Sailing the Ocean Blue
We take a trip just about every year with our friend Fred from back in Philly. Our birthdays are two days apart, so we always have an excuse to reconnect and visit someplace new. This year we decided to try a cruise. Rich and I have never been on one, and we worried we might spend the whole time sea sick or bored. But we had a great time! We sailed with Royal Caribbean on the Navigator of the Seas.
Grand Cayman was our first port, where we swam with stingrays. We took a boat out into the bay where they gather (for feeding by tourists) in about 3-4 feet of water. They’ll swim right up against your legs with the flaps, and are very friendly. You have to shuffle your feet to avoid stepping on them (and getting a stinger in your foot).
We spent the rest of the time checking out the jewelry and watches available (in abundance) in George Town. I’m not much of a jewelry person… though all the tanzanite was pretty, I couldn’t see myself wearing any of it.
Our second port was Cozumel, which my first visit to Mexico. We tried helmet diving, which is diving with a air-filled helmet connected to a pressurized air hose. We got to explore some pretty cool underwater wreckage, including a wrecked plane and a canon from some long-lost era.
And of course, more jewelry and watches. Though we didn’t get to check out downtown, which I hear has more shopping.
But there’s always next time. We definitely plan on taking another cruise, maybe on the world’s largest passenger ship.
And I definitely recommend Royal Caribbean.
Returned From Breckenridge, Nothing Broken
We just returned from our annual ski trip, and everyone returned safe and sound with all limbs intact. It was our largest group yet with fifteen of us in one big house. In the past we’ve rented a house on or near the slopes, but this year we opted for a place in town. The French Street Inn was formerly a bed and breakfast and was located just a few blocks from the gondolas and the slopes. With over 30 inches of snow in during the 6 days we were there, there was plenty of awesome skiing.
With a house in town, it was also easy for those of us who didn’t ski every day to explore some of the other activities like getting a much needed massage!
It was a much needed break, and I believe we may have brought the snow back with us. We’ve received snow and ice twice this week here in the Dallas area!
You can see the rest of our photos here.
Another Amazing Year at DCI
Just got home from another amazing year at the DCI World Championships at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. I’m blown away every year by the level of marching skill and musicianship these kids show. They give up their summer to travel the country performing in the sweltering heat at a level of professional athletes. If you’re looking to support youth in music, check out Drum Corps International (DCI); we joined the Friends of DCI this year and plan to continue our support next year. Though I support all the corps, I tip my hat to Carolina Crown (below) who had a performer injured during the show. He broke his leg near the end of the show, which was heartbreaking to see. But they finished their show, “A Second Chance”, and placed 4th with a score of 95.95. Check out the entire set here.
Breaking the Fourth Wall
Here’s a little short by Nathan Fielder with Katie Crown about a guy and a girl having a “moment”. It’s a little awkward, and gets more so as the clip goes on. Of course, I was laughing the whole time…
Check out NathanFielder.com for more shorts.
Because I Love Design…
And because I was a kid in the 70′s. I think I experienced this kind of design in our neighbors houses. Ok, it was my house and included green shag carpet. Anywhoo… for a blast from the past and some grrreat design, check out “Ugly Rooms for the Beautiful People” at lileks.com.
70's Plaid Hell
Posey Bathroom
1960′s McKinney Texas
McKinney has held the title of “fastest growing city in America” off and on over the past few years. The little burg 30 minutes north of Dallas has more than doubled in population over the last decade. With the building of the 5,000 acre master-planned Stonebridge Ranch, McKinney set itself on a course to become a major suburb of Dallas.
I recently ran across an old fold-out map of McKinney, complete with ads for “Montgomery Ward” and “Cabell’s Finer Dairy Foods”. I’m guessing it was published around 1965 form the text “Population… McKinney, 1960 Federal Census, 13,763. 1965 estimate, 14,750.
Now grab your purse, Delores, and let’s take the panel-wagon down to Ed’s Drive In for a burger!
McKinney Map c1965 page 1
McKinney Map c1965 page 2
The Oatmeal: How to Suck at Facebok
To all my Facebook friends out there, here’s a humorous rant about the typical Facebook types. If you’re easily offended, you may not want to read this. It’s a little bit o’ smartass, but I like it.
I’ve started following TheOatmeal’s posts since reading “How to use an Apostrophe“. I think his illustrations are fun and his site is a great example of simple, clean web design.
The Passenger
This animated short by Chris Jones is a dark and humerous style that I love. “Beware the Goldfish” is an apt description from io9.
Meet the Eigenharp
These guys remind me so much of my days in college as a music major. Not to mention the crazy-cool Eigenharps they’re playing. And if you like Moby and James Bond themes, definitely have a listen.
Thanks Boing Boing and Alan.
Take the Yellow Lane to Dallas
Here’s a fantastic Disneyland video from 1958, “Magic Highway USA” that explains all the wonderful technology we should be seeing today. This includes, color-coded lanes (apparently, yellow leads to Dallas), Ceramic keels that creates bridges as it traverses the crossing, and escalators for cars for crossing difficult or steep mountains.
Unfortunately, it seems that we’ve only slightly improved our roads over those that the Roman’s built. Our usage has increased so quickly that we are in a never-ending loop of repairs and relaying pavement.
I wonder what will happen with the crisscross pattern of highways when we all switch to transporters or flying cars… perhaps we’ll finally have plenty of green space like Boston’s Big Dig central artery re-purposing.
I wonder what the no hover-car parking signs will look like…
How NOT to use Apostrophe’s
It’s just one of those minor annoyances, but every day I see apostrophes used where they’re not needed.
Apostrophe.me is a
simple and easy to follow “flow chart” explaining when and how to use apostrophes.
The parent site, TheOatmeal.com, has several fun reads including “How Web Design Goes Straight To Hell”
At Angles for my Birthday, 1995
I moved to Oklahoma City in the summer of 1993, and spent most of my “coming out” years at Angles on 39th Street. Angles was (at the time) the coolest dance club in OKC, with DJ Checkerz (Michael Chechoratti(sp?)) at the helm most nights. Checkerz got most of his music from Oaklawn Records, formerly at Commerce and Oaklawn in Dallas.
While organizing my old stuff recently, I found two Hi Energy and Progressive Top 40 lists from from Oaklawn Records, still in their original envelopes addressed to me. Coincidentally, one of the lists was from April, the month of my birthday. So no doubt I was dancing to these toons at Angles when I turned <ahem> – something something.
Now be honest… how many of you have danced to “Mr Personality” or “Cotton Eyed Joe”?
Here’s the Top 40 Hi Energy list with a few videos of my favs from the time. I’ve included links to the rest that I could find.
- The Bomb – Bucketheads
- Reach Up – Perfecto Allstars
- Lick It – Roula
- Baby, Baby – Corona
- Bedtime Story – Madonna
- Axel F – Clock
- Your Loving Arms – Billie Ray Martin
- Release Me – Industry
- You Can Have It All – Eve Gallagher
- Mr Personality – Gillette
- Can You Feel the Love Tonight – Harajuka
- You Belong to Me – JX
- These Are the Days – Human League
- Here I Go – 2 Unlimited
- Sleeping in My Car – Mobius Loop (I couldn’t find the Mobius Loop version, but here’s a pretty good version by Dancefloor Driverz feat Joana)
- Come Back – London Beat
- Bloke – Republica
- What Hope Have I – Sphinx
- Tonight is the Night – Le Click
- Hot Stuff – DJ Miko
- I’m Ready – Size 9
- Move It to the Rhythm – Technotronic
- I Only Wanna Be With You – Barry White (Dance Mix)
- Nights in White Satin – Sandra
- Always Something There to Remind Me – Tin Tin Out
- Don’t Fear the Reaper – Apollo 440
- Situation – Tom Jones
- We Got Love – One Family
- Don’t Be Proud – Cappella
- Be My Lover – La Bouche
- Keep the Fire Burning – Dan Hartman and Loleatta Hollaway
- Party People – KGB
- Keep on Trying – Twenty 4 Seven
- Love Come Rescue Me – Love Station
- I Wish – Eric Gadd
- Cotton Eyed Joe – Rednex
- Take Me Forever – Data
- You Bring me Joy – Mary J Blige
- Respect – Judy Cheeks
- The First, The Last Eternity – Snap
Here are the originals:
ATU Marching Blast From the Past
I’ve recently been doing a little cleaning up of boxes from my college years at Arkansas Tech University and ran across some marching layout/designs from 1991-1992. For all you band geeks out there, this may be a little bit of cool.
Unknown Show, 1991-1992
Here’s a show from before our director made the switch to computer-based show design.
“Ouachita” Show, 1992
If I remember correctly, this was the first show that Mr. Cooper designed using the computer, and I think it was the first show of our season. I believe the design (not to mention the readability) was greatly improved by computer-based design.
“Gavorkna” Show, 1992
This was our main show of the season, and was a bit more difficult. For one thing, it began with entire band expanding from between the 40 yard lines to the 10 yard lines in about 16 counts. I remember practically leaping backwards carrying my tonal bass and, oh yah, playing Gavorkna Fanfare. If you haven’t heard it, see the video below (and note that the guys in the video are stationary).
Halloween Came Early This Year
Cedar Springs’ Halloween street party was this past weekend, and friends Jeremy and Tician came down from OKC to join the party. A great time was had by all, even though Ticia lost her cell phone and her ID.
Since all my friends that are waiting with bated breath can now see the photos. See the Street Party pics here, and friend pics here.
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Black Tie: A Formal Engagement
When our friend Jeff invited us to the Black Tie Dinner, I had heard about it but didn’t know much. I kind of expected a dinner with a bunch of guys in tuxedos. What I didn’t realize is that the Black Tie raises over $1 million dollars a year for North Texas charities. This year, Gavin Newsom was the featured speaker, and Cindy Lauper and Judy Shepard were award recipients. Jason Walker performed several dance songs (which I thought were a little heavy with vocal runs and wanderings), though is performance of “True Colors” with Cindy Lauper’s sister on guitar was excellent. Cindy apparently had a “family situation” that prevented her from being there, but she deliver a pre-recorded video message.
Thanks, Jeff, for inviting us to this amazing evening. Here’s us with Jeff…
Michael, Jeff and Rich at the Black Tie Dinner
You Gotta Hear This: Passion Pit
I stumbled across “Little Secrets” by Passion Pit today and instantly fell in love with this song. It’s a bit of 80′s fun with just a little Mika mixed in. I can’t but help moving to it.
Here’s a video by Jay Diaz featuring the song.
Top 100 Science Fiction/Fantasy Shows of all Time
Prepare your Netflix accounts, the gang over at io9 has posted the top 100 sci fi and fantasy shows of all time. It’s a stroll down memory lane for us dorks… I had a Max Headroom t-shirt myself.
I added several series to my Netflix que, especially shows I never got to watch consistently.
Blue Devils take 2009 DCI Championship
Well, we made it back from Indianapolis, and had a great time. While the Blue Devils have never been my favorite corps, I was impressed with their show this year titled “1930″. They performed an encore after the event and we came down to get a closer view (pictured).
Check out the entire series.
Blue Devils encore performance at DCI 2009
Off to Indianapolis
We’re off to Indianapolis for the Drum Corps Internationl World Championships tomorrow. It’s are annual “thang”, and I’ll get to try out my new camera this year. Out of the 12 corps that perform, I usually take 200 or so pics that I’ll share here and on flickr.
This will be our 7th year, and I’m like a kid at Christmas… don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep tonight. Marching band has always been a love of mine, and these guys are the best of the best.
I’m ready for the goosebumps…
Are We Hard-Wired with the Pentatonic Scale?
Boing Boing posted a video of Bobby McFerrin creating a musical piece from audience participation and Pentatonic Scale. The interesting part is that it’s completely unrehearsed and spontaneous. There seems to be something about the scale that is almost mystical and pervasive in music throughout the world. I’m pretty sure the audience isn’t made up of musicians, either.
To me, it’s just one of those surprising moments when another mystery of the human mind is revealed.
Stare Into the Sun
As a lover of funky illustration and good music, I was happy to find this video illustrated by Ian Stevenson with music by James Scott & The Town.
Thanks to Alex over at It’s Nice That
Have Camera, Will Travel
My Nikon D70 has been a great camera, but I haven’t taken a single photo since I started having trouble with the shutter release a few months ago. Since then, I’ve been exploring the new cameras from Nikon. I was fixated on the D700, but the new FX full frame format wouldn’t work completely with my DX lenses, and the pro-level full-frame lenses aren’t cheap. Not to mention the $2,700 price tag is a bit daunting for a non-pro hobbyist. I narrowed it down to the D90 – a good hobbyist model with video capabilities, and the D300 – a semi-pro model with much of the same features as the D700, but in the DX format.
I finally settled on the D300. It was a bit pricier than the D90, but with a magnesium body like my D70, it just felt more substantial. It’s much of the reason I chose the Nikon D70 over the equivalent Canon at the time; the Canon just felt cheaper to me.
I also splurged for the Tamron 18-270 mm lens, which will eliminate the need to switch lenses during my upcoming trip to Drum Corps World Championships. I purchased the last generation Tamron 28-300 mm lens last year, and was very unhappy with it. It was incredibly slow when focusing and most of the photos at 300 mm were out of focus and dark. But the good people at Cooter’s Camera (funny name, but worth a visit if you’re in the Dallas area) let me try out the new generation on a D300 and I was pleasantly surprised. The focus was quiet and seemed as smooth and quick as my standard 18-70mm Nikon lens.
Now with the Black Rapid camera strap I got for Christmas, I’m a photography force to be reckoned with. I’m convinced this strap is a must-have for any DSLR camera user who likes to get out and about with their camera, especially walking city streets. If you haven’t seen one, check it out.
So here’s the first photo I took with my new camera from my backyard. I’m happy with the initial quality already. With my D70, I always felt the need to edit the RAW photos, boosting the color, tweaking the exposure, adjusting the contrast. This shot was taken with the JPG Medium setting with no editing other than resizing. One of my goals was to spend less time editing and more time behind the camera. With the same 51 area auto focus and EXPEED image processing as the D700, I think I’ll be a happy camper.
A Future Message from the ADHD Council
io9 has shared 3 hilarious future public service announcements:
from io9:
Don’t Talk To Robots, Use Caution With Hyper Speed and Look Out For Time Machines. The more you know, right? Check out these super-informative commercials from the future, and heed their message to you.
Ah… Cool, Cool Halloween
by Matthew Kirscht
Last year for Halloween we sat on our front porch sipping wine while the neighborhood parents strolled by with their kids. One of the advantages of living in Dallas is the weather in October. However, with temperatures in the 100′s here in Texas for what seems like years, I’ve forgotten how nice the winters are here.
Luckily, I found Matthew Kirscht’s art that’s inspired by vintage holiday imagery. I love this style, and makes me feel like a kid again (in cooler weather).
Thanks, Kirsten Anderson at Right Some Good
