MRI

Many years ago, I had an MRI as part of a research study. As you might now, it's VERY LOUD inside an MRI machine, even with earplugs on. I followed the suggestion to close my eyes before entering The Machine, and I was in there for about an hour. However, I didn't expect to have an MRI again, so I opened my eyes as I was coming out. I had no idea that the "ceiling" was an inch from my nose! I managed not to panic only because I was almost clear when I discovered how tight it was. I took a nap while I was in there, despite the racket, and apparently I didn't twitch at all - the research study got very detailed results from me.

Fast forward to Friday, when I had another MRI. I have to say, the machines are far more open and expansive now! It was still loud, and the sounds were less regular this time, but it wasn't claustrophobic this time - I had more than a foot from my nose to the inside top of the scanner. This scan only lasted 20 minutes, so I didn't even get a nap this time. Did I mention it was REALLY LOUD in there, even with ear plugs? This video gives you a good idea, just remember that you're inside the noise, and it's LOUD despite ear plugs, and not all of it sounds like the MRI can be functioning properly. Even when I was holding still, the machine was sometimes shaking me! I amused myself by remembering the robot origins of dubstep, and making up my own to go with the sounds. So of course someone has already made dubstep from MRI sounds! I found my second MRI was neither boring (because I amused myself) nor terrifying (I expected smaller). The tech even covered me with a warm blanket!

Also, some of the comments on the first video are spot-on!

• Doctor: We've upgraded our MRI machine Me: It has a higher resolution now? Doctor: No, it has a better bass
• Skrillex : I Am Father Of Dubstep. MRI Scan : Hold My Beer
• Needs more cowbell

How Icy Was It?

My cul-de-sac was quite icy on Monday (yesterday); I'd estimate that there was one 4-foot-square patch of pavement after the snow plow came through twice, and the rest was an inch thick of hard-packed ice. After three days below freezing (yes, even during the daylight hours!), the ice had bonded to the pavement in places. Notice that ice isn't mentioned with "Neither snow nor rain ..." I was expecting a package yesterday, so I looked at the tracking status. Here's what it said:

LOCATION, No Access, We attempted to deliver your item at 5:37 pm on January 9, 2017 in LOCATION but could not complete the delivery because the employee did not have access to the delivery location. Your item will go out for delivery on the next business day.

I maintain that means too much ice!!! However, I'm glad my postal carrier wasn't risking his neck in sub-freezing temperatures after dark trying to deliver a package that can wait until today (should be above freezing in about an hour).

Not What I Expected To See

About 6 weeks ago, when I was coming in to work, I saw something brightly colored next to the parking lot. I rushed past it, but stared at the bright red plastic and shiny chrome as I went. In my defense, it isn't what I expect to see on my way to work, you know? It was a bong. It seemed incongruously out of place until I remembered there actually is a hookah shop a block away just down from the mediterranean deli. It's been losing pieces over the weeks, but I still laugh that I couldn't figure out what it was for so long. I walk past the hookah shop almost every time I walk anywhere during work.

Kids and Basketball

Basketball applies to parenting! With one child and two parents, the adults can double-team the child, or at least eat and sleep in shifts. Speaking from experience, the transition to two children is a huge change! Now the adults have to switch to man-to-man defense instead. Eating and sleeping may suffer. I'm sure three children rocks the boat again, as you shift to a desperate, out-numbered (but you've still got the size advantage, at least for the early years) zone defense.

South Park avatar

Too much fun! Create your South Park avatar! Or Simpsonize yourself! Or (trivia) use the online X-Face converter.

The Classic Slinky TV Commercial

For years, I've been searching for a classic Slinky TV commercial. I feel like the Internet has finally grown up, because this time, I found it!!! In fact, what's even more amazing, I found several versions in several places! Of course there's YouTube, but there's even the Slinky company itself!

After watching, I had to ask myself why I had been searching. Sometimes I forget why I'm climbing that mountain. However, this time I remembered why. I used to watch Ren & Stimpy with my friend Dan. That show was a real trailblazer in cartoon grossness! When we first watched the Tooth Beaver episode, Dan went to the bathroom to retch because it was just that gross. I was pretty disgusted too, but I was too busy laughing at him retching to have stomach problems of my own. Anyway, one day Dan called me out of the blue to ask if I knew where The Log Song came from. I said, Duh, Ren & Stimpy. I was told the correct answer was that The Log Song was ripping off The Slinky Song. We didn't have a TV most of the time that I was growing up, so I grew up on books. And Dan's guess was correct: I had never seen the Slinky commercial on TV, and I had never heard the jingle. The closest Dan could find for me years ago was another Slinky knock-off (R rated, though); it was pretty funny, but I wanted to see the original. And now, finally, I have!

Today's Observation

You know you need new rear shock absorbers when ... after a short trip on a country road, your toddler is gripping the sides of his car seat with that crazy grin he gets on wild rides.

You Can Find Anything On The Web

Even LEGO ice cubes. Play fast, they're melting!

You Can Find Anything On The Web

Well, I don't think I need chicken clothes, but maybe someone else does!