November 10, 2007
Totally Mental
My friend Mike Hughes is featured on the Johns Hopkins web site for his mental skills. No, wait, he's featured for his skills as a mentalist! Take that Uri Geller!...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
11-10-07
August 10, 2007
Paper or Plastic?
Did you see the movie American Beauty? There's a scene in which the neighbor's boy shows his girlfriend this movie he made of a plastic bag "dancing" in a breeze. It goes like this. Ricky to his girlfriend, Jane Burnham "You want to see the most beautiful thing I've ever...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
08-10-07
June 21, 2007
Serioulsy folks, just use warm, soapy water OR WE'RE ALL DEAD
I know a lot of breeders want to protect and keep their demon seedlings healtly and safe from nasty germs, but in the long run the use of anti-bacterial products will allow super bacteria to kill us all. Science doesn't lie. Stop using those anti-bacterial products and go back to...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
06-21-07
July 20, 2006
Pelican in Flight
Pelican in Flight Originally uploaded by manahanwill. A Brown Pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis in flight near Ocracoke Island, Outer Banks, NC. Click on the photo at right to see more pelican photographs (including baby pelicans, awwwww) from our Ocracoke vacation....
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Posted by Will Burnham on
07-20-06
April 26, 2006
Chernobyl Legacy ~ 20 Years Later
The following link will take you to a photographic essay by Paul Fusco. There is voice over by Mister Fusco with his photo essay. The images are in B&W and they are very powerful, they are moving, they are sad and they can be disturbing. They are of the legacy...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
04-26-06
April 13, 2006
Red 5 Meets Robin Red Breast
Red 5 & Robin Red Breast 02 Originally uploaded by manahanwill. This morning, a North American Robin saw fit to attack its reflection in the passenger side window of my MINI Cooper, Red 5. My neighbor, Laureen called to alert me to the bird's actions. I of course went...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
04-13-06
February 20, 2006
A Bird in Hand...
This is not figurative, but literally, a bird in hand. The Bird Hand Book is a collection of photographs that Victor Schrager took of more than 100 species of birds held in the hands by ornithologists. From an interview with Schrager on the site: You must feel a strong connection...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
02-20-06
February 16, 2006
When the weather changes every few hours
Tea and I went to lunch at the local Pho place today. Umm, umm Pho. When she came to my desk to get me, I noticed she wasn't wearing a coat, or a jacket. "So, it looks like I don't need a coat," I said. "Not even a jacket," she...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
02-16-06
February 12, 2006
20" of Snow in Ellicott City / Columbia, MD!
Jenne, Conqueror of Mount Ellicott, February 12. 06 Originally uploaded by manahanwill. That's right folks, this predicted 6"-10"snow storm turned into a 20-incher, and Jenne wanted to get right out there with the neighbors with shovel in hand! Me, I wanted to stay in, drink coffee and eat cereal....
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Posted by Will Burnham on
02-12-06
February 10, 2006
The Coming of the Great White Death
When it comes to the local weather chappies giving snow predictions, I take a wait and see attitude. I refuse to get caught up in the media hype of the precipitation called snow. Let me provide a few personal examples as to why....
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Posted by Will Burnham on
02-10-06
January 19, 2006
The Girl Who Named a Planet
Now 87 years of age, Venetia Phair (née Burney) is the only person in the world who can claim to have named a planet. In 1930, at just 11 years of age, Mrs Phair suggested the title Pluto for the newly discovered ninth planet. This is the kind of news...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
01-19-06
October 28, 2005
Have no Fear for Your Corn Hole!
This weekend Mars makes its closest approach to Earth until June 2018. Be sure to get out and watch the Red Planet for strange surface activity indicating the launch of a major invasion fleet of flying saucers. They will surely be crewed by large headed Martians with big eyes and...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
10-28-05
October 19, 2005
FREEZE DRY YOUR DEAD! FREEZE DRY YOUR DEAD!
The totally green way to go to the great beyond. It is in my Last Will and Testament that I am to be cremated. However, if the promession method is available in the States when I pass on I might prefer this method, so I can push the little daisies...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
10-19-05
October 04, 2005
Letter, We Write Letters...
... and we receive responses. Yes, I do write to and call my Maryland Senators about many topics that concern me. I even have their phone numbers programed into my cell phone. Yeah, I call that much. The nice thing is that they - or an office staffer - takes...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
10-04-05
September 23, 2005
Coo Coo for Coconuts
With Mother Nature kicking our oil loving asses diesel fueled car owners may want to go coo coo for the the oil of the coconut as a fuel alternative. Since I do not like the taste of coconut, I can't think of a better use for it. Now if I...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
09-23-05
September 10, 2005
The Uses of Disaster... Notes on bad weather and good government
Go here and read this. I found this a very interesting read about disasters, human nature and government. A snippet from the article. "...the people classified as victims generally do what can be done to save themselves and one another. In doing so, they discover not only the potential power...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
09-10-05
August 30, 2005
How to Help Katrina Victims
The American Red Cross has a telephone hotline to receive donations from citizens. The number is 1-800-435-7669. Other information on Red Cross emergency programs is available at the Red Cross Web site. Other relief organizations soliciting donations include: Salvation Army National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Episcopal Relief and Development...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
08-30-05
August 29, 2005
Can't Stop Watching
For information on hurricane Katrina relief, call 866-GET-INFO or visit www.redcross.org I am addicted to The Weather Channel, CNN and even the FOX News Network right now. Katrina has its hold on me. This is tragic history happening live and I can’t stop watching. I can’t stop thinking about the...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
08-29-05
August 26, 2005
Lilac Chaser
Surprisingly this is not something you drink after you drink something else, but something you watch, and you can watch it right here. Watch this optical illusion at your own risk. Via MM from From Michael’s “Optical Illusions & Visual Phenomena”...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
08-26-05
I'm only 0.163 Years Old
If I was born on and lived on Pluto. Find out how old you are on the different planets of our solar system. Excluding that mysterious Planet X that is. Via Larry D....
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Posted by Will Burnham on
08-26-05
August 18, 2005
Seashells by the Seashore
This is a small sampling of the hundreds of shells Jenne collected when we went beach combing on Ocracoke and Portsmouth Islands on our Outer Banks vacation back in June. In the above photo are seen clam and scallop shells. We spent hours walking the beautiful beaches collecting shells,...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
08-18-05
August 16, 2005
The Dragonfly
Stained Glass Dragonfly. Seen in an Ocracoke Island, NC shop. Zipping to and fro Flying low over the pond The dragonfly hunts --Will Burnham I was inspired to post the above image by Lynn's recent blog entry....
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Posted by Will Burnham on
08-16-05
June 30, 2005
Map Madness
I admit that I am totally hooked - adicted if you will - on the latest Google related creations and a Google fan site, and being that I like to share enthusiastic madness with others I present to you the following time sink links of map madness. Need an excellent...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
06-30-05
April 04, 2005
The Old Negro Space Program
I love history and I love the space program. If you see one free film on the Internet this year then make it this one. The shocking-but-false story of America's Blackstronauts. A mock-u-mentary in the old Ken Burn's style. Via Steve K....
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Posted by Will Burnham on
04-04-05
January 19, 2005
It Has Begun
It has begun. The rampant speculation and prognostication is being broadcast from every TV and radio! Marylanders and Virginians are in a full-on panic. The grocery stores are swamped with the frightened! The dairy, bakery and paper product isles are laid bare. What could it be that has the populace...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
01-19-05
November 10, 2004
Parallel Worlds
Parallel Worlds "Imagination is more important than knowledge." Albert Einstein "The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources." Albert Einstein...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
11-10-04
October 28, 2004
Hobbits DID Exist
It looks like Hobbits, or something very much like them did actually exist. Read this story that came to me via Professor Pan. Thanks Professor. Maybe they were wiped out by a species of giant rabbit like the one pictured in the previous entry. Either that or a volcano....
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Posted by Will Burnham on
10-28-04
October 05, 2004
Deep Space Probes Have Found Him
...and you can see him here! We have to get this guy a hat....
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Posted by Will Burnham on
10-05-04
September 03, 2004
ET Phone... Earth?? and other news from the world of Science!
Chances are that the aliens have dialed a wrong number. Via Michael Maybe the aliens live on one of these! And while we are speaking of planets... The enigma of Uranus solved at last. Millions worldwide chuckle. Brand new! Excellent views of heavenly bodies as seen in Australia. And for...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
09-03-04
June 21, 2004
Magic Carpet Ride! ~ Success for SpaceShip One!
SpaceShip One lands after today's successful test flight. One more step closer to civilians in space! Photo copyright CNN. Today history was made in the annals of human flight. The goal of reaching 62.5 miles (100 kilometers) above the earth's surface and returning safely was achieved at 9:45 AM...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
06-21-04
Space Flight History in the Making
The carrier plane White Knight transports SpaceShip One to altitude, followed by a Rutan-designed Beech Starship. Today is the day that Spaceship One is scheduled to make its historic sub-orbital flight and test the craft's ability to reach the 62.5-mile altitude, which is the internationally agreed-upon boundary of space....
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Posted by Will Burnham on
06-21-04
March 12, 2004
Natural Voices, AKA Another Productivity Time Sink
I am by no means suggesting that you go here and input naughty words or phrases. That's not really what AT&T made it for, but is sure as hell is fun especially with five languages to choose from! You can also send the small sound files it creates to your...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
03-12-04
February 01, 2004
In Remembrance of Columbia and Her Gallant Crew
The STS-107 crew, clockwise from top: Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Commander Rick Husband, Mission Specialists Laurel Clark and David Brown, Pilot Willie McCool, Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon and Payload Commander Michael Anderson. Photo copyright NASA. This may be Super Sunday and the media may be caught up in all...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
02-01-04
December 05, 2003
Wintery Mix 12.05.03
Why do the Baltimore area weathermen insist on saying that the snowfall amounts in the Ellicott City/Columbia area range from 3-5 inches when I can go outside with a ruler and measure 6-8 where ever I stick it? And I have the photos to prove it! Guess what! My office...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
12-05-03
December 01, 2003
The Best of Hubble
For the year's best from the Hubble Space Telescope click here. Via friend Dave Bair...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
12-01-03
November 08, 2003
Dark Side of the Moon
Just in case you're not aware of this tonight is the great gig in the sky. There will be a total eclipse of the moon and hopefully it won't be obscured by clouds. I'll have to put the car into interstellar overdrive and get to the countryside where we can...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
11-08-03
November 03, 2003
An Exercise in Cropping
I shot the below image at Antietam National Battlefield on Sunday after my interview. Yes, I can go to a Civil War battlefield and shoot non-Civil War images (I did shot a lot of Civil War images too). The top image is how I shot it full frame in 200mm...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
11-03-03
October 16, 2003
Windows ~ Theme Thursday Image for 10.16.03
Modern Windows Click on image for a larger view. The windows of a modern office building reflect the late afternoon sky of fall here in Ellicott City. This is my submission for this week's Theme Thursday challenge. I shot this image Monday evening while commuting home from the SLJ....
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Posted by Will Burnham on
10-16-03
October 09, 2003
Grey ~ Theme Thursday Image for 10.09.03
Foggy Grey Morning Minolta Dimage 7i. Click on image for a larger view The weather unexpectedly cooperated for this week's Theme Thursday challenge of Grey. The fog on Wednesday morning was as thick as pea soup or peanut butter, take your pick. I went with my original intention of...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
10-09-03
September 20, 2003
In Our Backyard
While doing some post-Isabel straightening of our backyard and hanging the bird feeders, I came across these three creatures. Mr. Toad and Mrs. Spider were sunning their selves on the edge of a clay pot. They sure are an odd couple. I don't give their relationship much of a chance....
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Posted by Will Burnham on
09-20-03
September 19, 2003
Ellicott City After Isabel
All of these photos were taken this morning on my way to the SLJ and are all within 3 miles of our home. The first three are all on our street and amazingly only one car was hit and no homes! Talk about lucky. Many of our neighbors are still...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
09-19-03
Pimp Slapped by Isabel
Jenne, Poe, San and I are all fine. We had just finished eating and cleaning up from dinner (a hot meal made on our electric stove) when POOF! We were enveloped by darkness and the sound of wind and rain. It was 6:20 PM and The Simpsons' episode, Like Father,...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
09-19-03
September 18, 2003
Preparing for Isabel
Isabel is on the way. Jenne and I have prepared for the storm as best we can. Everything that can be brought into the house is in. Trashcans are against the back of the house on their sides and weighted down. Lawn art has been taken down and brought in....
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Posted by Will Burnham on
09-18-03
July 29, 2003
"I claim this planet in the name of Mars. Err isn't that lovely? Hmm?"
Via email from Michael Marshall The Red Planet is about to be spectacular! This month and next, Earth is catching up with Mars in an encounter that will culminate in the closest approach between the two planets in recorded history. The next time Mars may come this close is in...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
07-29-03
June 04, 2003
Move Over Spider-Man!
Via my good friend, Larry Disney. Be your own wall-crawler with this cool product. How many of you will be buying a pair if they hit the market? As Larry said in his email to me, "I am so there..."...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
06-04-03
May 31, 2003
After The Storm
The storm lasted maybe twenty minutes. It was by no means severe and seemed like any other spring shower. Thank God. As soon as it stopped I headed out back to shot the photo on the left, which was taken from approximately the same spot as the ominous cloud...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
05-31-03
The Coming Storm
Here's what the sky looked like about 15 minutes ago from my back yard. As soon as I saw lightning I called it quits for picture taking and got inside. I thought I had a pic with a lightning streak, but no such luck and I wasn't going to...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
05-31-03
Being Prepared
Not much to write about today. Jenne and I had a nice evening out last night; dinner at the Panda Buffet, a drive around the countryside, and a visit to Barnes & Knobles Bookstore. We had peach and wild berry gelatos at the bookstore coffee shop and Jenne bought me...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
05-31-03
April 19, 2003
And now for weather with Wacky Will the Weatherman
I think that I have to honestly say that I’m not in a great mode. There are several contributing factors to this, but I'm going to just focus on one of them. The lousy weather in the latter half of this week has just been… well… lousy. I mean really...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
04-19-03
March 30, 2003
March Madness
I roll out of bed, pull back the curtains and expect it to still be raining, and surprise! It's NOT raining. Nope. IT'S FRICKING SNOWING and it's coming down fast. Jenne hears me moving around and comes upstairs to fill me in on the latest prognostication. Four to six inches...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
03-30-03
March 17, 2003
Digging A Little Deeper
This is what digging a little will get you, the real deal. This image is of the space shuttle Columbia from the U.S. Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing Site in Hawaii. You can see six images here. Notice the quality of the images and that they are in...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
03-17-03
Do Your Own Digging
I’ve now talked with three people about the latest photos of the space shuttle Columbia disaster. I had yet to see these photos for myself, but just from how people were describing them gave me a clue that they couldn’t be real. Knowing that the truth is out there and...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
03-17-03
February 26, 2003
Snow News Is Bad News
What do you know? It’s snowing again. Last night when I checked the weather the prognosticators said it wasn’t supposed to start until late this afternoon or early evening. Well I woke up this morning, went through my daily workday routine and sat on the couch with a bowel of...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
02-26-03
February 22, 2003
Struggling with the Elements
Last weekend it seemed like it would never stop snowing. Then it seemed like we would never dig out from under it all (even with a power shovel) and this weekend we are getting drenched in 2”+ of rain. The elements are really beating on us this season. This has...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
02-22-03
February 20, 2003
The Yin ~ Yang of Snow
This week I have seen the best and worst of human nature. My friend Larry D. refers to it as the, “Yin Yang” of snow.” While the stuff falls from the sky everyone is friendly and helpful. You meet neighbors you’ve never met before. Get to know more about the...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
02-20-03
February 18, 2003
Plan of Attack, Dig Dug 2003
The plans for today are as follows. 1. From the comfort of my bed call work. 2.Laugh at Andy's dumb ass announcement about the office being open. He's in NY, the owner's in Florida and my director is in China so they are all outta of touch with the reality...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
02-18-03
February 17, 2003
Dig Dug 2003
During the height of the snow last night it occurred to me that the fire hydrant was most likely buried and if there was a fire in the neighborhood the fire department would never find it. I headed out with my shovel, which up until this morning had survived five...
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Posted by Will Burnham on
02-17-03
February 01, 2003
Hail Columbia and Her Gallant Crew
My heart is so very grieved this morning. It is hard to write as tears do come to my eyes. I have feelings of numbness while being glued to the TV. Much in the same way as when seventeen years ago this week the Challenger and her crew were lost....
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Posted by Will Burnham on
02-01-03