Notnem

I was watching Mythbusters recently and came across something very interesting. I am usually very interested in Mythbusters, but the Killer Playing Card Myth (Myth: an ordinary playing card can kill you with a powerful throw) was particularly good. It is basically an American science show which is hosted by Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman and each week they try to either prove or disprove a myth… in this particular episode, whether you could kill somebody using playing cards or was is it possible to throw a regular playing card fast enough to inflict bodily harm?

Cards as Weapons by Rick Jay, was the source of this particular myth. They had Rick on the show to display his talent at throwing playing cards. Amazingly he could quite easily throw a card over 60meters and at 90mph. The Mythbusters team managed to build a machine that threw the cards at 150mph, but when tested on humans, it only produced paper cuts…. Still great though

When I go mountain walking, there are some things you have to have, a compass, good boots, waterproofs, jelly babies and a map. Then there are the accessories…

My favourite mountain walking accessory is my buff. A simple piece of tublar polyester fabric that can be used to make all sorts of things, including 25 varieties of headgear. Yes, you read that right. I lost my last one on the Shannon last October and I only got around to replacing it today.

I personally would usually only use it for 4 varieties, bandana, scarf, open faced balaclava and sort of balaclava that only leaves your eyes uncovered. The buff is wind resistant, water proof, elastic and thermal. It is an easy and light way to stay warm on the mountainside or during any outdoor pursuit.

My weekend kicked off in O’Donoghues on Friday evening where I met up with some friends for some drinks (Noel G, Damo, Mark, Julie, John Mark and David). 7 hours and 2 visits to Burger King later (I am not proud about this)… I got home and got just about enough sleep to start it all over again.

Damo stayed over and we headed off early enough the next day in search of food. We ended up in Eddie Rockets which came with a whopping bill of 28euro for burgers and chips. I am going to have to avoid Eddie’s in future.

Grand National day is always a big one. Each year it is hosted in Kilbride. First off is the Grand National Sweep at 10 euro a horse, followed by food and then usually a night of drinking and chatting. Luckily enough this time around I had the winner and earned 175euro for my troubles This was my second winner in 4 years so hopefully my luck will continue next year.

Sunday was spent recovering from the two days before and watching 3 football matches and the Masters from Augusta. I am a bit tired now, and my liver needs a break, but these weekends have to be done every now and again.