Wacky Owl - Strange and Weird Stuff

Old 8-Bit Games In Real World

IHaveCoolName — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:13:29 +0000

A bit (a contraction of binary digit) is the basic unit of information in computing and telecommunications; it is the amount of information stored by a digital device or other physical system that exists in one of two possible distinct states. These may be the two stable states of a flip-flop, two positions of an electrical switch, two distinct voltage or current levels allowed by a circuit, two distinct levels of light intensity, two directions of magnetization or polarization, the orientation of reversible double stranded DNA, etc.

In computing, a bit can also be defined as a variable or computed quantity that can have only two possible values. These two values are often interpreted as binary digits and are usually denoted by the numerical digits 0 and 1. The two values can also be interpreted as logical values (true/false, yes/no), algebraic signs (+/−), activation states (on/off), or any other two-valued attribute. The correspondence between these values and the physical states of the underlying storage or device is a matter of convention, and different assignments may be used even within the same device or program. The length of a binary number may be referred to as its “bit-length.”

In information theory, one bit is typically defined as the uncertainty of a binary random variable that is 0 or 1 with equal probability, or the information that is gained when the value of such a variable becomes known.

Crazy Outfit For A Prom

IHaveCoolName — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:53:01 +0000

In the United States and Canada, a prom (short for promenade) is a formal (black tie) dance or gathering of high school students. It is typically held near the end of the senior year. It figures greatly in popular culture and is a major event among high school students. High school juniors attending the prom may call it “junior prom” while high school seniors may call it “senior prom”. In practice this may be a combined junior/senior dance. At prom, a Prom Queen and Prom King may be revealed. These are honorary titles awarded to students chosen in a school-wide vote prior to the prom, and are usually given to seniors. Juniors may also be honored, but would be called “Prom Prince” or “Prom Princess”.

Other students may be honored with inclusion in a “Prom Court”. The selection method for Prom Court is similar to that of Homecoming Queen, King, and Court. Inclusion in a Prom Court is a reflection of popularity of those chosen and their level of participation in school activities, such as clubs or sports.

In Britain, Australia and Canada the terms formal and grad are most commonly used for occasions equivalent to the American “prom”, and the event is usually held for those graduating high, secondary or middle school. However the term “prom” is becoming more common in the UK due to the influence of US TV shows. In Ireland, the event is known as a debs (originally an abbreviation of debutante ball).

The Most Beautiful Manhole Covers You Can See In Japan

IHaveCoolName — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:12:32 +0000

A manhole cover is a removable plate forming the lid over the opening of a manhole, to prevent anyone from falling in and to keep unauthorized persons out.

Since the era of ancient Rome, sewer grates made from stone have been used to keep people from falling into the sewage and to catch anything large that might otherwise fall in.

Manhole covers usually weigh more than 50 kg, partly because the weight keeps them in place when traffic passes over them, and partly because they are often made out of cast iron, sometimes with infills of concrete. This makes them inexpensive, strong, and heavy. A manhole cover sits on metal base, with a smaller inset rim which fits the cover. The base and cover are sometimes called “castings,” because they are made by a casting process, usually through sand casting techniques.

They usually feature “pick holes,” in which a hook handle is inserted to lift them. Pick holes can be concealed for a more watertight lid, or can allow light to shine through. A manhole pick or hook is typically used to lift them, though other tools can be used as well, including electromagnets.

Although the covers are too large to be collectible, their ubiquity and the many patterns and descriptions printed on them has led some people to collect pictures of covers from around the world.

Despite their weight and cumbersome nature, manhole covers are sometimes stolen, usually for resale as scrap, particularly when metal prices rise.

Cool Pancakes Shaped Like Everyday Objects

IHaveCoolName — Sun, 13 May 2012 19:55:04 +0000

A pancake is a thin, flat, round cake prepared from a batter, and cooked on a hot griddle or frying pan. Most pancakes are quick breads, which use a quick leavening agent such as baking powder, while some use a yeast-raised or fermented batter.

Typically, pancakes are cooked one side on a griddle and flipped partway through to cook the other side. Depending on the region, pancakes may be served at any time of day, with a variety of toppings or fillings including jam, chocolate chips, fruit, syrup or meat.

Archaeological evidence suggests that varieties of pancakes are probably the earliest and most widespread types of cereal food eaten in prehistoric societies whereby dry carbohydrate-rich seed flours mixed with the available protein-rich liquids, usually milk and eggs, were baked on hot stones or in shallow earthenware pots over an open fire to form a nutritious and highly palatable foodstuff.

In the medieval and modern Christian period, especially in Britain, pancakes were made to use up stored items prior to the period of Lent fasting beginning on Shrovetide. Since eggs were forbidden foods during Lent, making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday was a good way to use up eggs before Lenten fasts began.

The pancake’s shape and structure varies worldwide. There are numerous variations of them throughout Europe. In Germany, pancakes can be made from potatoes.

A crêpe is a Breton variety of thin pancake cooked on one or both sides in a special crepe pan to achieve a network of fine bubbles often compared tolace – a savory variety made from buckwheat is usually known as a galette.

Ferrari Cover With Carbon Fiber

IHaveCoolName — Sun, 13 May 2012 19:37:55 +0000

Ferrari S.p.A. is an Italian sports car manufacturer based in Maranello, Italy. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929, as Scuderia Ferrari, the company sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars before moving into production of street-legal vehicles as Ferrari S.p.A. in 1947.

Throughout its history, the company has been noted for its continued participation in racing, especially in Formula One, where it has had great success. Ferrari road cars are generally seen as a symbol of luxury and wealth.

Enzo Ferrari never intended to produce road cars when he formed Scuderia Ferrari (literally “Ferrari Stable”, and usually used to mean “Team Ferrari”, it is correctly pronounced [skudeˈriːa]) in 1928 as a sponsor for amateur drivers headquartered in Modena.

Ferrari prepared, and successfully raced, various drivers in Alfa Romeo cars until 1938, when he was hired by Alfa Romeo to head their motor racing department.

In 1941, Alfa Romeo was confiscated by the fascist government of Benito Mussolini as part of the Axis Powers’ war effort. Enzo Ferrari’s division was small enough to be unaffected by this. Because he was prohibited by contract from racing for four years, the Scuderia briefly became Auto Avio Costruzioni Ferrari, which ostensibly produced machine tools and aircraft accessories. Also known as SEFAC (Scuderia Enzo Ferrari Auto Corse), Ferrari did in fact produce one race car, the Tipo 815, in the non-competition period. It was the first actual Ferrari car (it debuted at the 1940 Mille Miglia), but due to World War II it saw little competition.

Doll For All Doctor Who Fans

IHaveCoolName — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:11:34 +0000

Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the British Broadcasting Corporation.

The programme depicts the adventures of a Time Lord, a time-travelling, humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient, telepathic time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior appears as a blue police box from London in 1963, when the series first aired. Along with a succession of companions, he faces a variety of foes while working to save civilisations, help people and right wrongs.

It has received recognition from critics and the public as one of the finest British television programmes, including the BAFTA Award for Best Drama Series in 2006, and five consecutive wins at the National Television Awards from 2005 to 2010, in the Drama category while under Russell T Davies’ reign as executive producer. In 2011 Matt Smithbecame the first actor to be nominated for a BAFTA for portraying the Doctor.

The programme is listed in Guinness World Records as the longest-running science fiction television show in the world, and as the “most successful” science fiction series of all time, in terms of its overall broadcast ratings, DVD and book sales and iTunes traffic. It has been recognised for its imaginative stories, creative low-budget special effects during its original run, and pioneering use of electronic music (originally produced by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop). The show is a significant part of British popular culture in the United Kingdom, and elsewhere it has become a cult television favourite.

Top 5 Wacky Ways to Reduce Stress

admin — Sat, 12 May 2012 11:24:11 +0000

Stress is a by-product of the very competing surroundings we are now living in. Stress relief is a method that aids the stressed person to chill and achieve his harmony. It is accomplished by managing cortisol bodily hormones. There isn’t any magic product to ease stress and it may be achieved only by conscious effort.

The initial step would be to recognize stress. Make a mindful energy not to improve stress with the addition of on to a currently occupied daily activities. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of your every day schedule trying to adjust a stress-free routine. The key to a healthier lifestyle is suitable breathing control. Correct diaphragmatic breathing decreases stress and panic. It is very advantageous and is a easy workout that may be done at any period.

One more among additional Stress management tips would be to get a massage. A great massage may calm down all the muscle groups of the physique and it’ll have a relaxing impact. Another way is having a laugh. Having a laugh assists someone to see the brighter side of the difficulty and keeps the mind relaxed and cool. Just one more essential tool for stress relief would be to get enough rest. Sleep increases the durability of the mind helping in controlling stress.

Hydrotherapy is yet another implies of a stress reliever. There are many spas providing hydrotherapy in america. This treatment offers therapeutic impact to the physique through motion, heat, and buoyancy. Motion and warmth lead to extending the arteries, decreasing the blood pressure level, and increasing the flow of oxygen. The stress on the joints and knees will disappear by buoyancy.

Listening to music, getting a walk, carrying out home tasks, actively playing, writing, and relaxing at a relaxed place are many of the easy and cost effective ways of stress management. Meditation and workout are also well-known methods for a stress reliever.

If you don’t want to try any of the traditional methods to relieve stress, here are some wacky ways you can do to relieve stress

Drink water upside down

Do as many office pranks as you can

Play video games

Yell!

Gun Shooting

Breathtaking Aquarium Shaped Like A Sink

IHaveCoolName — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:03:52 +0000

A sink (also basin, hand basin and wash basin) is a bowl-shaped plumbing fixture used for washing hands, for dish washing or other purposes.

Sinks generally have taps (faucets) that supply hot and cold water and may include a spray feature to be used for faster rinsing. They also include a drain to remove used water; this drain may itself include a strainer and/or shut-off device and an overflow-prevention device. Sinks may also have an integrated soap dispenser.

When a sink becomes stopped-up or clogged, a person will often resort to use a chemical drain cleaner or a plunger, though most professional plumbers will attack the clog with a drain auger (often called a “plumber’s snake”).

Stainless steel is commonly used in kitchens and commercial applications because it represents a good trade-off between cost, usability, durability, and ease of cleaning. Most stainless steel sinks are made by drawing a sheet of stainless steel over a die. Some very deep sinks are fabricated by welding. Stainless steel sinks will not be damaged by hot or cold objects and resist damage from impacts. One disadvantage of stainless steel is that, being made of thin metal, they tend to be noisier than most other sink materials, although better sinks apply a heavy coating of vibration-damping material to the underside of the sink.

Enamel over cast iron is a popular material for kitchen and bathroom sinks. Heavy and durable, these sinks can also be manufactured in a very wide range of shapes and colors.

The Most Famous Painting Recreated From Jelly Beans

IHaveCoolName — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:14:10 +0000

Jelly beans are a small bean-shaped type of confectionery with a hard candy shell and a gummy interior which come in a wide variety of flavors. The confection is primarily made of sugar.

The Turkish Delight, a Middle Eastern candy made of soft jelly, covered in confectioner’s powder, was an early precursor to the jelly bean that inspired its gummy interior. However, it is generally thought that jelly beans first surfaced in 1861 when Boston confectioner William Schrafft urged people to send his jelly beans to soldiers during the American Civil War.

It wasn’t until July 5, 1905 that the mentioning of jelly beans was published in the Chicago Daily News. The advertisement publicized bulk jelly beans sold by volume for nine cents per pound, according to the book, “The Century in Food: America’s Fads and Favorites.”

Today, most historians contend that in the United States, they were first linked with Easter in the 1930s.

The basic ingredients of jelly beans include sugars, corn syrup, and starch. Relatively minor amounts of the emulsifying agent lecithin, anti-foaming agents, an edible wax such as beeswax, salt, and confectioner’s glazeare also included. The ingredients that give each bean its character are also relatively small in proportion and may vary depending on the flavor. Most jelly beans are sold as an assortment of around eight different flavors, most of them fruit based. Assortments of “spiced” jellybeans and gumdrops are also available, which include a similar number of spice and mint flavors. The colors of jelly beans often correspond with a fruit and a “spiced” flavor.

Cross Section Of A Human Being That’s Made Out Of Paper

IHaveCoolName — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:06:57 +0000

Scientific study of human evolution is concerned, primarily, with the development of the genus Homo, but usually involves studying other hominids and hominines as well, such as Australopithecus. “Modern humans” are defined as the Homo sapiens species, of which the only extant subspecies is known as Homo sapiens sapiens.

Homo sapiens idaltu (roughly translated as “elder wise human”), the other known subspecies, is now extinct. Homo neanderthalensis, which became extinct 30,000 years ago, has sometimes been classified as a subspecies, “Homo sapiens neanderthalensis”; genetic studies now suggest that the functional DNA of modern humans and Neanderthals diverged 500,000 years ago. More recent genetics suggest that modern humans mated with “at least two groups” of ancient humans: Neanderthals and Denisovans.

Nonetheless, the discovered specimens of the Homo rhodesiensis species have been classified by some as a subspecies, but this classification is not widely accepted.

Anatomically modern humans first appear in the fossil record in Africa about 195,000 years ago, and studies of molecular biologygive evidence that the approximate time of divergence from the common ancestor of all modern human populations was 200,000 years ago.

The broad study of African genetic diversity headed by Dr. Sarah Tishkoff found the San people to express the greatest genetic diversity among the 113 distinct populations sampled, making them one of 14 “ancestral population clusters”. The research also located the origin of modern human migration in south-western Africa, near the coastal border of Namibia and Angola.