Do not fold, spindle, or mutilate

This is the inscription on an IBM punched card. Frequently, office workers organize papers and forms by stapling or folding them together, or by impaling them on a spindle. Because Hollerith (punched) card readers scan uniform rectangular holes in a precise arrangement, any damage to the physical card makes it unusable. In the 1950s and 1960s, when punched cards became widespread, manufacturers printed a warning on each card; IBM's "Do not fold, spindle, or mutilate" was the best known.

From http://www.answers.com/topic/what-is-the-origin-of-the-expression-do-not-fold-spindle-or-mutilate

Manhattanhenge

Twice per year something really cool happens: the stars, or rather one particular star, aligns with the grid of streets running through Manhattan island, offering photographers and astrologists alike an opportunity to go out and snap a few very unique and very cool photos.

On May 29th and July 12th of this year (it varies a bit each year) the sun sets in perfect alignment with the Manhattan grid. It’s known as “Manhattanhenge“. On those specific days, when the sun sets, you will see half of the glowing orb above and half below the horizon.

See full article and photos at http://www.petapixel.com/2012/05/29/manhattanhenge-a-unique-bi-annual-photo-op-for-new-yorkers/

Tam o' Shanter

The Tam o’ Shanter is a Scottish bonnet worn by men.

The hat is usually made of wool and has a toorie (pom-pom) in the centre.

It is a floppy type of hat with the crown sometimes twice the diameter of the head.

Named after Tam o' Shanter, a character in the poem of that name by Robert Burns.

Originally, the hat was made only in blue due to the lack of chemical dyes ("blue bonnets").

The hats are now available in tartan and a wide variety of colors.

Tam o' Shanters are a casual alternative to the Balmoral and the Glengarry in Highland dress, and are part of the uniforms of a number of military units.

Copied from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tam_o'_Shanter_(cap)

The World’s Leading Manufacturer Of Ejection Seats

The World’s Leading Manufacturer Of Ejection Seats And Crashworthy Seating Systems

For over 60 years, Martin-Baker has been the world leader in the design and manufacture of ejection seats. Our latest designs offer unprecedented life-saving capabilities while providing systems and interfaces to fully integrate the pilot with cockpit and aircraft systems.

Over 70,000 ejection seats have been delivered to 93 Air Forces around the world and have saved over 7,000 aircrew lives.

From http://www.martin-baker.com/

10 Weird Ice Cream Flavors From Around The World

1.  Horse Meat

2.  Hot Ice Cream … is claimed to be a concoction of some of the hottest peppers known to man.

3.  Condom

4.  Squid Ink

5.  Foie Gras

6.  The Sex Pistol … London based “Icecreamists” have claimed to perfect the art of the Viagra ice cream.

7. …

 

See full list at http://www.elistmania.com/juice/10_weird_ice_cream_flavors_from_around_the_world/

Types of book conditions

Book condition classifications

• Fine — if a 20th century book, the condition should be almost "like new" …
• Very Good — a 20th century book should show only minor rubbing at book extremities …
• Good — either a 20th century or an earlier book showing average use and wear …
• Fair — a book with much use and wear and multiple problems …
• Binding copy — a copy in need of a replacement backstrip or spine …
• Reading copy — a copy in poor condition, practically synonymous with binding copy …

See the full article at http://www.trussel.com/books/lucas04.htm

Philistine

Labelling someone a Philistine is not especially derogatory today, but brands them as uneducated or unsophisticated.

The term ultimately derives, of course, from the Biblical people – the enemies of Israel – who feature in the well known stories of Samson and Delilah, and David and Goliath.

This word is another which derived from university slang; in this case it was German students who first applied the insulting term Philister to their non-academic neighbours.

From http://www.h2g2.com/approved_entry/A54477912

Army Star Ranks, e.g. 5 star General

• 5 star General. General of the Army. He'd be in his 60's. The US military does not use 5 star rank during peace time.
• 4 star- General. High political position or division commander, commander of entire armies.
• 3 star- Lieutenant General. Political position or command of divisions.
• 2 star - Brigadier General. Commander of "Commands", like all the troops in one certain country, like Germany or South America.
• 1 star General would hold low level political position or some kind of token command, not actually being in charge of anything. Could be in charge of a specific branch, like Cavalry or Infantry units. At least fifty years old, age goes up to 60's, from here on up, the age can pretty much be the same.

See full article at http://www.mitchpileggi.net/Deep_Background/resources/military/milrank.htm

Sweep-Oar Rowing , Pulling & Sculling

Sweep or sweep-oar rowing is a type of rowing when a rower has one oar, usually held with both hands. As each rower has only one oar, the rowers have to be paired so that there is an oar on each side of the boat.

This is in contrast to sculling when a rower has two oars, one in each hand.

In the UK the term is less used as the term rowing generally refers to sweep oar. The term pulling was also used historically

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweep_%28rowing%29

I'm reading a book about anti-gravity ...

I can't put it down. ;-))

from 'just me' in Amazon Kindle forum