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OFFICIAL BLOG :: Jon Baas
"Quote of the Day" "Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never ever the same." - Flavia Weedn -Jon I I 0 comments "William Shatner: The Ballet" William Shatner (Star Trek's Captain Kirk) does it all. Recently, the Milwaukee Ballet announced it will premiere "Common People", a ballet choreographed to Shatner’s recent album "Has Been". The dance will be one of three parts of "Premieres of Passionate Dance" being performed this Valentines Day weekend (February 15–18) at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. In a WKTI radio interview, Shatner was enthusiastic about the event, saying "I have a life-long devotion - more than an interest, less than an obsession, with the ballet and to have this happen to me is so exciting." He said he'd try to make it here to Milwaukee to see the ballet -- if he can fit it in between shootings of his hit show Boston Legal. If you're interested, here's a video sample of "Has Been", and here's his radio interview (mp3) with the local WKTI morning show. Enjoy! "Ballet choreographer inspired by Shatner-Folds compositions" -Jon I I 0 comments
"Jon Gets an Upgrade" For nearly five years, this blog has been hosted through Blogger -- originally created by Pyra Labs. In early 2003, internet giant, Google, quietly purchased Blogger, and has slowly been making it their own since. Today, I was finally strong-armed into "upgrading" from the classic Blogger that I know and love, to the "new" Google Blogger that's still somewhat problematic. So, as a cautionary note, please pardon any dust or errors you may encounter as I work out the kinks of this new "upgrade". I'm still here, I'm still blogging... but if there's a lengthy delay in posting -- or wonky code of some sort -- just blame Google. And, in the event that something does go wrong, or the upgrade doesn't take, just check out the news page of JonBaas.com, or my MySpace blog for all the details. Alright... here goes. Wish me luck! UPDATE - 7:50 PM: The "upgrade" seems to have taken. I'm now on the Google blogging system. I'll take a look at the new features and work out any necessary kinks later on. But for now, we're still here, and all is well. Maybe this upgrade isn't so bad afterall. We'll see. Until later, Your happily blogging friend, -Jon I I 0 comments "The Little Girl Giant" "The little girl giant woke up one morning, got a shower from the Sultan's Elephant, and wandered off to play in the park...." Here's a look at a massive puppet show put on by the Royal De Luxe theatre company of London, England. The street was the stage, the "stars": a beautifully modelled giant girl, and a hydraulically powered elephant. Enjoy! ... [video] -Jon I I 0 comments
"Quote of the Day" -- For Jenny. "The most precious possession that ever comes to a man in this world is a woman's heart." - Josiah G. Holland Thank you. -Jon I I 0 comments
"Star Trek Home Theatre" Gary Reighn likes Star Trek so much that he built his very own Star Trek home theater, and on a budget of $15,000 too no less! -- Furniture, and equipment included. Now, granted, I'm not this passionate about my love of Star Trek, but you gotta admit, Gary certainly has a lot of imagination and an amazing level of creativity. And, come on, let's face it, his remodeling effort is just AWESOME! ... Take a look. Tell me what YOU think. :) -Jon I I 0 comments
"Melting Glacier" Here are some beautiful pictures of a melting glacier (somewhere up in the Arctic I believe). Absolutely stunning! God certainly has a way when it comes to sculpting nature! -Jon I I 0 comments "One Man Band" Guess what? It's Movie Friday! Here's a cute little film by Pixar Animations: "One Man Band". Enjoy! ... [video] -Jon I I 0 comments
"Quote of the Day" "Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest." - Mark Twain -Jon I I 0 comments
"Love is..." I've released a new line of clothing for the romantic (and not-so-romantic) at heart. Feel free to take a look and let me know what you think: Love is... T-shirts. -Jon I I 0 comments "Normal Room" Here's something interesting... See how people live around the world. Explore the variety of lifestyles and cultural peculiarities. Normal Room shows you unique architecture, design, and home furniture from all around the globe. -Jon I I 0 comments
"Jon Goes Star Trek" Well, it's official, I now own my first Star Trek film. Yes, yes, I know, I'm a big Star Trek geek, yet I've never actually owned one of the ten franchise films. I've seen them all, just never owned one. Thankfully, however, that era has finally come to an end. Earlier this evening I saw the eighth movie, "Star Trek: First Contact", at Best Buy, and I snapped it up. Anyone up for a movie night? ... [laugh] -Jon I I 0 comments
"The TV Screen" Now this is cool!... It's a website that allows you to watch free TV channels from around the world -- all from the convenience of your own computer. Also known as Online TV, it allows viewers to connect from anywhere, and see what's being broadcast in another country. Take a peek, have fun... and don't get too distracted! -Jon I I 0 comments "More Snow" Yay. More snow. More shoveling. So far today, I wouldn't be surprised if we've gotten at least three more inches of the white stuff. Add that to what's already on the ground, and it's really starting to add up. Yeah, I'd say it definitely looks like winter out there now. -Jon I I 0 comments
"Casa de Retiro Espiritual" Here's some unique architecture: The Casa de Retiro Espiritual north of Seville, Spain. This strange yet beautiful "House of Spiritual Retreat," designed by Emilio Ambasz, is built right into a hill, with the above-ground structure serving as an Escher-like inside-out room. It's quite an impressive structure if you ask me. Very creative. There's even a YouTube arial tour. Enjoy! -Jon I I 0 comments "The Top of the World" Have you ever wondered what the world would look like from the top of the highest mountain on the planet? Well, here's your chance. You've finally made it to the top of Mount Everest. You stop and look around. What do you see? -Jon I I 0 comments
"Leroy Chiao’s Top 10 Space Photos" Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao -- who lived aboard the International Space Station for seven months (October 2004 to April 2005) -- took more than 24,000 photos of Earth from his vantage point in high orbit. Here are his 10 favorite space photos. And, not only did he take some beautiful photos of Earth, he was also born right here in Milwaukee! Plus, he was also the first American to vote in a presidential election while in space. Pretty cool if you ask me! Enjoy, and consider this your Milwaukee trivia of the day! Have a great Friday all! -Jon I I 0 comments
"Quote of the Day" "Acting deals with very delicate emotions. It is not putting up a mask. Each time an actor acts he does not hide; he exposes himself." - Rodney Dangerfield -Jon I I 0 comments
"Portrait Photos" As you know, I love drawing graphite portraits. As an artist, it's one of my favorite themes. I find the artistry and challenge of it intruiging. I find people intruiging. Heck, just the human identity as a whole intruiges me. And so much can be told through an expression, a simple smile, or a random gaze cast out into the unknown. So, having said that, I thought I'd share with you a website I just came across -- a website featuring nothing but stunning photo portraits. Take a moment, give it a look-see, and let me know what you think. Maybe you'll find something in the human expression that intruiges YOU! And don't forget to click on 'archive' for more portraits. There are hundreds of them! Enjoy! :) Have a wonderful day all, and until next time, Your happily blogging artist friend, -Jon I I 0 comments
"The Art of Giving" For his performance art, David Greg Harth stood outside of a McDonald’s restaurant in New York City for 2 1/2 hours. With a budget of $600, he treated random customers to their meals... until the manager called the cops. See what happened, and enjoy! ...[video] -Jon I I 0 comments "Blanket of White" It's official, we finally recieved our second snowfall of winter. Last night we saw 3.4 inches here in Milwaukee. It's pretty having snow on the ground again, but as always, a real bear to remove. The temperatures are still warm enough to turn the snow into slop and slush, but by later tonight, once they finally drop down near the single digits, it could all become ice. So, if you're anywhere in the Midwest, take it easy, drive safe, and stay warm! Winter is back, and we're in for some chilly weather. Have a wonderful Monday all, and until next time, Your happily blogging friend, -Jon I I 0 comments "Jon's Wisdom of the Day" No one is perfect... but that's what makes us perfect for each other. -Jon I I 0 comments
"The Soviet Roadside Bus-Stop" When we think back to the history of the old Soviet Union, for the most part, their architecture and design is remembered for its heavy block buildings and functionally Spartan designs. Its overpowering desire for conformity left little room for individual creative freedom. A notable exception to this, however, is in the transportation sector. One can admire this creativity in the Metro stations of cities like Moscow and Tashkent where the coldness and sterility of typical soviet urban architecture is abandoned and costs are not spared as creative freedom is unleashed. While many of us are aware of the elaborate splendor of the Moscow underground, it's easy to overlook the phenomenon of the common roadside bus stop as an example of soviet art and design letting loose and becoming a little weird and crazy. -Jon I I 0 comments
"Dance of the Flight Attendant" I thought this was rather cute: The Dance of the Flight Attendant. -Jon I I 0 comments "Cat Tales" Here are two interesting cat stories I found around the blogosphere: First we meet Goliath, a 20.2-pound domestic cat who has been stealing cat food from an Oregon woman's house. The huge cat was finally caught when he grew too fat and became wedged in the doggie door! Poor thing. Cute, but definitely a BIG cat. ...[video] "Very Fat Cat Gets Stuck In Doggie Door" And second, a cute little story: "People in Cali, Colombia, are shocked to see the bond between a large African lion and a woman who saved it from abuse, involving long, affectionate kisses and hugs between the pair. Ana Julia Torres, who runs the Villa Lorena animal shelter in Cali, fed and nursed Jupiter the African lion back to health years ago after it was found abused and emaciated in a traveling circus." "African Lion Kisses, Hugs Woman Who Saved It" ... [incl. video] -Jon I I 0 comments "There are Klingons in the White House" Ok. I'm not a political blogger. I have no interest in posting political commentary. That's just not my thing. However, sometimes, politics can still be rather entertaining... Like when Congressman David Wu (D-OR) recently mixed his metaphors so badly on the House floor, that he actually claimed there are "faux Klingons" in the White House. Yeah. I don't think he's a Star Trek fan. Some analogies just don't work! ... [video] -Jon I I 0 comments
"Extreme 3D Chess" I love a good game of chess. I might even take that a bit further and try my hand at 3D chess someday. But an 8-level 3D game of chess? That's insane! ... My brain would explode! -Jon I I 0 comments "Thursday Recap" Today, my landlord and I spend most of the day painting a second-floor two bedroom apartment -- from top to bottom. It tooks us seven hours. Now, that I'm back home, I'm ready for a nap. -Jon I I 0 comments
"Extreme Ice Storm" On December 29-31, 2006 an extreme ice storm hit South Central Nebraska. These are a few images from its aftermath. So beautiful... yet so devestating. -Jon I I 0 comments
"The Little Things" I heard someone's voice for the first time today. I've seen some of her photos. I've read her writings. But I've never heard her speak. Today I did, and it wasn't quite what I expected... It was more. See, sometimes the simplest things in life, are the very things that bring us the most joy. We get so caught up in the red tape of the world around us, that we fail to notice the little things... like the sweetness of someone's voice, or the way the sun sets upon the horizon. Don't miss out on the details that make your life so unique. Get out there, seek, explore, find... but about all, appreciate. We only have one life to live. Don't waste it on trivial concerns. Have a blessed Sunday all. Until next time, Your happily blogging friend, -Jon I I 0 comments "Quote of the Day" "There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love." - Bryant H. McGill -Jon I I 0 comments "Bambi and Thumper" Now, here's your daily "cute". It's a series of photos by German photographer Tanja Askani... It's Disney in real life: Bambi and Thumper. -Jon I I 0 comments
"Eiffel Tower made from 7464 Matches" Alexandr Pashkevich, a creative guy from Ukraine, used over 7,000 matches to build a 1 meter tall model of the Eiffel Tower, complete with over 15,000 details seen on the real monument. Numerous LED lighs illuminate it in the dark. Now THIS is just plain cool! -Jon I I 0 comments
"Friday Recap" Well, it's been a rather interesting afternoon so far. I tested sixteen electronically-rigged fire alarms, woke a few people up, scared a few cats, sawed some stubborn wood beams (with the intent of ripping down walls), and hauled a few buckets of paint and supplies to an apartment I'll be painting next week. And all this while visiting three different Milwaukee suburbs. Yes, quite an interesting afternoon. And now that I'm back home -- within the comforts of my own apartment -- I think it's time for a short nap. Afterall, I have been up since 2:30 AM this morning! I'm about due. Then, when I wake up again, I can finally get back to MY work for the day! ... Yes indeed, busy busy! .... [chuckle]. Have a great evening all, relax, and until next time, Your happily blogging friend, -Jon I I 0 comments "The Blonde" Hmm. How about some library humor to start off your day. Enjoy! ... [video] Happy Friday! -Jon I I 0 comments
"Jon's Wisdom of the Day" I think we all have this ideal companion when we're single and longing not to be. It's that perfect prince charming, in his perfectly pressed suit, riding on his spotless trusty steed..... or that lovely, perfectly proportioned, long-haired maiden with flowers in her hair. But that's not love. Love connects two imperfect people, in perfect selflessness for each other. And then God strengthens that connection through His perfect example. -Jon I I 0 comments
"Deer in the Yard" Now here's something cute: A photographic story of one family's relationship with a herd of deer. Awww... :) -Jon I I 0 comments "Twins Born in Different Years" How often does THIS happen: Twins Ring Out Old Year, Ring In New. One Boston hospital recorded New Year's births for the record books Monday, welcoming both the first baby of the year, and the last of the old year, television station WCVB reported.-Jon I I 0 comments "High Heel Shoe Race" Umm. Ok. Racing is all well and good... but in high heels? Come on now! Apparently, however, this really did happen, on Saturday -- in Russia. It took place in Moscow near the GUM shopping center, the sponsor of the run. The fastest woman was a 25 year old who finished the 80 meter sprint in 13.52 seconds. She won a $3500 shopping voucher. ... [photo gallery]. -Jon I I 0 comments
"A Date For New Years" Usually on New Years Eve, I hang out in my apartment (by myself), maybe watch the ball drop in Times Square, and do very little out of the ordinary. Pretty sad, I know. But in my defense, I'm not really a big New Years Eve reveler in the first place. Partying just isn't my kind of thing. However... This year was a little different. I had a date. Yes, ...[gasp]... yours truely actually had a date! And yes, it was a planned event. Due to geographic limitations, however, my Southern beauty of a friend remained in Tennessee, and I stayed put right here in good old Milwaukee. Our "date" ended up being a 10-hour conversation -- thanks to the wonderment that is the internet. So, moral of this story? In this day and age, amazing soul-mate friends do not have to live next door to be amazing company. They do not have to be present in order to feel the warmth of their heart. And, great distances do not diminish the blessings of friendship. Jenny, thank you for sharing your morning with me today. I could not have asked for a better way to ring in the new year! And everyone else... Welcome to 2007! Have a safe and Blessed New Year all! Your happily blogging friend, -Jon I I 0 comments "Happy New Year" Welcome to the "Year of the Bond" everyone! You know... 2-007! ...[chuckle]. -Jon I I 0 comments + Full Blog Archive I Blog Home |
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