Richard K. Phipps, 1933 - 2010

My Dad passed away yesterday morning. He was home with family, and was comfortable and at peace.

We're headed out tomorrow morning for the long drive to Iowa. See y'all when I get back.

Oh, But The Ones That Do

Liz claims very few will get it. I don't care, I want it on my car.

Fooling Myself

Yeah, it's culture time here at Rocket Jones, and today I'm pleased to pass along a couple catchy tunes. Today's theme? Relationships.

Got the first from daughter Rachael (blogless). The second from Ace of Spades HQ. Enjoy.

Corrupting the Young is a Thankless Job

This morning granddaughter Lorelei and I spent some quality time with her crayons. She gave me a Handy Manny coloring book, and I colored Mrs. Portillo as an Orion Slave Girl from Star Trek.

It's what I do, so rather than chewing me out, Lorelei's Mom (my daughter Robyn) only rolled her eyes.

Clever Funny

Never Thought I'd Say This

But watch these dudes work the pole.

Rockets, Cake, And The Combination Thereof

During this year's Team America Rocketry Challenge, the Food Network's "Ace of Cakes" arrived with a cake baked especially to fit a payload capsule built by one of the members of our rocketry club. So, did it work? Did the cake survive?

Find out on Thursday, September 2nd, at 10pm EST. The episode is called "Full Throttle Bakery".

No hints, but the cake was tasty.

Contender

LeeAnn creeped everyone out with this charming piece:


But I think this might be in the running to take the top spot:


What say you?

Do Not Take This As A Sign That I Actually Want To Talk You Out Of It

Infernal Devices

I've been on sort of a steampunk-ish roll lately. I'm devouring the archives of Girl Genius (Adventure, Romance, Mad Science!) and someone pointed me to Lady Clankington's Cabinet of Carnal Curiousities.

Steampunk inspired sex toys. Huzzah!

Seriously though, check out Girl Genius.

This Is How I'd Decorate *My* Starbucks Franchise

And for the obliviots who refuse to get the hint that their yuppie larvae aren't welcome, I'd ask every mom if their monkey would like a banana.

Luncheon Conversation

Yesterday some co-workers and I went to lunch at a popular eatery in downtown D.C.
Here's a blurb from their website to give you an idea of the ambiance.

We are dedicated to environmentally friendly practices at every turn and are proud to be DC’s first LEED (Gold) certified restaurant. We are a Certified Green RestaurantTM, and we offset our greenhouse gas emissions through Carbonfund.org. While we can’t provide absolution on environmental issues, when it comes to restaurants, you can be confident that Founding Farmers is making a wide and deep commitment across a spectrum of important topics to help preserve the earth.

We sat down and since I'd never been there before, the waiter launches into an explanation of the higher concept of the restaraunt. As we ordered, my boss (who's a bit of a tree-hugger) began asking questions of the waiter (this is condenced and paraphrased).

Boss: Is the salmon farmed or humanely caught?

Waiter: I believe the salmon comes from Maine, where they set up netted enclosures off the coast to capture and raise the salmon. It's like farming the fish in their natural environment.

Boss: I think I'll try this wine.

Waiter: Have you seen the container for that? They don't use regular bottles, so they save a lot of money on shipping.

Boss: No corks?

Waiter: No cork.

Boss: I like that, cork is unsustainable.

Waiter (to me): Do you have any questions?

Me: Yeah. When the food arrives, will it be dead, and will it taste good?

Waiter:

I'm happy to report that my burger was indeed DOA and very tasty. I'm looking forward to our next visit.

Open Communication Is So Important To Parents

Before Chelsea 's wedding on July 31st... Hillary wanted to play the perfect Mom.

She asked Chelsea ... "have you had sex with Marc?"

Chelsea said.... "Not according to Dad"

A Whole Heap of Love Raining Down on You

Heaps o' heaps, mon!


There's been a recent fascination with Myst steampunk. This qualifies.


If this isn't the creepiest death certificate you've ever imagined, then you should seek professional help. Now. Go.


A little something for Sheri's garden.


If I must have a cat, I want this one.


This about 'splains it, eh?