Author Archives: Tom

646-Pound Catfish Netted in Thailand

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Fishermen in northern Thailand have netted a fish as big as a grizzly bear, a 646-pound Mekong giant catfish, the heaviest recorded since Thai officials started keeping records in 1981. The behemoth was caught in the Mekong River and may be the largest freshwater fish ever found.

The fishermen had hoped to sell the fish to environmental groups, which planned to release it to spawn upriver, but it died before it could be handed over so it was chopped up and sold in pieces (popup picture) to villagers as food. The fish was caught near a remote village in Thailand along the Mekong River, home to more species of giant fish than any other river.
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The Roads are Amazing Here

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I can’t believe the conditions of the roads so far on this trip. Smooth blacktop on almost every back road I was on today. I’d love to know why NY doesn’t have any frost heaves in the roads like around home. Martha you would have puked for sure today if you were on the bike. Up down left right and then mix it up some more.

I only had about a four hour ride to todays final destination but I took the long way and rode for 7 hours solid. Some of the best roads I turned around and done again. The lakes, the rural hillsides, and the Catskills are gorgeous. Tomorrow’s route looks to be the best yet and it was laid out by one of the local guys and he guarantees a fun time. I can hardly wait, I just hope the weather holds for another couple days.

Bike Trip in New York

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After a tardy start this morning I finally got on the road. I was surprised how strong the winds gusts were before I even got to the highway. No problem, just loosen up on the grips and let the bike do what it wants. I was wearing full safety gear and flow ventilation “air over-pants” that worked great (thank goodness). I took my time taking back roads and crossed into NY at Niagara on the Lake. There was construction on the bridge and the US side. I’m not sure if I was in the wrong (or construction only) lane or what but I never did pay a toll. Customs took all of 5 seconds. I didn’t even have time to pull out my passport. The Customs Agent said “Where are you going and for how long… sounds like fun, enjoy yourself”.
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Martha Honoured in Award Ceremony

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kcsac-award.jpgMartha got a big surprise tonight during the annual coaches banquet. When the Director of Education got up to present the award (not given out since 1999) and started talking about the intended recipient’s past service, Martha thought to herself “hey, I’ve done that”. When they announced her name she said she was so surprised she couldn’t believe it, it just didn’t click that this was for her. She was awarded the KCSAC Award for outstanding contributions to school athletics by the St Clair District School Board. We're Not Worthy Congratulations Martha.

Morning Fog, Exam Week, and Hoarfrost

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This is the second day in a row Laura’s exams have been suspended due to heavy morning fog. The buses will not run under any adverse conditions and the high-schools are pushing back the morning tests rather than rescheduling for afternoon writings.

The weather conditions have been producing some outstanding hoarfrost shows by the time we stumble downstairs for breakfast. Take a peak at some of today’s results.

Biked the Island

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Today we had early morning swims and enjoyed the lovely morning poolside. After lunch we ventured out on the bikes they have here at the complex. We went to Bowditch Park at the most northern point. It is the protected habitat to the gopher tortoise. Knowing me I set out to find them. I found all kinds of burrows then as I was going along a path there was this terrible hiss. I thought for sure it was a rattler but it was the tortoise I was looking for. The boardwalk, sand, water, natural gardens and palm trees at this park were really pretty.
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Camping in Port Huron

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We’ve been having fun camping at the Port Huron KOA. Today the weather has been perfect with clear air and warming sun. I went for a little drive down by the marina area while the girls were shopping at the local dollar store near our campground. I took the laptop computer to use the GPS map feature and when I got back in the truck after a short stroll I noticed I had a very strong wireless connection. I thought I’d say a quick hello.

Olympians Banned From Blogging

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censored.jpgCNN reports that in a bid to protect its lucrative media contracts, the IOC is barring competitors, coaches, and support personnel from writing firsthand accounts of their Olympic experience, on the web or in print, for the duration of the Games. Nor are they allowed to ever post photographs or movies that they’ve taken, including media of themselves, even after the Games are finished. They’ve threatened to disqualify anyone that violates their restrictions and sue them for monetary damages.

The IOC’s rationale for the restrictions is that athletes and their coaches should not serve as journalists — and that the interests of broadcast rightsholders and accredited media come first. It’s a good thing they’re not having any problems selling tickets anyways, eh? PokingStick

Growls from Canada Post kill letter-carrier dog treats

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cndpost.gif TORONTO (Reuters) – Dogs chomping on mail carrier-shaped treats is no laughing matter for Canada Post.

The unamused Canadian postal service — whose carriers endure more than their share of real dog bites — convinced Pet Valu stores to stop carrying Bark Bars, dog biscuits that come shaped like cats and letter carriers.

I don’t know about your mail carrier, but mine doesn’t resemble these treats at all. Laughing