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OFFICIAL BLOG :: Jon Baas
"Chat Noir" Here's a fun little web game for you. It's called "Chat Noir", and the object is pretty simple: Try to keep the cat from escaping the field by clicking on a spot. It's not as easy as it looks! Enjoy, and have a wonderful evening all! -Jon I I 0 comments "Movie Friday: "Over There" Another Friday, another movie. This week my selection is titled, "Over There". A Film in Two Parts: ... Part One ... Part Two Today's skillfully-done claymation film qualifies as both "cute" and "quirky", so grab your "Awww's", set aside about twenty minutes, and let's go to the movies! This dandy of a film asks the following question: "What happens on the set of a clay-animated movie, when the animators leave?" The answer... Our handsome animated everyday hero -- Trip Montgomery -- goes on a daring adventure across the room to save the witty damsel-in-distess. And for a clay character, let me tell you, he's in for quite an adventure! Enjoy the show, and have a wonderful weekend all! -Jon I I 0 comments "Ted and Anna Get Engaged" Two crew members for the TV show Scrubs fell in love. When it came time to pop the question, the whole set was ready. Now that's a happy (and unexpected) beginning! ... [video] -Jon I I 0 comments
"T-Shirt Thursday: Election 2008 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 & Gifts: .... Election 2008 T-shirts .... Occupation 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 great Thursday everyone! Your happily blogging friend, -Jon I I 0 comments
"Wisdom of the Day" "Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it." I I 0 comments "Brrr. It's Cold Outside" Today was a momentous day -- in a sad sort of way. This evening it finally became necessary to pull out my winter hat, and wear it on my walk to the store. No longer can I adorn my head with a baseball cap, now I must start covering my ears to protect them from the chill blasts of winter! Is it that time of year already? Oh, please, please say it 'ain't so! -Jon I I 0 comments "20,372 Tossed Teddies" This past Saturday, the Portland Winter Hawks hosted their 10th annual Teddy Bear Toss Night. The tradition is for fans to toss teddy bears onto the ice after the team scores their first goal of the season. This year, 20,372 stuffed animals rained down from the stands -- a new world record. Officials later disallowed the celebratory goal, however, the Winter Hawks still went on to win the hockey game 4-3. All teddy bears were donated to local hospitals and charities. Here's a clip of the massive teddy bear toss. Enjoy! ... [video] -Jon I I 0 comments
"Computer + Piano = Compiano" I usually don't post links to Ebay auctions, but this one is worth sharing. It's a classic example of creativity mixed with functionality. It's a computer... in a piano (case-mod), created by ebay seller compianos, and originally built for Elton John. "What you see pictured is a beautiful 1904 Chickering Upright Grand Piano, refinished to its original splendor. To make it a set, a matching refurbished antique Piano Stool is also included. Wrapped in magnificent mahogany, the piano’s warm tones and unique features draws one to it. It boasts superior craftsmanship, as evident in its intricate carved details, beautifully curved keyboard cover and exquisite legs. It has a charming history, as many antique pianos do. But it also has a secret. Here’s a short clip of the computer/piano. ... [video] -Jon I I 0 comments "Outrageous And Funny Signs" Let's start the day with some humor! How about some Funny Signs. -Jon I I 0 comments
"Angry Whopper-Gram" An Angry-Gram is the perfect way to let someone know they totally do your head in. Tell the Angry-Gram who they are and why they wind you up. A ticked off 3-Pepper Angus, the Angry Whopper, will arrive in their inbox and really let them have it. Here's a fun example of an angry Whopper rant. Or, you can make your own. Enjoy! -Jon I I 0 comments "Europe United" So, let's start the weekend with a little dancing, shall we? :) Samsung Mobile and SX Media present something fun, a music video titled, "Europe United". The idea is simple: They went to 10 different European cities; London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Prague, Ibiza, Barcelona, Moscow, Edinburgh and Galway and got regular people to dance in the street. Those who made it into the final cut of this video won a free Samsung cellphone. ... [video] Get up, dance, and enjoy the weekend folks! :) Your happily blogging friend, -Jon I I 0 comments
"Condition One" McMurdo Station in Antartica is a science research center operated by the United States. The weather at McMurdo Station is classified as being Condition 3 (nice weather), Condition 2 (not so nice weather), or Condition 1. Here's a sample of what Condition 1 looks like. ... [video] Thankfully, our Wisconsin winters are a lot less... Well, you'll see. -Jon I I 0 comments
"Quote of the Day" "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever." -- Psalm 107:1 -Jon I I 0 comments "Celebrity For a Day" I love little children, especially the playful, curious, or "need to hold your hand" kind. They make me smile, and bring out the kid in me. So innocent and wide-eyed with wonder, excitement,... and energy. They just have a way of melting my serious adult self into the cool grown-up who likes to read them fun stories, give them "under-dogs" on the swingset, or hang out with them on the couch holding conversations with their favorite stuffed animals. I suppose, though, it's probably a good indicator that someday, I'll be the kind of guy who'll end up being a pretty awesome dad and grandfather. I really like that. :) Today I spent Thanksgiving at my aunt and uncle's house in small-town, Wisconsin. It's a family tradition, although, this year, I was the only Baas who was able to make it. But I didn't mind so much, I was still at home among my relatives... and once again I was the "guest of honor" -- as far as my little cousin Mary was concerned. Yep, the minute I arrived at her house, little Mary ran right up to me (bypassing her grandmother, whom I rode up from Milwaukee with), and almost knocked me over with a huge clingy, "Jonathaaaaaan!" hug! Little Mary is the youngest of that family of five cousins, and about six or seven years old. She's bubbly, happy, and really seems to like me -- a lot! Throughout the course of the the day, she was never at a loss for games she wanted to play with me -- pool, Go Fish, hide-and-go-seek, etc. She even requested that I sit next to her at the dinner table. She made sure a spot was saved for her right next to me in the pew at church. She kept handing me her cute little kitten to hold (a birthday present from earlier this month). And during the Thanksgiving Day Packers/Lions football game... she even fell asleep on my chest. Later, when it was time for me to leave, the tears welled up in her eyes, and her expression was one of genuine sadness -- she didn't want me to go. I had a great time today with all my cousins, my aunt, pastor uncle, his brother, and his mother, but the person who made me smile the most was little Mary. I hope she doesn't lose that youthful exuberance. It suits her well. She's a real cutie, smiley, witty, charming, adorable, and always eager to include others in the things she finds so fascinating. Maybe that's what I like about her, though... she has passion. She's fascinated with life. She makes people smile. I have many things to be thankful in life, and she's one of them. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope your day was as joyous as mine, and I wish you another happy 364 days of thanks until the next big Turkey Day! Have a beautiful weekend all, and until next time, Your happily blogging friend, -Jon I I 0 comments "Happy Thanksgiving!" Well, I'm off to bed, and then a day spent in thanks with relatives, a tasty turkey, and some of the best pies I've ever had! Eat well, drive safely, and I'll see you when I get back later tonight! Your happily blogging friend, -Jon I I 0 comments
"Pretty in White" It's snowing outside right now. Everything is covered in a dusty blanket of white slush. It's probably still too warm to stick around for long. But it sure is pretty! -Jon I I 0 comments
"Tuesday in Review" Hauled winter rock salt in the drizzling rain. Set out large blue plastic barrels by parking lots, and tupperware bins by apartment doorsteps; filled each with salt. Treated to lunch. Came home. Showered. Talked with friends online. Tired. Going to bed soon. -Jon I I 0 comments "Navy Weekend Recap" Greetings all! I'm back from Illinois. My youngest sister, Lydia, graduated from Navy boot camp this past weekend, and I went down for that. I also went down to hang out with her for a few days before she shipped off to her advanced training in California -- Monterey, California to be exact. It was a great weekend, though! My parents drove down from Minneapolis, picked me up on their way through Milwaukee, we drove down to North Chicago, checked into our hotel, and headed off to Lydia's graduation at Naval Station Great Lakes. The indoor graduation ceremony there was quite a thing to behold; Pomp and Circumstance to the extreme! There was the standard military band, the traditional Navy Hymn, a drum corps, distinguished Navy officers, a presentation of the flags from all fifty states, a rifle gun salute, lots of marching, and twelve divisions of 952 graduating sailors. Originally, Lydia was supposed to graduate the weekend before, however, it took her a little longer to pass one of the endurance tests, so she carried over to this weekend instead. In the U.S. Navy, there is only one recruit training base (the one we were at), and each weekend there's a graduating class of roughly 1000 Navy personnel. By the end of the year, 60,000 new sailors have graduated into Navy service. Becca, my sister (an officer in the Air Force) also came up for the weekend. She was driving from San Antonio, Texas, all the way up to Washington, DC so she could catch her military flight over to Ramstein Air Base in Germany. She'll be transferred there for the next 2-3 years as the Air Force equivalent of an FBI officer. Lydia's graduation was a stop along her trip. It was fun hanging out with my two military sisters, though. Becca didn't actually make it to Lydia's base in time for the graduation, but she was there waiting when we emerged from the massive drill hall. And, although she was dressed in civilian clothing, it was quite enjoyable to see all the Navy personnel snap to attention whenever she had to show her ID. I got a real kick out of that! Apparently the Navy is very rank-conscious, regardless of military branch. Hanging out with Lydia was a lot of fun too. Eight weeks of rigorous and restrictive training can really get to you. She had saved up some of her Navy pay, and the moment she graduated, insisted that we had to go find a grocery store so she could buy some "crap food" as she put it -- candy, chips, and sweets. She (along with Becca) treated us to dinner at a moderately expensive seafood restaurant (which I thought was certainly appropriate to the weekend, even if it was just one of Lydia's favorite restaurants), as well as TGI Friday's on Saturday evening. All food and meals aside, the four of us also hung out at our nice hotel, went swimming, enjoyed a rare stewing in the jacuzzi, and talked (usually while enjoying Lydia's "crap food"!). But by Saturday, Becca had to resume her drive east through Ohio, and Lydia had to be back on base so she could ship out for California Sunday morning. Neither of them will be able to make it home for Christmas this year. After Becca and Lydia left, my parents and I enjoyed our last night at the hotel, and then drove back up to Milwaukee. They stayed at my apartment Sunday night, and then continued their drive back up to Minneapolis. By now (Tuesday), they're home, Lydia is preparing to study languages at the Defense Language Institute on the Presidio of Monterey, and Becca is finding a house in Germany. Quite a busy weekend if you ask me! God has blessed my family greatly over the years. And right now, I couldn't be prouder to be the older brother of three active service military siblings. That's just down right cool -- and extraordinarily humbling at the same time. -Jon I I 0 comments
"Gone to See a Sailor" Well folks, I'm heading out of town for the weekend. My youngest sister, Lydia, graduates from Navy boot camp tomorrow, and I'm going down near Chicago for that (and to hang out with her too). But I'll be back on Monday with a recap (and maybe a few pics), so stick around. Have a wonderful weekend all, and until I get back, Your happily blogging friend, -Jon I I 0 comments
"2007 NL Rookie of the Year: Ryan Braun" It's official, in one of the closest races ever, Ryan Braun (of my Milwaukee Brewers!) beat Troy Tulowitzki (of the Colorado Rockies) 128-126 to win the NL Rookie of the Year award. This year, the Milwaukee third baseman put together not only one of the best rookie years recently, but also in the history of baseball. Now all we need now is for homer-hitting Prince Fielder to snag the MVP! That would be awesome! "Brewers 3B Braun named NL Rookie of the Year" -Jon I I 0 comments
"Veterans Day 2007" Today we honor the soldiers who have fought to defend Freedom. Today we honor our military veterans. And to that end, I'd like to say a big thank you to my younger brother, Ben, a Marine. He is the first Baas to serve in a war. Earlier this year he returned from duty over in Iraq, and currently resides on his Marine base in California. And while my sister, Becca (officer in the Air Force), hasn't served in armed conflict, she gets a big thank you as well. As of next weekend, she will be re-assigned to Ramstein Air Base in Germany where she will serve as a field agent in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. She'll be stationed there for three years. And finally, Lydia (the youngest), graduates from Navy boot camp next weekend. I'll be attending her graduation ceremony at Naval Station Great Lakes. After that, she'll be sent elsewhere in the country to begin her Navy apprenticeship/job training, and then on to Navy deployment. Congratulations to all three of you. And thank you. -Jon I I 0 comments
"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" The Edmund Fitzgerald was a lake freighter that sank on Lake Superior on November 10, 1975. In 1976, singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot immortalized that tragic incident in a hit song. Last year, youtube user Joseph Fulton made this video remix of that song, a tribute to the 29 men who died on the freighter 32 years ago today. ... [video] -Jon I I 0 comments "Happy Birthday U.S. Marines" On this day in 1775, at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, the United States Marine Corps was founded. Initially set up as a form of naval infantry, the Marine Corps has since gone on to be seen as the most disciplined, committed, and honored fighting force in the world. Here is a special video message (and history lesson) from the Commandant of the Marine Corps to the few and the proud on this 232nd birthday of the U.S. Marines. Happy Birthday to the first ones in, and the last ones to leave. -Jon I I 0 comments
"Movie Friday: "Balance" Another Friday, another movie. This week my selection is titled, "Balance". Today's stop-motion film is a bit deeper than most of my movie choices, but no less engaging or entertaining. It's about Human nature. It's about cleverness, curiosity, short-sightedness... and greed. It also won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short in 1990. Enjoy, and have a wonderful Friday everyone! -Jon I I 0 comments "People With The Highest IQ" IQ (intelligence quotient) is a score derived from one of several different standardized tests attempting to measure intelligence. IQ tests are used as predictors of educational achievement. Here's a list of people with the highest IQ. You can also take a test to identify your likely IQ. I scored an IQ of 136, thus earning me the ranking of "Gifted". This puts me in the 99th percentile (aka, the top 1%). Unofficially, this also qualifies me to be a member of Mensa. According to this list, I scored higher than the estimated intelligence of Civil War General and U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, as well as British explorer Sir Francis Drake. -Jon I I 0 comments
"Quote of the Day" "The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson -Jon I I 0 comments "Porcelain Soda Cans" Now these are classy! Porcelain soda cans, created by Chinese artist Lei Xue. -Jon I I 0 comments "HEMA" HEMA is a Dutch department store. It first opened on November 4, 1926, in Amsterdam, however, now there are 150 stores all over the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, and Germany. In June of this year, HEMA was sold to British investment company Lion Capital. Take a look at HEMA's product page. You can't order anything and it's in Dutch but just wait a couple of seconds (after it loads) and watch what happens. Enjoy! -Jon I I 0 comments "T-Shirt Thursday: Fruit 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 & Gifts: .... Fruit T-shirts .... Occupation 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 great Thursday everyone! Your happily blogging friend, -Jon I I 0 comments
"Wednesday in Review" Ran some errands; went to Target. Bought two pairs of winter gloves. Watched the other movie I bought yesterday, "Eight Men Out". Waiting to hear what my weekend plans will be. Current Temperature: 36F (feels like 31F) -Jon I I 0 comments "9 Creative Staircases" Stairs are generally pretty boring. These, however, are not: 9 Creative Staircases -Jon I I 0 comments
"Tuesday in Review" Spent my day at the mall. Saw the movie, "Dan in Real Life"; Loved it! Did some shopping. Enjoyed a tasty Arby's chicken sandwich, and then an ooey-gooey cinnamon roll from Cinnebon! Bought two new DVD's. Came home and then watched one of them -- "You've Got Mail". Chatting with Jenny. Planning to hang out and be lazy until I head off to bed. Looking forward to another day out on the town tomorrow. -Jon I I 0 comments "Star Trek Open Casting Call" It's a shame I don't live on the West Coast -- Los Angeles to be precise. The 11th Star Trek film begins shooting later this month, and they're holding an open casting call for unique background talent this Saturday. I'd love to play a cadet at Star Fleet Academy... or possibly even a Vulcan! Oh, but for shame. If only I didn't live here in Milwaukee. ... [very sad face] Acting in a Star Trek film has been on my Wish List for Life for... well, most of my life. Aww, Crap. ... Crap, crap, crap. Headquarters Casting, the agency handling extras for the new Star Trek feature, are currently looking to fill the following backgrounds under the code name "Corporate Headquarters." They are now trying to find people with the right look to play Vulcans, Cadets, and presumably other aliens with "unique facial features." The following casting descriptions can be found on HQC’s website: Corporate Headquarters Or, as would be more appropriate to me: Seeking the following types, ages 18-70, any ethnicity: For more info on the casting call and instructions: CLICK HERE. Yep. Crap, crap, crap. -Jon I I 0 comments
"Really Bad Day at the Office" Having a bad day at the office? Take a look at this clip, and maybe you’ll feel better (but if you get ideas, don’t blame me, okay?) The music, by Daniel Powter, fits perfectly! Enjoy! ... [video] -Jon I I 0 comments "Lord of the Rings Origami" Origami artist Eric Joisel created some fantastic Lord of the Rings sculptures of Gimli, Aragorn, and Legolas. And true to origami, each sculpture is made out of one UNCUT square of paper! -Jon I I 0 comments "Strike: No More Scripts!" This could be tragic: "Hollywood writers begin strike" Film and TV writers resolved to put down their pens and take up picket signs after last-ditch talks failed to avert a strike. Talk shows will be affected the most. The absence of writers for monologues and skits, will probably force such shows as "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart", "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" to run repeats. Some talk shows may still continue to air nightly, but with more interviews and fewer sketches. Soap operas will run out of fresh scripts within a month or so. Television networks haven't said what their plans are, but it's likely that a mixture of news and sports programming would probably take the place of daytime serials. Scripted television shows will run out of new episodes in about six weeks. After that, the networks will probably run repeats, game shows, reality shows, sports programming, news programs, and possibly even programs imported from abroad or from cable channels. Reality shows such as "Survivor" will not be affected by the strike. Neither will news and "magazine" shows such as "60 Minutes" and "Primetime Live". Game shows, also largely unscripted, will not be affected much. And since animated series' like "The Simpsons" take a long time to produce, scripts are already in place as much as a year in advance. If this strike lasts long-term, your television and movie watching habits WILL be affected. My advice? Stock up on old television shows already out on DVD! :) -Jon I I 0 comments "Quote of the Day" "Love is not finding a perfect person, it is seeing an imperfect person perfectly." -- Unknown -Jon I I 0 comments
"Incredible Football Comeback!" On October 27th, Trinity University was losing in a football game to Millsaps College 24 to 21. Two seconds remained on the clock. With 61 yards to the end zone, Trinity was well out of field goal range, so they performed one of the craziest (and greatest) last-second plays ever. ... [video] Now that's what I call teamwork! -Jon I I 0 comments "The Charles Schultz Philosphy" This was emailed to me earlier today; I thought it was worth sharing: The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. You don't actually have to answer the questions. Just read. 1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest. 4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. 5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress. 6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners. How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are not second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners. Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one: 1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school. 2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time. 3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile. 4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special. 5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care. -Jon I I 0 comments
"Tippi Of Africa" Tippi is a cute little blonde girl who lives in Africa. She hangs out with Abu, a five-ton elephant, her cats are stronger than her father, and she has an endearing kinship with wild animals. She's the daughter of two French wildlife photographers working in southern Africa. Here are some photos featuring Tippi and her animal friends. Enjoy! -Jon I I 0 comments "Movie Friday: "Sonata" Another Friday, another movie. This week my selection is titled, "Sonata". Sonata is an animated short film about a brief and fleeting moment in a man's life. It's about a moment in which he must face his fears and doubts, and decide whether or not to take a chance. A remarkable piece of art. Simple. Beautiful. Hauntingly romantic. Have a wonderful Friday everyone. -Jon I I 0 comments
"Happy Today is November 1st, and already one of the big radio stations here in Milwaukee is playing Christmas music. Nothing but Christmas music. I appreciate the genre as much as anyone else, but I think this is just too early. I say we enjoy Thanksgiving first. :) -Jon I I 0 comments "How To Drive a Cat Crazy" He can see the fish, but he can’t reach them under the ice. Poor kitty. ... [video] -Jon I I 0 comments "T-Shirt Thursday: Actor 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: .... Actor T-Shirts .... Occupation 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 Thursday everyone! Your happily blogging friend, -Jon I I 0 comments + Full Blog Archive I Blog Home |
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