Thursday, August 31, 2006

It's electric

How to make a glowing pickle-lamp




You can make a glowing pickle-lamp by jamming power-boards into either end of a pickle that's resting atop a non-conducting surface and then plugging it in. No idea whether this will burn your house down, but it may be worth it. Link (via Digg)

Update: Sputnik sez, "Where can I see this without getting my fool self electrocuted? As always, YouTube to the rescue!"

Update 2: Mike sez, "Years ago when I worked at Digital Equipment Corportation, this hilarious 'research paper' from DEC's Western Reseach Lab was widely circulated. Entitled Characterization of Organic Illumination Systems, it details arcing pickles and other assorted vegetables."

Update 3: Wayne sez, "I conducted this experiment years ago as my final high school chemistry project, trying to figure out why only one end of the pickle glows. I came to the same conclusions mentioned about the sodium, but was unable to figure out the polarization. Useless-knowledge.com makes reference to this scientific mystery of pickle polarization:"
Why does only one end of the pickle light up and glow? Look at the amazing electrical storm jumping through the pickle. (Results are best viewed in a dark room. This is better than Star Wars! Don’t worry the pickle will make all the light you need.) Unplug the pickle; reconnect the wires on the opposite side and it still only glows on one end. There is yet no definitive scientific answer to explain the polarization of a pickle connected to AC current.

Update 4: Dan sez, "Years ago, I figured out that if you buy one of those hot dog cookers that runs current through the meat to cook it, you could use it as a (somewhat) safe version of the glowing pickle lamp."

Thank you, McDonalds

McDonalds McFlurry cups redesigned for hedgehog safety

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society has won a years-long fight with McDonalds to shrink the size of the opening in a McFlurry (a frozen edible dairy slurry) reduced. The present wide-mouth McFlurry cups serve as fatal hedgehog traps by sucking in 'hogs who lick up the left-over slurry, get stuck, and die.

Up to now the opening in the container has been large enough for hedgehogs to get their heads into for a lick of the left-over dessert -- a trap they have then been unable to withdraw from, so dying of starvation in untold numbers.

But from September 1, the wide-mouthed opening in the lid of the McFlurry containers will be reduced in size, making them too small for the sugar-loving animals to get their heads into.

taken from www.boingboing.net

Let the good times roll


L to R: Aaron and Mel

This weekend brings much excitement into my life, literally.

Today Mel will be arriving via Amtrak while I am at work. Tomorrow morning we will hop on the L bright and early and head to Midway Airport to fly to Columbus to visit Aaron et all and to attend Aaron's 9/11 party.

I can't wait.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Yes, it is 3:30am

I am blogging while on my break at work. It is my second break of the night because I am working a double(3pm-7:30am). Yikes, we got really busy at work tonight with some intense admissions so I volunteered to stay and work the extra shift.

For some reason, it is ridiculously cold at work tonight. On my evening shift break, I ran home and put on more clothes. I am wearing a tank top, hooded t-shirt and a wool sweater, leggings, tall socks and jeans and I am still cold! How crazy is that?!?!?

I also read about some Japanese noodle tonight that I would really like to try. They are called shirataki noodles, so I am going to research where I can buy them. No doubt if I find them there will be a post dedicated to them...so stay tuned.

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Sweet Background


I may or may not have this picture of Kirk and Gallery as the background of my computer...and by may or may not, I mean I do!

Oh, how funny

I was recently provided with a link to YouTube for a 2003 Iowa Hawkeye Football highlights video that was made. Being that it was my last year that I was a student at Iowa, it was a very memorable season for me and one of my favorites.

So, I clicked the link and watched the video. It's great. I even know 2 of the girls that are holding the We Heart Kirk Ferentz poster from minutes 3:06-3:09. They were my residents!

I love Iowa Football. Can't wait until their first game on Sat!

CHECK IT OUT, RIGHT NOW!

and of course the

2005 Capitol One Bowl (I get goose bumps everytime I watch that catch)

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Noteworthy things of the week

I have eaten spaghetti for 3 out of my last 4 meals. I have just been craving it, wired but yummy.

-->85 blade pocket knife now on the market(I guess that's what cargo pockets are for)

-->Pluto is no longer a real planet.

-->Jack Black will be hosting the VMAs.

and most importantly, it's a fact:

-->Taller people are smarter

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

I am outraged!!!

Normally, I am a pretty laid back person and don't get too bent out of shape over many things, but when I read this article that Aaron emailed to me today, I became immediately pissed off. Seeing red, angry, smoke coming out of my ears pissed off! We have an incredible football program, which I have just dedicated several posts too, then I read THIS! This is absolute BS! The University is just shooting themselves int he foot. If they think the underage drinking is a problem, perhaps they should go about it in a different manner.

Posted in the
Daily Iowan

Tailgating Atmosphere Should be Embraced, Not Stifled

The atmosphere of tailgating prior to an Iowa Hawkeye home football game has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years, as popular pregame hot spots closed, became more expensive, or, as was the case with the Field House parking lot, became parking ramps. Recently, The Daily Iowan learned of yet another blow to the tailgating experience: the closure of the grassy hill adjacent to the Myrtle Avenue parking lot.Now, it is a common belief that tailgating is simply an excuse to start drinking at 6 a.m. And while this may be true for some, for most it is a way to display school spirit and pride in a team they love; it brings together thousands of fans, creating an exciting environment unrivaled by most other schools. Attempting to stifle this demonstration of support for a football team that has brought national recognition to both the university and the team alike is distressing, at best.For students, the closure of essentially the last (affordable) tailgating spot within 20 minutes of Kinnick Stadium is especially regrettable. Without a doubt, students provide the highest level of enthusiasm on game day but have received the least amount of consideration when it comes to things football. The crowd at Kinnick feeds off the energy emitted from the student section, and, yet, we were moved to the corner of the stadium, where a view from the 10-yard line is all we can hope for, at best. Sadly, it seems our tailgating tradition is next on the chopping block.The decision to fence off this popular parking area will not just make it more difficult to attend games - it will also discourage tailgaters from engaging in the pregame festivities that make the Hawkeye football season the memorable experience it is. This, of course, is a byproduct of the lot closure and not the reason publicized by the athletics department. Predictably, the department cited safety as the main reason for the parking ban, though in years past, this has not been an issue. Specifically, officials are worried vehicles would slide down the hill into traffic on Riverside Drive, though, unless an ice storm hits Iowa City in September, this seems far-fetched.Yet another rationalization for the university's hindering of the tailgating tradition is the supposed significant issue of vandalism in the surrounding area. However, after a search of DI articles from 2002 to 2006, no publicized reports of vandalism were discovered.The implausibility of these reasons has led many fans to conclude the university is simply attempting to muffle the tailgating roar prior to kickoff - an assumption, as has been demonstrated, not without precedent. What university officials must understand is tailgating is not merely an activity for students. Alumni and other lifelong Hawkeye fans have been and will continue to be affected by the shrinking number of tailgating venues near the stadium.Rather than suppress pregame activities, the university should look for ways to enhance the Iowa football experience - and integrate itself with fans of all ages.
© 2006
Daily Iowan
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I know it would never happen and I wouldn't want to do it to the players, but I would love to see the ENTIRE student section not show up for a game in protest of the closing of the hill. Some of my favorite college memories are of tailgating. This is ludacris. If you click on the title of the article, you can go to the original and leave comments on the DI's website. I encourage you to do so. Right now, I hate the man. Let's stick it to him.

More Iowa Football preseason rankings

Unit rankings are out at College Football News. Here's how the Iowa Hawkeyes are measuring up against the other colleges.

Defense: ranked #33

Defensive line: #8
The line was considered a big problem spot going into last season after losing a slew of productive all-stars, but there were whispers that things might not be so bad with several raw, talented prospects. Even the most hopeful Hawkeye fans couldn't have foreseen how good the front four was going to become with four rising superstars with all-star potential. Ken Iwebema got most of the press after turning into a pass rushing terror, while Bryan Mattison was almost as good on the other side. Matt Kroul and Mitch King bulked up in a big hurry going from big linebackers the quick tackles in a year. Everyone can get into the backfield and everyone can stop the run with the ends bigger than the tackles.

Linebackers: #51

Defensive backs: #47

Special Teams: #41

Offenses: #12

Quarterbacks: #9
Can Drew Tate close out with an All-American bang? One of the tougher competitors in college football, Tate brings the attitude to the Hawkeyes. He's efficient and experienced, and now he has to make sure he can stay healthy after missing time here and there throughout last season. Jason Manson and Jake Christensen are capable backups, but Iowa needs Tate to have any chance of becoming a Big Ten champion.

Running backs: #15

Receivers: #56

Offensive line: #24

Let's go bowling

Recently, on http://www.collegefootballnews.com early bowl predictions were made.

An early forecast for the 2006-2007 bowl season:

BCS GAMES

Rose Bowl
Pasadena, CA
January 1, 2007, ABC BCS vs. BCS (Big 10 vs. Pac 10 if available)

Bowl Projection: Iowa vs. Florida StateBecause of the way the schedule breaks, the prediction here is an Iowa Big Ten title. With USC projected to play for the national title, the Rose Bowl loses its Pac 10 representative and would get its choice of whatever at large team it wants. It'll want Bobby Bowden.

Sunday, August 20, 2006

I don't really follow recipes

Maybe I got this from my mom, I'm not sure. But when I cook, I often stray from the recipe or make up my own all together. Which can sometimes make things disastrous, but often turn out suprisingly well.

I remember my brother often saying to my mom, "If it's not broke, then don't fix it." when she would switch up some of his favorite meals.

Tonight I created a scrumptious concoction:

1 package of Lipton Taco Rice
1 can of RoTel diced tomatoes with lime and cilantro
1 can of black beans
2 chicken breasts (pre-cooked and sliced or shredded)

Bring the one cup of water to a boil. Add in everything but the chicken. Mix it all together. Cover and bring down to a simmer. Stir occasionally. Cook until rice is tender. Add chicken about 2 minutes before rice is done.

I put it on a tortilla added a little cheese and ate it like a burrito.
It was amazing. I am excited to eat the left overs all week.

Google re-launches Writely

Google launches free, kick-ass word-processor

Google has re-lauched Writely, the online word-processor they recently bought, in public beta. Writely does everything Word does, for free -- and saves its output as PDFs and even RSS feeds (subscribe to a word-processor doc!). It features collaborative editing -- multiple editors on the same doc at once -- and can be used as the editor for writing your blog, saving out to a post instead of a file on your machine. This is a great-looking program for people who have always-on Internet, and for so long as you don't worry about the NSA demanding that Google turn over its Writely files as part of some "security" procedure. Also: if I were a Google China user, I'd have some doubts about this, given that Google has shown that when it comes to China, keeping the government happy is more important than delivering the best product it can. Link (via Vertical Hold)

taken from www.boingboing.net

Saturday, August 19, 2006

AP Football Pre Season Rankings

The rankings are out and the Big 10 is making a strong showing again this season. It is my belief that year after year it is one of the toughest conferences in the nation. Congratulations to my Iowa Hawkeyes and coach Kirk Ferentz for coming in at 16.
Take a look at the numbers:

1. Ohio State
2. Notre Dame
3. Texas
4. Auburn
5. West Virginia
6. Southern Cal
7. Florida
8. LSU
9. California
10. Oklahoma
11. Florida State
12. Miami
13. Louisville
14. Michigan
15. Georgia
16. Iowa
17. Virginia Tech
18. Clemson
19. Penn State
20. Nebraska
21. Oregon
22. TCU
23. Tennessee
24. Arizona State
25. Texas Tech

---> The Iowa vs Ohio State game is listed as a top 25 game to watch this season. The Buckeyes better comem to Iowa City ready to play.

---> Senior kicker Kyle Schlicher has been selected to the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Watch List for the 2006 season. Former Hawkeye Nate Kaeding was the recipient of the Groza award in 2002.

---> Another Hawkeye to watch this year is a native from my hometown Burlington, IA, Mitch King. With an impressive list of 2005 honors, preseason 2006 isn't looking too bad for him:
2006 Honors - - Named pre-season first team all-Big Ten by Lindy's . . . pre-season second team all-Big Ten by Athlon Sports . . . 2006 - - listed as first team defensive tackle following spring practice.

Friday, August 18, 2006

Get a load of this

This is how exciting my life is right now.

I am going to the grocery store this morning because I am out of skim milk and Claussen pickles. Claussen's are by far my favorite brand of pickle. They just taste better.

Aaron is coming to Chicago this weekend. Can't wait to hang out with him.

I am also pretty excited that I have Sunday and Monday off this week, so I might have to check out the Air and Water show that is happening down on the lake this weekend.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

It's true

Pretty much, my favorite thing to do is laugh.

Flashback Photo


With football season right around the corner, I felt this picture to be appropriate.

I took this picture for Nate and Nadine last year when we were in Iowa City for the Iowa vs Minn game and they fell in love with Marco's Grilled Cheese. This was the man manning the stand that night. I must say, they are some darn good grilled cheese. If you are ever in IC after the bars close and happen to be in the Ped Mall, you should find Marco and try his tasty treat.

"I wake up in the morning and I piss excellence."

This is possibly my favorite quote from Talladega Nights, which I went to see today.

I also greatly enjoyed when Ricky Bobby said grace before meals. It was a pretty standard Will Ferrell movie, but still very funny. I thought that is was hilarious that they mentioned Crystal Gayle in the movie, because I remember seeing her on tv when I was a little girl and wanted hair that went to the floor like hers.

Today was my day off and I just wandered about the city, went to see the movie then Megan and I headed for a little thai food for dinner. It was Meg's first ever time eating thai and she enjoyed it. I hadn't eatten thai since Jenne left so it is good that I have found someone else to eat thai with.

Monday, August 14, 2006

An actual post and not quiz results...maybe

It's Monday. I am a little cranky and tired. Infact, I have been a little bit tired all day every day for the last couple of weeks. I think I have a minor sinus issue going on that does not allow me to fully think clearly all the time. It isn't enough to warrent going to the doctor because they would laugh at me. I have taken a little benadryl here and there but nothing seems to help. I never feel fully awake, which then encourages me to drink more caffine, thinking it will help, but it doesn't. However, my ever growing addiction to caffine continues.

My sleep pattern has been all out of whack too. I keep trying to regulate it, but I am not having any luck. I keep waking up far earlier than I intend to.

Enough of my complaining. I will find something good to focus on.

{Edit} Mel suggested that perhaps I have been cranky recently because I have seen her less. I think this might in fact, be the root of the problem.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

"If you build it, they will come" I went

As a child, I visited the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa and even ran around the bases. I can't believe that movie was made 17 years ago.

In part with Netflix, Costner returned to Iowa yesterday for a celebration that FoD is one of the top 5 rented videos on Netflix.

Taken from the San Francisco Chronicle:


Thousands Gather in Iowa to See Costner
By TODD DVORAK, Associated Press Writer
Saturday, August 12, 2006

(08-12) 18:55 PDT Dyersville, Iowa (AP) --
The corn lining the outfield is tall again this year. The iconic white farmhouse, with its wraparound porch and picket fence appear unaffected by time. The mythic baseball diamond and lush outfield looks just like it did in the movie made 17 years ago.
And for a couple hours Friday evening, hundreds of children and parents raced around the bases, played catch or hit soft pitches all over the field made so famous in the 1989 movie "Field of Dreams."
For 10-year-old Alexis Turner, the visit included a brush with Kevin Costner, the film's star who returned Friday for the first time since filming concluded here.
Costner joined about 5,000 people who packed the field for a free screening of the movie. The event, sponsored by the online movie rental company Netflix, is the fifth stop in a 10-city tour featuring classic movies at the locations that helped make them special.
"My dad pointed him out to me. I didn't even know I was standing next to him," said Turner of Goshen, Ind., who fielded balls while Costner tossed pitches to one young hitter after another.
"He told me to 'step back honey,' ... when one, a bigger hitter, came to bat," said Turner, in the middle of touring several major league ballparks with her father. "This is easily my most favorite part of the trip."
The movie, about a farmer who becomes convinced by a mysterious voice to build a baseball field in the middle of his cornfield, is based on the Ray Kinsella novel "Shoeless Joe."
But the story transcends the seemingly crazy notions of an Iowa farmer, touching on the power of dreams, American ideals and personal healing, redemption and relationships.
"I was only 14 when the movie came out, and it was immediately one of my favorites and still is," said Jennifer Lukenbill, who drove her husband and children eight hours from their home in Nevada, Mo., to see Costner and the movie.
"I can't watch it even today without feeling the way I did the first time. It was the first time I saw my dad cry — and the last time," she said.
Filmed in 1988, the movie turned a plot of land owned by two local farmers into a mythic site still visited by more than 65,000 people each year.
Like the ball diamond, not much has changed in Dyersville since the film crew and stars like James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta and Burt Lancaster invaded this small eastern Iowa town during filming.
A new hotel has been added, the downtown has undergone a beautification and lighting project and several new companies have moved to town.
The population — 4,035 — has increased by about 100. Tourism — fueled by the "Field of Dreams," the historic Francis Xavier Basilica and the National Farm Toy Museum — still pairs with agriculture as the area's chief economic engines.
"I think initially, the natives thought interest in the field as an attraction would taper off," said Dyersville Mayor Jim Heavens, who estimated more than 1 million people have visited the field in the last 17 years. "But it's been pretty steady over the years and it's one of those things that continues to make a connection with people."
But visitors also got a sense of the dispute between the two families that own the land. The Lansing family, which owns the farmhouse, right field and most of the neatly manicured infield, elected not to be a part of the event. So at 6 p.m., officials closed off their property, forcing moviegoers to plant their folding chairs in left and center field.
But for many, like Dan Dunavan, a 65-year-old retiree from St. Louis, the turf tension is irrelevant.
"I just wanted to come up and see this," said Dunavan. "It's a cornfield pretty much in the middle of nowhere. And everything looks the same as it did in the movie."
Before the screening, Costner, sporting a gray T-shirt, jeans and a ball cap turned backward, played a 75-minute set with his four-piece band. The concert was one of the first public appearances for the group, said Costner's publicity officials.
"I feel like I will forever be connected here to the state of Iowa," Costner told the crowd. "I've never lost my feel for what we did here. This was a perfect time for me to come back. This is our secret here tonight in the corn."
Before stopping in Iowa, the Netflix Rolling Roadshow screened "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" in Chicago, "Jaws" in Martha's Vineyard, Mass., and "Clerks" in Red Bank, N.J. The tour also includes stops in Colorado, Utah, Arizona before ending in San Francisco with the showing of "Escape from Alcatraz."

I tried to do this at the gym and they yelled at me

I am sure many of you have seen this video floating around cyber space, but I enjoy it.

Check out the Treadmill Dance at YouTube.

Saturday, August 12, 2006

I'm that exciting, huh?

You Are a Plain Ole Cup of Joe
But don't think plain - instead think, uncomplicated
You're a low maintenance kind of girl... who can hang with the guys
Down to earth, easy going, and fun! Yup, that's you: the friend everyone invites.
And your dependable too. Both for a laugh and a sympathetic ear.
What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Booking my flight

You Should Date A Swede!
You're a romantic, albeit an understated and practical one.
It's more about a steady partnership for you, not unrestrained falling
Your Swede will give you the unwavering love you crave
While making up some mean pancakes and meatballs on the side!
Which Foreign Guy Should You Date?

Even Iowa isn't safe anymore

As published in my hometown newspaper, The HawkEye.


Shootings wound two
Men hospitalized; police seek two suspects in Wednesday incident.
By JEFF ABELL
jabell@thehawkeye.com
Two Burlington men were injured by gunfire Wednesday after a verbal argument turned violent, according to authorities.
Burlington police responded at around 1:52 p.m. Wednesday to the scene of a shooting in the 200 block of Union Court. At the scene, officers discovered a black male with a gunshot wound to the back laying on the roadway outside an apartment at 211 Union Court.
Inside the apartment, police found another black male who had been shot in the stomach.
The two men were rushed by ambulance to Great River Medical Center in West Burlington where they underwent emergency surgery Wednesday evening, according to police. Their condition was unavailable at press time.
Lois Allen was inside her bedroom dressing her granddaughter when the shooting took place. Allen, who lives next door to the crime scene, said a group of four to six males were arguing in front of her bedroom window when a gun was fired.
"It sounded like a small caliber gun. There was a boom, boom and I saw one of them lying in the street," said Allen.
"Someone hollered, 'Call an ambulance someone has been shot.' I heard someone say another man was lying on the floor inside the apartment. I didn't see the gun ... and they all scattered after it was fired."
Police initially believed two male suspects had fled into an apartment at 3103 Valley St., which was evacuated shortly after police arrived on the scene.
At around 3 p.m., the Burlington police canine unit entered the apartment. Several minutes later, police exited empty handed. A search warrant was later executed at the Valley Street apartment.
According to eyewitnesses, the suspects fled the scene on foot toward Market Street. As of Wednesday evening, the suspects were still at large.
"We are still actively following up leads," said Sgt. Greg Allen of the Burlington police.
Several neighbors allege drug activity in the area around Union Court and Valley Street has spiked in recent months.
"I am scared to sit outside on my porch ... they stay over there and I stay here," said one neighbor who wished to remain anonymous.
A sentiment Allen echoed.
"I have been living in fear here for years. I can't sleep ... you can't even keep your windows open because you don't know if they will try and break in or shot you," she said. "So many bad people have come here."
Wednesday's attack comes on the heels of a July shooting of a Burlington woman.
Dianna Dawson, 54, was discovered July 10 dead from gunshot wounds in the bedroom of the home she rented at 1008 Iowa St.
Anyone with information regarding Wednesday's shooting or Dawson's death should contact the Burlington police at (319) 753–8366. Police do not believe the crimes ar connected.

Friday, August 11, 2006

Hmmm....

Your Personality Is Like Alcohol
You're the life of the party, a total flirt, and probably a pretty big jokester.
Sometimes your behavior gets you in trouble, but you still remain socially acceptable.
You're a pretty bad driver, and you're dancing could also use a little work!
What Drug Is Your Personality Like?

Sad news

There was some very sad news reported today over at Miss Mel's Blog.

I spent many Sunday evenings at the library named for this man in college with friends creating a whole library of great memories. I even own one of his books. May Mr. Van Allen rest in peace.


Articles in the DI:

Remembering Mr Van Allen

Van Allen dead at 91

I always thought I was 105%

You Are 40% Weird
Normal enough to know that you're weird...
But too damn weird to do anything about it!
How Weird Are You?

My Dosha

Your Dosha is Vata
Creative and restless, you take in all of life's pleasures (maybe a little too much!).
You're quick witted and very talkative, but you also tend to have a spotty memory.
You tend to get very into ideas, people, and lifestyles... but only for a short time.
It's difficult to hold your attention, and you sometimes feel with what life has to offer.

With friends: You are very uncomfortable in new situations or with new people

In love: You fall in and out of love very easily

To achieve more balance: Live in a warm climate and spend some quiet time in nature

Thursday, August 10, 2006

I would say it is pretty accurate

You Are A Poplar Tree
People tend to look up to you, and it's a bit lonely at the top.
Inside, you are not always self confident, but you show great courage.
Mature and organized, you are reliable in any situation.
You tend to have an artistic or philosophical outlook on life.
You are very choosy in love and take partnership seriously.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

I'm bringing sexy back

I am currently loving the new JT song.

The first time I heard it, I wasn't sure I would like it. I was sold by the end of the second time I heard it.

I hate to say it, but I might buy my first ever Justin Timberlake album when it drops in Sept. I fear the song will soon be ruined for me as it was playing on 3 stations as the same time on my drive to the gym this morning.

Until then, I'll be bringing sexy back.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

I am back and loaded with information

After being in Iowa for four wonderful days, I was brought back to reality with an email from Mel.

I do not want to be seen out and about with the wrong drink in my hand. Thanks to Mel this won't happen. I am so glad that I have such good friends to look out for me, I wouldn't want to look like an idiout out in public. Check out the article in the NY Times.

The summer drink to be seen with.

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Happy 25th Birthday MTV

25 Years ago today, MTV launched.

This taken from the chicagosuntimes.com


The good and bad of 25 years of MTV
August 1, 2006
BY
DOUG ELFMAN TELEVISION CRITIC


Happy 25th anniversary, MTV. You used to be cool. Now you blow.

As a petri dish for pop culture, it's been surpassed by Comedy Central and YouTube.com, among other shenanigan complexes. But MTV sometimes is still somewhat influential as a stupid and crass promoter of music corporations and reality shows about hot young women with goo for brains. Congratulations for that, "Music" TV.

Ah, but over the years, it has changed America for the better (it was where Madonna made it OK for women to be dirty in public) and the worse ("Hammertime").

The following 25 highlights and lowlights track MTV's devolution:

WE HAVE LIFTOFF

AUG. 1, 1981MTV debuts with a spaceship and moon-man logo. It doesn't have many videos to play other than first one, the Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star."

'GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN'

1982-83Cyndi Lauper skips down the street and makes everyone want to be MTV happy and free. Meanwhile, Duran Duran goes sailing in ties and suits, and somehow this appeals to kids. Maybe it's the hot models wearing almost nothing. Cyndi is feminism. Duran Duran is sexism. Which do you think MTV will use to sell ads in the future? Hmmm ...

THRILLERS

SUMMER OF '84 MTV becomes the coolest station on TV as Prince steps out of a bathtub in "When Doves Cry," Madonna does not look like the virgin she feels like, Michael Jackson continues dancing like a ghoulish dork, the Police take a final bow with "Every Breath You Take," and Eddie Van Halen plays guitar under a woman's legs, because he's "Hot for Teacher."

'WALK THIS WAY'

1986 Run-DMC and Aerosmith play together. MTV finally realizes there may be something to this thing everyone's listening to called hip-hop. Starts "Yo! MTV Raps!"

'BIG TIME'

1986Peter Gabriel shows musicians how to make a great video, as had been established previously by Herbie Hancock's "Rockit" and Art of Noise's "Close (to the Edit)." But for Bjork and some other mavericks, few interesting videos actually follow.

'WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE'

1987Guns N' Roses ushers in hair metal, the worst period in the history of rock. MTV is unwatchable for a few years (including the horrors of Tiffany and New Kids on the Block), except for some rap and a late-night, real-metal show, "Headbangers Ball." The situation doesn't resolve until Nirvana and "Aeon Flux" debut ... four years later.

MILLI VANILLI

1989 They were awful fake singers. Girl, you know it's true. Blame it on the rain.

HAMMERTIME

1990None of us needs to remember what this was. Baggy pants were involved.

'SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT'

SEPTEMBER 1991Kurt Cobain saves music, MT and pop culture, becoming the biggest icon for Generation X merely by writing the classic alternative hit and screaming in front of goth cheerleaders. Inspecting a shotgun a few years later, he kills himself and the greatest movement in Gen-X's lifespan.

'THE REAL WORLD'

1992Six strangers give birth to the boom in reality TV. Thanks a lot, buttmunches.

SNOOP DOGGY DOG

1993Reminds viewers pot is tasty, kicks off Dr. Dre's producing skills for a generation of rap to come.

'BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD'

1993You said "butt."

BRIEFING THE PRESIDENT

APRIL 19, 1994 Bill Clinton addresses eligible voters and underage drinkers and tells them he wears briefs, not boxers, but he doesn't explain why, because women love a good mystery.

TUPAC AND BIGGIE

1996-97Dueling rappers capture hip-hop's heart until West Coast/East Coast feud ends with both men dead, punctuated by a funny Chris Rock joke about the definition of the word "assassinated."

'FIRESTARTER'

1996-97 The Prodigy ("Firestarter") and the Chemical Brothers ("Setting Sun") energize electronica, and MTV bravely tries a hand at screening late-night techno music. Sounds like the wonderful future of music. Fizzles as a video format. The future will have to wait, except in nightclubs and car commercials.

'MMM BOP'

1997Hanson leads to Britney. And "Total Request Live," a k a "TRL," begins, eventually making stars out of Carson Daly and 'N Sync and satisfying those who shriek with mouths wide open.

'... BABY ONE MORE TIME'

1998Britney and 'N Sync usher in boy bands and bubblegum crapop, the worst period in pop music history.

SLIM SHADY

1999Eminem debuts. World suffers.

'JACKASS'

2000Was stupid, but unlike Eminem, was also entertaining.

MUMBLE MUMBLE

2002Ozzy Osbourne becomes the biggest star in the world by cursing with his family on "The Osbournes."

IDIOT

2003Jessica Simpson becomes the stupidest star in the world by thinking tuna fish is chicken on "Newlyweds," aka the divorced-weds.

JOKER

2003Ashton Kutcher pulls pranks on famous people. Ha, ha.

THE SAVE-MY-CAREER KISS

2003Madonna and Britney make out at the MTV awards, rescuing Madonna's fading star and further catapulting Britney's rise and fall.

'ALL EYES ON 50 CENT'

2003 No one's eyes were on 50 Cent yet, but MTV introduced Eminem's buddy rapper with this publicity show and title to try to make 50 Cent a star, which MTV did, even though his breakthrough album wasn't anything yet. This solidified the notion that MTV was dead. Now it is truly nothing but a publicity machine for rich girls' reality shows and record company promotions.

'LAGUNA BEACH'

2004 Naughty, naughty, barely legal, rich morons. MTV is officially a high-class problem.

What do I do with this?

It has been reported and confirmed to me on more than one occasion in the past week that I am intimidating, especially on the first impression.

I also apparently give an interesting first impression and by interesting, I don't mean in a good way.

This isn't a rude post, I am asking for some reality feed back here.