The US standard railroad gauge (distance between the rails) is 4 feet, 8.5 inches. That is an exceedingly odd number. Why was that gauge used? Because that's the way they built them in England, and the US railroads were built by English expatriates. Why did the English build them that way? Because the first rail lines were built by the same people who built the pre-railroad tramways, and that's the gauge they used. Why did "they" use that gauge? Because the people who built the tramways used the same jigs and tools that they used for building wagons, which used that wheel spacing. So why did the wagons have that particular odd spacing? Well, if they tried to use any other spacing, the wagon wheels would break on some of the old, long distance roads in England, because that was the spacing of the wheel ruts. So who built those old rutted roads? The first long distance roads in Europe (and England) were built by Imperial
Rome for their legions. The roads have been used ever since. And the ruts in the roads? The ruts in the roads, which everyone had to match for fear of destroying their wagon wheels, were first formed by Roman war chariots. Since the chariots were made for (or by) Imperial Rome, they were all alike in the matter of wheel spacing. The US standard railroad gauge of 4 feet-8.5 inches derives from the original specification for an Imperial Roman war chariot. Specifications and bureaucracies live forever. So the next time you are handed a specification and wonder what horse's a$$ came up with it, you may be exactly right, because the Imperial Roman war chariots were made just wide enough to accommodate the back end of two war horses. Thus we have the answer to the original question.
Now for the twist to the story. When we see a space shuttle sitting on it's launching pad, there are two booster rockets attached to the side of the main fuel tank. These are solid rocket boosters, or SRB's. The SRB's are made by Thiokol at their factory in Utah. The engineers who designed the SRB's might have preferred to make them a bit fatter, but the SRB's had to be shipped by train from the factory to the launch site. The railroad line from the factory had to run through a tunnel in the mountains. The tunnel is slightly wider than the railroad track, and the railroad track is about as wide as two horses' rumps. So, a major design feature of what
is arguably the worlds most advanced transportation system was determined over two thousand years ago by the width of a horse's a$$!
Don't you just love engineering?
Scientists at NASA have developed a gun built specifically to
launch dead chickens at the windshields of airliners, military jets
and the space shuttle, all traveling at maximum velocity. The idea
is to simulate the frequent incidents of collisions with airborne
fowl to test the strength of the windshields.
British engineers heard about the gun and were eager to test it on
the windshields of their new high speed trains.
Arrangements were made. But when the gun was fired, the
engineers stood shocked as the chicken hurtled out of the barrel,
crashed into the shatterproof shield, smashed it to smithereens,
crashed through the control console, snapped the engineer's
backrest in two and embedded itself in the back wall of the cabin.
Horrified Britons sent NASA the disastrous results of the
experiment, along with the designs of the windshield, and begged
the U.S. scientists for suggestions.
Yesterday, scientists for Health Canada suggested that,
considering the results of a recent analysis that revealed the
presence of female hormones in beer, men should take a
look at their beer consumption.
The theory is that drinking beer makes men turn into women.
To test the theory, 100 men were fed 5 pints each within a
one hour period. It was then observed that 100% of the men
gained weight, talked excessively without making sense,
became overly emotional, couldn't drive, failed to think rationally,
argued over nothing, and refused to apologize when wrong.
This is a bricklayer's accident report that was printed in the
newsletter of the English equivalent of the Workers' Compensation
Board. This is this Bricklayer's report ... a true story.
Dear Sir;
I am writing in response to your request for additional information in Block #3 of the accident reporting form. I put "Poor Planning" as the cause of my accident. You asked for a fuller explanation and I trust the following details will be sufficient.
I am a bricklayer by trade. On the day of the accident, I was working alone on the roof of a new six-story building. When I completed my work, I found I had some bricks left over which when weighed later were found to weigh 240 lbs. Rather than carry the bricks down by hand, I decided to lower them in a barrel by using a pulley which was attached to the side of the building at the sixth floor.
Securing the rope at ground level, I went up to the roof, swung the barrel out and loaded the bricks into it. Then I went down and untied the rope, holding it tightly to insure a slow descent of the 240 lbs of bricks. You will note on the accident reporting form that my weight is 135 lbs. Due to my surprise at being jerked off the ground so suddenly, I lost my presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope. Needless to say, I proceeded at a rapid rate up the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel which was now proceeding downward at an equally impressive speed. This explains the fractured skull, minor abrasions and the broken collarbone, as listed in Section 3, accident reporting form. Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until the fingers of my right hand were two knuckles deep into the pulley which I mentioned in Paragraph 2 of this correspondence.
Fortunately by this time I had regained my presence of mind and was able to hold tightly to the rope, in spite of the excruciating pain I was now beginning to experience. At approximately the same time, however, the barrel of bricks hit the ground, and the bottom fell out of the barrel. Now devoid of the weight of the bricks, the barrel weighed approximately 50 lbs. I refer you again to my weight. As you might imagine, I began a rapid descent down the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming up. This accounts for the two fractured ankles, broken tooth and severe lacerations of my legs and lower body. Here my luck began to change slightly. The encounter with the barrel seemed to slow me enough to lessen my injuries when I fell into the pile of bricks and fortunately only three vertebrae were cracked.
I am sorry to report, however, as I lay there on the pile of bricks, in pain, unable to move and watching the empty barrel six stories above me, I again lost my composure and presence of mind and let go of the rope and I lay there watching the empty barrel begin its journey back onto me.
Originally posted by Bbbutch Does this apply????????????
Yesterday, scientists for Health Canada suggested that,
considering the results of a recent analysis that revealed the
presence of female hormones in beer, men should take a
look at their beer consumption.
The theory is that drinking beer makes men turn into women.
To test the theory, 100 men were fed 5 pints each within a
one hour period. It was then observed that 100% of the men
gained weight, talked excessively without making sense,
became overly emotional, couldn't drive, failed to think rationally,
argued over nothing, and refused to apologize when wrong.
Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll
squeeze these dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out"?
Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a
horrible crisp which no decent human being would eat?
Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer?
If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a song about him?
If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?
Why do people point to their wrist when asking for the time, but don't point to their crotch when they ask where the bathroom is?
Why does goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!?
What do you call male ballerinas?
Why ARE Trix only for kids?
If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that Acme crap, why didn't he just buy dinner?
Why is a person that handles your money called a 'Broker'?
If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?
If a man is talking in the forest, and no woman is there to hear him, is he still wrong?
Why is it that when someone tells you that there are over a billion stars in the universe, you believe them, but if they tell you there is wet paint somewhere, you have to touch it to make sure?
If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
Is Disney World the only people trap operated by a mouse?
Why do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?
Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him on a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?
If it's a 50 mph wind, and you drive your car 50 mph downwind, if you stick your head out the window, do you feel the wind?
__________________ DAN Click on my door and see my interior. 2001 Tundra SR5 V8 Desert Sand Mica
TRD Dual Exhaust | Bilsteins Shocks & HD TRD 4x4 Coil Springs | Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar | Westin Nerf Bars | Stainless Bed Rails | Bed Extender | Bed Liner | Form Fix Hood Protector | Custom Painted IS Grille & Mirror Covers | Stainless Tundra License Plate Frames | Custom Made Receiver Hitch | Totally De-Badged | Super Magnetic Oil Drain Plug | Mobil One Synthetic Oils | Custom Window Etching | Tinted Windows | Muth Signal Mirrors | Door Sill Protectors | Interior Rubber Mats | Gentex Temp & Comp Auto-Dim Rearview Mirror | Weatherflector Ventvisors | TS Decal | Complete Brake Upgrade | Truxedo Tonneau Cover| Michelin LTX M/S Tires
The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them, if someone takes your check book they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name but your bank will know how you sign your checks. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address, if you do not have a PO Box use your work address.
Never have your SS# printed on your checks you can add it if it is necessary but have it printed and anyone can get it.
Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.
A corporate attorney sent this out to the employees in his company. I pass it along, for your information.
We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed in stealing a name, address, Social Security, credit cards, etc.
Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more.
But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:
We have been told we should cancel your credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily.
File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
But here's what is perhaps most important: (I never ever thought to do this) Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made
over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done.
There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it
in). It seems to have stopped them in their tracks.
The numbers are:
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
Social Security Administration (fraud line):
1-800-269-0271
We pass along jokes; we pass along just about everything. Do think about passing this information along. It could really help someone you care about.
__________________ DAN Click on my door and see my interior. 2001 Tundra SR5 V8 Desert Sand Mica
TRD Dual Exhaust | Bilsteins Shocks & HD TRD 4x4 Coil Springs | Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar | Westin Nerf Bars | Stainless Bed Rails | Bed Extender | Bed Liner | Form Fix Hood Protector | Custom Painted IS Grille & Mirror Covers | Stainless Tundra License Plate Frames | Custom Made Receiver Hitch | Totally De-Badged | Super Magnetic Oil Drain Plug | Mobil One Synthetic Oils | Custom Window Etching | Tinted Windows | Muth Signal Mirrors | Door Sill Protectors | Interior Rubber Mats | Gentex Temp & Comp Auto-Dim Rearview Mirror | Weatherflector Ventvisors | TS Decal | Complete Brake Upgrade | Truxedo Tonneau Cover| Michelin LTX M/S Tires
This made headlines,3years ago or so in the West glacier Paper.
Park Enforcement had considered banning the sale of Bear repellent to park goers. It seems that several incidents where hikers sprayed themselves down with it prior to hikeing. Or other incidents of hikers confronting a bear and spraying eachother down.
In all incidences the hikers said that they thought that it was like using OFF misquito repellent.
This is a true story.
For those of you unfamilar with what Bear repellent is, it is simular to a extremely powerful mace. Stated Clearly on the Bottle NOT FOR USE ON HUMANS.
Think about that: Mace stronger then what some law enforment carry and people spray them selves down with it.
In a related story the next week, pre-sprayed bear repellent was found to attract bears!
Strange story I found at Yahoo. London officers have had to crack down on motorist for using used cooking oil to fuel their cars to avoid high fuel costs. Check it out.
World War II produced many heroes. One such man was
Lieutenant Commander Butch O'Hare. He was a fighter pilot
assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific.
One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he
was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that
someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. He would not
have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his
ship. His flight leader told him to return to the carrier.
Reluctantly he dropped out of formation and headed back to the
fleet. As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something
that turned his blood cold. A squadron of Japanese bombers were
speeding their way toward the American fleet. The American fighters
were gone on a sortie and the fleet was all but defenseless.
He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save
the fleet. Nor, could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger.
There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from
the fleet. Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dived into
the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 caliber's blazed
as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then
another. Butch weaved in and out of the now broken formation and
fired at as many planes as possible until finally all his ammunition was
spent.
Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dived at the planes, trying
to at least clip off a wing or tail, in hopes of damaging as many enemy
planes as possible and rendering them unfit to fly. He was desperate
to do anything he could to keep them from reaching the American ships.
Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction.
Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the
carrier.
Upon arrival he reported in and related the event surrounding his return.
The film from the camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed
the extent of Butch's daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had
destroyed five enemy bombers. That was on February 20, 1942, and for
that action he became the Navy's first Ace of W.W. II and the first Naval
Aviator to win the Congressional Medal of Honor.
A year later he was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His home
town would not allow the memory of that heroic action die. And today,
O'Hare International Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage
of this great man. So the next time you're in O'Hare visit his memorial
with his statue and Medal of Honor. It is located between Terminals 1
and 2.
------------------------------------------
STORY NUMBER TWO:
Some years earlier there was a man in Chicago called Easy Eddie. At
that time, Al Capone virtually owned the city. Capone wasn't famous
for anything heroic. His exploits were anything but praiseworthy. He
was, however, notorious for enmeshing the city of Chicago in every-
thing from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder. Easy Eddie
was Capone's lawyer, and for a good reason. He was very good!
In fact, his skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long
time. To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only
was the money big; Eddie got special dividends. For instance, he and
his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the
conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an
entire Chicago city block. Yes, Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago
mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around
him.
Eddy did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved
dearly. Eddy saw to it that his young son had the best of everything;
clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was
no object. And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie
even tried to teach him right from wrong. Yes, Eddie tried to teach
his son to rise above his own sordid life. He wanted him to be a better
man than he was. Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were
two things that Eddie couldn't give his son...two things that Eddie
sacrificed to the Capone mob that he could not pass on to his beloved
son. These were a good name and a good example.
One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Offering his son a
good name was far more important than all the riches he could lavish
on him. He had to rectify all the wrong that he had done. He would
go to the authorities and tell the truth about "Scar-face" Al Capone.
He would try to clean up his tarnished name and offer his son some
semblance of integrity.
To do this he would have to testify against The Mob, and he knew
that the cost would be great. But more than anything, he wanted
to be an example to his son. He wanted to do his best to make
restoration, and hopefully have a good name to leave his son. So,
he testified.
Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a
lonely Chicago street. He had given his son the greatest gift he had
to offer at the greatest price he would ever pay.
What do these two stories have to do with one another?
Butch O'Hare was Easy Eddie's son.
__________________ DAN Click on my door and see my interior. 2001 Tundra SR5 V8 Desert Sand Mica
TRD Dual Exhaust | Bilsteins Shocks & HD TRD 4x4 Coil Springs | Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar | Westin Nerf Bars | Stainless Bed Rails | Bed Extender | Bed Liner | Form Fix Hood Protector | Custom Painted IS Grille & Mirror Covers | Stainless Tundra License Plate Frames | Custom Made Receiver Hitch | Totally De-Badged | Super Magnetic Oil Drain Plug | Mobil One Synthetic Oils | Custom Window Etching | Tinted Windows | Muth Signal Mirrors | Door Sill Protectors | Interior Rubber Mats | Gentex Temp & Comp Auto-Dim Rearview Mirror | Weatherflector Ventvisors | TS Decal | Complete Brake Upgrade | Truxedo Tonneau Cover| Michelin LTX M/S Tires
---Buzzard
Hmm....
True Texan's Baby Food
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