In case you were wondering, it is not recommended to push the loader when the loader arm is up. Seriously, don’t do it. It may seem like a good idea, but really it’s not. I know, I know, I read the tag and that is not what they meant, but that is what the picture looks like to me.
Oh, I also like the handy tip on the bottom right about how to keep the manual open while you are servicing the machine.
For some reason that is shrouded in the mists of time (okay, maybe not, but I’m just too lazy to figure it out), today is a rather peculiar holiday in Germany. Always celebrated on Ascension Day (when Jesus goes up to heaven after hanging out post-resurrection), this is basically a chance for German men to get a day off to hike and get pissed drunk in the woods with their bodies. It has a few different regional differences including name (Männertag vs. Herrentag) and choice of liquor and food with which to celebrate their manhood (e.g. wine vs. beer). There is even a traditional wagon to haul around your alcohol and food (a bollerwagen). Oh, and this is a paid holiday! Needless to say, a lot of people (especially the womenfolk) make it a point not to try to go anywhere on this day. I’ve been in Germany on Men’s Day, and yes there are a lot of drunk men around doing the things drunk men do. As for the connection to Jesus’ Ascension, you got me. But there has to be reason it is celebrated on that day.
Who would have thought you could have so much fun with a bunch of sheep and some simple LEDs:
<via Amy Stein Photography>
The travel website Gadling recently had an article about a new theme hotel in Germany and it features a rather unique “sport.” Combining the intellect or chess and the strength of boxing is Chessboxing. I really couldn’t make that up if I tried. There is an LA Times article about it here. A few interesting excerpts:
The rules might be considered simple: Eleven rounds, six of chess and five of boxing. The first round is always chess. “That’s because,” says the Joker, “if you go down in boxing there is no chess.” A one-minute pause between rounds allows opponents to slip on and off gloves and for the chessboard to be moved in and out of the ring. If all is equal on the chessboard and the boxing scorecard after the 11 rounds, according to the rules, “the opponent with the black pieces wins.”
….
The Joker orders up a bout. Stoldt versus Amok.
Knights and bishops get a workout first. Then into the ring. Though Amok has a nice reach, Stoldt is slipping in jabs and Amok is tiring.
Time. Amok slides his queen to A-4, Stoldt drops a knight on G-3. Moves, counter moves, Stoldt takes a knight with a bishop. Gloves back on. Amok can’t break through to hurt Stoldt. He’s jabbing, but his arms are heavy, sweat’s flowing. Gloves off. Amok goes to F-4 with a knight. Stoldt’s pressuring. The queens wipe each other out. The ring again. Amok is sucking wind. Shoes scrape on canvas.
The article also introduces the man behind chessboxing, who calls himself The Joker. I think he would be a great character to meet. Best of luck to him with this new sport. He even hopes to get it into the Olympics.
In case you were wondering, the banana is apparently tailored made for eating by humans and, therefore, proof of god’s existence. (via Neatorama)
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