/subjects.cgi?usr=582&cat=1646" target="new">genealogy page</a>. I don't have a <em>clue</em> why they linked to me.<br /><br />A few years later I moved my site to Telus since they offered free (limited) web hosting with our account. <br /><br />You can see from this <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20010726184852/http://www3.telus.net/brissell/britt/" target="new">earliest version</a> that I simply cut and pasted the code from one site to the other. I changed it a bit by <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20071008003629/http://www3.telus.net/brissell/britt/" target="new">the end</a>, but it never evolved beyond an online bookmark list.<br /><br />The page is technically still <a href="http://www3.telus.net/brissell/britt/" target="new">alive</a>, but is just a redirect here.<br /><br />As bad as my early web page was (And I'd like to think the design of this site is an improvement), my page was pretty damn subdued. Perhaps because I was in my 30's when I built it. But my God did Geocities help people produce a lot of crap. Since it was free, anyone could have a web site, and everyone did. They supplied an editing interface so that no coding ability was needed. And the masses responded by putting everything, including the kitchen sink, on their sites. And to be fair, other free sites such as Angelfire and (to this day) Myspace gave people the opportunity to ruin the Internet.<br /><br />And yes, I understand that I'm just as guilty as the next person in that respect. So no need to comment about calling the kettle fuchsia, with a dancing baby gif, and a sound clip of <em>Hungry Eyes</em>.<br /><br />And speaking of dancing baby gifs (and really the whole point of this post). Did I discover a doozy of a web site. Introducing <a href="http://wonder-tonic.com/geocitiesizer/index.php" target="new">The Geocities-izer</a>. The tagline says it all "Make Any Web page Look Like It Was Made By A 13 Year-Old In 1996"<br /><br />And that's exactly what it does.<br /><br />Here's where <a href="http://www.vpl.ca" target="new">I work</a>.<br /><br />And here's where <a href="http://wonder-tonic.com/geocitiesizer/content.php?theme=2&music=10&url=www.vpl.ca" target="new">where I work on Geocities-izer</a><br /><br />Dear sweet moccasin snake in a sand pit. Is that ugly or what?<br /><br />One more treat and I'll let you go play with the site yourself. Here is the new, improved version of <a href="http://wonder-tonic.com/geocitiesizer/content.php?theme=2&music=4&url=www.brittbaker.blogspot.com" target="new">Days of Whine & Wieners</a>.<br /><br />Note: If you have the security settings on your machine cranked up to paranoid, you may get a warning about the results being a hoax. And I guess in way they are. But they are not dangerous, except to your eyes and sanity...Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-46550916284103249332010-04-04T15:49:00.011-07:002010-06-10T20:40:10.610-07:00Exterminate, Exterminate!<div style="text-align: right;">[<em><span style=""><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/benjamingolub/" target="new">Ben Golub's Photos</a></span></em>]</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/benjamingolub/3341668485/" target="new"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 437.5px; height: 288.75px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3652/3341668485_9b656acd54.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I enjoy an incinerated marshmallow as much as the next person. But I'm not a huge fan of Peeps. I can handle a few, and they sure are darn cute. But they basically are sugar, coated with sugar, with a side of sugar. A little goes a long way.<br /><br />However, they sure do make a pretty microwave show.<br /><br />Let the destruction begin.<br /><br />A few peeps:<br /><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ju3_gMMa5EQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ju3_gMMa5EQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><br /><br />Or the entire box:<br /><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xk6smWQX6yM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xk6smWQX6yM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><br /><br />Happy Easter everyone!<br /><br />Addendum: Would you like to see a <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2010/03/29/GA2010032903934.html" target="new">peep show?</a>Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-59606812123536686982010-03-16T20:07:00.007-07:002010-06-10T20:40:11.500-07:00A Quinn Martin Production<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ATUILf51B3c/0.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ATUILf51B3c/0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I was having a discussion about old television shows with a friend the other day, and we came to the conclusion that ol' <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0552918/" target="new">Quinn</a> must have thought his entire audience was illiterate.<br /><br />Proof:<br /><br /><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sVeBA9JwpwY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sVeBA9JwpwY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><br />Produced by Quinn Martin for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desilu_Productions" target="new">Desilu</a>.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-F0wlfmxKdU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-F0wlfmxKdU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><br />Chikka bow, chikka bow bow.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ATUILf51B3c&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ATUILf51B3c&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><br />Confession. I loved this theme music when I was a kid.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FGJ82yhdMqk&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FGJ82yhdMqk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><br />My Mom loved this show.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wab6-9HwvgI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wab6-9HwvgI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><br />My God, he couldn't even leave them there foreeners alone. The narrator's voice is <em>completely</em> wrong.<br /><br />See this is why I don't watch as much tv as I did when I was a kid. No-one will read the credits to me.<br /><br />I would also like to make it perfectly clear that <em>all</em> these shows were aired years and years before I was born. My grandparents told me about them. Really.<br /><br />More theme music fun <a href="http://www.televisiontunes.com/index.php" target="new">here</a> & <a href="http://www.melaman2.com/tvshows/C3.html" target="new">here</a>. <font color="red">Warning:</font> the second link <em>will</em> cause retinal bleeding.Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-45325236665916016452010-03-05T23:15:00.002-08:002010-06-10T20:40:12.536-07:00No Kicking Penguins!<div style="text-align: right;">[<em><span style=""><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sidereal/" target="new">Sidereal's Photos</a></span></em>]</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sidereal/76724710/" target="new"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 187px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/41/76724710_829780777e.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>A fairly recent find that I'm just getting around to posting.<br /><br />There is a young boy named <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stacecom/4224505166/" target="new">Colby</a> that lives in Newfoundland.<br /><br />One day his mother while walking around the house kicked a toy penguin out of her way. Colby then drew a picture and posted it on the fridge. The new house rule:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2010/01/29/nl-penguins-shirt-012910.jpg"><br /><br />Colby's uncle heard the story and had a graphics artist @ the <a href="http://www.thetelegram.com/" target="new">Telegram</a> clean up the image (<a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/39383/drawing.jpg" target="new">Here's</a> the original). It was then posted on <a href="http://www.reddit.com/" target="new">Reddit</a> and went viral.<br /><br />Next thing the family knows, the American military based in Antarctica has made "No Kicking Penguins" <a href="http://i.imgur.com/v8q84.jpg" target="new">official policy</a>.<br /><br />And you may ask "why not kick penguins?" The answer (and official webpage tagline) is: "Because you just shouldn't. What did they ever do to you?"<br /><br />Sounds like a pretty good policy to me.<br /><br />I'm a sucker for the cute & I couldn't resist <a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/dark_shirt-235611869251269088" target="new">the shirt</a>. All proceeds to various agencies that assist with autism. (Colby is autistic).<br /><br />Cool CBC story <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2010/01/29/nl-penguin-chipman-012910.html" target="new">here</a>...<br /><br />And the official <a href="http://www.nokickingpenguins.org/" target="new">No Kicking penguins</a> site.Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-52820903351013662022010-02-21T11:33:00.006-08:002010-06-10T20:40:13.532-07:00Pickles!In the past I have posted some <a href="http://brittbaker.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-many-times-has-this-happened.html" target="new">odd</a>, <a href="http://brittbaker.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-wife-would-like-that.html" target="new">odd</a>, <a href="http://brittbaker.blogspot.com/2008/12/wholesome-family-fun.html" target="new">odd</a>, <a href="http://brittbaker.blogspot.com/2008/10/im-not-putting-that-in-my-mouth.html" target="new">things</a> that people are willing to spend money to get. There just doesn't seem to be any limits to people combining really odd ideas with a marketing plan.<br /><br />I, however, have never actually seen the above products in person. Not so for today's intriguing entry.<br /><br />Introducing <a href="http://www.bobspicklepops.com/" target="new">Bob's Pickle Pops</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/4376889844/" title="pickle by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4376889844_5401e9e5fa.jpg" width="124" height="500" alt="pickle" /></a><br /><br />This was a gift from my brother who ordered them online. I have a feeling there isn't going to be any middle ground for this one. It's either going to be fantastic or disgusting. I'll let y'all know.<br /><br />Apparently they are quite popular:<br /><br /><object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oI_tSWk41s0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oI_tSWk41s0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><br /><br />Anyone out there ever try them?Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-30450436232224393632010-02-05T21:40:00.006-08:002010-06-10T20:27:20.451-07:00...But We Call it HomeI just love this ad. Beautiful scenery, inspiring message & famous BC stars:<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xwSCHRQCIBY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xwSCHRQCIBY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />BC stars?<br /><br />The ad features Michael J. Fox, Ryan Reynolds, Eric McCormack, Kim Cattrall, Steve Nash, and Sarah McLachlan.<br /><br />Fox, Cattrall & McCormack all have American citizenship, and except for McLachlan, none of them live full time in BC.<br /><br />I'm ok with that. Hell, you go where the work is. <br /><br />But then please don't call it "home"<br /><br />The sad thing is that I know why they were used. This ad is meant to attract people from outside BC. And frankly, how many celebs do we have living in the province that would be recognized outside of it?<br /><br />If my readers (both of you) can up with a few good examples, I be happily proven wrong. And those example can't be a band you really like, or an actor you think did a great job last year on that CBC documentary. I talking about names that would be recognized in South Carolina or Gdansk.<br /><br />So go ahead, and please prove me an idiot.<br /><br />Oh, and By the way - It's a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/GovernmentofBC" target="new">Government of BC</a> videoBritt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-64099473127058774112010-02-04T22:22:00.002-08:002010-06-10T20:40:14.570-07:00Olympic Cuteness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://f00.inventorspot.com/images/August%205th%20-%20Olympic%20Mascots1.jpg" target="new"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://f00.inventorspot.com/images/August%205th%20-%20Olympic%20Mascots1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Now <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldi" target="new">this</a> is an Olympic mascot.<br /><br />I have no love at all for <a href="http://www.vancouver2010.com/mascot" target="new">these guys</a>.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2114/2069573220_3723f31435_m.jpg"><br /><br /> I don't find them cute or interesting, just a little embarrassing. Of course if you know me, you know I generally hate mascots. Heck, I love Disneyland, but won't go near Micky or his minion.<br /><blockquote>Completely non PC side note. Can we stop feeling collectively guilty over injustices against First Nations people and not give <em>everything</em> we do a native theme or component? For example I was pretty sure that <a href="http://www.cbavancouver.ca/2009.html" target="new">Chinese New Year</a> was about <a href="http://www.cbavancouver.ca/images/2009Parade/DSC0446.JPG" target="new">Chinese</a> culture, but apparently not.</blockquote><br /><br />As usual I used <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_mascot" target="target">Wikipedia</a> (motto: the guilty secret of library staff since 1842) for my "research", and I think I discovered the bestest mascot <em>ever</em>.<br /><br />Introducing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatso_the_Fat-Arsed_Wombat" target="new">Fatso the Fat-Arsed Wombat</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e6/Fatso_the_Fat-Arsed_Wombat.jpg" target="new"><img width="75%" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e6/Fatso_the_Fat-Arsed_Wombat.jpg"></a><br /><br />Dude!<br /><blockquote>Another side note. I don't plan to write a lot about the Olympics because most of it bores me. But then again, it is an easy topic, so you never know.</blockquote>Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-54228842323006031742010-02-02T19:20:00.006-08:002010-06-10T20:40:15.955-07:00Olympics.... Oh, YayWhy I'm glad I'm not working the first full week of the Olympics (and why I wish I was off for the whole thing). Yup, right in the thick of things:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/4327059394/" title="road-plan-2010 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2692/4327059394_fb7c904eff_o.jpg" width="584" height="438" alt="road-plan-2010" /></a><br /><br />I <em>am</em> working till 6:00 the first day, <em>that</em> will be a fun commute home. "Official" word is that I should expect waits of up to an hour for the train in the evenings. <br /><br />This is why I'm glad I <em>am</em> working on the 9th. Again, right in the thick of things.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/4326325337/" title="torch by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4326325337_093060e197_o.jpg" width="580" height="426" alt="torch" /></a><br /><br />Good timesBritt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-29252169379138690042010-01-01T00:43:00.006-08:002010-06-10T20:24:16.698-07:00Happy, Happy,2010.<br /><br />My best wishes for a wonderful year to all (both of you) my readers.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eNxELGnGiGM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eNxELGnGiGM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-66261594190732262412009-12-25T14:33:00.008-08:002010-06-10T20:43:45.765-07:00Ho, Ho, Ho &<font color="green">M</font><font color="red">e</font><font color="green">r</font><font color="red">r</font><font color="green">y</font> <font color="red">C</font><font color="green">h</font><font color="red">r</font><font color="green">i</font><font color="red">s</font><font color="green">m</font><font color="red">a</font><font color="green">s</font><font color="red">!</font><br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ysIzPF3BfpQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ysIzPF3BfpQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday with family, friends and loads of good eats.Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-75821924385458990472009-12-17T00:00:00.003-08:002010-06-10T20:43:46.324-07:00A Century In Video - 1924The <a href="http://www.mgm.com/" target="new">MGM</a> lion understood in 1924 that there was no point in roaring. Who's going to hear it?<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MgH4Lfd2CV4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MgH4Lfd2CV4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Except for the roar, the logo hasn't actually changed much over the years:<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3mqVvEaQefk&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3mqVvEaQefk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mgm_lion" target="new">Leo the MGM lion</a> actually started out in 1917 as the mascot for the predecessor company <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldwyn_Pictures" target="new">Goldwyn Pictures</a>.<br /><br />Here he is in 1923 the year before Goldwyn Pictures, Metro Pictures and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_B._Mayer_Pictures" target="new">Louis B. Mayer Pictures</a> merged. I'm not sure if it's a half yawn or half assed snarl in this clip:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KIxVM5uhCAE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KIxVM5uhCAE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />The lion logo has been parodied many times, mostly by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTM_Enterprises" target="new">MTM Enterprises</a>:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065314/" target="new">The Mary Tyler Moore Show</a><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/L75JyagqN8E&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/L75JyagqN8E&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083470/" target="new">Remington Steele</a><a><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hohurYqniWo&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hohurYqniWo&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083455/" target="new">Newhart</a><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/29Py67EQiFM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/29Py67EQiFM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=st+elsewhere" target="new">St. Elswhere</a><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ykx8KoILomU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ykx8KoILomU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />And the depressing end credits for the last episode:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fce6tlwwjQo&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fce6tlwwjQo&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-32242079727867166262009-11-27T21:30:00.006-08:002010-06-10T20:43:46.843-07:00Is This the Real Life? Is This Just Fantasy?Caught in a landslide. No escape from reality<br /><br />Well this is an escape from reality.<br /><br />Love the Muppets? (yes!)<br /><br />Love - or at least like - Queen (yes!)<br /><br />Well don't say I never give you anything.<br /><br />Enjoy<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tgbNymZ7vqY&hl=en_US&fs=1&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tgbNymZ7vqY&hl=en_US&fs=1&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-75496876777582019442009-11-21T17:21:00.004-08:002010-06-10T20:43:47.403-07:00WeedWell that title grabbed your attention, didn't it?<br /><br />Sorry, wrong kind of weed. <br /><br />My context here is the weeding of a library collection. Libraries are buildings with finite space. And to make room for the new, we need to weed out the old. <br /><br />Each library has it's own set of weeding criteria defined by the library collection, mandate and user group. But one thing most libraries (in theory) agree on is that obsolete material must go. <br /><br />(OK, I'm over simplifying things here, but I'm hardly writing a policy and procedure manual. If you want the details on weeding policy, get a <a href="http://www.langara.bc.ca/science-technology/library-technology/index.html" target="new">diploma</a>, or a <a href="http://www.slais.ubc.ca/" target="new">degree</a>.)<br /><br />Weeding the collection isn't always easy, and it's also very time consuming. So this chore sometimes get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. The end result is that we often have material on our shelves that really shouldn't be there. <br /><br />From this collection of <strike>crap</strike> archive material sprung forth <a href="http://awfullibrarybooks.wordpress.com/" target="new">Awful Library Books</a>. A wonderful witty site dedicated to user submitted books lurking in library collections.<br /><br />And it's gone Hollywood.<br /><br />The proprietors of this great site, Mary and Holly, appeared recently on <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/jimmy-kimmel-live" target="new">Jimmy Kimmel Live</a>.<br /><br />Share and enjoy:<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oxQvm2oLewU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oxQvm2oLewU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />Here are the specific posts of the books discussed in the show:<br /><ul><br /><li><a href="http://awfullibrarybooks.wordpress.com/2009/07/24/whats-wrong-with-my-snake/" target="new">What's Wrong with my Snake</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://awfullibrarybooks.wordpress.com/2009/09/11/a-philatelists-dream/" target="new">Jewish Chess Masters on Stamps</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://awfullibrarybooks.wordpress.com/2009/07/22/a-grave-matter/" target="new">Do-It-Yourself Coffins: For Pets and People</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://awfullibrarybooks.wordpress.com/2009/06/19/house-of-hair/" target="new">Dee Snider’s Teenage Survival Guide</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://awfullibrarybooks.wordpress.com/2009/10/14/sweaters-from-rover/" target="new">Knitting with Dog Hair</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://awfullibrarybooks.wordpress.com/2009/10/30/diffrent-strokes/" target="new">Gary Coleman: Medical Miracle</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://awfullibrarybooks.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/passion-for-donkeys/" target="new">A Passion for Donkeys</a></li></ul><br /><br />Full disclosure: I checked the <a href="http://www.vpl.ca" target="new">Vancouver Public Library</a> catalogue for each of these items.<br /><br />Alas, we have two:<br /><ul><br /><li><a href="http://ipac.vpl.ca/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=BIB&term=817827" target="new">Do-It-Yourself Coffins: For Pets and People</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://ipac.vpl.ca/ipac20/ipac.jsp?index=BIB&term=612986" target="new">Knitting with Dog Hair</a></li></ul><br /><br />29% failure rate. That's not <em>too</em> bad, is it?Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-67391264015802449082009-11-06T22:42:00.003-08:002010-06-10T20:43:47.924-07:00Don't. Fall. Asleep!For completely incomprehensible reasons <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000881/" target="new">Michael Bay</a> has remade <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1179056/" target="new">A Nightmare on Elm Street</a>.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087800/" target="new">original</a> 1984 version scared the shit out of me. But somehow I can't picture this 'new' Freddy Krueger having much of an effect on me. I mean for crying out loud - <em>this</em> is Freddy?<br /><br /><img src="http://blogs.e-rockford.com/movieman/files/2009/03/kellyleak.jpg"><br /><br />OK, he's a bit older now:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.horrornews.net/exclusive_news/_news_04.2009/images/jackie-earle-haley.jpg" /><br /><br />And they do give him a bit of makeup:<br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RgMocJAV1PWKSer87WPRtR9x8JkpRhIe3i9cKCFZs1lIgvR7_xkGko-NUCnzLq0VAwwtJzA_w8r7hBN8U-eRlffZp1ULMBjw4I9dVmbj5d4YQ3EynYp35B5iuFcHO1siCSEp/s320/freddie.jpg" /><br /><br />But still...<br /><br />And to all you kids out there who don't know what I'm rambling about. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0355097/" target="new">Jackie Earle Haley</a> was originally famous for a amazingly popular 1976 film: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074174/" target="new">The Bad News Bears</a>.<br /><br />Sweet dreams...<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/B-tSvrkKx2Y&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/B-tSvrkKx2Y&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-91608033980422339712009-11-03T22:27:00.010-08:002010-06-10T20:43:48.448-07:00Miniature FunI love Disneyland, and I love <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilt-shift_photography" target="new">tilt-shift</a> (Particularly in this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_faking" target="new">context</a>).<br /><br />How could I not love this?<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HyZfIlxwsfI&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HyZfIlxwsfI&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />This was created completely with tilt-shift still photos. No video involved.<br /><br />More cool tilt-shift examples <a href="http://images.google.ca/images?q=tilt+shift&oe=utf-8&rlz=1R1GGGL_en___CA333&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=hCDxSqjZIo2sMJXi8IcO&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CCMQsAQwAw" target="new">here</a>. Create your own <a href="http://tiltshiftmaker.com/" target="new">here</a>.<br /><br />Cheers from a Disney dorkBritt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-36686437351574328552009-10-30T15:56:00.007-07:002010-06-10T20:43:49.013-07:00BrrrrrrrrrrrrOf course the hot water heater and the boiler picked the same day to crap out. <br /><br />The hot water heater is dead, but the boiler is repairable. Leaky pump or something. <br /><br />I was under the (erroneous it seems) impression that a hot water tank should last <em>longer</em> than 12 years. Goodbye giant jiffy pop:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/4059587880/" target="new" title="IMG_1433 by brittbak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2537/4059587880_4870d1caf7.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_1433" /></a><br /><br />I can has hot water please?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/4059588298/" target="new" title="IMG_1434 by brittbak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4059588298_c869e6695c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_1434" /></a><br /><br />50 gallons and set to 120° Just about boiled myself with the first shower.<br /><br />It was the red thing near the topish left that died on the boiler. Something widget garble thingly sprocket derbble technical stuff. Translation from Hubster. "Booster pump fucked":<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/4059588796/" target="new" title="IMG_1435 by brittbak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2595/4059588796_2542fec5a0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1435" /></a><br /><br />The Hubster has it covered:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/4058844791/" target="new" title="IMG_1436 by brittbak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/4058844791_ee4cddcf6d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1436" /></a><br /><br />Soon, soon, soon there will be heat again.<br /><br />But in the interim; Usually a freezer. Today a workbench:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/4059589674/" target="new" title="IMG_1437 by brittbak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/4059589674_290ff68340.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1437" /></a><br /><br />FYI, I'm currently in long ski undergarments. What? TMI?<br /><br />Well thbbbt to that.Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-91792176755471768472009-10-09T11:31:00.006-07:002010-06-10T20:43:49.552-07:00Allen, Allen, Steve, SteveA friend (thanks MM) sent me this video a while back. I can't even figure out <em>why</em> I think it's funny:<br /><br /><object width="512" height="328" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" id="ordie_player_b4daae7184"><param name="movie" value="http://player.ordienetworks.com/flash/fodplayer.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="key=b4daae7184" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed width="512" height="328" flashvars="key=b4daae7184" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" quality="high" src="http://player.ordienetworks.com/flash/fodplayer.swf" name="ordie_player_b4daae7184" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><div style="text-align:left;font-size:x-small;margin-top:0;width:512px;"><a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/b4daae7184/hey-alan-alan-alan-alan-alan" title="from TubularGoldmine"></a></div><br /><br />And then I found out via <a href="http://cuteoverload.com/2009/10/06/nighttime-daytime-dr-lipschwitz-has-his-work-cut-out-for-him/" target="new">Cute Overload</a> that it's actually from a BBC show <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00mc0rh" target="new">Walk on the Wild Side</a>.<br /><br />I have a feeling that this show would be a guilty pleasure in I lived in the UK. Probably a good thing I don't.<br /><blockquote>"Hey guys, did you see the new episode of Walk on..." <br />"Yes Britt, shut up Britt"<br />"But there was this really funny bit..."<br />"Gonna smack you now Britt"<br />"No need to get your knickers in a bunch"</blockquote><br />I love me a meerkat:<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8bT_C_V48QU&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8bT_C_V48QU&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />Much, much more <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bbc+walk+on+the+wild+side&search_type=&aq=0&oq=bbc+walk+on" target="new">here</a>Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-67277691269765304472009-10-05T11:37:00.009-07:002010-06-10T20:40:23.823-07:00Tri-tip of the DayThe Hubster and I just came back from a mini road trip through Oregon and Northern California. Only a week, but very much needed.<br /><br />The last town in California we visited was <a href="http://www.ci.calistoga.ca.us/" target="new">Calistoga</a>. We were headed for Napa (the city) along highway 128 (incidentally, one of the most beautiful highways I've ever been on), when we saw billowing smoke on the side of the road:<br /><br /><iframe width="700" height="394" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/sv?cbp=12,216.54,,0,5.06&cbll=38.575366,-122.580811&v=1&panoid=8BALNCePYc8HUImjofSVhQ&gl=&hl=en"></iframe><br /><small><a id="cbembedlink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?cbp=12,216.54,,0,5.06&cbll=38.575366,-122.580811&ll=38.575366,-122.580811&layer=c" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left" target="new">View Larger Map</a></small><br /><br />This, ladies and gentlemen, is <a href="http://www.busterssouthernbbq.com/" target="new">Buster's Southern BBQ & Bakery</a>.<br /><br />The order windows are in the white building, and if you want to eat in, there are tables in the brown building:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3969030491/" target="new" title="Untitled by brittbak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3969030491_d0dd9c45f4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This is Buster himself loading up the BBQ:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3969802430/" target="new" title="Untitled by brittbak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/3969802430_fefe1bfd81.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />How much meat does he cook? Oh, just a bit:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3969801760/" target="new" title="Untitled by brittbak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/3969801760_e0fb640f3a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The end result. Tri-tip on fresh on site baked buns, baked beans and the most incredible slaw in the world. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3969800634/" target="new" title="Untitled by brittbak, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2629/3969800634_35d9065a24.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I couldn't finish mine. But it wasn't for lack of trying.<br /><br />Damn, now I'm hungry<br /><br />The rest of the holiday pics are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/sets/72157622364281589/" target="new">here</a>.Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-64660660626274924562009-09-08T20:10:00.009-07:002010-06-10T20:43:40.479-07:00Yay! It's Caturday. Mwahhhh<div style="text-align: right;">[<em><span style=""><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisinplymouth/" target="new">chrisinplymouth's Photos</a></span></em>]<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisinplymouth/3575594885/" target="new"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2240/3575594885_44ab434afa.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Tomorrow there will be no cats on the internet. None. Zilch. Nada.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urlesque.com/nocats" target="new">Urlesque</a> has decreed that 09/09/09 will be a cat free day. Here is part of their statement:<br /><blockquote>"After getting inspired by our friends at Asylum, Urlesque is organizing a web-wide ban on cat-related coverage on <strong>9.9.09 -- A Day Without Cats on the Internet</strong>. Why only one day? Well let's be honest, that's probably only as long as we'll last before a hilarious video comes crashing into our inbox. But for one day, we will abstain... for you... for the cats." </blockquote>Click <a href="http://www.urlesque.com/nocats" target="new">here</a> for more.<br /><br />A number of other sites are participating including <a href="http://cuteoverload.com/" target="new">Cute Overload</a> and <a href="http://ihasahotdog.com/2009/09/03/funny-dog-pictures-a-day-without-cats/" target="new">I Has a Hotdog</a> <em>(Well duh!)</em>.<br /><br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/" target="new">I Can Has Cheezburger?</a> however, is protesting:<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kmUQA7AE-mQ&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kmUQA7AE-mQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />Are you ready?<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5QFrBnTLeAU&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5QFrBnTLeAU&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.urlesque.com/nocats" target="new">Urlesque</a> has promised to spend tomorrow blogging about another animal. It polled its readers as to what animal to cover. And the results are:<br /><br />Chickens! 8%<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ob6TTU1knUM&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ob6TTU1knUM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Goats! 13%<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YuB3BAn6kQs&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YuB3BAn6kQs&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />Horses! 10%<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/teHfyby_veU&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/teHfyby_veU&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Rabbits! 16%<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Os43MEoBorE&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Os43MEoBorE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Rodents! 13%<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5JsDt-teM0Q&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5JsDt-teM0Q&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Turtles! 14%<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gfuRz1w_8ss&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gfuRz1w_8ss&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />And the top vote.<br /><br />Other! 26%<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VjE0Kdfos4Y&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VjE0Kdfos4Y&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Yes it's a <a href="http://brittbaker.blogspot.com/2008/09/lyre-lyre.html" target="new">repost</a>. So sue me.<br /><br />I think I'll spend tomorrow cuddling my little <a href="http://brittbaker.blogspot.com/search/label/Brat" target="new">dog</a>.Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-69481906221472688062009-09-04T18:15:00.011-07:002010-06-10T20:34:54.341-07:00To Market, To Market<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3888692474/" target="new"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 280px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/3888692474_5549144132_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Finally, finally made it to the <a href="http://rcfm.ca/" target="new">Royal City Farmers Market</a>. Its schedule and mine have never met, but I had a rare Thursday off and was able to see what the Hubster has been talking about.<br /><br />Brat really likes the market. Here she is pulling us to our destination.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3887896947/" title="2009-09-03-01 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/3887896947_159158dfa4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-01" /></a><br /><br />Taken from the top of the market pointing towards the river.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3887897801/" title="2009-09-03-09 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3887897801_415dc70367.jpg" width="500" height="195" alt="2009-09-03-09" /></a><br /><br />There were quite a few other dogs there. Brat didn't think much of this rambunctious little guy. She ended up behind the Hubster's legs after letting this puppy know exactly what she thought.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3888692920/" title="2009-09-03-08 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3511/3888692920_5d95ba5142.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-08" /></a><br /><br />Bought a wonderful looking (haven't eaten it yet) loaf of cheese and roasted garlic bread from <a href="http://www.abreadaffair.com/index.html" target="new">A Bread Affair</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3888693780/" title="2009-09-03-10 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3888693780_cc7340f2fa.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-10" /></a><br /><br />Yum!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3887898821/" title="2009-09-03-12 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2676/3887898821_f7879f237f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-12" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cheeseworks.ca/" target="new">Little Qualicum Cheeseworks</a> makes some truly magnificent cheeses. Here the Hubster is urging me to try their <a href="http://www.cheeseworks.ca/cheese.php?id=2" target="new">curds</a>. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3888694586/" title="2009-09-03-13 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/3888694586_86bcc14d2b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-13" /></a><br /><br />We ended up buying <a href="http://www.cheeseworks.ca/cheese.php?id=4" target="new">feta</a>, <a href="http://www.cheeseworks.ca/cheese.php?id=10" target="new">monterey jill</a> and <a href="http://www.cheeseworks.ca/cheese.php?id=7" target="new">raclette</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3888695310/" title="2009-09-03-15 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/3888695310_045403cff5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-15" /></a><br /><br />Every week they have different <a href="http://rcfm.ca/about-2/music-and-entertainment/" target="new">music and entertainment</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3888695012/" title="2009-09-03-14 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/3888695012_5f3f49377c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-14" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3887902849/" title="2009-09-03-23 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3503/3887902849_36ac8aa601.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-23" /></a><br /><br />As well as Art in the Park.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3887903095/" title="2009-09-03-24 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3887903095_d77b1187ee.jpg" width="500" height="246" alt="2009-09-03-24" /></a><br /><br />Of course we had to have a nosh. How about a <a href="http://malumahealthfood.com/" target="new">bison</a> dog?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3888696020/" title="2009-09-03-17 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2474/3888696020_4f2dee7a7c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-17" /></a><br /><br />Gotta try this one. (Made with the brie from Little Qualicum Cheeseworks).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3888695642/" title="2009-09-03-16 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/3888695642_46208e8e48.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-16" /></a><br /><br />Good choice! That was one fine dog.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3887901067/" title="2009-09-03-18 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3887901067_5373691209.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-18" /></a><br /><br />Time for a bit more shopping.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3887901537/" title="2009-09-03-19 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2651/3887901537_ac6fe52820.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-19" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3888697342/" title="2009-09-03-20 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2452/3888697342_7925de7a15.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-20" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3888697808/" title="2009-09-03-22 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3888697808_7cd2b46eb0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-22" /></a><br /><br />Bubbles!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3888699680/" title="2009-09-03-27 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/3888699680_6c92abb857.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-27" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3887904581/" title="2009-09-03-28 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2648/3887904581_d5a5e321b8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-28" /></a><br /><br />Alas my cold is getting the better of me and it's time to go home with our loot.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3888699082/" title="2009-09-03-25 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/3888699082_74fe35a70e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-25" /></a><br /><br />I don't want to go. You can't make me! (You can't really tell. But she had completely put on the brakes here)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brittbak/3887905139/" title="2009-09-03-29 by brittbak, on Flickr" target="new"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3887905139_5a612e495d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2009-09-03-29" /></a><br /><br />A very enjoyable (& delicious) visit. Awaiting next week's when I'm feeling better.<br /><br />Lots more photos from the <a href="http://rcfm.ca/" target="new">RCFM</a> site <a href="http://rcfm.ca/market-photos/" target="new">here</a>.<br /><br />If you'd like to check it out, the market is located <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=190+4th+st+new+westminster&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=44.339735,77.080078&ie=UTF8&ll=49.208037,-122.909503&spn=0.008972,0.018818&z=16&om=1" target="new">here</a>.Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737689.post-47875206203207616232009-08-18T06:58:00.016-07:002010-06-10T20:39:30.062-07:00Library Cuts are Not Healthy for Children & Other Living Things<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=5awXgCFcW7iNiiltlIEj4w%3d%3d" target="new"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 133px;" src="http://www.stopbclibrarycuts.ca/images/stoplibrarycuts_button.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Addendum:<br />The funding results are <a href="http://stopbclibrarycuts.ca/" target="new">here</a><br /><br /><hr width="25%"><br />Please consider these scenarios<br /><ol><br /><li>It's 9:00pm and you're working on a paper. You need one more source and it has to be from a peer reviewed journal.<br /><br />What to do.<br /><br />Why not try the library's chat service <a href="http://askaway.org/" target="new">AskAway</a>? Within minutes a library staffer has show you a great database filled with peer reviewed articles on your topic. Not only that but they helped you find a source that demonstrates how to cite an electronic resources. You're good to go and you get your paper in on time.</li><br /><li>When you were a kid you read this (you thought*) great science fiction <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rite_of_Passage" target="new">book</a>. Some 30 years later the book creeps into your head. You'd like to read it again, but your library doesn't own it.<br /><br />What to do.<br /><br />Turns out your local library has this great service called <a href="http://www.vpl.ca/library/details/interlibrary_loans" target="new">Interlibrary Loans</a>. If your library doesn't own a book you want, they can find one that <a href="http://bcuc-agent.auto-graphics.com/agent/FullDisplayPage.asp?myses=4173043&k=654237&w=a&s=f&cuid=bcuc&cusrvr=muses&rn=1&sid=b0602ab3-9115-4bc1-ba1b-1e73ea65ec9d" target="new">does</a> and order it in for you. Usually within a couple of week.</li><br /><li>You have a great idea for a business, but are not sure that it's a feasible idea. Times are tough and you want the best information possible to help you make your decision<br /><br />What to do.<br /><br />The librarian in the Science & Business division points you to many great sources, including some very helpful <a href="http://www.vpl.ca/electronic_databases/cat/C196" target="new">databases</a> that supply company statistics, entrepreneurial information and articles about your field.</li><br /></ol>These are just a few of the services provided by BC libraries that are being threatened with massive <a href="http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/pls/" target="new">grant cuts</a><br /><br />If this pisses you off as much as it does me (and my colleagues), please visit <a href="http://www.stopbclibrarycuts.ca/" target="new">Stop BC Library Cuts</a> and:<br /><ul><li>Learn how these cuts could diminish the fantastic <a href="http://www.stopbclibrarycuts.ca/public.htm" target="new">library service</a> we've all come to rely on here in BC.</li><br /><li>Read some of the <a href="http://www.stopbclibrarycuts.ca/media.htm" target="new">media coverage</a>.</li><br /><li>And most important: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=5awXgCFcW7iNiiltlIEj4w%3d%3d" target="new">Sign the petition</a> that could help prevent reductions in service.</li></ul><br />If you're not in BC, please contact <a href="http://lists.webjunction.org/libweb/" target="new">your local library</a> and offer support. Many, many libraries are hurting right now, and it's not a resource that we can afford to lose.<br /><br />Another thing to keep in mind. Although this post is <a href="http://www.vpl.ca/" target="new">Vancouver Public Library</a> centric, (because that's where I work), other small <a href="http://www.bclibraries.ca/home/" target="new">BC libraries</a> will be hit much, much harder. A much smaller percentage of VPL's budget comes from grant money than that of the smaller library systems.<br /><br />Here's the (itsy bitsy) coverage from <a href="http://www.globaltvbc.com/" target="new">Global BC</a> this morning:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/N2rYbWIoj7s&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/N2rYbWIoj7s&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />* or "me thought" as the case may be. Exciting scenario # 2 is an amazing true story.Britt S. Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800956242515447044noreply@blogger.com0