Check this out. On the left, the cooling tower for a nuclear power plant near Oswego, NY. Contrary to popular belief, that tower is not the reactor smoking. All it is is a big radiator (like in your car), where they pump hot water into to be cooled by the water from Lake Ontario. Ever wonder what it looks like inside the control room of a nuclear power plant? Look at the picture on the right. Each of those little squares represents a fuel rod and it's position inside the reactor.

Want to build your own? Click here.

But, before you try to build one yourself, you should read about this guy in Michigan, David Hahn, who did. Try.

Brrrrrrr!!!!

From San Diego to Oswego, NY. San Diego is MUCH nicer than Oswego. We met a nice couple from North Carolina (who were also a little surprised by all the snow) who made a nice snowman. We told them they would be famous if we could get their picture.

We stopped by Lake Ontario, one of the 5 (HOMES) great lakes. We learned that the zebra mussel is quite a problem here, and they don't even come from here. They stowed away on freighters coming from overseas, apparantly.

Then, Ned wanted to make his own snowman. Gloves would have come in handy for that.

Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks, and the Munsters

Ned stopped by the American Airlines center, also known as the "House that Mark Cuban built." Now being called "the house that the inside trader built".

Ned is a little confused. He swears that Cuban played Herman on the Munsters.

Who's Doak Walker?

Ned went to Dallas, and stopped by the SMU campus. He's a pretty big sports fan, and they have this statue of Doak Walker. The Doak Walker award is presented annually to the nation's top running back. Unlike many awards, the recipient must be (1) in good academic standing, and (2) on schedule to graduate within one year of other students in their academic eligibility. Meaning, they cannot be a poor student who plans on never actually graduating college.

The award has been given in the past to:

Darren McFadden, Arkansas (2007 and 2006)

Reggie Bush, USC (2005) . . . so the winner can accept money from agents, as long as he is a good student.

Cedric Benson, Texas (2004)

Chris Perry, Michigan (2003)

Larry Johnson, Penn State (2002)

and, skipping a couple,

Ricky Williams, Texas (1997 and 1998). So it is not necessarily a predictor of future success.

More Bird Problems

Back before Halloween, Ned went to Florida. Not only did the pelicans beat him up a little (see previous post), but he kind of had a hard time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa.

They were having a penguin show, and the "trainer" was holding one of the penguins. Ned wanted to meet one. He did. And the penguin thought he tasted just wonderful.

San Diego and a new President

It was a (an) historic day. And Ned was right there, watching the poll returns, pulling for his man. Being an old guy, you can guess who he voted for. He was at the Yard House when the results were announced, then at Casa Guadalahara in Old Town San Diego for Obama's speech, seen in the background in the picture. Seemed like a margarita was in order. A BIG margarita.

Sea World and an early demise.....

Adventures at Sea World San Antonio

What would a trip to Sea World be without a few joy rides on the coasters? Here I am getting ready for take-off on the Great White Coaster.......

And we are off......ignore the "screaming like a little girl" sounds....what a ride!

align="center">Next stop, off to see Shamu!

After the show, two of my "gnomenappers" were kind enough to take me to meet one of the trainers....such a nice chap!

(from L to R) Kaelan, Ned, Trainer, Darian, and in the rear, Shamu

The trip had a rather sad ending......I do have to tell you on their behalf, that my gnomenappers did try to warn me not to lean so far into the shark tank.......

To be continued??????

The Splendors of Fall

Lost Maples Park

Vanderpool, TX

Took as most enjoyable hike through the woods and marveled at the wondrous colors of fall in virtually the only place Texas has to offer fall foliage.

RANSOM VIDEO.......

Lozano:

We have him, and if you don't pay up...well, the tide's coming in.

GnomeNappers

What is the deal with birds????

Florida

Bubba Gump's with two of my kidnappers.

Near death experience with a penguin.

Foilage......

Hostage in an ice cream parlor

Remember the Alamo

Meet Ned

Meet Ned.....perhaps not his name by birth, but the name lovingly bequeathed to him by the kind kidnappers who took him from his happy little home on Silo Valley. Ned is only a few months into his hostage state, but already he has traveled more than the hard-working, tax-paying inhabitants of Silo Valley Drive......what a bum!

Perhaps you are planning a trip soon, and you would like to take Ned along for the journey......all we ask is that you document your trip with a picture or video to add to the blog. Someday Ned will return to his boring, hum drum life in Lozano's garden, so let's send him out with a BANG!

Please enjoy these photos of recent adventures!

Ned in Tucson, AZ....sort of.

Ned riding the rails in CA. Look how creeped out he other passengers look....

Rose Bowl

No trip to Hollywood would be complete without going to see the Walk of Fame....and of course, Tom Jones' Star!