"The Wrong Door: Angry Man"

The Wrong Door is a new BBC sketch show set in a parallel universe -- a universe where television and movie special effects are part of everyday life. Here's a sample: Angry Man. ... [video]

Poor guy. Thankfully that doesn't happen very often.

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

"A Milwaukee No-Hitter?"

The Milwaukee Brewers continue to play good baseball. Today they finished off a three-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates, winning 18 of their last 23 games, and sending Pittsburgh to their tenth straight loss. As far as the playoff race goes, they're the National League-leading wild card contender (by 5.5 games), and only 4.5 games behind the division-leading Chicago Cubs. The Brewers chances of making the post-season currently stand at... 94%.

The highlight of today's game was a rather exciting one: Brewers ace, CC Sabathia, pitched a masterful one-hit complete game shutout -- only the fourth of it's kind this season. His performance, however, should have been a no-hitter -- one of baseball's rarest moments. In a rather mind-boggling turn of events, the official scorer decided to record a Sabathia bobbled ball as a "hit", instead of the clear "error" that it was. As a result, Milwaukee's ace came one hit shy of history.

The Brewers have vowed to contest the controversial call with Major League Baseball. If the record is overturned, it would be the first time in major league history that a no-hitter would be awarded retroactively. An official judgement call should be determined early this week.

Personally, I'd have to agree with the critics, announcers, and sportscasters: CC pitched a no-hitter. In the end, though, it's Major League Baseball that holds the deciding factor. So we'll just have to wait and see. No-hitter or not, that was still one heck of a game! :)

"Sabathia throws 1-hitter in Brewers’ 7-0 win"

"Brewers want call overturned, no-hitter for CC"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:26 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Movie Friday: "The Delay"

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

Weather delayed her flight, the airline lost her luggage, and she missed her concert. It was a tough ending to an even tougher week. But then, just when it seemed like destiny had turned its back on Sylvie, her fortune changed. When fate finally smiled upon her... she smiled back.

Enjoy, and have a wonderful weekend everyone!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:51 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Kevin Kelly's Styrobot"

Kevin Kelly has been saving styrofoam packing material for five years, and decided to make a robot out of it. Behold, the Styrobot! Creativity unleashed!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:51 PM  I   I  0 comments

"T-Shirt Thursday: Star Trek Quote 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: .... Sci-Fi T-Shirts .... Humor 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 evening everyone!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:34 PM  I   I  0 comments

"An Evening of Observations"

I took a walk this evening -- to explore part of my new neighborhood -- and I ended up discovering a few things worthy of a blog post. So... I thought I'd share.

As it just so happens, just down the street from where I live, there's a specialty candy/gift shop (the kind of shop you might find in a mall). Half Nuts, as the place is called, sells the entire line of Jelly Belly beans. All 50 flavors! And for someone, like myself, who enjoys flavored jelly beans... I'm really going to have to watch myself. That shop might just become a favorite!

Another thing that I'm starting to like about this neighborhood, is the convenience of the CVS Pharmacy (aka, a "Walgreens" type store). It's literally right across the street. My old apartment was in a residential area, and the closest place to buy groceries was the major chain store 5-6 blocks away. I really liked that store, but alas... now it's just too far north. The advantage of this CVS, however, is that while it's not a "grocery store", it does carry a specialized inventory of just about everything I might need in a pinch -- and they're right nearby.

Taking advantage of this fact, I stopped in on my walk, and picked up a candy bar that I haven't had in months. For some strange reason, the local grocery store chain doesn't carry it. But CVS does, and let me tell you, that chocolaty morsel couldn't have tasted any sweeter!

I'll still do my grocery shopping at another one of those chain grocery stores, but if I'm in need of something quick... CVS is my new all-purpose destination of choice!

When I got back to my apartment, I sat down with my candy bar, flipped on the television, and watched the end of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball game. In the past, I was only able to watch the game when it was broadcast on local channels, but now... we've got cable! And I can watch every game -- every day/night -- if I really wanted to! Not to mention, the history nut in me can tune in the History Channel, the science fiction geek in me can the watch the Sci-Fi Channel... and, hey, for the first time in years, I can channel-surf! Whohooo!

Yeah, I know, these may seem like silly little things, but when they haven't been part of your daily life for six years, you come to appreciate them a whole lot more! And to be honest, they're just a small part of the all-around coolness I'm discovering here in my new neighborhood!

I'm really starting to like it here. It's new, it's fresh, it's different. And while the move may have closed a few doors, new ones have opened up. And new doors equal new opportunities!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:30 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Monty Python Olympics"

The Beijing Olympics are over now -- serious and controversial as they were. I enjoyed watching the athletes, the competition, the venues, etc. (as I do every Olympics), but wouldn't be nice to see a more light-hearted side to the event? Like, for example, the "100 yards for people with no sense of direction"... or the "200 meter freestyle for non-swimmers"... or the "1500 meters for the deaf"... or, my favorite, "the marathon for incontinents".

Yes... here they are: the Monty Python Olympics. Enjoy! ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:45 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Arctic Flying"

Electric Oyster, an interactive design company, created a n attractive, yet simple flash based 3D Flight Simulator. It allows you to fly over the Antarctic by only moving your mouse. It also shows how the technology can be used to render vast outdoor landscapes at high resolution and excellent framerates, without breaking a sweat! ... Have fun, and enjoy!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:17 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Tuesday in Review"

Finished painting my old apartment. Enjoyed a tasty Italian beef sandwich for lunch. Helped repair the broken doors of a wooden shed. Came home, relaxed. Did some computer work. Watched both an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Wars: Episode III (which I'd never seen), on television (we now have cable). Did some more computer work. Heading to bed shortly.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:55 PM  I   I  0 comments

"A Blogging We Have Gone"

As of today, this blog is now six years old! ... [cheers happily] ... And that makes it one of the oldest in the state of Wisconsin! Just for the fun of it, here's the post that started it all:

(Monday, August 26, 2002)

"A blogging we will go!"

Hey everyone, welcome to a little something new I am going to try.

Up until recently, I have hosted my Daily Musings (aka, my online diary/journal) on Opendiary.com. This is a pay service, and unfortunately, my subscription is about to come to an end (after six lovely months of posting!). Though I certainly love the service that website provides, and I'm going to miss the comments, there is a certain merit to having 'everything' hosted directly ON my own website.

I came across this weblog feature some time back, and decided to give it a try. It provides for a great level of functionality, and organizes everything nicely into an archive. I've set the archives to be organized monthly. We'll see how well that works down the road.

So, sit back and enjoy my Daily Musings, now organized into this nifty weblog. If you have any comments, please feel free to email me. I'd love to hear what you think.

-Jon

Yep. I think it's working out just fine! Happy Birthday, blog!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 12:48 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Wisdom of the Day"

Opportunity

"Do you ever hear yourself saying, "I'll be happy when...", or "I'd be happy if..."? How green does the grass look on the other side of your fence? Is happiness something external that comes to you? Is personal fulfillment always right over the next hill? Do you get depressed waiting for your life to get better?

St. Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:15-16, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Every day brings God's gift of opportunity for service, growth, and change. Every day the Lord will bring before you what he needs you to do for him, and that humble service will bring satisfaction to your heart that will last.

Happiness is portable. It is also contagious. You know what? Today has been a great day for God's agenda, and tomorrow is going to be even better."

- Pastor Mark Jeske, Time of Grace

posted by Jon at 11:36 PM  I   I  0 comments

"A New Biography"

I've written a new biography for JonBaas.com. Take a moment, give it a read, and let me know what you think! You might just learn something you never knew!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:44 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Democratic Anagrams"

As most Americans know by now, Presidential candidate, Barack Obama, has chosen his 2008 VP -- Joe Biden. As a result, we'll have an Obama/Biden ticket in November.

That said, as I was surfing my blog reads this evening, I came across a fun (and silly) little challenge: If we were to play around with the names on the ticket, what kind of anagrams could we come up with? Here are a few of my "Obama Biden" favorites:

• Babied Moan
  
• Media Nabob
  
• Babe Domain
  
• A Bad Omen I B
  
• Bad Men: A Bio
  
• I On Bad Beam
  
• Bind Me A Boa
  
• Be Bad Aim, No?
  
• I Nabbed Oma
  
• A Bib Ma Done
  
• Bad Men I Boa

Maybe I'll have to do the same sort of thing for McCain when he choses his VP! Word play... so much fun! Can you think of any good anagrams I might have missed? :)

-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:48 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Movie Friday: "The Piano"

My movie feature is back! This week my selection is titled, "The Piano".

Quite simply, today's short (animated) film is the touching retrospective of an old man's life, based around the evocative imagery created by his piano playing. For those that are curious, the music is Comptine d'un Autre Eté by Yann Tiersen. Film by Aidan Gibbons.

Enjoy, and have a wonderful weekend!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 4:04 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Emily"

3D company, Image Metrics, is redefining the possibilities of digital animation. Their software rapidly recreates life-like facial performances -- without the usual markers or makeup.

Here's a video featuring Emily. Emily is a computer animation. ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:48 PM  I   I  0 comments

"T-Shirt Thursday: Military 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: .... Military 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 Friday everyone!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:23 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Shimizu Mega-City Pyramid"

To answer Tokyo's increasing lack of space, the 6,575 foot high Shimizu Mega-City Pyramid is a proposed project for construction in the middle of Tokyo Bay in Japan. It would be 12 times higher than the Great Pyramid at Giza, and could house up to 750,000 people. If built, it will be the largest man-made structure on Earth. ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:54 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Quote of the Day"

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
-- Reinhold Niebuhr

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:16 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Tuesday's Paint Job"

As noted yesterday, I spent the day painting my old apartment. I was, however, only able to complete 75-80% of the job in the time that I had. The remainder will see a fresh coat sometime next week. For now, though, I'm that much closer to cutting ties with my former residence. My move is done, the painting (of that apartment) is almost done, now I can relax, and get back to the grind of my own business/work. And in my new home-office space too! :)

-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:02 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Just Plain Worn Out"

My move this past week has been downright exhausting; I'm just plain worn out. I've settled into the new place now, which is a real feeling of accomplishment, but I still have one final chapter to write. Today, my roommate and I did some cleaning over at the old apartment. Tomorrow.... I paint it.

After that... maybe then I can sit back and relax. We'll see.

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

"Styrofoam Dome Homes"

A Japanese manufacturer is marketing modular igloo-shaped homes made of polystyrene foam. The material is easy to assemble, will not rot or attract insects, and acts as its own insulation. These styrofoam structures are also flame-retardant, resistant to earthquakes and typhoons, and they come in many configurations and sizes.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 12:28 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Shadow Performance Art"

Now THIS is just plain cool! It's shadow art, as performed by Pilobolus, on a recent episode of Late Night With Conan O'Brien! Very creative! ... [video]

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

"Greetings From West Allis!"

Alright folks, I'm settled in. I now live in a new apartment! All the furniture was moved over on Friday, I unpacked my boxes and arranged everything yesterday, and early this morning... I now have internet access. Whoohooo! My move is complete!

Blogging shall resume (later today) as usual.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:46 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Moving Across Town"

As most of you know.... I'm in the process of moving this week. My landlord offered me a larger apartment in another building he owns (in a nearby city), and I accepted. In many ways it's an upgrade -- more space, greater amenities, brand new opportunities, etc. They say, "change is good", so I'm embracing the concept head first. By Saturday morning, I'll have a new address.

I did want to take a moment, though, and let all of you know that my blogging may be a bit thin until I'm in the new place. Right now, I'm dividing my time between my regular work, packing boxes, and moving everything (via carloads) over to the new apartment. I haven't had as much time this week to blog as I usually do.

Friday is my final moving day. My roommate (Scott) and I have a truck secured, so this'll be the day we move all the furniture. This includes my computer. As a result, I probably won't be online over the weekend. Our new internet service goes in then too, so, I suppose I don't really have a choice in the matter. But that's ok. I'm sure I'll be rather busy getting settled in.

I hope everyone's having a great week! I look forward to blogging again as usual once my move is complete, but until then, there's still a lot to be done. As you go about your next few days, imagine me lifting heavy furniture, because, to be honest, that's probably what I'll be doing! :)

Have a great Thursday all!
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:49 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Monday in Review"

Long day. Up early. Third party to a landlord business meeting. Gained a fascinating insight into the topic of said business meeting. Treated to lunch at Moe's. Painted parts of a 2nd floor duplex downtown. Came home. Began moving things over to my new apartment. Current neighbors surprised that I'm leaving. Exhaustion set in. Finished moving for the night. Sat down to watch two episodes of "Numb3ers". Completely exhaused. Heading to bed. More moving tomorrow.

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

"Frieze!"

Usually, sculptures try to emulate and capture the human form. However, artist Eugenio Recuenco reverses these laws of art by recreating Greek sculptures using photography and real human models. The resulting real life frieze is pretty darn cool!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:10 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Beijing 2008: Fake Feet"

Yesterday I expressed amazement over the spectacular Opening Ceremony for the Beijing Olympics. And to be honest, it was indeed quite a show! However... it was revealed today by a Chinese newspaper, that some of the fireworks we saw weren't actually real -- they were computer-generated graphics inserted into the live footage.

"Beijing Olympic 2008 opening ceremony giant firework footprints 'faked'"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:28 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Bernie Mac: 1957-2008"

Award-winning Actor (and comedian) Bernie Mac died in a Chicago hospital today from complications due to pneumonia. He was 50 years old -- just shy of his 51st birthday. Back in 2003, I had the pleasure of acting with him in the Milwaukee film, "Mr. 3000". He will be missed.

"Actor and comedian Bernie Mac dies at age 50"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:09 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Beijing 2008: Olympics Opening Ceremony"

I've been watching the Opening Ceremony from Beijing (rebroadcast in the early morning hours), and I gotta admit, China went all out -- and in a major $40 billion sort of way!... An army of 2008 drummers, over 15,000 performers (none of them repeated), the most precise mass scale human choreography I've ever seen, a stadium designed specifically for the opening ceremony, the world's largest LED display, and a trail of 29 colossal firework footprints marching across Beijing.

Honestly, all I can say is: ... "Wow!"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:49 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Crazy Eights"

Today is August 8, 2008 -- or in abbreviated terms, 08-08-08. According to the Gregorian Calendar, this is the 25th time since the Latin calendar was rearranged that we've had this particular date.

Back in 450 BC, Sextilis (the original name for the 6th month of the Latin calendar) likely became the 8th month when the calendar was reformed. It was renamed Augustus (August) in 8 BC -- in honor of the first Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar. We've had Augusts ever since.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:26 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Ready, Set... Move!"

The painting is done, and my West Allis apartment is ready to move into. I finished the job today, Scott and I got our keys, and we'll probably start moving tomorrow. By next weekend (August 16th)... I'll be in my new digs. Wish me luck!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:52 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Painting... With a Twist!"

As most of you know, I paint vacant apartments for my landlord. I paint them, new carpet goes in, and the tenant gets the keys. Tomorrow's job, however, will be a bit different, because tomorrow... I'll be painting my new apartment -- the one Scott and I will be moving into next weekend!

It's like painting an expensive picture for a client, putting my heart into it, and then being told I can just keep it as my own. How often does that happen! :)

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:43 PM  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 & 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 afternoon everyone!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:50 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Brett Favre of the New York Jets"

I'm not much of a football fan, and my interest in the Green Bay Packers is moderate -- at best. Yet I do feel the need to share the latest sports news coming out of Wisconsin: As of last night, legendary quarterback Brett Farve... is a Jet.

"Packers trade Favre to Jets"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 4:26 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Internet Game: Alter Ego"

Many years ago, while I was still in college, I came across a neat little game called Alter Ego. It was a software game that I downloaded for free on one of the many (legal) shareware sites. And as I played, it easily became one of my favorites.

The gist of the game was this: What if you could live your life over again? What if you could make life decisions for an imaginary person -- from birth until death -- and experience the possible consequences of those decisions. In the end, what kind of personality would this person develop?

It was a fascinating concept for a game... and for the thinker in me, a really cool idea! Over the years, however, I forgot about this little gem. I thought it had vanished into the darkness of obscurity. Recently, however -- and completely by chance -- I happened upon it, and discovered to my joy, that Alter Ego is indeed still around. In fact, you can now play it online!

Feel free to take a peek, and enjoy. Keep in mind, though... this game takes a while to play. Afterall, you *are* simulating an entire human life. But, if you've got the time, I recommend it! It's definitely a worthy distraction! Have fun!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:35 AM  I   I  0 comments

"How to Give Flowers Like a Victorian Gentleman"

I found this to be fascinating, and great advice for my male readers out there. It's a featured post on the romance, symbolism, and creative art of giving flowers. Forget hanging out with a girl, hitting on her, and taking her out for drinks. Instead, learn from the history books, and bring subtly, mystery, and fun back into your courtship!

Post courtesy of Art of Manliness.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:08 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Playful Tink and the Robotic Mouse"

I haven't posted anything like this in a while, so, this morning seems like an appropriate opportunity. Here's your "Cute of the Day" -- a little black kitten named Tink playfully chasing a remote-control mouse. Awwwww... so adorable! Enjoy! ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:46 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Not Yet Ninety"

Today's high temperature: 88 degrees (F). To some that may not be all that significant. But to others like myself, or the National Weather Service, it is. So far, here in Milwaukee, it hasn't hit 90 degrees this year. We've come close (like today), but we still haven't hit 90F.

According to the National Weather Service, Milwaukee has had fewer 90-degree days this decade than any decade since the 1900's. This might be due to the massive rainfall and flooding of June, or, it might the result of unusual weather patterns. Either way, the average number of 90 degree days for a normal summer in Milwaukee is 9. So far we've seen zero.

The last summer Milwaukee didn't reach 90 degrees was in 2000. Previous summers without a 90 degree day include 1915, 1882, and 1877. Global Warming? Well, Southeastern Wisconsin certainly isn't contributing to that theory. :)

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:52 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Common Sense Question of the Day"

Why, when you're walking down the sidewalk, minding your own business, do bicyclists seem intent on sneaking up behind you -- without any warning?

First of all, why are 20-30 year-old men riding bikes on pedestrian sidewalks -- at night... with no lights -- to begin with? In the city of Milwaukee, "it is illegal for anyone 10 or older to ride on the sidewalk". Why don't they take the time to familiarize themselves with state law? That seems like common sense to me. Yet, this evening, I was nearly run down (from behind) by a biker who clearly saw me walking, yet did nothing to announce his presence. I didn't realize he was there until I felt him rush past me in silence. Scared me half to death too!

Maybe I'm just too nice, but if I absolutely must be riding my bicycle on a sidewalk, I would have at least said something like, "beep, beep", or, "bicycle passing on your left". To me, that seems considerate. Or is it that people these days are just too lazy -- or INconsiderate -- to even care?

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:13 PM  I   I  0 comments

"A New Day Begins"

Alright, after a pleasant 7.5 hours of sleep... I'm awake. Let my Tuesday begin!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:22 AM  I   I  0 comments

"I Ain't No Dodo Bird"

Sorry folks, I've been preoccupied these past three days; Lots of stuff going on. I'm actually heading to bed in a few minutes, but I'll gladly see what I can do to entertain when I awake. I've got a few things waiting to be shared. For now, though, this is just a note to my loyal readers -- those who like to email me when I don't post for a few days. :)

Not to worry, guys (and gals). I'm still here... just busy.

I'll see ya in a few hours -- when I'm rested and ready to start the day anew!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 12:48 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Friday in Review"

Painted specific areas on the outside of an old house (2-3 story building). Worked on top of a ladder. Sweated in the sun on a beautiful, yet warm day. Treated to dinner at Real Chili. Savored every bite (aka, good stuff!). Came home. Showered. Relaxed. Chatting with Jenny (whom I haven't heard from in over six months!). Enjoying my evening.

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

"Moving Update #2"

Correction to yesterday's note:

It looks like my moving date will be the weekend AFTER next. On the calendar, that would be August 15-17. Scott just informed me that he can't get off work as originally planned, but the following weekend he can. And, we apparently have a moving truck secured as well. So, August 15-17 it is. Let me know if you'd like to help us out!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:15 AM  I   I  0 comments