Chine bLog - 9. Random stuff

Off topic, but really cool - "Battle at Kruger" video

nospam@example.com (Tim) — Thu, 15 May 2008 02:50:31 +0200

Every so often I get to post off topic stuff; that why I have a "Random Stuff" category. Here is a little video that, if you haven't seen it, is must see. It has nothing to do with boats (unless you note the not-too subtle message that kayaking in South African waterholes might be a bad career move) and everything to do with nature in its raw, unadulterated glory. Enjoy!

Yeesh - been too long...

nospam@example.com (Tim) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:56:00 +0100

And then one day you sit down at your computer and realize that you haven't blogged in a month. Tough spell at work and on the home front; to my loyal readers, thanks for staying with me. Getting back with the program here...

Holiday by the sea - Jones Beach, New York, 12/24/07

nospam@example.com (Tim) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 04:45:00 +0100

My in-laws are on Long Island (New York) and we went there for Christmas this year. As we always do, we headed down to Jones Beach, which is a treat in the off-season (and a mass of humanity during the warmer months). There was a brisk Northwest wind and high, thin clouds, all making for a lovely day at the beach (the way I like it, anyway). Among the cool aspects of Jones is its sand - it has a lot of garnet, I believe, which settles into wind-blown formations that are really stunning. Enjoy!

Another humdinger nor'easter

nospam@example.com (Tim) — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 23:05:44 +0200

Here in DC we have mostly been spared the worst of a bad nor'easter up in my home waters of New England. Sounds like it was a pretty crazy storm, up there with some other greats. Some good info on it, for those interested:

A fascinating post from Jeff Masters at Weather Underground
And another... ... which includes this bit, from inland:
Winds this morning on top of New Hampshire's Mount Washington were 108 mph, gusting to 138. I don't think they'll be painting the railings today!
Finally, from Mt. Washington Observatory itself comes this gem of a statement:
Update: Wind directions continue to keep work conditions challenging. Here is a video of our protective front door airlock buckling in the east winds. The decision has been made not to open it.

Sounds like a good idea, gang! Those wacky weather dudes... Anyway, we here at Chine bLog are big on having a healthy respect for nature, and this is one of those days that reminds you why. Out on the water? I believe the posts above will tell you the wind hit 70 kts. at Matinicus Rock off Maine and a buoy in the Gulf of Maine was clocking 29' seas. Hmm - might be worth tying in a reef...

Welcome any new Hungarian friends

nospam@example.com (Tim) — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 04:14:56 +0100

So it seems some VERY eclectic and soemwhat off-color blog in Hungary picked up my site, specifically the post on my sister's postcard from Vietnam. I can't quite figure out why or what was said about it - my Magyar is little rusty. ;^) Anyway, if the relatively many of you who came by from there enjoy the site and come back, welcome!

New weather feature: the "Thingamabobbercane"

nospam@example.com (Tim) — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 19:51:14 +0100

This is only semi-relevant to usual matter of this blog, but there is an unusal storm off the coat of Oregon right now. Jeff Masters with Weather Underground has a blog post about it with the hilarious title: "Thingamabobbercane forms off the coast of Oregon". By the way, if you like or respect weather and don't read Masters' blog, you are totally insane or live off the grid. It is utterly brilliant.

Fascinating - the Amazon used to flow East to West

nospam@example.com (Tim) — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 19:11:21 +0200

Excellent afrobeat blog: Afrofunk Music Forum

nospam@example.com (Tim) — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 03:46:10 +0200

A friend recently turned me on to the Afrofunk Music Forum blog. Very well done site for thoose interested in this music genre or looking to spice up their musical tastes.