TED: The happy secret to better work - Shawn Achor (2011)

High Roller USA - Adult Size Big Wheel Christmas AD

I want...

My New Favorite Drummer

Carlos Skinfill Introducing Hi-Shaker

Eddie the slam-dunking sea otter at the Oregon Zoo

Eddie the slam-dunking sea otter at the Oregon Zoo:
An Oregon Zoo sea otter has been trained to dunk a basketball as part of its treatment for elbow arthritis.(2/19/13)


FOX19.com-Cincinnati News, Weather

Kittens On The Beat

A Shocking Revelation...

There are some days when I find snarkiness and cynicism more life-affirming than love.

That my friend, is a personally revealed character flaw.

Things gettin' real up in this room...

What room is that?

The room for IMPROVEMENT!!

I don't know if I'll leave this up, but its a masterpiece of lameness that makes
me giggle-so just for a little while.

Valentine's Day Comic

BUNI Comic

"Dear Esther" Video Game

Video games are bad for some people, we get it. No dates, no talking, anti-social tendencies, no exercise, rickets, scurvy and all manner of physical, mental and social ills come from their abuse. I truly get this.


However, I stumbled on a different sort of game that I really want to check out, because its not a game in the normal aspects of shooting things or finding this key to put in this door, or talking to this person to get this thing to get to another level.

Its called Dear Esther and is set on a deserted island. Check out the trailer and reviews below.
What intrigued me is that the game world is a vehicle for poetry, prose, visual art, music and ambient sounds. You explore the islands and certain locations trigger the narration from your uncle who is writing a letter to you, Esther.

The Grown Up Test

If you are unable to giggle by making silly faces at another person-its too late.

You have become a grown up.

You might as well start moving your waistline to your armpit and asking why
Matlock is off the air.

Ozymandias Gets Pwned.

Another awesome literate comic from Dave Kellett at Sheldon

Ode to Tacos

(From Scenes from a Multiverse)

Petsami Presents: "Dog Eat Dog" starring Zachary Quinto

Good story. Its got a little bad language-PG-13, but anyone who adopted a pet
from rescue will like it.

Just Play: "Twinkle" PSA Campaign for NAMM 2013 and NAMM Foundation

Walt Whitman Quote

"Washes and razors for foofoos .... for me freckles and a bristling beard."

Leaves of Grass, "Song of Myself" Stanza section 14

Why Drummers Should Learn Jazz

Modern Drummer Education Team Weighs In On: Learning Jazz

A very excellent article on why drummers should learn jazz from different sources. The quote below really spoke to me.

"We play drums because we love it, but the world doesn’t need another drummer. What it does need are creative, problem-solving critical thinkers who can help transform society. I don’t want to get too philosophical here, but learning to play any music that requires a high degree of improvisation, spontaneity, and listening develops skills that are transferable into other areas of life. The following are just a few of the life skills heightened by learning to play jazz: working effectively as a member of a team; improvising and thinking creatively, spontaneously, and imaginatively; entrepreneurial thinking; a willingness to experiment and take calculated risks; adaptability; self-reliance; self-confidence; synthesis skills (combining different ideas and theories); self-awareness (knowing your role and respecting others); empowerment (enabling your own voice and contribution); resourcefulness and problem-solving (modifying, altering, and adjusting); a sense of being an originator (playing, designing, and building unique parts); and collaboration (working with others to produce something different or unique)." - Marc Dicciani

Paperman - Full Animated Short Film

Dave Brubeck on Fighting Communism with Jazz

Its My Birthday.

You know, I have never been this old before.

That's all the deep thoughts I have for today-need coffee...head hurts...

Chau

Ho Hey - Lumineers Cover (Lion King Style) Alex Boye' Ft. Brigham Larson

The Underbelly Project - Walk Through - Art in the Streets - MOCAtv - Ep 19

Kurt Vonnegut Letters

Below is an entry in the website-Letters of Note. The link goes to two letters written by the author Kurt Vonnegut. I haven't read enough of him to make real judgment on his work. What I like about the letters is the way he confronts a type of hypocrisy that becomes present in all of us too easily. We would judge the s scandalous use of "naughty" words in common use, but leave intentions and actions un-examined. The bible says "Wisdom is proved by her actions". In that frame of viewpoint, I think Kurt Vonnegut has some valid points expressed.


Letters of Note: They surely are not violent

Sheldon comic

Sheldon Comic

Answering Some Emails and Changing the World

-----Original Message-----

From: Gina Rinehart [mailto:xxxxxxxx]
Sent: Sunday, January 13, 2013 6:16 PM
To: Recipients
Subject: My Dear Friend and Partner

My Dear Friend and Partner,

Greetings to you my Dear Beloved, my name is Gina Rinehart, a great citizen of Australia,born in Perth, Western Australia,I have a mission for you worth ($200,000,000.00) Two Hundred Million Dollars which I intend to use for CHARITY.Please reply if interested.

God Bless You.
Gina Rinehart


----------------------------------------
Reply Below
From: John Homan
Sent: Tuesday, January 14, 2013 5:30 p
Re: My Dear Friend and Partner,

Dear Ms. Rinehart,

First of all, I'm honored to meet a "great citizen" of Australia. Is that some sort of officially sanctioned national designation of quality citizenry or do you just have a really good sense of self-esteem? Just curious.

Anyway, down to business. Thank you for your offer of including me in the your campaign to help you obtain  200 million dollars for charity. I assume you aren't just going to give this out to just anyone and that's why I made the highly selective list of people you have humbly labeled as "Recipients".

I feel that I would be of more service to you in the distribution side of this endeavor-I want to help. Now, I am a humble man with small dreams of making the world a better place-let me share those dreams with you so you can have an opportunity to be a part of these plans.

First of all, I am very concerned about the plight of the American Retail worker. Specifically, the music store employee-I'm pretty sure they are oppressed...ALOT. To that end I plan to visit specially selected Guitar Center stores and provide a much needed infusion of cash to this wonderful organization in the form of 3 sets of custom made Latin Percussion Conga Drums in an Aqua and Cream Glitter finish. I will also order 3 sets of Toca Djembes in various sizes and finishes.

Secondly, I feel that the American Auto Industry is key to our recovery. Because of this I plan to purchase a Ford F-150 King Cab 4X4 pick up in Burgundy and 2 Cadillacs sedans in Champagne and Dark Hunter Green. I am also concerned about the Italian scooter industry, and plan to buy a pair of tan and cream colored Vespas with matching helmets.

Having been the son of a general contractor, I appreciate the kind of struggle that the housing industry goes through. To support this I plan to build several large houses throughout these fine United States, so that I can spread this kind of infusion of capital through the largest area possible. I'm really equitable like that.

I also feel that the United States has been a bad example in the area of savings. I intend to address this by setting up savings accounts and investments in the neighborhood of $50 million. After that, I will begin an grass-roots educational campaign to tell everyone I happen to meet that I have saved $50 million and they should do the same so they could be awesome...like me.

As you can see, I have well developed plan that will give you the biggest return on your investment and has the common-sense qualities that can make a difference in this world.

Attached please find all of my financial information so that you may make a wire transfer as soon as possible.

Yours Sincerely,


John Homan

Flashmob oficina paro (Carne Cruda 2.0)

Spain has a 25% unemployment rate with a huge debt crisis. A radio station there organized a flash mob to play Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles in the middle of an unemployment office. Nice to see the bassoon featured. Pretty moving.

Lost Buildings - This American Life

I really like This American Live from WBEZ Chicago with Ira Glass. Its one of the most
interesting radio shows out there. Here's an episode called lost buildings with a kind of minimalist
animation to the story. Enjoy.

Resolutions

I regret that I am reticent to repeat my resolutions to the rabble, lest any repeated recapitulations renders my resolve renegotiable.

Catzilla

Therapy Llamas

Carol Burnett Show - Star Trek Parody