The Art of Conversation

Now, if only video cameras had existed back when Laura used to talk on that toy phone, she too could be a YouTube sensation!

xkcd Radiation Dose Chart

(Click to view full)

Click here to read the accompanying blog post for some background info.

What spring looks like in Chenango County

Any Murphies

or Murphy friends or relations or hangers-on who have not seen the movie Moonstruck should do so, without delay.

Also, look out the window at the moon. Last night was the biggest full moon since 1993, and it did look amazing, hanging there like a lantern in the tree branches close enough to touch. Tonight, it ought to be almost as . . . well, striking.

Teachers Unions Explained

Go, United States Navy!

Here's a concise description of the role of the Navy -- and of the USS Ronald Reagan, the aircraft carrier where Luke worked a couple of summers ago -- in providing earthquake relief in Japan.

Before and after

Here is a staggering set of images of communities along the Japanese coast before and after the tsunami.

How I plan to spend this afternoon

Look for me downtown!

You can never have too many laughing babies.

I want baseball.

26 days until the Red Sox opener! Who's excited!? Who's coming to Pittsburgh to see them in June?

The Red Sox will be total "bi-winners" this year.

What horsepower really means

Dad needs this team! Check out the rodent fleeing for its life from under the hooves of the horse on the far right (and alarming the horse second from the left) at about 20 seconds in.

Why Teachers need Unions

Here.

Hey, Luke!

Didja move yet?

Dad will like this

and Laura should print out a copy and send it to those folks in Philly who gave her a ticket for improperly recycling her garbage.

Easy Crock Pot Recipes for Carnivores

POT ROAST:

1.5 cups H2O
Packet of Italian Dressing mix
Packet of Ranch Dressing mis
Packet of Brown Gravy mix

mix them up in the crock pot. Throw in a pot roast. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Delicious.

PORK ROAST:

Can of cranberry sauce
Packet of Lipton Onion Soup and recipe mix

mix them up in the crock pot. Throw in a pork roast. A cheap one like a shoulder or picnic roast. not a tenderloin. I think the roasts with the bone in are the most flavorful. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Yum.

Either recipe will give you a couple good meals. Then you can make sandwiches. Then you can use the last of it with all the liquid for a stew or soup. Cheap, easy food.