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A couple photos I took with my Holga. The first one is in Hawaii. The second two were taken in Sydney, Australia. Not terribly excited about Allen's Cameras developing. I think I will try somewhere else next time.
Here are the numbers from 2 months ago January 6th-13th
Here are the numbers from 1 month ago. Feb. 6th-13th
Now the numbers from March 6th-13th
Most of my friends are Mac users, but apparently my loyal readers are windows users. What does this say about me as a blogger and as a friend (or my friends)?
Thanks to everyone who added my blog to your "links" or "family and friends" sections on your sites. Keep up the good work. Leave a comment if you check my blog at least once a week or if you stumbled upon this blog and don't know me. I want to see who the regular readers are.
"The Flying Spaghetti Monster (also known as the Spaghedeity) is the deity of a parody religion called The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and its system of beliefs, "Pastafarianism". The religion was founded in 2005 by Bobby Henderson to protest the decision by the Kansas State Board of Education to require the teaching of intelligent design as an alternative to biological evolution.
In an open letter sent to the education board, Henderson professes belief in a supernatural creator called the Flying Spaghetti Monster which resembles spaghetti and meatballs. He furthermore calls for the "Pastafarian" theory of creation to be taught in science classrooms."
"Open Letter To Kansas School Board
I am writing you with much concern after having read of your hearing to decide whether the alternative theory of Intelligent Design should be taught along with the theory of Evolution. I think we can all agree that it is important for students to hear multiple viewpoints so they can choose for themselves the theory that makes the most sense to them. I am concerned, however, that students will only hear one theory of Intelligent Design.
Let us remember that there are multiple theories of Intelligent Design. I and many others around the world are of the strong belief that the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster. It was He who created all that we see and all that we feel. We feel strongly that the overwhelming scientific evidence pointing towards evolutionary processes is nothing but a coincidence, put in place by Him.
It is for this reason that I’m writing you today, to formally request that this alternative theory be taught in your schools, along with the other two theories. In fact, I will go so far as to say, if you do not agree to do this, we will be forced to proceed with legal action. I’m sure you see where we are coming from. If the Intelligent Design theory is not based on faith, but instead another scientific theory, as is claimed, then you must also allow our theory to be taught, as it is also based on science, not on faith.
Some find that hard to believe, so it may be helpful to tell you a little more about our beliefs. We have evidence that a Flying Spaghetti Monster created the universe. None of us, of course, were around to see it, but we have written accounts of it. We have several lengthy volumes explaining all details of His power. Also, you may be surprised to hear that there are over 10 million of us, and growing. We tend to be very secretive, as many people claim our beliefs are not substantiated by observable evidence. What these people don’t understand is that He built the world to make us think the earth is older than it really is. For example, a scientist may perform a carbon-dating process on an artifact. He finds that approximately 75% of the Carbon-14 has decayed by electron emission to Nitrogen-14, and infers that this artifact is approximately 10,000 years old, as the half-life of Carbon-14 appears to be 5,730 years. But what our scientist does not realize is that every time he makes a measurement, the Flying Spaghetti Monster is there changing the results with His Noodly Appendage. We have numerous texts that describe in detail how this can be possible and the reasons why He does this. He is of course invisible and can pass through normal matter with ease.
I’m sure you now realize how important it is that your students are taught this alternate theory. It is absolutely imperative that they realize that observable evidence is at the discretion of a Flying Spaghetti Monster. Furthermore, it is disrespectful to teach our beliefs without wearing His chosen outfit, which of course is full pirate regalia. I cannot stress the importance of this enough, and unfortunately cannot describe in detail why this must be done as I fear this letter is already becoming too long. The concise explanation is that He becomes angry if we don’t.
You may be interested to know that global warming, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters are a direct effect of the shrinking numbers of Pirates since the 1800s. For your interest, I have included a graph of the approximate number of pirates versus the average global temperature over the last 200 years. As you can see, there is a statistically significant inverse relationship between pirates and global temperature.
In conclusion, thank you for taking the time to hear our views and beliefs. I hope I was able to convey the importance of teaching this theory to your students. We will of course be able to train the teachers in this alternate theory. I am eagerly awaiting your response, and hope dearly that no legal action will need to be taken. I think we can all look forward to the time when these three theories are given equal time in our science classrooms across the country, and eventually the world; One third time for Intelligent Design, one third time for Flying Spaghetti Monsterism, and one third time for logical conjecture based on overwhelming observable evidence.
Sincerely Yours,
Bobby Henderson, concerned citizen.
P.S. I have included an artistic drawing of Him creating a mountain, trees, and a midget. Remember, we are all His creatures."
"OK, I agree that this is a bunch of complete nonsense. All you people who actually think that a flying spaghetti monster created us are just confirmation that this world is soon coming to an end. I pray that someone around you will show you the Bible someday soon and that you turn to Jesus Christ our savior so God can have mercy on your souls, because if not, you’re all going to hell.
with pity,
anonymous"
"what is up with this?(Emphais NOT mine)
READ THE REAL BIBLE!!!!!!!
THIS IS WACKED OUT !SPAGHETTI IS SOMETHING YOU EAT THEN POOP OUT AFTER A FEW HOURS!!! THE IS NO SUCH THING IM SORRY HAHAHAHAAHAHAH MY GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD! A GOD THAT WILL SEND ALL OF THESE FSM PEOPLE RIGHT TO HELL SO REMEMBER YOUR FOOD GOD WHEN YOU’RE BURNIN! ITS STUPID PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT IS MAKING THIS WORLD END FASTER"
-c
"Because they spent the whole day seeing things"
As for the Capone factor I give it a 0. I set this apple on the chair next to me as I played Rock Band and he didn't even think about taking it. Perhaps he has learned to read my face and based on how much I am enjoying the apple decides that he must try it. It could also be that he could smell its mediocrity.
Taste: 5
Texture: 15
To be fair it could be that because Macey's has such poor produce that I got a bum apple. If this is the case and someone knows better, tell me in the comments and I will try a Honeycrisp from another source.
The Honeycrisp apple was produced from a 1960 cross of Macoun and Honeygold, as part of the University of Minnesota apple breeding program.
Honeycrisp apples can store three to four months in the refrigerator.
And From www.honeycrisp.com: "Honeycrisp it is more than an apple it is an eating experience!"
So I rated each apple on a scale from 1 to 10 based on Capones reaction to each apple. 1 being he didn't even notice the apple and 10 being the apple is his first born child and I am trying to eat it, except he doesn't want to protect it, he wants a piece of that sweet, sweet baby. I will also rate each apple on a completely arbitrary scale from 3 to 17 (this a whole other blog post itself) based on taste and texture. On to the first apple!
The Rome was one of the apples I'd never heard of. It was one of the prettiest apples I'd ever seen. The picture doesn't do it justice. Its taste was very sweet and quite delicious. The texture wasn't very good. It was soft. I really like a good crisp apple, something with a good snap when you bite a chunk off. This apple is a tough one because the flavor was amazing but I'm not sure it's worth it because of the soft texture. If given the choice between a granny smith and a rome I would take the rome. If you prefer a softer apple you will love it.
Here are a few facts about the rome apple from produceoasis.com:
"Usage: The best apple for baking, but also good eaten fresh & in salads.
Selection: Good-quality Rome apples will be firm with smooth and clean skin. The coloring is a brilliant and almost solid shade of red with white lenticels - natural tiny white dots that allow the apple to "breathe". Test the firmness of the apple by holding it in the palm of your hand. (Do not push with your thumb). It should feel solid and heavy, not soft and light.
Avoid: Avoid product with soft or dark spots. Also if the apple skin wrinkles when you rub your thumb across it, the apple has probably been in cold storage too long or has not been kept cool."
Here we have (starting from the left back row)
Sonya
Pink lady
Red delicious
Golden delicious
Braeburn
(continuing from the left on the front row)
Rome
Cameo
Jonagold
Honey crisp
I have had pink ladies, golden delicious, red delicious, and honey crisp (sounds like a cereal). I have never had the others. I will report back about the different apples tastes and textures.
Here are a few Interesting fun facts about apples.
The pink lady apple is a cross between a golden delicious and a lady Williams apple.
Apples are natural toothbrushes
As you chew an apple it massages your gums, helping prevent gum disease.
Apples help stabilize your blood sugar levels which helps curb your craving for sweets
Apples are fat, sodium, and cholesterol free.
About 25% of an apple volume is air, which is why they float.
I declare this the year of the apple!