In this undated photo released by Tokyo University’s Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry Graduate School of Science, a genetically modified mouse approaches a cat in Tokyo. Using genetic engineering, scientists at Tokyo University say they have successfully switched off the rodents’ instinct to cower at the smell or presence of cats, showing that fear is genetically hardwired and not leaned through experience, as commonly believed.
(AP Photo/Ko and Reiko Kobayakawa, Tokyo University Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry Graduate School of Science, HO)
Beautiful decorations applied anywhere suitable for a “stick up”!
MjL 17 Dec 2007, 0:01 a.m.
I spent about a half-hour yesterday morning getting the snow blower all ready to roll. The snow really wasn’t all that deep —— maybe five inches or so —— but I really wanted to try out the new machine.
It took a little practice to figure out the controls. It has a lever to run the auger on the left handle, a lever to engage the drive wheels on the right handle and triggers on left & right to steer. I had some trouble getting used to it and wrenched my back a couple times trying to force it to turn when I should have used the proper controls.
Notice all the snow on clothes, hat, hair and beard? The genius operator didn’t have sense enough NOT to blow the snow into the wind. Duh?
I’ll be hauling Tracey off to the train station in Bloomington this morning. She’s going to Chicago for two days of meetings and brown-nosing with the bosses and won’t be home until late tomorrow evening when I pick her up at the train station again.
She decided to try taking the train this time because she hates driving her car in Chicago. I don’t blame her. I don’t envy her having to make these trips every three months.
I know the chair warmers look at these schmooze fests as an opportunity to go to the big city and goof off but I think most of the working managers like Tracey would just as soon have the time off to stay at home.
MjL 17 Dec 2007, 6:00 a.m.
Tracey should like the train. We have taken it a few times and it was a nice ride and fairly cheap. I think she will enjoy it much more than driving...especially when you hit that busy chicago traffic!
K. Monroe 17 Dec 2007, 6:28 a.m.
Good Morning Kyle, Thanks —— we are hoping she likes it too! We have been thinking we might take a train to Washington DC some year for a vacation to see the Smithsonian and other sights.
She is going to check it out on this trip to see if that would likely work out or not. A trip that far would take about 24 hours on the train with connections so we need to have some idea of the comfort scale.
MjL 17 Dec 2007, 6:36 a.m.
.....while visions of Santa Claus danced in their heads!
Yea, I know what you mean....handles, right, left...I have to think which hand to put on top of that old snow SHOVEL!
Enjoy the white day!
Tammy 17 Dec 2007, 7:14 a.m.
OK smarty-pants! I should hope Santa looks a bunch better —— I expect I would scare a lot of people if I suddenly appeared in their living room!
You’re just jealous your shovel isn’t as cool as my snollbrawler!
MjL 17 Dec 2007, 7:19 a.m.
Notice all the snow on clothes, hat, hair and beard? The genius operator didn’t have sense enough NOT to blow the snow into the wind. Duh?
I think I will just leave that one alone. Looks to me like you could bury yourself if you aren’t careful. Headline: Man and Snowblower Missing Since December Found in Spring Thaw.
Michael T. 17 Dec 2007, 3:40 p.m.
That’s about right! I was going along with no problem my first pass down the driveway and about half way down a gust of wind just covered me in snow —— my glasses were so iced up I couldn’t see the chute control to point it DOWN! Live and learn.
About
