"Those Funky Brewers"

Tonight, after losing 12 straight games, the Milwaukee Brewers, finally won one. Of course, that still puts them dead last in the NL Central division. And, as much as it pains me to say this, probably also on the road to yet another losing season.

To borrow the words of a famous cartoon character, "Good grief."

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:56 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Weekend in Review"

Well, there really wasn't much to review these past few days to be honest. Saturday and Sunday were days spent relaxing doing simple things around the apartment. Now that I'm employed again -- outside of my current infrequent freelance work -- non-workdays mean a little something different than they did before.

I also ended up having today off as well. A three-day weekend. Not bad. Not bad at all. I did of course found ways to enjoy it. :)

In other weekend news, I'm still getting used to the fact that school is back in session for those still pursing their education. My old college started classes today. The Lutheran high school down the street starts tomarrow. My how time flies. Summer is already coming to a close. ... [sigh]

Hmm, and I missed the Olympic closing ceremonies this evening. Oh well. I enjoyed the last of Babylon 5: Season Four instead. Good stuff.

Tomarrow I'm back to the new routine again. Work at work, and the a little work at home. Ah, yes, but then again keeping busy has it's rewards.

Have a blessed Tuesday all, I'll catch you on the marrow.

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:51 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Ghost Towns"

Interesting: Ghost Towns ...at night.

German photographer Berthold Steinhilber captures the eerie ambiance of forgotten ghost towns with light and camera. Starting at dusk, using very long exposures, he "paints" the scenes onto film with a powerful headlamp. What results are some truely amazing perspectives on days gone by.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:58 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Featured in Milwaukee Magazine"

Now this I find very interesting. This month (September) I have been featured in Milwaukee Magazine -- one of Milwaukee's prominent media publications.

Yep. Along with fellow Milwaukee bloggers Bourgeois Pig!, Boots and Sabers, Czeltic Girl, and The Vast Dairy State Conspiracy, we have been profiled within their September issue. I found out about this on Thursday, thanks in part due to a link from this blogger, and a kind comment from Stacie (Diary State). I have yet to see the actual article first-hand, but I suppose when it hits my local newsstand, I'll have to grab a copy, eh?

Thanks again to Stacie, here's a blurb:

"Jon Baas is like the Jimmy Stewart of Milwaukee bloggers. In a blogging world where cynacism and sarcasm are common, this freelance artist writes with alacrity, wishing readers a blessed day. An aspiring actor, Baas used his blog to chronicle the 15 days he spent on the set of "Mr. 3000", the Bernie Mac movie filmed here last summer, gushing when the assistant to the Hollywood director took an interest in his blog."

Hmm. Not bad. Many thanks to Dan Curren for the review!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:24 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Retail Free Horizons?"

Well, today concluded a week at my new job. So far, not bad. I think I can really enjoy this place. For once, I've found a job that I feel very comfortable at. Small company. Office environment. Open to creative thinking. Perfect.

Incidently, my roomate Scott also found new employment. He'll be working in the copy center at a local Office Depot. (Way to go Scott!) :)

I do find that ironic, though. I did that same job for two weeks way back when before getting a better offer from Barnes and Noble. Copy center. Office Max. Not fun. I doubt I would have stayed there very long either, had I not recieved the better offer. Stiffling environment. No room for creative thought. But, then again, after eight months at Barnes and Noble I discovered the same thing. Go figure.

I guess me and retail jobs just don't get along. I'm a thinker. No one cares what you're thinking in retail. It's all about making money to line someone else's pockets. Where's the joy in that. It's dull, boring, and utterly lifeless. The kind of place that sucks a person like me dry. No, I don't live long in employment like that. My mind needs stimulation, creativity.

Don't get me wrong, though, I certainly wish Scott the best of luck in that position. I know he's looked long and hard for a job. He deserves this. Maybe it'll be different for him. Perhaps he'll find interest in it. I hope so. For me, working at this graphics company, is what I've been praying for. I'm looking forward to making the most of it, even if it is just for four more months.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:47 PM  I   I  0 comments

"A Hundred Miles of Bad Road"

"A Hundred Miles of Bad Road"
- song lyrics by Andy Griggs (country)

It's a long, long way from where I am,
To where I ought to be.
I can't remember where I made this turn,
Into no-man's land, as far as I can see.

Stranded beaten and a-broken down,
With only one way from this place.
I always find the strength I need,
In the arms of my Angel and my saving grace.

And I ain't sure how you carry me,
Through the darkest hours, so easily.
And I ain't sure how you carry this load,
Down a hundred miles of bad road.

I handed you what was left of me,
Prayin' it would be enough.
This black and blue and a-worn out heart,
Was empty 'til you filled it up with your love.

And I ain't sure how you carry me,
Through the darkest hours, so easily.
And I ain't sure how you carry this load,
Down a hundred miles of bad road.

It's all I'll ever see.
If there's an easier path to take, it ain't shown itself to me.
But the burden ain't as heavy as it used to be.

And I ain't sure how you carry me,
Through the darkest hours, so easily.
And I ain't sure how you carry this load,
Down a hundred miles of bad road.

Yeah, down a hundred miles of bad road.

posted by Jon at 10:41 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Just Another Wednesday"

Today was one of those days. Don't get me wrong, it was a great day -- just one of those days were remaining motivated isn't as easy as it sounds. After a productive and enjoyable afternoon at work, when I returned home, all I wanted to do was sleep or do mundane things. So much for my evening projects. I didn't get nearly as far with those as I had planned. But, there's always tomarrow, right?

Days like this seem to come around every once in a while. They creep up on you when you least expect them. You just have to pick up and start fresh the next day. So... since that seems to be the case, here's to a great Thursday. :)

Have a good one all. I'll catch you on the marrow.

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:49 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Last Call for Fantasy Football"

If you're interested in participating in my fantasy football league this year (third year), feel free to take a look at the rules page and let me know. We still have a few spots available.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:56 PM  I   I  0 comments

"NationStates: The Republic of Tessen"

Part of a simple, free, multiplayer online game.

"The Republic of Tessen is a small, environmentally stunning nation, remarkable for its complete absence of social welfare. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, intelligent population of 8 million enjoy frequent elections, which are uniformly corrupted by big-spending corporations buying politicians who best suit their interests.

The tiny, corrupt, pro-business government concentrates mainly on Law & Order, although Religion & Spirituality and the Environment are on the agenda. Income tax is unheard of. A robust private sector is led by the Book Publishing industry, followed by Automobile Manufacturing and Pizza Delivery.

Voting is voluntary, the alarmingly racist TV show 'Bigtopians Say the Darndest Things' is a hit, and the death penalty has been reintroduced. Crime is a major problem. Tessen's national animal is the eagle, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests, and its currency is the dollar."

If you choose to take an interest in this game, feel free to consider becoming a part of the region of Aldea. We're a friendly democratic area of the world located near the United States. You never know what kind of allies you might find there. :)

-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:05 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Jon Baas: Hired!"

Yes, yes, it's true. As of today, my employment search has finally paid off. I now work for a small graphics company in Milwaukee called Bluemound Graphics. They primarily create religious catalogs for churches and funeral homes, and their active client list spans the entire US.

This is, of course, just a temporary part-time job until mid-December sometime, but with my continued work in the area of freelance art, and my acting endeavors, this works out nicely in the grand scheme of things. It may even prove to be an excellent springboard (as far as the resume goes) to new work come January. We shall see. For now, though, I have much to be thankful for.

Have a blessed day all, and until next time,

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 5:26 PM  I   I  0 comments

"No Blogging from Athens"

Now this just strikes me as a bit too restrictive. What do you think?

"Olympians largely barred from blogging"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:08 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Legends of America"

When you travel, do you often wonder what happened at 'this place' in the past? Who lived here? What were they like? How did they live their daily lives?

Legends of America focuses on history-rich travel destinations of the American West, such as the gold mines and ghost towns of Colorado and New Mexico, outlaws and legends, such as Jesse James, Black Jack Ketchum and Clay Allison and even a few 'real' ghost stories.

posted by Jon at 5:26 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Classic Car Paintings"

Robby Dohmen's paintings of old cars: Rust Never Sleeps.

With my art, I want to hold on to a piece of automobile culture. My paintings are based on photographs of old cars. I create realistic but nostalgic pictures of old cars and their final resting-places. I try to capture that feeling known to all lovers of classic cars, when in their travels through the world they come across beautiful old cars that have been dumped and forgotten.

Very interesting. It reminds me of the mystery that surrounds abandoned history. But, then again, I am already a history nut, so what's new there? :)

-Jon
posted by Jon at 4:31 PM  I   I  0 comments

"A Different Kind of Digging"

I think I've found a new hobby. Genealogy.

So far this week, I've been spending a lot of my free time digging into family history. It gives me something to do. I've always loved history, but, honestly, this stuff really interests me. And I don't really know why. Maybe it's just another one of those unexplainable elements built into our human capacity for curiousity. We love to learn new things. Exploring the past can be just that. Genealogy just gives it a personal touch.

As far as my family goes though, I didn't realize I had such a rich ancestry. Granted the family tree is still a work in process, but so far, I've been able to trace it back seven generations (on my Dad's side) -- as far back as Johan Baas, born in 1766, in Fahnenschmidt, Anklam Von Pommern, Germany. I've found a relative who, after beng kicked out of Russia, made a living as a respected WWI (maybe WWII) wartime photographer in the States. I've been told that somewhere in the tree there's a woman who was a seamstress to one of the Russian Czars. Norwegian ancestors on my Mom's side are said to have herded reindeer. And, according to the dates, my Great-Great-Great Grandfather was one of two twin brothers born on the same day as my youngest sister, Lydia.

Pretty interesting indeed. And so far, that's not even the half of it!

The Baas side of the family is straight from Germany, emmigrating sometime in the 1850's. My Dad's mom's side is from Russia. And my mom's side of the family originates primarily from Germany and Norway. That makes for an interesting family tree. And, interestingly enough, a family tree with many long German and Norwegian names. :P

But, like I say, I've only started piecing together what I can this week. Pretty soon -- maybe even this weekend -- I may start sending off a few emails to relatives and see what else I can discover. Afterall, as the old saying goes, "you never know what you might discover, until you actually start looking for it." I'm more than eager to go exploring. It's something I have a passion for.

Have a wonderful weekend all. Until next time, God Bless!

Your happily blogging, eagerly exploring friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:15 PM  I   I  0 comments

"The Games at Olympia"

The modern Games are a worldwide event, broadcast to a huge audience, but we can still see their origins in the ancient games. The earliest recorded date of the ancient Greek Olympics is 776 BC. They were held to honour the god Zeus and took place in his sanctuary at Olympia.

Like the modern Games, they were held every four years and, like their modern counterparts, the athletes trained for many months, following a careful diet and fitness program. You can now follow the events of the ancient Games and discover how they have shaped the Olympics today.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:48 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Just the Blue Screen Please"

Movie news: Paltrow's 'blue' movie.

"According to the Times, a new film made in Britain, of all places, has "revolutionised the way films are made".

On screen in Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law are seen in Nepal, the Himalayas, New York and the Pacific Ocean. Yet they never ventured farther than Elstree Studios, in Hertfordshire, and played their roles on an empty stage, without a set, relying on their imaginations, like actors in the theatre.

It's the first film to be made entirely with "blue screen" technology, meaning that the scenery was digitally superimposed on the background."

Hmm. "Simone" here we come.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:25 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Remembering Dr. Gary Greenfield"

For WLC Alumni and Friends.

Yesterday evening at 5pm, Dr. Gary J. Greenfield -- the founding president of Wisconsin Lutheran College -- entered his eternal rest. He had retired in 2003 after 28 years of academic service.

There will be visitation for Gary Greenfield's funeral service on Saturday, August 21, from 9-10:45 a.m. at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, 7809 Harwood Avenue, Wauwatosa. The service will begin at 11 a.m. at the church, and will be followed by a celebration reception on the campus, in the Campus Center.

Memorials will be directed to one of the following four programs:
Wisconsin Lutheran College Gary J. Greenfield Endowed Scholarship; Wisconsin Lutheran College Athletic Fields; Wisconsin Lutheran College Science Hall; and/or St. John's Ev. Lutheran School's "Rooted and Growing" campaign.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:13 PM  I   I  0 comments

"The Blessing of Friends"

I spent the evening today visiting with some of my roomate Scott's friends and relatives here in town. His aunt and uncle were having a family get-together, and they extended me an invitation as well.

I happily accepted, enjoying both the meal (special recipe brats... Mmmmm!), as well as the company of friends. Over the course of the evening, I was beaten quite thoroughly at foosball by one of Scott's younger cousins, enjoyed watching the 2004 Olympics (team women's gymnastics, as well as men's relay swimming), took part in a lively game of Malarky (which I lost), and shared some enlightening artistic conversation with one of my favorite artist friends, Scott's sister Diana. In short, not a bad way to spend an evening! :)

Good friends like these are often hard to come by. But they are also another reminder of just how truely blessed we are in life. It's the little things that end up meaning the most in life. And sometimes, it's those little things that we remember the longest.

Have a blessed day, and until next time,

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:42 PM  I   I  0 comments

"A Beautiful Heart"

"Perhaps it is good to have a beautiful mind, but an even greater gift is to discover a beautiful heart."

- John Nash, "A Beautiful Mind"

Some movies find a way to touch you, make you think, dream, or contemplate what it means to be human and to struggle daily, overcoming the problems life sends your way. For me, A Beautiful Mind" is one of those movies.

I'm no mathmetician. I'm no great thinker. But I am human. One of the biggest things we can learn in life is to overcome life's obstacles with the simplest of emotions -- love. That makes us all human. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of that fact.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:16 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Digging is Done"

Today, I spent an hour and a half finishing the last of the current landscaping project out at my landlord's other apartment building. The good news... Until Tom has more projects he wants me to work on, this one is done.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:26 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Fantasy Football Anyone?"

This fall I am once again hosting my annual online fantasy football league. It'll be the third official season, and this year I'm looking to fill the league with twelve teams rather than ten. Currently there are eleven slots available. Also, like last year, an entry fee of $10/team will support the monetary prize at the end of the season.

If you're interested, feel free to take a look at the rules page and let me know. I welcome the competition. If you have any questions, just ask. :)

Have a blessed day, and until later,

-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:09 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Athens Summer Olympics"

You know, I realized something frightening today. I almost missed the opening ceremonies for the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens!

Yes, I almost missed the best part in my mind! Being of the artist mind that I am, the opening ceremonies are a wonderful look at symbolism and creativity from the perspective of the hosting nation.

The Athens Olympic Opening Ceremony interested me especially due to the fact that some of the worlds earliest and most sophisicticated art came out of Greece. I was particular impressed with the artistic presentation of it all. Athens played on that quite nicely. People posing as life-like representations of Greek art throughout the ages. That was clever. Very well done. Of course, it probably did have added interest for me becasue it combines both art as well as dramatic presentation. But, honestly, I'm usually a sucker by good combinations like that anyway, so nothing new there. :)

When it comes to the rest of the Olympics, though, I'll probably just watch what I can of the gymnastic events, maybe some of the track and field events, and then the closing ceremonies. Otherwise, the rest of the competition generally holds little interest for me. I'll just sit back, and catch the results in passing on the nightly news... and hope the best athlete wins.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:33 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Making A Mannequin"

Very interesting.

Len Gifford presents a series of photos that demonstrate how to create a mannequin in The Making Of Lauren.

"To show that mannequins do not 'Just appear' in window displays I have produced this guide to demonstrate the skills and processes used in the making of a Rootstein mannequin. With top fashion model Lauren I will show you the work from concept to finished product."

I didn't realize there was this much in depth artistry that went into making those stoic yet highly fashionable window characters. Hmm. Not bad.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:33 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Cashier Confidential"

A blog by a cashier: Cashier Confidential.

"Ever wonder what grocery store clerks think about you? Their reaction to your inane and nonsensical demands, absurd purchases, hostilely unfashionable mode of dress, and willingness to pay out the nose for what could be gotten, with a little extra driving, for less than half the price? Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, the other side of the looking glass: your little peek into those who facilitate your day to day eating."

Ah, yes. Good 'ole Barnes and Noble. I remember those days. Not fondly mind you, but I do remember them.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:43 PM  I   I  0 comments

"A lumberjack I am not."

Those two trees I agreed to cut down for my landlord are gone now. Nothing is left but two stumps and a trailer full of branches. It was a little more work than I anticipated, and only took four and a half hours, but they're down now. I was certainly happy to help out, but I know one thing for a fact -- I won't be having a career as a lumberjack anytime soon. Cutting down trees just isn't my thing.

But, the day is at a close now, and I'm tired out. I'm off to bed. Have a blessed Thursday all, and I'll catch you on the marrow.

Your happily blogging, physically exhausted friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:43 PM  I   I  0 comments

"He's Got the Whole World... In His Hands"

Impossible is Nothing. - Funny Adidas ad.

posted by Jon at 7:48 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Tree of Life"

Another Worth1000 Photoshop contest.

People have created a world where everything grows on trees. Entries had to include items that don't normally grow on plants, as a part of the plant or the obvious byproduct of one.

My favorite is the "coin on the cob" entry. I could use one of those right about now.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 5:27 PM  I   I  0 comments

"More Landscaping & Job-Search Status"

Well, there isn't really a whole lot to say about today... other than more landscaping that is. Landscaping out at my landlord's other apartment building in the area. As of this afternoon, though, the original three-day project of removing dirt and replacing it with woodchips is now complete. :)

Tom (landlord) did quote me a price on the project, though, as well as offering me the option of some additional work beyond that previously done. He's offered me $15/hour for the work, and has invited me to give him a hand by cutting down two trees on that same apartment lot. I jumped at the chance. At the moment, I'm still seeking new employment, and the freelance work is at a frightening low. So the work is proving to be a good temporary source of income (although essentially it all goes to rent in the end), as well as a great way to occupy my frequent spare time.

I've been told that he will likely have some additional projects for me in the near future. I'm certainly happy to oblidge. Income is income, regardless of the project. Wednesday, I'll be cutting down those trees. The additional work is yet to be scheduled.

In other matters, I'm still waiting to hear from a great deal of the companies I've sent my resume and portfolio to. I'm planning to have to bug them about that again on Thursday when I undertake another "resume-day". Honestly, I'd really just appreciate responses -- of any kind -- from them. This waiting game is getting on my nerves. Time is money, and right now, time is what I have the most of. :)

But, we'll see how things go I guess. Perseverence and patience seem to be the most valuable traits for this job search. I have both. I just hate having to use so much of both for such a seemingly dead-end task. We'll see I guess. A lot more is bound to be determined yet this week. I'm hoping it proves to be good news.

Have a blessed day, all. Until next time,

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:15 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Rediscovering an Old Friendship"

It's amazing how some things work out the way they do. Today, Scott decided to take his grandmother to church. She lives close to St. Marcus Lutheran Church here in Milwaukee. I went along, out of convenience.

After the service, and an excellent sermon by Paster Mark Jeske, my old college friend Rachel R. surprised me by tapping me on the shoulder and saying hi. We had lost contact since she moved to Chicago three years ago after graduation. She was a year ahead of me. Apparently, though, she is living here in Milwaukee again since June, and St. Marcus is her home church! Alright! How wonderful it that!?

And what's even more interesting, is that apparently she now lives only a few blocks from where I do. I can walk there. Yeah, something tells me the opportunities for visiting each other again -- like the old days in college -- will easily make themselves available again. I find that to be a very enjoyable happenstance! It's little surprises like this that make life so interesting.

Maybe that old saying that good friends are rarely ever lost is true. Sometimes chance just sends them on a hiatus,... and you rediscover them years later. :)

-Jon
posted by Jon at 4:10 PM  I   I  0 comments

"I think the light bulb needs changing."

How many bloggers does it take to change a light bulb?

Chasing Daisy has the answer. And, not only did I find it funny, it also represents exactly what is going on in the world of bloggers. Enjoy!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:29 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Mr. 3000 Update"

Just a quick update for those that may be interested...

The nationwide release date for the film, "Mr. 3000" has officially been moved up to September 17, 2004. It was previously scheduled for release on the 24th. For confirmation, please feel free to visit the film's official website.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:33 AM  I   I  0 comments

"My legs! I can't feel my legs!"

Well, ok, it's not that bad. But I am sore. Very sore. I just completed my second of three days doing landscaping work out at one of my landlord's other apartment buildings. It's a heck of a lot of work for one person. But thankfully, I'm doing it in return for a reduction in rent this month.

The project actually has me ripping up grass along both sides of a driveway, carting that and much of the dirt away, and then filling the new gouges with wood chips. It involves a lot of digging, hauling, and hefting. Very intensive manual labor. But, on the upside, it's good exercise, and seems to be adding good muscle tone. I can handle that.

The other good part of this work though, is that the hardest part of the project is now complete. No more hauling or hefting wheel-barrow's full of dirt, sod, or clumps of grass. The driveway work is finished (and looking pretty attractive too!). The third, and final part of the project just involves filling in an area around the back parking lot with the wood chips. No digging or grass removal required. That will probably be a project for Monday or Tuesday, depending upon my schedule for next week. But we'll see how it goes.

When all is said and done though,... man am I sore! Either I'm out of shape, or I'm not used to this kind of intensive manual labor. I think I've gotta work out more. :p

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:53 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Wisconsin State Fair"

Well, it's official. Today, the Wisconsin State Fair opened for the summer. It'll run from August 5-15, and, as usual, bring lots of people and cars to my neighborhood.

Myself, I actually spent the first day of the State Fair doing some landscaping work for my landlord at one of his other nearby apartment buildings. When I was finished for the day, I decided to walk home rather than worry about the bus. My route took me right past the State Fair Grounds. To say that it's busy around there is perhaps an understatement....

Along the major street there, homeowners are charging outrageous prices to park cars anywhere they can in their own garages and on their own front lawns! People inhabit the sidewalks for blocks around, walking to and from the various entrance gates to the Park. Businesses in the area are offering special deals to entice State Fair goers into their stores. City busses are doing double-time carrying people to and from the makeshift State Fair bus terminal. Major streets in the area are slow driving. And crossing guards or people holding parking signs inhabit most major street corners. Madness, I tell you. Pure madness. :P

But then again, the State Fair is like this every year. People seem to be drawn like moths to a flame when it comes to the State Fair. Me? I think I'll be avoiding it as much as possible this year. It's not that I don't want to go to the Fair, no, far from it. I just dislike all those massive crowds, loud music, and the aroma of manure drifting throughout the Grounds on hot sunny days. I loved going to the Racine County Fair in my small country hometown when I was growing up, and I still prefer county fairs to be honest. But I guess living near the Wisconsin State Fair Grounds has just removed the fun from the whole State Fair Experience. Too big for my tastes.

And as much as I appreciate the concept of the State Fair, I usually get a good enough sample of the festivities by staying home anyway. Parking is a hastle with cars parked on my neighborhood residential streets for blocks around. People walking everywhere. Loud music and the smells of the various food items drift effortlessly from the Park into my neighborhood. I can see the lights of the midway or any fireworks from my kitchen window. Why waste money on the Fair when it comes right to your own front door, right?

I think I'll enjoy my own State Fair neighborhood experience, but as for actually going to the State Fair?.... Maybe next year. We'll see. This summer, only nine more days of madness. Ah, yes, such great memories. Such great momories indeed. .... [chuckle]

Have a blessed day all, and if you go to the Wisconsin State Fair, feel free to leave a review. I'll live vicariously though you.

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:39 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Grandparents: Going Home Soon"

My parents were in town today. They're just spending the night at a nearby hotel, and passing through. For the first time in a while, the purpose of their visit wasn't to see Rachel or myself down here in Wisconsin. This time, they're driving over to Michigan to see my grandparents (my mom's side) who aren't doing well, and may not be with us much longer.

I pray the visit goes well though. Both my grandparents are in their mid eighties, and showing rapidly increasing signs of alzheimers. They're starting to forget things -- important things. Add that to their subborness to accept that there is anything wrong, and the rest of the family (aunts, uncles, cousins, etc) are becoming very concerned. They still live in the same house that they raised their children in, and they refuse to move to a care facility. They're not doing well. All things considered, this may likely be my mom's last opportunity to see them before they pass on. She lives in Minnesota -- two states and a Great Lake away.

I can't imagine it's easy to see one's parents grow weaker with age. I'm sure my mom has a lot on her mind as a result of this trip. The inevitable will happen, and although knowing that can be a comfort, I'm sure it's also a frightening prospect. I certainly pray the visit goes well.

It'll be a short visit to Michigan though. Life demands time from my dad back home in Minnesota, and since he's doing the driving, he needs to be back come the new week. They'll drive the rest of the way down around the Lake and up into Michigan tomarrow, visit until Saturday, and then drive back down here to Milwaukee again by Saturday afternoon. After another night in Milwaukee, they'll be back home in Minneapolis on Sunday. Short trip.

Keep my family in your prayers, though, especially regarding my grandparents. When they go home, so will the oldest generation in our extended family. I'm hoping that won't be sooner than later, but, ulimately, all things are in God's hands. He knows what's best.

I'll share an update -- for those that may be interested -- when my parents pass through Milwaukee again on Saturday. But until then, have a blessed week. I'll catch you on the marrow.

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:03 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Modern Art?"

Portraits of celebrities done in a distinctive style like impressionism, pointilism, cubism or charcoal sketches. (a worth1000 Photoshop contest.)

posted by Jon at 9:43 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Tracking the Election 2004"

Electoral Vote Predictor 2004

posted by Jon at 8:52 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Strange Relations"

Did you know that George W. Bush and John Kerry are related?

Yep. President George W. Bush is a descendent of Edmund Reade and Elizabeth Cooke. So is Massachusetts Senator John Kerry.

View the family tree.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:37 PM  I   I  0 comments

"From Failure to Famous"

Did you know that Elvis Presley once tried to join his high school glee club, but was turned down? That Henry Ford forgot to put a reverse gear in the first car he manufactured? That Pepsi-Cola went bankrupt 3 times? Or even that Albert Einstein failed his first college entrance exam at Zurich Polytechnic?

Here's a list of people and/or companies that went from failure to famous. I found it to be an interesting read, and a testament to the notion of perseverence. Enjoy!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:23 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Snapshots from Iraq"

From the Happy Robot: Hello from Iraq!

"One of our former contributors here at happyrobot went off to serve in Iraq at the beginning of 2004 and has finally got settled enough (or as much as you can 'settle') to start sending me photos of what he's doing."

Don't worry. They aren't combat photos, just snapshots from a soldier.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:03 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Car in a Pool"

You know, I've been seeing a lot of photos lately showing cars that have ended up in swimming pools. It must be a conspiracy. Especially considering the existance of odd websites like this one depicting an entire series of photos, including an animation.

Someone has way too much time on their hands.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:47 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Cutout Coins"

These humorous cutout coins were created in fun. Enjoy.

posted by Jon at 8:07 PM  I   I  0 comments