The Daily Ping

Hitler’s toilet… and MORE!

Ryan — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 05:50:09 +0000

Tell me this lede doesn’t intrigue you to read the rest of the story:

It’s a question that’s plagued historians for ages: What has become of Hitler’s toilet? Well, the world need wonder no more: The personal commode of the 20th century’s most hated dictator is inside Greg’s Automotive Repair in Florence, New Jersey, in perfect working condition but desperately in need of a cleaning.

Further down in the same article, you can learn how to handle your gun (UNTIL SOCIALIST OBAMA HITLER TAKES THEM ALL AWAY!) when in the men’s room.

Exactly what you’d expect

Ryan — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 20:50:02 +0000

Yesterday I had to make a visit to our local Senior Center and on my way in I saw a pleasant looking, grandmotherly-type woman coming out. I smiled and said hello to her and she scowled at me, “Where’s your coat? And your hat? And your gloves?” I tried to explain, feeling guilty, that I was dressed in several layers and she just dismissed me with a disapproving look.

Next time I go there, I’m wearing my coat.

Biffy in a Jiffy!

Ryan — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 01:54:06 +0000

There’s not much I don’t like about the Biffy Bag. The name is great. The “Biffy in a Jiffy” tagline is adorable. And the product itself? A “personal disposable toilet.” The product’s special “biffy powder” will presumably help with the aroma that might ensure from pooping into a bag. Why, yes, please, I’ll have ten! No longer do I have to share my dog’s poop bags!

First book you read

Ryan — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 01:56:02 +0000

Do you remember the first “real” book you ever read as a kid? I believe mine was Dinosaur Ben, the plot of which escapes my memory. The Digging-est Dog, which I’ve written about before, came not long after.

Sister cities

Ryan — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 01:00:48 +0000

Recently, I was driving through Rockville, MD and I noticed on their sign that they were “the sister city of Pinneberg, Germany” (and apparently it has a “friendship relationship” with Jiaxing, China. I got to thinking, “Where the heck did this sister city thing come from? And does anywhere I’ve lived have a sister city?”

The definition is not terribly exciting: “… cooperative agreements between towns, cities, and even counties in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.” What’s more interesting is that there’s an entire organization devoted to the cultivation and promotion of sister cities. There are 600 participating US cities (the college town I lived in has a sister city as does my current hometown).

I don’t know why, but I kind of like the idea of sister cities. Like you’d be able to go overseas to this distinct city and say, “Hi! I’m your city relative! Can I stay in your house for free?”

MOG becoming Daisy

Ryan — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 01:54:35 +0000

My music service of choice, MOG, which was purchased last year by Beats, is going to be relaunching soon as Trent Reznor’s Daisy. I’m not terribly concerned about yet another recommendation algorithm being the focus of the new service – I’m just worried about losing my playlists, favorited tracks, etc., especially since MOG’s non-existent API means I won’t be able to export that content to another service.

Anyone else affected by this move or am I the sole MOG subscriber left?

A List of Things That Hurt

Ryan — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 01:31:32 +0000

Biting your cheek
Biting your cheek for the second time
Your baby crying
Sensitive teeth after drinking a really cold or hot beverage
Stubbing a toe on your bare foot in the middle of the night

Free TV and movies

Ryan — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 01:47:31 +0000

I’m not a frequent Redittor, but I have to admit that I really like these two subreddits (that’s what they’re called, right?):

Full TV Shows on YouTube
Full Movies on YouTube

In the past, I’ve found some extremely obscure movies uploaded to YouTube in whole, so I’ll load them up on the Roku and watch them on TV. It’s a nice accompaniment to Netflix and the library. (You’ll be happy to know that all of the Critters movies are online.)

Is there anything you can’t get online?

Ryan — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 01:01:54 +0000

I tried to think of a physical product that you are unable to order online, that you absolutely have to get in person. Sure, there are things that are still more convenient to get at a local shop, but I cannot think of a single item that you can’t find and then pay for online instead. It’s 2013, so that seems about right. But still, am I missing anything?

Anyone?

Fun Bob Marley fact

Ryan — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 01:51:30 +0000

If Wikipedia is to be believed:

A Caribbean parasite, “Gnathia marleyi” was named after [Bob] Marley.

I’m not quite sure what to think of that.