My album of the year. . .

. . . 'Pocket Symphony' by Air.

NY Times Op/Ed on Obama

Here is David Brooks' op/ed piece on why Barack Obama on why he is the right choice for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Link

Just something to consider. . .

. . .as part of the debate surrounding English as the 'official' language of these United States.

Link

My first Brijit Abstract

Schjeldahl reviews two shows at the Museum of Modern Art: a retrospective of Martin Puryear's wood sculptures and Georges Seurat crayon-on-wax drawings. He finds Puryear's work familiar, even nostalgic, and fleshes this out with a glimpse into the artist's personal history. But while his immense sculptures show obvious labor, Seurat's drawings contain a wealth of technical expertise that could easily go unnoticed by the viewer. Schjeldahl prepares the reader for the show and provides unique insight into the exhibits.
in The New Yorker by Peter Schjeldahl, 12 November 2007
This abstract was edited by Brijit. Read more here...

String Theory Explained. Well, sort of; and only if you're a duck

The folks over at Discover magazine recently held a contest. The goal? To explain string theory in two minutes or less in a video. Here's the winning entry.

Today is. . .

. . .Blog Action day, and the suggested topic is the environment. While it's hard to dispute man's impact on Mother Earth it is hard to scientifically calculate what we've done. And, just to let you know 'the man' is aware of it, they, too, are working on the subject. At least we don't have to get all crazy about it - at least not for now.

Perhaps this Global Warming thing's for real?

It's Nobel season: please take the time to look at this award. It might cause you to think there's something about global warming, after all. Furthermore, it shows a man can do much more out of office than in, as is the case with President Carter.

Apparently, I'm not a movie freak

54% Movie Freak

From a Digg site seen late tonight. I did, for conversation's sake, get the answers right from questions related to The Blues Brothers, The Good The Bad and The Ugly, The Fifth Element, Soylent Green, and Apocalypse Now.

I've been blogged?!

It might not seem like much but I have to admit it was a thrill to discover I was blogged about by someone else. For those of you who don't know, I have another blog site devoted to photos from the Disney theme parks. More than anything, it's a reminder of the time I've spent in those wonderful confines and it's my hope that someone, somewhere, is able to live vicariously through me. Well, enough of that. The thing here is that I was blogged about by someone else and, I have to admit, it's pretty cool. Here's the link.

Still Lovin' EPCOT

Need I say more?

Screen Savers, Anyone?

Smashing magazine's list of the top screen savers available, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. I'm going to place the Lego one on Hayes' computer. Take a look.

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2007/10/04/screensavers-best-of/

Let's Not Forget Michael Landon's Plug for EPCOT Center

A wonderful pre-1982 teaser film. Just after most of his years in 'Little House on the Prairie', Michael Landon did a few items for Disney and Co.; this was one of them.

Continuting the Celebration

World Showcase Promotional Film.

Key take-aways from this pre-opening film: 9 countries (Japan, Canada, Italy, France, the UK, Germany, China, Mexico, and the US); great concept art for Canada; emphasis on restaurants and shopping in World Showcase; great construction photos and early 1980's feel.

In Honor of EPCOT Center's 25th

EPCOT Center Future World Promotional Film

For those who had the privilege of visiting EPCOT Center back in 1982-1985 you'll hear/see a reference to the Radok Theater; something I missed but would love to hear your comments if you saw it in person. Even better is the reference to the Sperry UNIVAC system!

I (Heart) EPCOT

Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of the park's opening; can't wait to see it again in all its splendor.

I (Heart) Crepe Myrtle

I have been inundated by lovely Crepe Myrtles during the summer travel season and am madly trying to find out if a hearty genus exists for my central Indiana location. Based on most arbor sites I'm just on the edge based on my zone of 5B. Any recommendations?

In response to Josh's challenge for a better Vegetarian Wednesday image

Not that there's anything wrong with "Do (A) Vegetarian Wednesday" but I thought it might be read as a bit too racy for some. After all, punctuation can be hard on some readers and I wouldn't want Vegetarian Wednesday to have any sexual overtones.

Vegetarian Wednesday Hits It Big Time

From Tim O'Reilly's mouth on a Web 2.0 article. (Please note it's more tongue in cheek.) Real article found here.

Epcot Center Monorail Preview (25 Years Ago)

And just how cool would this have been to see 25 years ago? Man, bring the magic back!

The Maestro has left the building

Not by any means the best tenor of the last century but certainly the most popular, Luciano Pavarotti single handedly kept opera in the consciousness of many during his spectacular career. I wouldn't want to pass up an opportunity to make sure you had a chance to read about him in his passing.

NY Times

NPR

The Moderate Voice

The BBC

Laser Beam Conundrum

Hayes would like to know what would happen when two equally forceful laser beams, preferably one red and one green from Star Wars, collide head-on. I talked with Hayes about energy, angle of deflection, etc., and came to the conclusion that they would not repel one another but consume each other. Laser beams not fired directly at one another would bounce off the other and change their directory.

I was able to find this reference but, alas, it's not exactly what Hayes wanted to know. Does anybody know?

Hayes's First Day of the First Grade

Here we are just before leaving the house this morning.


Boy am I determined!


Here's my new room and that empty desk is mine!


Now I'm not so sure about this. . .


I wonder how it went today for Hayes.


Alright!

Serendipity and IBM

Some of you know I spent quite a bit of time with IBM from April-June this year and learned lots about them. Let's just say Big Blue is busy on various fronts. A recent post from Josh brought something I discussed with one of their employees a month or so ago. The serendipitous event is Josh's love for data visualization. Josh; I never knew! (I should have asked.)

Anyway, here's an example of IBM+Josh+my iTunes library. Enjoy.

my iTunes library, visualized

NASA Woes

It used to be the only controversy surrounding NASA concerned its dwindling budgets; not anymore. Here's a double whammy from today's NY Times about the space agency.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled program

I've got new pics of the happiest places on earth so I'm posting again to the other blog site. However, I saw this little item via digg and immediately thought Josh would agree.

Remember the 'Bass-O-Matic '76'?

Fans of early SNL shows certainly remember Dan Akryod pushing the 'Bass-O-Matic '76' and, I can only assume, that's what prompted the good folks at Blendtec to push the envelope. Presented for your viewing pleasure is the answer to rather new question: "Will an iPhone blend?"

You'll find lots of other questions here and please refer to the 'safe' versus 'unsafe' labels plastered all over the site.

Amusing, but pretty much worthless

find your car personality here

Hint: I guessed too low on Schumacher's career victories.

Oh, my aching back!

Anybody got a home remedy for a persistent lower back ache? If so, please let me know!

A little Frank Caliendo, anyone?

The first time I heard the famous Frank Caliendo 'John Madden' impersonation I couldn't believe it wasn't really John making fun of himself. But, incredibly, this spoof isn't Frank Caliendo's only dead on impersonation, it's just the tip of the iceberg.

Check out this clip from Frank's upcoming TBS show this fall; the characters from 'Seinfeld', even in 2027, have never looked or heard better.

An Era, Ended

Prime Minster Tony Blair's time at the helm of the UK has come to an end; while many here might not much exposure to his body of work I am in awe of Mr. Blair's accomplishments over the past ten years. The Blair Doctrine is the one that means the most to me.

Link from the NY Times

Epcot's 25th - Communicore

As much as I love the Magic Kingdom, I deeply appreciate Epcot Center. It's true that my late conversion to worshiping at the feet of the mouse meant I missed quite a bit of the early Epcot years but I remain nostalgic for what Epcot used to be and remain optimistic it could be much more than it currently is.

Perhaps one the most cleverly hidden gems of early Epcot would be Communicore. For those of you who are familiar with the current layout of this park this area is now known as Innoventions. Toady, Innoventions is mostly nothing more than a speed bump between Future World East and West. In contrast, Communicore was tightly integrated with the early park. As noted by Lou Mongello and Jeff Pepper in the 24 June WDW Radio Show podcast Communicore was a valid attraction; one that enthralled children and adults alike. It's hard for many of us to remember but in 1982 computers were still new and fresh. Guests must have appreciated the ability to take a peek into the rows and banks of computers that ran many of the attractions and communication systems for Epcot Central: wouldn't you?

The customer service in and around Communicore was also fantastic. Where else could guests use touchscreen systems to make dining reservations? The item most sorely missed by my family would be the Epcot Outreach and Teacher Center; I would dearly love to have a dedicated research center to address my many questions.

I've included some Communicore links below and a fun video clip. Enjoy!

Link courtesy of startedbyamouse.com
Link courtesy of solarius.com
Link courtesy of waltdatedworld.com
Link courtesy of aatvideo.com and their Lost Epcot pages

By comparison, here's what we have now.

Link courtesy of allears.net

Thatcher Golf Tournament

Japanese Beetle Sex

Ugh - Japanese Beetle season. Currently, they are everywhere in my yard; a bit too early for my taste but I'm sure it's due to the very high average temperature in June and the overall lack of rain. Against the sage advice of my father I've put in place beetle bags (the overall lack of detailed landscaping in our new community means all of them are already in my yard) and the frenzy has begun. For those of you in Indiana, here's the scoop from the Purdue University extension. (Go Boilers!)

Link Purdue University Extension

Croupier

A hidden gem from the turn of the last century would be 'Croupier'. I think Josh turned me onto this film and, after watching it again after a few years (enough to forget certain key plot twists) it's still a very good film. I caught Clive Owen in 'Children of Men' and it was fun to do a compare/contrast; let's just say Clive still has a deft touch but has put on a couple of pounds. I think the writer's aspect in 'Croupier' was a bit more intriguing for me this time; I recommend the film to those who don't care to gamble.

New Movies, New York Magazine

Hmm. Brad Bird and Michael Moore. 'Sicko' and 'Ratatouille'. I'm not sure which I'll see first but I guarantee you I'll see them both. And, without sounding too wild, I think both will receive academy nominations next January.

Link New York Magazine

Il Buono, Il Brutto, Il Cattivo

Perhaps my favorite Clint Eastwood film and, by far, my favorite Sergio Leone epic, 'The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly' is without a doubt a western masterpiece. The score, by Ennio Morricone, is one of the best examples of how music truly interacts and enhances a film. In a world not so long ago I had the theme (who-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo; wah-wah-wah) as a ring tone on my mobile; in fact, I think it's still there. Anyway, it was on Encore Western last night; what a treat!

Proof Google's "Human" After All

An update on Google's lobbying activities. While I have no problem engaging lobbyists it does make me think Google's not as idealistic at certain levels of the company as they are in others. Such is life!

Link from slashdot

First the Bees and now the Birds?

A Times opinion piece on the disappearance of birds in the US. I have anxiously followed stories related to the sudden population decline of honey bees over the past two growing seasons and the doomsday part of me wonders what part of the chain is next to suffer. Will it be the birds?

Link from NY Times

Rate businesses through Google maps

For those of you who depend on Google maps here's a new feature: rate businesses. Previously provided through a third-party, Google now allows you to provide ratings for the shops, restaurants, service providers, and pretty much anything else. I had a blast rating my local restaurants and this provides me another avenue to prosecute my fight with the dry cleaners.

Link from googlespot.blogspot.com

Google Raises the Carbon Emissions Bar (or Lowers it, Actually)

If some of us happen to harbor an irrational fear that Google is planning to take over the world at least they want to be a benevolent dictator. This news item might seem like fluff to many but I'm pretty sure they're on the right track and they've definitely raised the bar for others.

Link from the official Googleblog

Who it Paul Potts? (With apologies to Josh)

For those of us who've had the (dis)pleasure of watching Simon Cowell on 'American Idol' here's something more representative of his work. It's a bit hard to separate the UK vs. US versions of these shows nowadays and can imagine it won't be long before an international version hits the airwaves. However, for the time being, here's a story that most will find heartwarming. And, for my money, I think Simon's more interested in signing an artist like Paul much more than Jordan Sparks.

Lastly, when it comes to placing bets, always put your money on the Welsh guy who sings opera. 'Nuff said.

How much is too much?

I always wonder how my two BsIL have thought about this issue. Neither are in this field or plan to be (pain specialists) but I'd like to know what they think.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/17/magazine/17pain-t.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1182207329-EVJ4ZA/pw1FlF6v/HWHACQ&pagewanted=all

Relief

If you heard that, it was the first deep breath taken in quite a while. Now if I could just get my back to stop hurting. . .

A Little Weekend Work

For Josh.

The Sheltered Path

From the Japanese Tea Garden located inside the Golden Gate park comes today's photograph. This path circles behind the pagodas and just at the end you can catch a glimpse of the zen garden located there off to the left. The weather this day was gorgeous and will always be remembered for our extensive use of public transportation!

The Vacation Hangover

After any spectacular holiday it's quite easy to suffer from 'vacation hangover', the condition where one's return to reality is constantly compared to what one was doing the week prior while on vacation. (Like many comparisons sometimes the current situation is better; for example, I was on an airplane in coach class this time last week. Sitting here, writing this, is immeasurably better.) However, around noon I would have been sitting down to lunch at the Neiman Marcus Rotunda and a Croque Monsieur with a glass of red wine. Win some, lose some. More updates as the week progresses.

Oatmeal and Legitimacy

During Thursday night's 2b meeting I took lots of notes, not something I typically do. While the attempt originally was to keep in mind what others were thinking it wasn't long before it became only what I was thinking. And, to that point, many ideas started to slowly generate other ideas and this kept up until the ideas were jumping out onto the notebook.

One thing I specifically mentioned was my need to understand what type of leadership structure others had in mind or were currently using as a frame of reference. If I'm interested in leadership via the Friends Society model and someone else is interested in leadership via papal authority it makes for a tough conversation. I firmly desire and egalitarian model where each of us is equal in leadership; this isn't helpful, though, if others have a different model in mind.

Here is a link to a wikipedia article on the Friends Society. There's a lot here and please don't think this is 'who I am or what I want'; I just want you to read section 2.0, 'Quaker Worship' and have an idea of what's appealing to me. (And, if we all learn something new about our extended network of believers, that's good, too.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friends_Society#Quaker_worship

The second thing I wanted to mention, and this might cause some head shaking, is my preoccupation with the legitimacy of many of current churches we consider to be in our movement and, specifically, the legitimacy of those churches' pastors. It is very difficult to ascertain the accreditation of colleges producing these wonderful people. So, the question is: Are they legitimate? How does one define legitimacy? I can't answer this now but what I mean to say is thousands of years of tradition and practice mean a lot to me right now and that we shouldn't expect that the gospel has only been revealed in all its truth over the past 100 years.

Straight from the Louvre

Comes today's Fine Arts quiz. What's the name of the painting depicted above?

Wedding at Cana -- Amy got it. (Fact is, I'd completely forgotten what the name was.)

Spring, I Think

Spring would be nice right now; the remnants of the Valentine's Day snow are fading fast and the seed catalogs clog the mailbox on a daily basis. (Garrison Keillor says these are equivalent to porn for Midwestern farmers.) In addition, the fever bug has paid a visit to our house and chose to spend time with Hayes. And poor Jezzy really is looking forward to taking walks again without stepping through the snow.

Es regnet in Heidelberg

And, it appears it will keep raining through the end of the week. At least it's not snowing!

Finally, A Step in the Right Direction

Here's a major advance in US and world relations with North Korea. This must be a first for the Bush administration. NY Times article here.

Wie viel Uhr ist es?

All attempts at smoothly transitioning into local time vanished today courtesy of a large breakfast and rainy weather. I tried to lie down for an hour nap and wound up asleep for 3 1/2 hours. I'm still yawning so there's a good chance I'll sleep well tonight.

On the flight to Frankfurt I was seated next to four US soldiers on their way to Manheim. I thought about starting a conversation with them but they were pretty tight knit and, for that matter, terribly loud and obnoxious. There's a lot to say about that but I think I'll wait until there's something valuable there.

Oklahoma!, Oklahoma!, Oklahoma!

Sorry, I watched 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' the other night and the Ruprecht scene with Steve Martin just popped into my head. What a classic.

Bloggen von Deutschland

I'm headed to Walldorf for five days of customer acceptance testing and all the schnitzel I can eat. It's a bit of a last minute call but should be good for everyone involved and it'll be nice to see what's going on with the new product. I had hoped to snag a ticket to a Bundesliga matchup but I'll arrive too late on Sunday and leave too early the following Saturday to catch the usual weekend games. Eintracht Frankfurt does play at home on Friday night (16 Feb) but I can't imagine taking a cab into Frankfurt and back plus watching the game alone. There's always TV and a nice pub in Heidelberg, though.

A new home team?

On a recent flight to Chicago I had the opportunity to talk to a Bears fan on his way home after Superbowl XLI. We had a nice 45 minute conversation about the NFL, the dearth of quality QBs in the league, how the Superbowl is so much *not* like a football game, the power the media has over the players, his Bears, and my Colts?/Ravens?/Other?
I've always been lukewarm regarding my current home team, the Colts, based on my childhood in Baltimore. After moving to Indianapolis in 2000, I took great pleasure in the Ravens' Superbowl win that year. And although I pass the Colts complex practically every day it's been hard to switch allegiances to this team. If you look at it from a dispassionate view, the Colts are far better in terms of community impact, storyline, approach towards life, etc. and the Ravens are a smash-mouth defensive treat. I could go on forever but, perhaps, it's time to root for two teams or leave the Ravens behind.

Ten tiny marbles in my mind

These are the things I'm thinking about today:

1. Hayes and his school. Are we expecting too much from the boy? No, I think not. (Please see this post.)
2. Why is my wife so excited about the Colts? (Refer to the link in 1 and check out the avatar.)
3. You realize, of course, that growing up in Baltimore and watching the Lucky Charms evacuation in 1984 precludes me from visibly rooting for Dungy, Manning, Harrison & Co. on Sunday. Nonetheless, I'd like to see them win.
4. A new TV. (Here's the one I bought; I highly recommend it and, let me tell you, I researched the hell out of TVs over the past 2 months.)
5. Pitchers and catchers report in only two weeks!
6. Clinton vs. Obama; Obama vs. Clinton.
7. Looks like the Terrapins are going to miss the dance this year.
8. The food at El Morocco (Indianapolis at 86th and Ditch RD.) is fabulous. I'm looking forward to a repeat visit with a dear friend on Monday.
9. Revisiting item #3, seven points is a pretty big spread and a sure-fire recipe for disaster.
10. I hate snow. (So does someone else I know. I wonder why he couldn't put two cheeks into it?)

A new photo blog

Here's something you might like to look at.

My Disney World Photo Blog

Thankful for the Little Things

It's easy to be overwhelmed; it's part of our modern culture. So, in the midst of the rain and snow it's good to think about the little things I grateful for, such as:

1. Grace
2. My wife and son
3. Hearing from Brett
4. Good people to work with and a great company to work for
5. Not needing to be nervous for the Baltimore Ravens
6. Music
7. A new laptop in the household (not mine) that should reduce my role as 'Geek Squad'
8. 'Battlestar Galactica'
9. More books in print than I could ever read and friends to recommend good ones to me.

So much to talk about and no time right now.

I've waited for this for a few years. While working as a consultant in downtown Chicago I witnessed the amazing run for Senate that Barack Obama put into effect and wondered if he could ever be elected President. I wonder what his exploratory committee will say.

Sweet Lou

Who doesn't love Lou Rawls?

Law & Order, 24x7

In this season of bleak weather and television re-runs, 'Law & Order' has become a staple in our household. While I enjoy the quirkiness Vincent D'Onofrio (CI) brings to the role of Detective Robert Goren and the nostalgia Richard Belzer (SVU) as Dectective Munch adds based on the reprisal of his role in 'Homicide: Life on the Streets', it's Sam Waterston, cast as Executive Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy, our family seems to enjoy the most.

In an episode that ran in syndication a couple of days ago this line was delivered by Waterston's character: "We are responsible for the consequences of our convictions". The episode focused on a former nun who kills a child while performing an exorcism rite. Waterston's character is a Catholic who, while vigorously prosecuting the defendant, wrestles with the legal issue of 'depraved indifference' and whether or not the nun actually heard the voice of Saint Michael during the rite and if somehow that partially exonerates her in the death of the child.

Once Waterston delivered that line I stopped watching the show and started thinking about what consequences, if any, I've faced as a result of my convictions. I'm still thinking.

How on earth did I miss this?

Apparently tributes to 2006 are not complete without a look at the year in 'popular science'. I am looking forward to trying this with Hayes at home. Wow; good clean (but sticky) fun. This must have been a newsworthy development because NPR picked up on it as well. Last, but not least, here's what happens when you get the backing of the commercial entities involved.

Taken and Missed

It can be overwhelming to think of a year that's passed so I won't. I will, however, think about the promise of another 365 days and the joys and sorrows it will bring. I've been thinking about the trajectory of my life and the opportunities taken and missed: are we remembered mostly for the ones we take or the ones we miss? I'm led to think of Jonah and the fantastic story of the opportunity intentionally avoided and then the one taken as a result. (After thinking of this, I hope I'm not in the belly of the whale and I'll be on the lookout for vegetables growing over my head.)

Regardless of the actions taken by Jonah I choose to focus, instead, on the prayer Jonah offers: (chapter 4, verse 2) ". . .that I have known that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, abundant in kindness, and repenting of evil". Grace and mercy, the best double play in the Word; this is a great prayer to offer. I hope to use it frequently this year as I miss opportunities.