Cap'n Bob & the Damsel

April 2008

Cutting Edge

sw-knife.jpgI picked up a couple of Smith & Wesson folding knives today. They were on sale at a local sporting goods outlet for 13 bucks. We had been looking for a couple to keep handy for home and garden use. Maybe for other uses too – who knows? It’s hard to make predictions – especially about the future (sorry, Yogi).

I did the research and found that these can be legally concealed and carried if folded. They meet the California criteria for knives that can be concealed.

Anyhow, here’s the specs on the new blades:

  • Model Number: CK110B
  • Smith & Wesson Executive Folder
  • First Production Run
  • Teflon coated Drop Point blade
  • Black Titanium Stainless handle
  • Open Length: 6.85″(17.4cm)
  • Handle: 3.98″(10.1cm)
  • Blade: 2.80″(7.1cm)
  • Weight: 3.4 oz.

Photo by Damsel – click thumbnail for close-up.

03 Apr 2008 by Home & Garden Law and Order

Standing Waves

standing-wave.jpgDriving home this afternoon, I saw this cloud formation. It’s an ‘atmospheric wave’ which is formed by the atmosphere rising and falling like ripples in a pond. When the air rises above a threshold, its temperature drops below the point where visible moisture condenses. As it flows downward, it warms again and the moisture evaporates.

This type of formation can occur in the lee side of mountains or ahead of an approaching front under the ‘right’ conditions. This wave is one ahead of a front since there is rain in the forecast later this evening.

Pilots of smaller aircraft are wary of areas where these form since turbulence can be severe to extreme. I can tell you from personal experience as a pilot that it is not much fun trying to keep the wings level in even moderate turbulence.

UPDATE: The forecast was accurate – our chance of rain is now 100% at 7:50PM PDT.

02 Apr 2008 by Aviation California Science

Spring Stargazer Lilies

star gazerThis week the floral concession in our supermarket had some of the best Stargazer Lilies seen this year. I saw them – and they became mine.

From ProFlowers – the meaning of Stargazer Lilies:

The stargazer has added a new layer to the already rich legacy of lilies, which have been a significant floral symbol for centuries. In ancient mythology and in folklore from around the world, the lily has appeared as a deeply spiritual and philosophical metaphor. Developed in the latter part of the 20th century, the stargazer lily is a recent addition to the lily family, but this unique and rather exotic hybrid has rapidly risen in popularity to become one of the most adored and sought-after of all lily varieties.

Please click on the inset image for a gorgeous close-up of a magnificent Stargazer.

01 Apr 2008 by Home & Garden Photography

Categories

Archives