Back from Boot Camp

Eric Sitzman, my brother-in-laws younger brother just got back from boot camp in Southern California at the Recriut Depot with the Marines, where Brando went. He was with Platoon 3047 above. As you know, my brothers and close friend Brando have all been through boot camp. As such, I have heard the many stories and feel this is a huge accomplishment. Eric is now at Camp Pendleton, on to the next step. This is a huge commitment and sacrifice by the people who do and have done this. Both my brother, Tyler, and Brandon have been to Iraq and Eric may have to go too. So, thank you guys, and Hoooaaahhh, or something.

Ultimate Fighting, Daisy Style

Nowell came and stayed at our house this weekend while his owner was out of town. Being huge fans of the UFC, Daisy and Nowell practiced their technique. Flawless, horrifying, here's your Dog UFC.

Trauma Nights, and Pink Lemonade Slushies

Last month, these were the cats you saw between 5:30pm and 5:30am pretty much every day of the month if you happened to wreck your car or let a tree fall on you. Nick Pauly, sitting down, gracefully handled hundreds of nearly pointless floor pages. Example: "Dr. Pauly, Mr. SoandSo's blood sugar is 112. The orders say to call for blood sugars over 140, but I thought I should let you know." Ahhhhhhh! Our only reprieve was frequent trips to the ER for pink lemonade slushies.

Chad Caves ran the ER several nights while I was on the trauma team.

Our night doc, Dr. Aguilar, master of Woot's special deals.

Coast to Coast and Neurotheology

I was driving early this morning, and caught one of my favorite radio shows- Coast to Coast with George Noory. I use "favorite radio show" very loosely. It's can be really entertaining, and you feel like you have been transported to an entirely different culture when you listen to the callers. You can learn a little about the content here: Coast to Coast.

Anyway, the topics vary from UFO's to ghosts to conspiracy theories. You can imagine this brings in some very "interesting" callers. Today they were talking about Neurotheology, and had an author that wrote one of the main Neurotheology books out there. I have never heard much about this before, and maybe Eric could shed some light on the subject if he has delved into this at all. It, in my understanding, is an attempt to connect a materialistic approach like neuroscience to spirituality. Wikipedia has a nice summary of Neurotheology. You'll have to let me know what you think. It is at least an interesting concept.

Beck - Clap Hands - Live on SNL

Here's Beck performing "Clap Hands" on Saturday Night Live.

I really thought this was an incredibly original performance where Beck's band is seated at a dinner table playing bottles, plates and glasses as percussive instruments, puppets mirroring the show and some break out harmonica playing. This is maybe the most enjoyable performance I've ever seen on Saturday Night Live. Plus I'm biased, because I think Beck rules. Check it out.

Hawkeye turned Green Bay Packer Abdul Hodge great first start...

Hawkeyes are making a good showing for Green Bay in Seattle tonight. Kampman is having a great year, Cole is playing and Hodge returned this fumble for a TD in his first start.

Diet Coke and Mentos, A Deadly combination

This seems like something Paul Brady and I would have done in high school and somehow gotten ourselves in trouble for it.

This is taking it to the next level.

Trauma Surgery, Beck and Vampire Beagles

I am Trauma Surgery this month. Cruddy hours, but fun cases. This is a case of a fracture/dislocation of the talus, and I did some conscious sedation while my ortho colleagues tried to reduce the fracture.

If you don't believe in vampires, I at least present proof of Vampire Beagles. A rare breed, they don't transmutate into bats but rather very small rhinos. Not really all that useful if you ask me.


I also wanted to share the new Beck cover. It comes blank, and you get to decorate it ala Trapper Keeper style. If you have the album, send me your pics and I will post it.

Fall Pictures, makes me miss home...

I took these pics from my deck the other day. Growing up on a farm, it's a little nostalgic. I am not sure what it is, but a lot of people probably look at pictures of a combine in a field and are bored, for me, they really can be beautiful. It's probably just the tie to growing up around them, but every year I enjoy a drive around to see the harvest.

Drew Tate, Dodgeball Style.

I'll still wear the Number 5 jersey with pride.

Dancing superheroes make me smile....

Seraph for hire, Contact Peltgrande with contract questions

Fear the Seraph.

Iowa versus Northern Illinois in the Skybox

HalloWeeN!!!

What a great Saturday! Chad had his annual Halloween Party, so I dropped a few pics for you to see. Cullen had really nice udders, and as you can see RW liked them too. Everyone had fun costumes and it was good to see all of you. You can also see Paul Brady made friends with a can of spam. I also had to include Nicole and I watching the game from one of the skyboxes, cuz that's just plain sweet.

CHUTTON!!!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! So, it's Halloween time. Time for scary stories. Some of you know the scariest of them all. Chutton's story. Here is the condensed version... The year was 1994, the setting a 100 year old farmhouse. Out comes the Ouija. Strange things happen, and a spirit who identified himself as David Chutton speaks to the scared youngsters. Doors won't open. Sounds are coming from upstairs, but no one is up there. One of the girls starts to cry. David Chutton maybe isn't so friendly. Well, the scared kids left the house. No one knew who David Chutton was, but they knew they didn't want to be around him any more. The next week, Chad and I were working at the Olin Cemetary with Don Woodley. And guess who's grave we passed by? David Chutton? No. But the grave we saw neither of us had ever seen before, and had always made me wonder about that night. Not Chutton, but David C. Hutton. (creepy music, Hooohaaahahaoooohooohhahahah, creepy music).

Hawks are back on track....

...And this guy loves it. I actually know this kid from an ER visit.... Can't tell you about that, but I can tell you he is funny as hell. He was at the Gameday visit and Tony Cooper took this pic. You can check out the rest of Tony's gameday pics here. Hawkeye's thumped Purdue last weekend, I will try to get a few pics from that game up.

Anybody else really dig the Eels?

If you don't like the Eels, you probably haven't listened to Blinking Lights and Other Revelations.... Check em out.

Sorry, forgot to attach the link, now click on it above. Also, you can borrow my CD's if you want. Brandon, you could also borrow or just have this white bust of David I have.

Don't worry, he's safe.

You can see DAVID in LIVE ACTION HERE

David, Caesar, same difference....

Hmmmm...

Steve Alford Game Used Golf Tee! (maybe)

Steve Alford's Golf Tee! (Could Be!) Dream IT. Be IT. This could be yours! Still fully functional, and the grass lodged in the tee from the possible powerful swing of Steve Alford remains untouched.

This Iowa Basketball labeled golf tee was found by myself on the tee off of the 9th hole at Brown Deer Golf Course. Less than a mile from the home of Steve Alford, who is known to golf there, who elses could it be?

I can make no actual guarantee that Steve Alford used this tee, but on the off chance he did, wouldn't you want it too? I had it inspected by my Beagle, (see photo), who mysteriously immediately offered the tee a contract extension and a raise even though the tee has not made me any money or met any of my expectations yet. Coincidence? I think not. More proof that this tee likely launched a golf ball once held by Steve Alford.

I will include the mint condition Nike Golf Ball free! (Not possibly game used by Steve Alford.) You could use this golf ball to hit off of the same tee Steve Alford might have hit off of. Just think of that! This is Steve Alford we're talking of here. Steve Alford has counted to infinity, twice! Steve Alford always knows the EXACT location of Carmen SanDiego. Steve Alford has 12 moons, one of which is Earth. And you could own his (maybe) golf tee. Get it NOW!

Cullen Bright Facts...

Who really is more tough? Rick Watters or Cullen Bright? You compare the facts and decide.

If you spell Cullen Bright in Scrabble, you win. Forever.

Rick Watters originally appeared in the "Street Fighter II" video game, but was removed by Beta Testers because every button caused him to do a roundhouse kick. When asked bout this "glitch," Watters replied, "That's no glitch."

Cullen Bright does not teabag the ladies. He potato-sacks them.

When Rick Watters plays Oregon Trail, his family does not die from cholera or dysentery, but rather, roundhouse kicks to the face. Rick also requires no wagon, since he carries the oxen, axels, and buffalo meat on his back. He always makes it to Oregon before you.

Cullen Bright puts his pants on one leg at a time, just like the rest of us. The only difference is, then Cullen kills people.

Rick Watters does not have chest hair, he has millions of highly venomous nematocysts. You have virtually no chance of surviving the venomous sting, unless treated immediately. The pain is so excruciating and overwhelming that you would most likely go into shock and collapse a split second before getting hit in the face with a roundhouse kick.

It's a HAWKEYE STATE!

The BIG gameday. Iowa versus ISU. All week long the Iowa players had to look at posters in each of their lockers, above the urinals and in the weight room of a billboard on I-380 that ISU put up declaring "It's a Cyclone State".

It was a really great college football game, and even more so, because Iowa won. Paul was a little disheartened afterwards, which is self-explanatory in where he tries to lobotomize himself with his finger.


And, you can see Todd Nickell, the perennial Cycloner in a nice Hawkeye shirt next to the explorer. Is Todd turning?... The fans rushed the field at the end, some people were doing snow angels, and the entire stadium was chanting together, "Hawkeye State!, Hawkeye State!"


We finished the night off around the fire...

Chad got Descent!

Got a new gaming store, reminiscing about COBF, and Chad got Descent. I've got gaming in some sort or another on my mind. Hence the red dragon drawing. Anyone care to guess how old he would be? I have to work way too much to start off this month, but you can bet we'll be at Critical Hit Games later in September with MTG and Descent. And lots of junk food. We'll let you know when...

Death by Glabrezu

On this Sunday morning before church, I reminisce about a giant of very short stature. One for whom this blog is named after. After not heeding a warning light going off in the back of his head while running through an anteroom full of short, whitish blobby mini-devils he proceeds forward into a great room, lit by four magical fires. He soon realizes his trouble.

So, what's a halfling to do? First drink your potion of spider climbing and your potion of giant stregth. Take Katrina's Greatsword that is normally too wieldy for a halfling not potioned up, climb the wall and jump off in last hurrah. A halfling's battle cry is not something you think of, but this day it would have put Bruenor Battlehammer's call in its place. With greatsword held in both hands pointing straight down between his short legs, he used all his wieght and enhanced strength to drive it down from the mighty jump from the ceiling. The Glabrezu never knew so much pain. A halfling? It almost drove the Glabrezu to know no more. Instead, he reached up and grabbed the fly sized creature from his back and crushed the halfling would be hero between its claws. Like Tristan, it was a good death.

Will it Sink or Will it Float, Part 2: Beagles?

I have taken Daisy to the Res. and to Lake McBride which is right by my house several times and she had shown me no inclination that she can swim. My brother just threw his dog in the water for the test, it swam, but now is scared of water, so I didn't want to do that with Daisy. So, I got her a life jacket, (I know, pathetic), and just figured when she is ready she will swim.

So, we went out on the kayak, and she was scared, until we hit a big wave and she fell in. First, instant panic, then, "Oh wait, I float, this isn't so bad" She got back on the kayak and was relaxed the rest of the time and would go back and forth from the front to the back checking out stuff. Then Thomas, Daisy and I went out in a canoe and just canoed around Lake McBride. It is very peaceful out there, really a great afternoon.

Other notes of interest:
PLUTOPHOBES!!!
ABC news just reported some elitist, double planet hating scientists have just demoted Pluto from planet status in the face of the IAU new recommendations. This is clearly prejudice against Pluto for its size and status as a 'double planet' which makes some Plutophobes uncomfortable. More on this later.
Critical Hit Games...
A new gaming store is open in Iowa City, (actually in Coralville, on my way home from work, I pass it every day, uh-oh). The gaming itch grows... The store is by far the best gaming store I have been in. It has great organization, a board for posting meeting times for certain groups, tables for MTG, Pirates, and miniature games. It also has a great junk food and pop selection. Suddenly I feel like I am ready to gear up with Quinn, Marcus and Manji-Sahib and tear up some owl-bears. Ahhhh.

Will it sink or will it float?

Nicole started teaching 5-6th grade science this year, and we did a test run on an experiment at home tonight to make sure it would work. Apparently, acrylic beads are just the right density that is sinks in tap water and floats in water saturated with kosher salt. I have no idea why the experiment called for kosher salt, but it did and that's what we used. You can see nicely in exhibit A above, (the picture with the two cylinders), the left glass contains salt water and the acrylic ball floats, while it sinks in the tap water on the right. The picture above with the single glass shows the ball floating in the middle. I put the salt water in the bottom and gently poured the tap water in to keep them from mixing much. Just like oil and water, they stay separated enough for a while that the acrylic bead floats in the middle.



















After our brief science experiment I found Daisy had ripped a hole in her favorite toy and was gutting it leaving that fluffy white stuff all over our living room. I was concerned it might be too late, but I took the chicken directly to the kitchen for an emergency repair with some 3-0 Nylon nonabsorbable sutures. I was able to repair the chicken's wounds, and within minutes the chicken was back being thrown wildly around. He will need some physical therapy for the first few days though.

Well, maybe we can keep finding some more science experiments to try and share. I want to test more stuff to see if it floats. David Letterman has a game called WIll it sink or will it float and it always amuses me. Does a can of peaches float? How about my cell phone? How about The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan? I think witches float.

Without the Shadow- Nothing

When I read that quote it really stuck with me. I found out it could have a lot of meaning that I didn't initially comprehend. I read it in the context of that 'If the eyes sow no tears the soul can know no joy', or basically that through life's struggles we come into more fulfillment and can be happier than before. I have come to truly believe this more than ever.

I found out that in Japan shadow has a different meaning. They have a saying, (Paul help me here if I screw it up), or rather a reply to how you are doing, “Hai, Okagesama de”, which means I am fine, I am under the shadow. Kage means shadow, (Ahhhh, NES game Legend of Kage anyone?), but this saying more means, Yes, I am protected by the Gods.
-'For the one without a shadow, love and success will always remain illusive.' - Gaku Homma




As for the pictures, Daisy found this pleasantly creepy praying mantis and wasn't sure what to think of it. It would turn it's head to look at me no matter where I stood. Mmmm. Also, I was going to make a shirt of my picture of muncher's picture of him wearing a shirt with my picture on it, but I couldn't find where I put my iron ons.

2 Skinnee J's were right- Pluto is a Planet!!!

The 2 Skinnee J's tried to tell us this all before, but some didn't listen. (Check out the song from them off the album Supermercado, Pluto is a Planet, it really is a Pro-Pluto Political Rocker) Well, Pluto is a planet, along with Ceres, Charon and 2003 UB313, or better known as Xena. IAU has proposed a definition for a planet to be any object orbiting a star that has been pulled by its own gravity into a ball shape and is not a satellite of another planet.

Ceres was a planet in 1801, but got demoted to asteroid over a century ago. It rejoins the planet race after this long segregation. When asked about the reinstatement, Ceres quipped, "For over 100 years I have been ridiculed, laughed at, pointed at- ooohhh, look at him, used to be a planet, but now just an asteroid, hahahahhaHAHAHAHA, (pointing and snickering)". Clearly a delicate topic for Ceres, he went on to speak about his committment to the planet community and hopes that other planets out there get their recognition as well.

Charon is sort of been Pluto's moon, but the problem was that they orbit eachother, so they now both gain Planet status. Pluto has spoke vehemently before about the Earth's opposition to Same-planet unions, stating that, "The only reason Earth doesn't want to give my Charon planet status is for tax and insurance reasons, and now they want to demote me from being a planet because I am that kind of planet. Well, I am planet, so is Charon, and hear us roar!" Now, with the new IAU definition, both will be planets, and be our solar systems first 'double planet'. It is still unclear of the tax and insurance benefits that may follow.

Finally, 2003 UB313, or Xena will also gain planet status. It is the farthest known planet-elect in the solar system, and was unable to be reached for comment on Tuesday. Currently thought to be starring in an upcoming roll with Kevin Sorbo for a Hercules/Xena epic movie, she has been very busy.