"83-79: A Winning Season"

Well, the season has come to an end, and so has gameplay for the 2007 Milwaukee Brewers. They went out on a high-note today (beating San Diego 11-6), and as a result, they finish with 83 wins and 79 losses. Certainly respectable, considering how far they've come this season!

I even made a prediction back on April 2nd:

"I predict that my Brewers will finally end the season with a winning record (something they haven't done for over a decade!). Even with a weak NL Central, I’m not sure that'll be enough to win the division, but I do think they'll earn that record. They have plenty of depth and talent on the roster this year, and solid starting pitching to support it. Yeah, this could be a very good year!"

Not bad, eh? I know it's far too early, but I'll have a little fun and predict a division title next season. They haven't earned one since 1982. ... Yep. 2008 is the year! Go Brewers!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:18 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Quote of the Day"

"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."
-- Arnold Schwarzenegger

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:09 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Brewers Win! Brewers Win!"

The Milwaukee Brewers may be out of the playoffs this season, but there's still some celebration worth noting: With a 4-3 come-from-behind win over San Diego today, they just clinched their first winning season in 15 years! And man, what a season it's been!

They haven't finished above .500 since 1992 -- when they were still in the American League.

The team also set the franchise record for "attendance in a season" with today's crowd of 40,946, pushing the season total to 2,826,729. The old record was 2,811,041, set in 2001 (the first year in Miller Park). Today was also the 30th sellout in 2007, yet another franchise record.

The Cubs may have won the division, but the Brewers broke the most records.

"Brewers' 4-3 comeback victory keeps Padres from clinching"

Way to go Brewers!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:38 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Movie Friday: "Hallucii"

Another Friday, another movie. This week my selection is titled, "Hallucii".

Today, it's a fun little animated short by Goo Shun Wang. It reminds me of work done by Dutch graphic artist, M. C. Escher. ... "After having too much to drink on his way home from work, a man finds himself trapped in an endless looping staircase that leads to nowhere." ... Brilliant!

Enjoy, and have a wonderful weekend everyone!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:19 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Pennant Fever 2007: That's a Wrap"

Well folks, it's over; The Brewers' season has come to a close. With a 6-3 loss today, Milwaukee is out of the playoff race. The Cubs beat the Reds, and have officially clinched the NL-Central with two games remaining. We had one heck of a run here in 2007... Now it's time to end with a winning record, collect a few post-season awards, and make a dash for the pennant in 2008!

And, the Cubs... well, I don't think they'll make it past the playoffs. Greater teams took top honors; those will be the teams fighting for a pennant. The Cubs squeaked into contention. I think they'll be knocked right back out. But that's just *my* prediction. We'll just have to wait and see.

"Greene's 3 RBIs help Padres end Brewers' playoff hopes with 6-3 victory"

2007 is done. Time for '08. Go Brewers!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:39 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Pennant Fever 2007: Minus 3"

Three games left in the season, and the Milwaukee Brewers remain two games behind the division-leading Chicago Cubs. Both teams lost tonight, Chicago falling 6-4 to the Marlins, and Milwaukee 9-5 against San Diego. The Cubs and Crew remain in the hunt for the post-season....
At this point, though, it'll be close. Very close. Right now, it all comes down to luck.

Team Name .... W - L ... .pct ... GB

Chi Cubs ...... 83 - 76 ... .522 ... ---- ... (3 games left)
Milwaukee .... 81 - 78 ... .509 ... 2.0 ... (3 games left)

"Padres beat Br-E-E-E-E-E-rs 9-5, taking advantage of 5 Milwaukee errors"

Go Brewers!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:39 PM  I   I  0 comments

"T-Shirt Thursday: Women's T-Shirts"

In an effort to show off some of my popular (or new) t-shirts, artwork, and gift ideas exclusive to my online store, Jon Baas Designs, I've decided to feature a few of them here on my blog every Thursday. I call it, "T-Shirt Thursday". Feel free to comment, and enjoy!

Today's Featured Designs:
(click on each image to see available products)


More T-Shirts and Gifts: .... Women's T-Shirts .... Cutie T-Shirts

And for those of you who like to shop, weekly sales and coupons are available on the front page of my store. Feel free to use them for special discounts!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:14 PM  I   I  0 comments

"One Semester of Spanish -- Spanish Love Song"

When it comes to my limited knowledge of the Spanish language, this is probably about the best romantic love song I could sing too! I took six semesters, and I still can't speak it fluently.

(Good thing the woman I love isn't Spanish!) ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:35 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Barry Bonds*: Permanently Branded"

Earlier this year, San Francisco Giants baseball player Barry Bonds hit his 756th homerun, breaking Hank Aaron's long-standing all-time record of 755. Today, it was announced by Fashion designer Marc Ecko -- who currently owns the record-breaking ball -- that it will be branded with an asterisk, and sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Ecko bought the ball in an online auction on Sept. 15 for $752,467. He then set up a Web site for fans to vote on the ball's fate: brand it, send it to Cooperstown unblemished, or launch it into space. The decision to brand and donate it won out.

The asterisk denotes that Bonds' record is tainted by illegal steroid use. The self-centered egotistical slugger has, however, denied using performance-enhancing drugs. Despite the brand, though, the Hall of Fame remains eager to accept and permanently display the ball.

"Barry Bonds' No. 756 to be branded with an asterisk and sent to Baseball Hall of Fame"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:53 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Pennant Fever 2007: Minus 4"

Four games left, and the Brewers had to miss a valuable chance to advance a game on the first place Chicago Cubs. It's disappointing, but it happens. Tonight the Cubs lost to the Florida Marlins, and Milwaukee did likewise, falling 7-3 to the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cubs play one more game against Florida tomorrow, while the equally desperate west coast San Diego Padres come to town to battle the Brew Crew. The Padres, Cubs, and Brewers are all fighting for a playoff spot. .... These last four games will determine everything.

Team Name .... W - L ... .pct ... GB

Chi Cubs ...... 83 - 75 ... .525 ... ---- ... (4 games left)
Milwaukee .... 81 - 77 ... .513 ... 2.0 ... (4 games left)

"Milwaukee loses to Cardinals 7-3 and remains 2 games back of Cubs"

Go Brewers!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:19 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Wednesday in Review"

Went to court as a witness (unrelated to me); case adjourned for the third time until January. Treated to lunch at Johnny V's. Took a three hour nap. Listening to the Brewers game. Thinking of Jenny as she prepares for three long 12-hour days of nursing clinicals. Planning for tomorrow.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:44 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Pennant Fever 2007: Minus 5"

With only five (5) games to go in the season, Major League baseball is not at a loss for excitement. It's down to the wire, and everyone wants a shot at the playoffs.

Naturally, *my* attention remains focused on the NL Central. In perhaps one of the closest races this month, my Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago Cubs are fighting desperately to win the division and advance to the playoffs. Here's where things stand:

Team Name .... W - L ... .pct ... GB

Chi Cubs ...... 83 - 74 ... .529 ... ---- ... (5 games left)
Milwaukee .... 81 - 76 ... .516 ... 2.0 ... (5 games left)

Milwaukee wants a playoff berth so badly, we can all taste it. It's been 25 long years since the Brewers went to the postseason... this would be a fitting year to end that streak. Last night they beat the St. Louis Cardinals 13-5. Today they crushed them again 9-1. There's a hunger. The team isn't going to come so close, and then lose without a fight! We're "in it, to win it!"

And, interestingly enough, the Brewers set yet another baseball record today... First baseman Prince Fielder surpassed Willie Mays to become the youngest player ever to hit fifty (50) homeruns in a season. Mays was 24 years-old when he hit his 50th in 1955, Fielder is 23.

Can the Brewers make it to the playoffs this season? Maybe. Am I optimistic? You bet!

"Fielder sets major league record with two homers vs. Cards"

"Fielder reaches 50 HRs as Brewers power past Cardinals 9-1"

Go Brewers!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:38 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Quote of the Day"

"To love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, but risk must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing at all."
-- Unknown

-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:38 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Movie Friday: "Maestro"

Another Friday, another movie. This week my selection is titled, "Maestro".

Five minutes before his big performance, the Maestro and his persistent mechanical assistant are in preparation mode. As the clock ticks, life at the top is not quite what it seems....

Enjoy, and have a wonderful weekend everyone!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:42 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Mr. Potato Head Mash Up"

Oooh! Now this is fun!: Ash of Mr. PotatoMash uses modelling clay to "mash up" Mr. PotatoHead into various fantastic-looking pop culture, movie, and cartoon characters.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 5:23 PM  I   I  0 comments

"The Forgotten Fire"

The deadliest fire in the history of the United States occurred in a town you probably never heard of -- right here in Wisconsin. On October 8 1871, Peshtigo, Wisconsin was totally consumed by fire, and over 1,200 people died. The fire was not widely reported in the press, however, because the Great Chicago Fire also took place on that date.

More than 1,200 people died in Peshtigo; only 250 in the Chicago Fire.

Read a harrowing account of the Peshtigo fire at Damn Interesting.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:42 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Darth Vader Blues"

Remember that scene at the end of "Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi" in which Luke Skywalker meets his real father (Anakin/Vader) just before he dies? Well... I think they cut out this part! Here's a side of Darth Vader we never got to see. Enjoy! ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:24 PM  I   I  0 comments

"T-Shirt Thursday: Love T-Shirts"

In an effort to show off some of my popular (or new) t-shirts, artwork, and gift ideas exclusive to my online store, Jon Baas Designs, I've decided to feature a few of them here on my blog every Thursday. I call it, "T-Shirt Thursday". Feel free to comment, and enjoy!

Today's Featured Designs:
(click on each image to see available products)


More T-Shirts and Gifts: .... Love T-Shirts .... Patriotic Heart T-Shirts

And for those of you who like to shop, weekly sales and coupons are available on the front page of my store. Feel free to use them for special discounts!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:53 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Quote of the Day"

"The best feelings are those that have no words to describe them."
-- Michelle Hammersley

-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:41 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Magical Baseball Bat"

During a recent New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves baseball game, Martin Prado grounds out in the 9th inning, and flips his bat away. Watch the bat! ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:35 AM  I   I  0 comments

"The #1 Song On This Date In History"

What was the #1 song in America on... the day you were born? The day you graduated from high school? College graduation? The day you were married?

From the main page, click on a month. Then click on a date. You'll see a list of the #1 songs from that date in each year. You can also click on each song to hear a portion of it in iTunes, although, you must have that software installed to listen. Songs date back to the 1890s.

The #1 song in America on the day I was born: "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen.

What's yours?

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:49 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Paper Folding and Wire Art"

Now these are fascinating!: Intricate paper and wire art by Polly Verity.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:21 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Pennant Fever!"

Ah... yes! Now come the thrills of baseball! .... With only thirteen (13) games left in the season, the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs are fighting tooth-and-nail for a playoff spot. For the first time in 15 years, the Crew is in an all-out pennant race! Yeee-hah! Go Brewers!

Team Name .... W - L ... .pct ... GB

Chi Cubs ...... 79 - 72 ... .523 ... ---- ... (11 games left)
Milwaukee .... 77 - 72 ... .517 ... 1.0 ... (13 games left)

"Yovani Gallardo dominates Astros, lifts Milwaukee Brewers to 6-0 victory"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:51 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Lydia Makes Three; Baas House Silent"

As of today, my youngest sister, Lydia, is officially in the U.S. Navy. She shipped out early this morning for two months of boot camp out on the East Coast.

God-Speed, Lydia. You make me proud!

For those unfamiliar with me -- or my family -- Lydia is actually the third Baas sibling (out of six) to join the U.S. Military... Becca (3rd oldest) is currently a commissioned officer in the Air Force. This Fall, she'll be transfering to Ramstein Air Base in Germany for two years. And Ben (4th oldest), is currently an Infantry Rifleman in the U.S. Marines. He recently returned from service in Iraq earlier this year, and is stationed near San Diego.

With Lydia in training, that also means my parents have officially become "empty-nesters". No more can the sound of children's feet be heard pounding playfully through the halls of the Baas house. No more resound the voices of disagreeing siblings. For the first time ever, a once-full five-bedroom house... sits silent.

All six of us Baas kids have grown up.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:34 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Sunday in Review"

Skipped morning church, while Scott (roomate) slept in. Watched some Star Trek and napped. Relaxed. Went to contemporary evening church service instead. Visited the house-warming of two newly-wed friends. Had fun. Socialized. Learned how to play "Settlers of Catan". Returned home to chat online with Jenny. Going to bed soon. Looking forward to a productive new week.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:53 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Hey Little Sparta"

Earlier today, my friend and fellow blogger, Marsha Loftis, posted a great little music video titled, "Hey Little Sparta". It's cute, it's catchy, and it's about a cat named Sparta. Since she posted it with me in mind, I thought I'd grab it, re-post it, and share it with all of you too! ... [video]

Enjoy, and have a wonderful Saturday everyone!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:21 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Fight For Kisses"

Now this is what I call clever, effective, AND entertaining! It's an advertisment from Wilkinson promoting their latest product. And they don't go about it in a way you'd expect. In my opinion, this is one of the best commercials I've seen in a long time! Enjoy! ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 4:19 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Quote of the Day"

"Women wish to be loved without a why or a wherefore; not because they are pretty, or good, or well-bred, or graceful, or intelligent, but because they are themselves."
-- Henri Frederic Amiel

There is a woman whom I love with all my heart. I love her without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love her more than I love myself. I love her without end. And no matter how hard I might try, I can't think of one reason why I love her. I just do. And that's reason enough for me.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:12 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Movie Friday: "One Rat Short"

Another Friday, another movie. This week my selection is titled, "One Rat Short".

Today's animated short film is about one rat's innocent misadventure. It's an award-winning film in which our hero rat follows the mesmerizing ballet of a discarded food wrapper from his dirty black urban world into an unfamiliar blinding-white laboratory world.

One environment is so gritty, grimy, and dark that the viewer needs to peer into the screen in order to make out the images, while the other is so sterile and brightly lit, that you feel the need to turn your head away from the screen. A truely moving tale, and a beguiling adventure of unrequited love within a very unorthodox context. Very well done!

Yes, this might be a film about rats, but even rats can be beautiful too!

Enjoy, and have a wonderful weekend everyone!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:46 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Thursday in Review"

Beautiful day. Lots of sun. Spent most of the afternoon painting the outside of an old house. Climbed ladders; stretched to reach windows. Discovered a restaurant that makes unbeatable "Italian beef sandwiches"! Enjoying a quiet evening. Preparing for a cold day tomorrow.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 5:58 PM  I   I  0 comments

"T-Shirt Thursday: About Me T-Shirts"

In an effort to show off some of my popular (or new) t-shirts, artwork, and gift ideas exclusive to my online store, Jon Baas Designs, I've decided to feature a few of them here on my blog every Thursday. I call it, "T-Shirt Thursday". Feel free to comment, and enjoy!

Today's Featured Designs:
(click on each image to see available products)


More T-Shirts and Gifts: .... About Me T-Shirts .... Love T-Shirts

And for those of you who like to shop, weekly sales and coupons are available on the front page of my store. Feel free to use them for special discounts!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 5:22 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Kitten Eating a Melon"

"Cute of the Day": A Ukranian kitten enjoying what looks like a cantaloupe. No plot, no story, just a cute little video featuring one happy kitty! Enjoy! ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 4:29 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Jamba Juice Jubilee"

I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of David Letterman. To me, he just isn't funny, nor does he have good comic timing. However... there *is* the rare occassion when he comes up with something so off-the-wall and utterly stupid that you can't help but find it amusing.

Like recently, when he asked the question: "How many guys in Spider-Man suits can fit inside a Jamba Juice restaurant?" He decided to test out this idea on the Late Show a few months back, and here's what he discovered: Jamba Juice Jubilee. Enjoy! ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:57 AM  I   I  0 comments

"9/11.+6: In Memoriam"

Today is 9/11. Today 2,974 names are remembered -- 2,750 names of financial workers, firefighters, rescue workers, parents, and children who died at (or as a result of) the World Trade Center in New York City; .... 40 passengers and crew on United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania; .... and 184 personnel at the Pentagon in Washington DC.

Remember 9/11. Remember the lost. And honor those who keep terror at bay.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:08 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Quote(s) of the Day -- For Jenny"

"All of our young lives we search for someone to love. Someone that makes us complete. We choose partners and change partners. We dance to a song of heartbreak and hope. All the while wondering if somewhere, somehow, there's someone perfect who might be searching for us."
-- The Wonder Years

"Friends are God's way of taking care of us."
-- Unknown

-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:16 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Monday in Review"

Rain today. 50F degree weather. Chilly. Took some items to the municipal dump. Worked a bit. Napped. Watched some Star Trek. Chatting online with Jenny for the first time in a month! Happy. Thankful. Content. Looking forward to tomorrow.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:53 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Tennis Balls: Little. Yellow. Useful."

There are many household items that have earned a spot in the ultimate do-it-yourself toolbox. Items such as duct tape, vinegar, lemon juice, aluminum foil, wire hangers, etc. But there's one multi-purpose tool that most people probably overlook: the tennis ball.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:26 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Lost Cities"

Here's something interesting: A whole website dedicated to photos of lost cities and ancient ruins found all over the world. Everything from Petra to Thebes to Delphi and beyond. Fascinating stuff!

In looking through all these photos, though, I can't help but stop and wonder... what will the ruins of Milwaukee look like in 1000 years? Will there even be any?

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:17 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Going, going GONE!"

My hometown Milwaukee Brewers just set another record. Earlier this afternoon, they became the third team in major league history to start a game with three straight home runs. Rickie Weeks, J.J. Hardy, and Ryan Braun each connected (in order) off Cincinnati's Phil Dumatrait. That makes the Brewers only the third team to accomplish this in over 100 years! Not bad.

And if that's not enough, Hardy and Braun both hit a second homerun later in the game. The Brewers ended up winning by a score of 10-5.

The last time the Brew Crew hit three consecutive home runs -- during any part of a game -- was on September 12, 1982, when Cecil Cooper, Ted Simmons and Ben Oglivie each went deep in a 9-8 loss to the American League New York Yankees. That was 25 years ago.

Here's where the 2007 Brewers stand at the moment: ... They're in first place in the NL central, they could win the division and a spot in the Playoffs (for the first time in 25 years!), and they have both the most likely NL Rookie of the Year (Ryan Braun), as well as one of the top candidates for NL Most Valuable Player (Prince Fielder).

Yep. They're in a pretty good place right now. They're in it to win it, and all of Milwaukee is waiting with baited breath. Is this their year? Could the Brewers become a championship team again? We'll see. Three weeks left in the season. Three weeks left to make Milwaukee proud!

"Brewers become 3rd team to open with 3 straight homers"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:38 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Veggie Art"

When I was younger, my mom would often tell me to eat my food, rather than turn it into some sort of sculpture on my plate. And she was right, dinner is meant to be eaten, not played with. But...
if the tables were turned, and I was allowed to be creative with my fruits and veggies... I might just turn them into colorful animals -- like these!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:26 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Movie Friday: "FINITE"

Another Friday, another movie. This week my selection is titled, "FINITE".

When a relationship is forced to change, how does one come to terms with the past and reconcile? How does one move on? Relationships -- like life -- simply exist, persist, and endure for a limited period of time... then they're gone. Here's a beautiful short film that touches upon this concept.

Enjoy, and have a wonderful weekend.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:17 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Quote of the Day"

"All human wisdom is summed up in two words -- wait and hope."
-- Alexandre Dumas Pere

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:37 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Underneath New York City"

This evening I happened upon a fascinating program on television. It was an episode of the PBS series, "The American Experience", and this one was all about the New York City subway:

"New York City... Just after the Civil War. The fastest growing city in the country. But also a city at a standstill. Frozen in place by monumental traffic jams... holding up travel and business... threatening the city's survival.

In 1868, beneath downtown broadway, a crew of men... working in secrecy... began carving a tunnel in the underground darkness. This was a bold experiment, conceived by one man -- convinced that only a subway could save the city."

This is American history at it's best. Vision and determination... Peserverence against all odds... technology and innovation shaping the American landscape. I've never been to New York, yet, for some reason, the subway intruiges me. Go figure.

And... if the history program wasn't enough, right after, PBS aired an episode from another series exploring the modern-day New York underground. Truely fascinating stuff! For your convenience, I even found a great National Geographic website offering illustrations. Feel free to look around, and be sure to click on the labels for more indepth information.

Enjoy, and happy exploring!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:12 PM  I   I  0 comments

"T-Shirt Thursday: TBA"

Due to a number of new designs rolling out, I've decided to hold off on today's "T-Shirt Thursday". If all goes as planned, some of these additions could start showing up in next week's collection.

So, stay tuned... More new Jon Baas Designs "stuff" coming next week.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:18 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Quote of the Day"

"Your heart is free, have the courage to follow it."
-- Braveheart

-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:42 AM  I   I  0 comments

"The World Enough and Time"

Those of you who are fans of the fan film series, Star Trek: New Voyages, will be happy to know that their third (and best!) episode has been released online. Here's a brief synopsis:

A Romulan weapons test goes awry and snares the Enterprise in an inter-dimensional trap. Lt. Commander Sulu returns to find himself 30 years out of place, and the key to saving the crew of the Enterprise as the precarious grasp on their own dimension begins to slip. Guest starring George Takei, who returns to the role of Hikaru Sulu, which he played on television in Star Trek (TOS) and in Star Trek: Voyager, as well as in the six feature Star Trek films.

Although not without its flaws, this third full episode from New Voyages is by far THE best Star Trek fan production ever made. Good casting. Great sets. Beautiful CGI. It could likely even qualify as the first truly professional fan production worthy of the name Star Trek.

The entire episode, "The World Enough and Time" can be seen on the New Voyages website. Feel free to give it a watch, and enjoy. All other New Voyages episodes can be found here.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:34 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Name That Color"

Do you know what color Mule Fawn is? Bulgarian Rose? Or maybe even Chambray? How about Tarawera, Daisy Bush, or Gimblet? Is Indigo violet or purple?

Name That Color lets you create a color on the screen and find out the name of the closest matching color. You can also select from a list of 1500+ colors and explore on your own.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:34 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Violin and Turntables"

Who says classical violin and hip hop music can't get along? Here's a YouTube clip by musicians Paul Dateh and inka one that shows just what such a combination should sound like.

Violin and turntables... I like! ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:40 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Gorilla Advertising"

Here's something interesting: It's an ad for Cadbury chocolate -- featuring a gorilla. I'm not entirely sure what a gorilla has to do with chocolate, but it made me smile, so I thought I'd share.

Other than that, I’m not telling you anything else. Enjoy! ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:28 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Happy Labor Day!"

Welcome to September, the month that kicks off Autumn!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 12:45 PM  I   I  0 comments

"The World Without Us"

In the book, "The World Without Us", Alan Weisman details the impact human culture, society, and invention has had upon the earth. His goal: To invision the future of our planet, without us.

For example, he explains how our massive infrastructure would collapse and vanish without humans around to maintain it. He investigates which of our possessions might become fossilized, how copper pipes and wiring would be crushed into reddish rock; why some of the earliest buildings might be some of the last architecture left; and how bronze sculpture, plastic, radio waves, and some man-made molecules might be our longest-lasting gifts to the universe.

I haven't read the book (just visited the website), but I do find myself rather intruiged. If you're interested, here's an interactive timeline depicting what might happen to the our planet without the relentless pressure of the human presence. Enjoy!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:40 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Noli Novak Artwork"

Noli Novak is a New Jersey-based artist who grew up on the Croatian island of Korchula. Since 1987, she has been producing some of the finest Wall Street Journal stipple portraits.

Stippling, for those unfamilar with the term, is the technique of using small dots to simulate varying degrees of solidity or shading. Noli's style is favored by corporate clients for its intricate detail and emphasis on capturing likeness. All of her drawings are hand drawn using pen and ink.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:08 PM  I   I  0 comments