Monday, December 17, 2012

Post: Concerning 'Hobbit' and Boiling Science Water!


Welcome back, friends of new and yonder days!

There's a lot to discuss in this post, so I'll do my best to be succinct. If I'm not, you can feed me to the dragons (luckily for me, there are no real dragons - besides these lizard thingys - so it's a win-win!).

At long awaited last, The Hobbit has come to the big screen. And boy, did I like it! I decided to try something new this year: don't get too excited about the movies I want to see and just see them as they come. Knowing what I was getting into, I enjoyed The Hobbit very much, even in high frame rate 3D. It took some getting used to, and I admit the action was a bit too smooth for my under-evolved peepers, but image clarity was not an issue. I've never seen a clearer 3D movie. Ever. Normally I'd get a headache if 3D shows run more than two hours. Not here. I even forgot I was wearing glasses! And that's just the technical aspect. I might be in the minority, but then, I thought the first DVD looked funny, and the first digital projection, and the first Blu-ray, so if this is the future of cinema, I like where it's headed - got to work a few kinks out, I think. This is my favorite movie of the year. Surprised?

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Before we continue with this science experiment, I'd like to introduce our latest cadets aboard the Cosmic Laire. Welcome, my precious!

and

I'd offer you guys a welcome cruller, but it would seem I've already consumed the entire package ... I'll go order some. Sound good?

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Oh, and there's been a slight change to the Build Me A Blog - Hop event coming this week (details here). We're still a go for posting on the 20th, but, silly me, I said I'd announce the winners on the 21st. You know, the end of the world? I assume it's not going to happen, but if the giant asteroid happens to land on my side of the world, I'll play it safe and announce the winners on Monday, the 24th (if we're all still here, that is ...). How's that for a Christmas Eve present?

I'm looking forward to read your entries, and best of luck!

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How do you boil water without fire, gas, electricity, or fusion?

You'll need the following, common household items:

- A tripod
- A pot that hangs
- Aluminum foil
- Glue (or other adhesive)
- An old satellite dish

What the what-now? How do you boil water with all that?

It's not magic, my friends. It's science! I'm about to show you a video and I will confirm that I tried this myself with an old Dish Network dish that came with our house when we bought it. The experiment was amazing, and The Boy had to show all his friends in the neighborhood what kind of mad scientist I am. This works during any season, so long as there's sunlight and it's angled just right. Give it a try!


 
Now, I wonder how much solar heat I can harness with this now useless, other hunk of hardware that also came with our house ...

A go-green water heater, anyone? 

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In all seriousness, I'd like to take a moment to express my deepest condolences and respect to everyone involved and affected by the Sandy Hook incident last Friday. We heard the news on our way back from a short trip to Idaho and it hasn't been easy for us as it hits close to home, having a child of the same age in school. My thoughts and best, sincere wishes reach out to all of you this week.

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Update: How did that goal of 10K go? I did it! And it was the kick the kaiser roll that I needed, too. Now that I'm at the halfway point with Undead, I'll see if I can't repeat this week with another 10K. A good thing, too. I want to wrap this up, draft and edits, before Warm Bodies makes the scene on the big screen - before the hype ...

Have an amazing week, everyone! There will be new tropes, reviews and other unexpected surprises this week here on the blog, including a picture of me that may prove to be extremely embarrassing.

What have you been up to, guys? Seen The Hobbit? Want to give the parabolic solar cooker a try? Got a decent pair of khakis?

I'm David, and for Clue #6, you'll want to dress for the occasion ...

30 comments:

  1. Glad you hit the 10k!
    Saw the Hobbit and really liked it. (My review is up today.) We have a 3D TV, so it never bothers me at the theater, although it did take some getting used to at home. But everything is so clear...

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  2. I haven't seen the Hobbit yet (I know, I know!!!) but will do next weekend and I can't wait. I don't think I'll see it in 3D b/c I'm going with family, and my mom gets motion sickness really easily. Heard that the fast frame effect is slightly more intense in 3D. Congrats on meeting your writing goal, and thanks for sharing that water-boiling technique!

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  3. Need to see The Hobbit. And congrats on hitting your goal. You deserve all the crullers you can find.

    That dish cooker was incredible. I need to share with others.

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  4. So glad you liked The Hobbit. It isn't out here until Boxing Day and I CANNOT WAIT!

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  5. I'm surprised The Hobbit has been reviewing so poorly. I really liked it!

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  6. I really want to see The Hobbit! I've heard nothing but good things about it so far.

    Congrats on the 10k! You are training well for the zombie attack :D

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  7. There are no real dragons? Heresy! I am a dragon, I might eat you for saying that...Nah, scratch that. I wouldn't. I would get in trouble with too many people here, one of them being a Ninja and then there's his team, and also a knight...Bad business. I won't eat you on the condition you never say again there are no dragons. ;)

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  8. I went to see The Hobbit today, and I loved it! Can't wait for the next installment :)

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  9. Hi David .. I too thought the film was lovely - fairly relaxed to watch, but great story telling through the pictures - now I need to read the book!!

    Cheers Hilary

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  10. I see movies that appeal, regardless of reviews. I read this at 17, my first fantasy novel. At least, film casting chose Bilbo well.

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  11. I saw the Hobbit last weekend with my kids. So great!!! We loved it!

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  12. Looking forward to seeing The Hobbit - not sure when that will be though!

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  13. My hobbit review will be up either tomorrow or Wed.

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  14. I hope to see The Hobbit but can't drive in the dark, which means most of the time in this part of the world (interior Alaska) in midwinter. Don't think a solar water heater would work well here, either--it's 48 below out, and the sun at its highest is only 2° above the horizon which means a looong atmospheric path.

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  15. Congratulations on you reaching your 10K writing goal! I haven't seen The Hobbit yet but I'm glad to hear you liked it.

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  16. I can't wait to see the Hobbit! And I have an old Satellite dish--that is so cool. Man, me and my lil bro would have had too much fun with something like this in the good ol' days. :)
    Congrats on reaching your goal!

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  17. Three cheers for making your 10k, David :-)
    I had a feeling the sun would have something to do with boiling water without fire. Interesting survival technique.
    I have not seen The Hobbit but I hope to rectify that sooner than later.
    And prayers continue for Sandy Hook :-(

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  18. Glad you liked the Hobbit. I hope it's playing when we get back from China. And congrats on your 10k goal.

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  19. I saw the Hobbit in IMAX 3D at the Gateway. What a wonderful story. Tolkien is such a good storyteller. I don't understand how Radagast the Brown could stand not wiping that bird poo off the side of his face though. Ick.

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  20. Congratulations on hitting 10k!

    Haven't seen the Hobbit yet, but look forward to it. Still not a fan of CGI though.

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  21. Way to rock that 10K, DPK!

    And... I think I might unfollow you and then refollow you just so I can get my name announced on your blog all cool-like ;-)

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  22. Great job on the 10K. Haven't seen the Hobbit yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

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  23. I get to see the Hobbit this weekend and I can't wait! I still haven't gone to a 3D movie in the cinema though. Maybe I should give it a try!

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  24. lots of info in that post! we hope to see the hobbit with cousins next week =)
    and good luck with your goal! i'm looking forward to seeing those posts too!

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  25. I always end up with a headache, so I tend to avoid 3D movies. This gives me hope for their future! ;)

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  26. Congrats on hitting your writing goal! And I'm glad you enjoyed the movie, I can't wait to see it. Now, if only I had an old satellite dish hanging around.... :P

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  27. I so want to see the movie, but it isn't out here in Australia yet umfortunately. You're all making me so impatient to see it!

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  28. I'm with Morgan Shamy...can want my name in LIGHTS! hehehehe! Anyway, haven't seen the movie, but plan to. Def been looking forward to it.

    Having a child the same age as all those little ones breaks my heart. They have starred in my prayers since that awful tragedy.

    Your super survival cooker is awesome. I would have been in trouble had I known about something like this as a child.

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  29. Is it weird that I had no trouble with the 3D 48fps at all? It looked normal to me - I guess I'd have to rewatch the 24fps to see what I didn't see, if you see what I mean :-)

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