AndyO Blog

Watch first:

Yes, you just saw Leonard Nimoy sing "The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins."

According to Wikipedia:

The recording originally appeared on Two Sides of Leonard Nimoy, the second of Nimoy's albums on Dot Records... A year before the recording was commercially released, Nimoy lip-synched to the recording during a guest appearance on the July 28, 1967 episode of Malibu U, a short-lived variety television series.

Can you imagine the conversation that took place between Nimoy and his agent about this video?

Phone rings. Nimoy picks it up.

Nimoy: Hello?

Agent: Lenny, there's this new show called Malibu U where you can sing your new song about that elf guy, Bilbo.

Nimoy: Ummm... he's actually a Hobbit --

Agent: Yeah, that's what I said. A Hobbit. This is the perfect tie-in with your Spock character! Hobbits have Vulcan ears, too.

Nimoy: I have to wear my ears?

Agent: OK, you don't have to wear the ears.

Nimoy: This really isn't a good idea.

Agent: Look, what if we got a bunch of young girls? What if they were wearing Vulcan ears? We can have them dancing around, and you can just sit there singing your song.

Nimoy: Can I dance with the girls?

Agent: Sure, you can get up and dance. Jump around. Whatever you want! This will make Spock look like he's hip -- dancing around with girls.

Nimoy: I don't know...

A long pause.

Agent: I wasn't going to tell you this, but I heard Bill Shatner wants to do this show, too. But the producers, they told me they wanted you. They say that everyone wants Spock -- not Kirk. Do you want to disappoint your fans? 

Nimoy: Well, can we at least be cinematic? Maybe throw in an action scene in the middle where we see Bilbo doing battle?

Agent: Sure, we can throw that in. No problem. I'll write it into the contract. Done!

Nimoy: OK, I'm in. But I'm trusting your judgment on this one...

Agent: Lenny, this is the kind of thing that's going to make you a huge star. You'll be on TV and be a recording star, selling millions of albums. And in thirty or forty years, I bet people are going to be watching this video on their futuristic devices, like something you see on Star Trek. And I'm going to say, "See, I told you that was a good idea!"

Nimoy: Send over the details.

Labels: Fun, random

I saw some funny April Fools' day jokes today, but these were among the best:

The Windows Pager, coming in 2014 (give or take a few months):

Rush on the cover of Rolling Stone!

BBC News

Kodak LIVEPrint

But my vote for the best is definitely Hipmunk, a new travel search site, who offered new modes of transportation, including:

Teleportation

Magic Carpet

Hot Air Balloon

Hitchhiking

Ruby Slippers

Gondola

Dog Sled

Holodeck

Stagecoach

Broomstick

And my absolute favorite, the Millennium Falcon!

Labels: Fun

I went to a BBQ today with my colleagues from work and their families. Of course, a BBQ in Seattle before May or June means you might be inside due to rain (which we were).

The hosts of the BBQ rented a bouncy house for all the kids, which was awesome. Even with the wet weather, kids ventured into the bouncy house to burn off energy. As Drew was inside jumping, I happened look at the safety rules for the bouncy house. Here's what I saw:

Basically, if you get hurt it's your own fault -- and don't even think of suing us. My favorite is "No unevenly matched players."

The thing you can't see is the caution about operating the bouncy house on a wet surface -- because, you know, you could get electrocuted. I guess the bouncy house company ignored that one.

These rules reminded me of a sign I once saw on Maui in 2011 that not only warns you of all the dangers in the ocean -- but absolves the surrounding businesses of any legal action. If you die, don't say we didn't tell you to be careful.

Labels: Commentary, Fun

My son Drew took this picture of Rocky on New Year's Day, 2012.

I think Rocky looks both bothered and relaxed at the same time.

Labels: Fun, Photos, random

If you've been looking for the ultimate kitty commode, look no more. The CatGenie is a litterbox that cleans itself out and then flushes automatically. You'll never have to dig in a litterbox again!

You can buy this pet wonder starting at $269.00 (sale price) -- although it looks like it normally sells for $369.00.

My guess is the real money is made from the accessories and supplies. A cartridge, which lasts 4 months for one cat, costs $25.99. But, if that's too much, just remember the solution is "Made with same ingredients used by veterinarians to sterilize their exam and operating areas."

Then there's the "washable granules" that last 4-6 months for only $23.99. But you'll never need to buy kitty litter again:

The Washable Granules never need changing or replacement as they are washed, scrubbed, and sanitized at least once a day. However, you will need to add Granules because some will be lost as they may stick to solids or get kicked out of the Basin. Just keep the Basin filled to the safe-level line for optimum performance and for your cat�s comfort.

If you're wondering who invented this marvel, here's a blurb from the website: "Inspired by an idea from a relative, a rocket scientist, working with engineers, developed the self-flushing, self-washing CatGenie."

That's right... a rocket scientist.

CatGenie - The World's Only Self-Flushing, Self Washing Cat Box

Labels: Fun, random, technology

I received one of those email messages that people pass around with the title, "Winter in Russia," followed by a bunch of pictures. I can't vouch for the authenticity of these pictures being taken in Russia, but I think these photos paint a very intense picture of winter -- regardless of the location!

Labels: Fun, Photos, random